CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Paper 2026 | Free PDF Download

UPDATE: CBSE has officially released the Class 10 Social Science Sample Papers for 2025–26 on July 30, 2025. The official sample papers (along with detailed marking schemes) are now available for download.

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With the introduction of the two-exam system (February & May) for the 2025-26 session, these official Social Science sample papers are essential for mastering History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics concepts, understanding multidisciplinary analytical skills, and effectively solving both theoretical and application-based questions in social studies.

This blog covers everything you need: official exam pattern details, release information, and most importantly, free PDFs of sample papers and marking schemes for Social Science to help you excel in both board exam attempts.

a) Year-wise CBSE Official Sample Papers and Solutions

All the previous year sample papers (2014-2025) have been uploaded in the table below. You can access them for free and use them for your practice and revision.

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b) CBSE Class 10 Additional Practice Papers

These additional sample papers were released by the CBSE board for Class 10 students to help them practice the competency-based questions. The sample question paper for social science also includes a marking scheme for more effective preparation. 

Class 10 Social Science (English) Set 1 SQP  + Marking Scheme

Class 10 Social Science (English) Set 2  SQP + Marking Scheme

Class 10 Social Science (English) Practice Paper Set 1 

Class 10 Social Science (English) Practice Paper Set 2 

Class 10 Social Science (Hindi) Practice Paper Set 1 

Class 10 Social Science (Hindi) Practice Paper Set 2 

c) How to Access the Official Class 10 Social Science Sample Papers

Downloading CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026 — Official Site

1. Visit the official CBSE academic site: cbse academic site
2. Click on the “Examination” tab in the navigation menu.
3. Select “Sample Question Papers” from the dropdown options.
4. Choose Class X.
5. Look for the Social Science (SST) section under the 2025‑26 academic year.
6. Click on the SQP (Sample Question Paper) link to download the question paper, and MS (Marking Scheme) for the solutions.

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For effective preparation, make sure you're familiar with the official Class 10 Social Science Syllabus 2025–26.

Understanding the Official Class 10 Social Science Exam Paper

The official sample paper of sst class 10 follows the latest CBSE exam pattern; this will help you understand the exact exam format and types of questions you will receive in the actual board exams.

a) Key Features of the Social Science Exam Pattern (2025–26)

The official Social Science paper pattern has been designed with the dual-board structure. Here's how you need to align your preparation with the specific term pattern (Feb and May).

Here's the official breakdown for Social Science Class 10:

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The theory paper is officially divided by subjects as:

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b) Social Science Official Paper Pattern 2025-26 - Section-wise

The official Social Science paper follows a comprehensive pattern covering History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics with both analytical understanding and contemporary applications, emphasizing critical thinking and interdisciplinary connections.

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (20 marks)

• 20 MCQs covering all four subjects with 1 mark each
• Topics include historical events, geographical concepts, political processes, and economic principles

Section B: Very Short Answer Questions (12 marks)

• 6 questions worth 2 marks each
• Quick explanations, factual recall, and basic analytical interpretations across all subjects

Section C: Short Answer Questions (24 marks)

• 8 questions worth 3 marks each
• Detailed explanations, cause-effect relationships, and analytical reasoning across History, Geography, Civics, and Economics

Section D: Long Answer Questions (20 marks)

• 4 questions worth 5 marks each
• Comprehensive analysis, detailed case studies, and integrated understanding across multiple subjects

Section E: Source-Based Questions (4 marks)

• 2 source-based questions with sub-parts (2 marks each)
• Analysis of historical documents, maps, political cartoons, and economic data with interpretation skills

Key topics include: Nationalism in Europe, Nationalist Movement in Indo-China, Nationalism in India, Resources and Development, Water Resources, Agriculture, Minerals and Energy Resources, Power Sharing, Federalism, Gender Religion and Caste, Popular Struggles and Movements, Development, Sectors of Indian Economy, Money and Credit, and Globalization and Indian Economy.

How Official Sample Papers Help in Studying Social Science?

• Mastering interdisciplinary understanding across History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics with integrated analysis
• Understanding source-based questions, map skills, and contemporary applications of social science concepts
• Improving speed in managing four different subjects within the exam timeframe while maintaining analytical depth
• Building confidence in explaining complex social phenomena with proper terminology and logical reasoning
• Developing critical thinking skills for historical interpretation, geographical analysis, political evaluation, and economic reasoning
• Getting familiar with time management across History, Geography, Civics, and Economics sections within the exam duration

Benefits of CBSE Sample Paper Class X Social Science 2026

Students who wish to ace their board examinations will benefit from the CBSE Class 10th SST Sample Paper. These sample papers help you to: 

a) Practice the important questions: By completing different kinds of questions, including multiple-choice, short answer, long answer, map work, etc., you can assess your understanding of the Social Science syllabus.

b) Improve your time management skills: You can learn how to manage your time effectively so that you finish the paper in the allotted time. Additionally, you can focus on the questions you can readily answer and avoid wasting time on tough or lengthy ones.

c) Boost your self-esteem and reduce your stress. By becoming acquainted with the format and degree of difficulty of the exam, you can conquer your exam anxiety and fear. 

Sample Paper Class 10 with Solutions are an invaluable tool for students aiming to perform well on their board examinations. When reviewing Social Science, alternating between a SST practice paper class 10 and notes can make the process more engaging. They educate students in sharpening critical thinking techniques, enhancing time management abilities, building confidence, and reducing stress. We hope that every student has the greatest possible results on their examinations!

With the official 2025–26 papers now released, make the most of these authentic resources along with trusted materials from Educart to secure success.

Also explore:

• CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Papers 2025–26
• CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Sample Papers 2025–26

Stay tuned for latest updates and all the best for your preparation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the official exam structure and marking scheme for Class 10 Social Science?

Total Marks: 80 (theory) + 20 (internal assessment) Duration: 3 hours Official Question Distribution:

• Section A: 20 MCQs (1 mark each) - 20 marks
• Section B: 6 Very Short Answer (2 marks each) - 12 marks
• Section C: 8 Short Answer (3 marks each) - 24 marks
• Section D: 4 Long Answer (5 marks each) - 20 marks
• Section E: 2 Source-Based Questions (2 marks each) - 4 marks

Subject-wise weightage: History (20 marks), Geography (20 marks), Political Science/Civics (20 marks), Economics (20 marks)

Q2. How should I manage time between History, Geography, Civics, and Economics in the exam?

Allocate approximately 45 minutes per subject (20 marks each) with equal focus on all four disciplines. Practice subject-wise timing during sample paper attempts: spend 10-12 minutes on MCQs, 15-18 minutes on short answers, and 12-15 minutes on long answers per subject, with time for revision.

Q3. Which are the most important topics for Class 10 Social Science based on official weightage?

High-yield topics as per official curriculum:

• History: Nationalism in Europe, Nationalist Movement in Indo-China, Nationalism in India
• Geography: Resources and Development, Water Resources, Agriculture, Minerals and Energy
• Political Science: Power Sharing, Federalism, Gender Religion and Caste, Popular Struggles
• Economics: Development, Sectors of Indian Economy, Money and Credit, Globalization

These topics consistently appear with significant weightage in board examinations.

Q4. How many official sample papers should I solve for Social Science preparation?

Solve the official CBSE sample paper  multiple times (at least 4-5 attempts) plus 6-8 additional practice papers covering all four subjects comprehensively.

Begin intensive practice 2-2.5 months before board exams—after completing the entire syllabus to focus on interdisciplinary connections, time management, and comprehensive revision across all subjects.

Q5. How should I approach source-based questions in Social Science effectively?

Read sources carefully: Analyze historical documents, maps, political cartoons, and economic data thoroughly before attempting questions. Connect to concepts: Link source content to theoretical concepts from respective subjects (History, Geography, Civics, Economics). Use subject-specific terminology: Apply proper historical, geographical, political, and economic language in responses. Practice interpretation skills: Regularly solve source-based questions to build familiarity with different types of sources and analytical approaches across all four social science disciplines.