CBSE Class 10 Social Science Previous Year Questions 2025

Feeling confused about managing four different subjects - History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics - all packed into one 3-hour Social Science exam? You're not alone! Most Class 10 students panic seeing the thick question paper with maps, diagrams, and lengthy answers all mixed together. The secret to cracking Social Science lies in understanding how to jump smartly between subjects and use your time like a pro.

Social Science isn't just about memorizing dates and facts - it's your gateway to understanding the world around you. From knowing how governments work to understanding economic policies that affect your family, Social Science builds the foundation for becoming an informed citizen.

CBSE Class 10 Social Science PYQs 2025

Mastering Social Science through previous year question papers gives you the perfect roadmap to tackle the board exam confidently and score those crucial marks for your future academic journey. You may find them below:

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Smart Time Management Schedule for Social Science Exam 2026

The CBSE Social Science paper has a unique challenge - you need to switch between four completely different subjects while maintaining focus and accuracy. Here's how toppers approach this multi-subject marathon:

a) Subject-wise Time Strategy That Actually Works:

• History (20 marks = 35 minutes) - Gets moderate time since it mostly needs good memory and clear explanations. Focus on connecting events properly rather than cramming separate facts.
• Geography (20 marks = 40 minutes) - Needs extra time because of map work and diagram drawing. Those physical features and location marking take patience, so don't rush this section.
• Political Science (20 marks = 35 minutes) - Usually straightforward if you understand concepts clearly. The questions are more application-based, so think practically about government and democracy.
• Economics (20 marks = 40 minutes) - Requires careful time management because of calculation-based questions and detailed explanations of economic concepts.
• Final Review = 10 minutes - For checking map markings, completing unfinished answers, and ensuring all questions are attempted.

b) The Winning Three-Phase Strategy:

• Phase 1: Quick Start (First 15 minutes) - Begin with 1-mark questions across all subjects for instant confidence. These are usually direct and help you settle into exam mode. Start with Political Science 1-markers as they're often the easiest, then move to Economics, History, and Geography.
• Phase 2: Strategic Execution (Next 145 minutes) - Handle longer questions by picking your strongest subject first. Use internal choices wisely - History offers choices in Q5, Q6, Q7; Geography in Q17; Political Science in Q27; and Economics in Q38. Remember, you can always come back to sections, so don't get stuck!
• Phase 3: Final Sprint (Last 20 minutes) - Complete map questions, double-check all diagrams, and ensure your answers have proper headings. Map questions carry easy marks but need accuracy, so save time for careful marking.

Why Class 10 Social Science Previous Year Papers Are Your Best Study Tool?

Here's why practicing these papers are best for this comprehensive exam:

a) Understanding the Exam Pattern:

• Mark Distribution - History carries 20 marks (18 for questions + 2 for map), Geography has 20 marks (17 for theory + 3 for map), Political Science includes 20 marks, and Economics also carries 20 marks in the question paper.
• Question Types - The paper includes Multiple Choice Questions (20 marks), Short Answer Questions (15 marks), and Long Answer Questions (15 marks). Understanding this helps you prepare accordingly.
• Subject-wise Focus - Each subject has different question styles. History focuses on events and timelines, Geography tests map skills and processes, Political Science checks understanding of concepts, and Economics combines theory with calculations.
• Internal Choices - Knowing where choices are available helps you prepare backup topics and manage exam stress better.

b) Building Essential Skills:

• Time Management - Learn to switch between subjects quickly without losing focus. Practice writing answers within time limits for each question type.
• Map Skills - Geography and History both have map questions worth 5 marks total. These are scoring opportunities if you practice location marking accurately.
• Answer Writing - Different subjects need different answer styles. History needs chronological flow, Geography requires cause-effect explanations, Political Science needs real-world examples, and Economics needs step-by-step solutions.
• Choice Selection - Practice identifying which internal choice option you can answer better within 30 seconds to save precious exam time.

CBSE Class 10 Social Science previous year papers are essential tools for mastering the four-subject challenge in one exam. The unique paper structure requires you to be expert in History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics simultaneously, which needs smart preparation beyond just textbook reading.

The analysis of previous year papers reveals that success comes from understanding the marking pattern, practicing time management across subjects, and developing the ability to switch between different types of questions smoothly. Regular PYQ practice helps you recognize question patterns, master map work, and build confidence in handling the comprehensive assessment approach.

Make Social Science PYQs your preparation foundation to develop the multi-subject expertise, time management skills, and exam confidence needed for board success and future academic challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is it enough to only solve PYQs to score well in Social Science Class 10?

A: No, solving only PYQs is not enough for scoring high marks. Social Science questions are often designed to test your conceptual understanding, not just rote memorization. PYQs are best used as a tool to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, the types of questions asked (case studies, long answers, maps), and the marking scheme. You must first have a strong grasp of all the topics from your NCERT textbooks.

Q2. How should I use Class 10 PYQs to prepare for the Social Science exam?

A: A strategic approach works best.

• Time Management: Solve papers under timed conditions to practice completing the exam within the allotted time.
• Analyze Your Mistakes: Go through your answers and the provided solutions to understand why you made an error. Focus on improving those weak areas.
• Identify Important Topics: Notice which chapters or topics are frequently repeated, and prioritize revising them.
• Practice Map Work: Make sure to practice the map-based questions thoroughly, as these are easy to score on but require dedicated practice.

Q3. Which parts should I focus on while solving Social Science PYQs Class 10?

A: Social Science covers History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics. Your focus should be balanced, as all sections carry equal weightage (20 marks each).

• History: Focus on timelines of events and key figures, especially from "Nationalism in India".
• Geography: Practice map work and understand the distribution and importance of resources, like energy and agriculture.
• Political Science: Questions often test your ability to justify statements with examples, especially on topics like democracy, power-sharing, and federalism.
• Economics: Pay attention to case study questions and conceptual problems related to GDP, development, and the organized/unorganized sectors.

Q4. How far back should I go when practicing Class 10 PYQs?

A: Ideally, you should practice the last 5 to 10 years of question papers to get a comprehensive understanding of the trends. This range provides enough variety to cover most question formats and frequently tested concepts. Since the syllabus changes, focusing on more recent papers (last 5 years) is most relevant, but older papers can still help with general practice.

Q5. How should I write my answers for long-answer questions based on PYQs?

A: For long-answer questions (5 marks), a structured approach is key to scoring full marks.

• Structure Your Answer: Begin with an introduction, follow with a well-organized body using bullet points, and conclude with a concluding statement.
• Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from your textbook to make your answers more precise and effective.
• Clarity and Legibility: Write neatly and clearly to ensure that the examiner can read your points easily.