The result is usually uneven preparation.
The truth is, the SST Class 10 paper follows a clear pattern. It divides marks equally across four sections, with additional weightage for map work and internal assessment. When your preparation is aligned with this structure, naturally, your performance becomes better.
CBSE SST Class 10 2025-26: Key Details
First things first, let’s take a look at the CBSE class 10 exam pattern for Social Science.
| Section | Subject | Marks |
| A | History | 20 (2 marks for map) |
| B | Geography | 20 (3 marks for map) |
| C | Political Science | 20 |
| D | Economics | 20 |
| Theory Examination (total) | 80 | |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | |
| Total | 100 |
Moreover, the paper typically includes:
- Multiple Choice Questions
- Very Short answer and Short answer questions (2–3 marks)
- Long answer questions (5 marks)
- Case-based questions
- Map pointing
Basically, in the SST Class 10 paper, the marks depend on clarity and relevance. If you keep your answer to the point, use correct headings and keywords, you are going to score well. There’s no doubt about it.
CBSE 10th Social Science Syllabus and Weightage
The Class 10 Social Science Syllabus 2025-26 includes four main sections. Each unit carries about 20 marks.
1. CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus 2025-26 Latest Curriculum
As per the CBSE Class 10 syllabus, the SST Class 10 consists of the following four sections and units:
- History – India and the Contemporary World – II
- Geography – Contemporary India – II
- Political Science – Democratic Politics – II
- Economics – Understanding Economic Development
The board question paper is prepared directly from the NCERT Social Science Class 10 curriculum. All chapters mentioned in the prescribed Class 10 social science book are part of the syllabus for the board examination.
Also Read: CBSE Class 10 PYQs and Solutions
2. Unit-Wise Weightage Breakdown
Here is the chapter-wise marks distribution within each 20-mark unit.
|
History – India and the Contemporary World – II 20 Marks (including 2 marks for map work) |
|
| Chapter | Marks |
| The Rise of Nationalism in Europe | 5 |
| Nationalism in India | 5 |
| The Making of a Global World | 3 |
| The Age of Industrialisation | 4 |
| Print Culture and the Modern World | 3 |
|
Geography – Contemporary India – II 20 Marks (including 3 marks for map work) |
|
| Chapter | Marks |
| Resources and Development | 1 |
| Forest and Wildlife Resources | 1 |
| Water Resources | 5 |
| Agriculture | 1 |
| Minerals and Energy Resources | 3 |
| Manufacturing Industries | 6 |
| Lifelines of the National Economy | 3 |
|
Political Science – Democratic Politics – II 20 Marks |
|
| Chapter | Marks |
| Power Sharing | 6 |
| Federalism | 3 |
| Gender, Religion, and Caste | 3 |
| Political Parties | 5 |
| Outcomes of Democracy | 3 |
|
Economics – Understanding Economic Development 20 Marks |
|
| Chapter | Marks |
| Development | 2 |
| Sectors of the Indian Economy | 7 |
| Money and Credit | 6 |
| Globalisation and the Indian Economy | 5 |
CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026 Internal Assessment Weightage
While the total marks for the SST class 10 are 100, the 20 marks are focused on the internal assessment.
Now, these 20 internal marks are divided into four parts:
| Component | Marks |
| Pen-Paper Test | 5 |
| Multiple Assessment | 5 |
| Portfolio | 5 |
| Subject Enrichment Activity | 5 |
These marks are added to your final board score. Projects, notebooks, and subject activities are assessed by the school according to CBSE guidelines. Clearly, this holds quite an importance. In fact, internal assessment gets you easy marks, so it’s best to make it worth your while.
How to Prepare for the SST Class 10 Board Exam?
Social Science does not require studying everything at the same intensity. The class 10 social science syllabus 2025-26 already shows which units and chapters carry more marks. What you need is to study strategically.
- So, start by finishing the entire syllabus once from your textbook. The board paper is based on the NCERT social science class 10 content, so skipping chapters can be really risky.
- After that, revise chapter-wise according to weightage.
- Make short notes while studying. In History, timelines help. In Economics, small comparison tables and in Political Science, clear definitions matter.
- Map work should be practised separately. It carries fixed marks. Losing those marks is avoidable.
- Solve the SST sample paper class 10 once the syllabus is complete. It gives clarity about how questions are framed and how long answers are structured.
- Do not rely only on summaries from guides like all in one SST class 10. The base must remain the NCERT text.
- Do regular revision. Dates, constitutional terms, definitions, and economic concepts need repeated reading. That is what builds confidence before the exam.
Read Also Some Important Articles: SST class 10
Final Words
In the end, simply understand that the SST Class 10 paper is not some scary deal. The marks are clearly distributed. You can score genuine marks from sections you have a strong hold on. Besides that, maps and internal assessment add to your final result.
So, if your preparation matches the class 10 social science syllabus 2025-26 and follows the exam pattern, the subject becomes easier to manage.
FAQs
Is NCERT enough for the SST Class 10 board exam?
Yes. See, the question paper is set from the prescribed NCERT textbook. So, while the reference books may help in revision, they should not replace the NCERT.
How important is map work in SST Class 10?
Map work carries 5 marks in the theory paper. You get a score of 2 from History and 3 from Geography maps. These are fixed marks and are usually direct. Regular practice reduces mistakes.
How should 5-mark answers be written in Social Science?
Answers should be written in clear points. Length alone does not increase marks. Neat presentation, relevant information, correct terms, and proper structure matter more than writing extra paragraphs.
