CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science sample paper for Class 10 introduces a revised pattern that is fully section-wise and subject-focused. Understanding this new CBSE Class 10 Social Science exam pattern and practising with the latest sample paper is the smartest way to score high marks in SST.
For CBSE Board Exam 2026, the Social Science question paper has been completely reorganised into subject-based sections. This new pattern makes the paper more structured and tests understanding across History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics separately.
CBSE Class 10 Social Science paper is now divided into four sections: Section A – History, Section B – Geography, Section C – Political Science (Civics), Section D – Economics.
Each section carries 20 marks, and together they form the 80-mark theory paper for CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science.
The CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science Sample Paper released on the new format exactly follows this four-section structure, so it is the best model for actual exam questions.
CBSE Class 10 Social Science paper in 2026 will be of 80 marks for theory plus 20 marks for internal assessment, making a total of 100. The exam duration is 3 hours, and students must answer questions from all four subjects within the same paper.
According to the latest pattern for CBSE 10th Social Science 2026:
The CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science sample paper uses the same number of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5-mark questions, giving students a clear idea of how much writing is needed.
The highlight of the CBSE Social Science revised pattern is the clear subject-wise division within one paper. Each section has a fixed marks allotment and a mix of MCQ, short answer, long answer, case-based and map-based questions.
Includes MCQs, very short answers, short answers, long answers, case-based questions and one History map-based question.
Topics include nationalism, globalisation, industrialisation, colonialism, and key movements like the Salt March, as also reflected in the CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science sample paper.
Contains MCQs, short answers, long answers, case-based questions and a Geography map-based question.
Covers resources, agriculture, industries, water resources, and related maps (rivers, minerals, crops, etc.).
Includes objective questions, very short and short answers, long answer questions, and case-based questions.
Topics feature democracy, constitutional design, federalism, gender issues, power sharing, diversity and political outcomes.
Comprises MCQs, short answers, long answers and case-based questions based on real-life economic situations.
Themes include development, sectors of the Indian economy, money and credit, globalisation and consumer rights.
The CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science sample paper clearly demonstrates this subject-wise distribution, and students must answer questions in the correct section for smooth evaluation.
CBSE has increased competency-based questions in Class 10 Social Science to align with NEP and reduce rote learning. The CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science sample paper gives a realistic idea of this shift.
Social Science now includes case-based, data-based, and source-based questions that require interpretation of passages, tables, maps and real-life scenarios.
Map-based questions from History and Geography carry a combined weightage of around 5 marks in the revised Social Science pattern.
The CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science sample paper shows questions on globalisation, organised vs unorganised sectors, public services and nationalism framed as case studies, which test understanding and analysis rather than direct memorisation.
Just like other subjects, Class 10 Social Science has 20 marks reserved for internal assessment under the CBSE 2026 pattern. Many students ignore this, but it plays a vital role in overall SST board result.
Internal assessment includes periodic tests, notebook submission, project work, portfolio and subject enrichment activities.
Schools follow CBSE guidelines to design activities such as map work, role plays, reports and presentations on Social Science themes.
When students practise with the CBSE 10th Social Science sample paper 2026 for pre-boards and school tests, their internal marks and external exam performance both improve.
The CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science sample paper is more than just a question set; it is a complete model of the revised pattern. Using it strategically can transform SST preparation.
Smart way to practice the Social Science sample paper
Solve the complete CBSE Social Science 2026 sample paper in 3 hours, following the exact instructions on sections, maps and question numbers.
After attempting, compare answers with the official marking scheme to see how marks are given for content points, map labelling and case-based interpretations.
Note which subject (History, Geography, Political Science, Economics) took more time and adjust your practice accordingly in the next attempt.
Repeated practice of the CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science sample paper improves speed, presentation and concept clarity across all four subjects.
Because CBSE Social Science combines four subjects into one paper, time management is crucial. The section-wise 20 marks structure helps, but students should develop a clear plan using the CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science sample paper.
Devote around 40–45 minutes to each section (History, Geography, Political Science, Economics) and keep 15–20 minutes at the end for map work and revision.
Use reading time to quickly scan all sections, mark easier questions and decide the solving order that suits you and your strengths.
Solving the CBSE Class 10 Social Science sample paper 2026 two to three times with a timer teaches you how long to spend on 1-mark, 3-mark and 5-mark answers.
To prepare accurately for CBSE Board Exam 2026 Social Science, students must use the latest official sample paper and marking scheme.
CBSE has uploaded the Class 10 Social Science Sample Question Paper (SQP) and Marking Scheme for 2025–26 on its academic website.
Trusted educational platforms also host the same CBSE SST sample paper 2026 PDF with solutions, which is helpful for instant checking.
On this Shikso blog, a PDF of “CBSE Board Exam 2026: Social Science Sample Paper With Revised Pattern (Class 10)” will be attached; students can click the download button or link provided on the page to access and practise the full sample paper offline.
