CBSE Class 10 Social Science Question Paper 2024 PDF (Set 1 - 32/5/1) is available for download here. CBSE conducted the Social Science exam on March 7, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The total marks for the theory paper are 80. The question paper contains 20% MCQ-based questions, 40% competency-based questions, and 40% short and long answer type questions. Students reported the paper to be easy to moderate. 

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Question Paper 2024 (Set 1 - 32/5/1) with Answer Key

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Question Paper 2024 (Set 1 - 32/5/1) with Answer Key download iconDownload Check Solution

CBSE Social Science Question Paper (Set 1 – 32/5/1) 2024 Solution

Question  Answer Detailed Solution
1. Who among the following hosted the ‘Vienna Congress’ in 1815?
(A) Chancellor Duke Metternich
(B) Ernst Renan
(C) William I
(D) Otto von Bismarck		 (A) Chancellor Duke Metternich The Vienna Congress was hosted by Chancellor Duke Metternich of Austria to restore European stability and order after the Napoleonic Wars.
2. Which one of the following religions emerged from eastern India and spread through the ‘Silk Routes’?
(A) Hinduism
(B) Christianity
(C) Buddhism
(D) Jainism		 (C) Buddhism Buddhism originated in eastern India and spread widely across Asia via the Silk Routes, influencing many cultures and societies.
3. Arrange the following events in chronological order:
I. Formation of Khilafat Committee in Bombay
II. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
III. Bardoli Satyagraha
IV. Withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement
(A) I, II, III, IV
(B) II, I, IV, III
(C) I, II, IV, III
(D) III, IV, II, I		 (C) I, II, IV, III The correct order is:
- Formation of Khilafat Committee (1919).
- Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919).
- Withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement (1922).
- Bardoli Satyagraha (1928).
4. In the beginning of the 19th century, ________, a girl married in a very orthodox household, wrote an autobiography called ‘Amar Jiban’:
(A) Pandita Ramabai
(B) Rashsundari Devi
(C) Tarabai Shinde
(D) Kailashbashini Debi		 (B) Rashsundari Devi Rashsundari Devi was the first Indian woman to write an autobiography, depicting her struggles in a traditional and orthodox household.
5. Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option:
Column I (Dam) - Column II (River)
i. Hirakud - a. Sutlej
ii. Bhakra Nangal - b. Krishna
iii. Nagarjuna Sagar - c. Mahanadi
iv. Sardar Sarovar - d. Narmada
(A) i-c, ii-a, iii-b, iv-d
(B) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
(C) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
(D) i-b, ii-a, iii-c, iv-d		 (A) i-c, ii-a, iii-b, iv-d The correct matches are:
- Hirakud on the Mahanadi River.
- Bhakra Nangal on the Sutlej River.
- Nagarjuna Sagar on the Krishna River.
- Sardar Sarovar on the Narmada River.
6. In which one of the following states is the ‘bamboo drip irrigation system’ prevalent?
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) West Bengal
(C) Meghalaya
(D) Odisha		 (C) Meghalaya The bamboo drip irrigation system, a traditional technique for water conservation, is widely used in Meghalaya for irrigation purposes.
7. Which one of the following is the highest ‘bauxite’ producing state of India?
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Jharkhand
(C) Gujarat
(D) Odisha		 (D) Odisha Odisha is the largest producer of bauxite in India, contributing significantly to the country’s aluminum industry.
8. Two statements are given below. Read both and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Division of power is good for democratic systems.
Statement II: It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
(A) Statement I is true, but II is false.
(B) Statement I is false, but II is true.
(C) Statements I and II are true, and II is the correct explanation of I.
(D) Statements I and II are true, but II is not the correct explanation of I.		 (C) Statements I and II are true, and II is the correct explanation of I. Division of power ensures democratic balance and reduces social conflicts by providing fair representation to different groups.
9. Choose the most appropriate option regarding the division of legislative rights in India:
(A) Union List - Defense and Commerce
(B) State List - Police and Agriculture
(C) Concurrent List - Forest and Communication
(D) Residuary Subjects - Computer Software and Trade		 (B) State List - Police and Agriculture The State List includes subjects such as police and agriculture, which are under the jurisdiction of state governments in India.
10. Read the following provisions regarding secularism in the Indian Constitution and choose the correct option:
I. The Indian State has not adopted any religion as its official religion.
II. The Constitution gives freedom to all the citizens to practice and propagate any religion.
III. The Constitution declares any kind of discrimination done on the basis of religion to be legal.
IV. It gives the government the right to intervene in religious matters for ensuring equality within religious communities.
(A) Only I, II, and III are correct.
(B) Only I, II, and IV are correct.
(C) Only I, III, and IV are correct.
(D) Only II, III, and IV are correct.		 (B) Only I, II, and IV are correct. The Indian Constitution promotes secularism by ensuring religious freedom (I, II) and allowing government intervention to ensure equality (IV).
11. Which of the following reforms has the Election Commission of India implemented for political parties?
(A) Amended the Constitution to prevent defection
(B) Candidates must declare details of criminal cases on affidavit
(C) Candidates must declare details of their property on affidavit
(D) Mandated all political parties to conduct organizational elections and file income tax returns		 (D) Mandated all political parties to conduct organizational elections and file income tax returns The Election Commission has introduced transparency by requiring political parties to conduct internal elections and submit tax returns to ensure accountability and fairness.
12. Two statements are given below: Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Select the correct option:
Assertion (A): India has adopted a multi-party system.
Reason (R): It effectively accommodates the social and geographical diversity of the country.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true		 (A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A) India’s multi-party system enables representation of its diverse social and geographical makeup, promoting inclusivity and stability.
13. Which of the following is listed as a scheduled language under the Constitution of India?
(A) Bhojpuri
(B) Garhwali
(C) Nepali
(D) Rajasthani		 (C) Nepali Nepali is one of the 22 scheduled languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, ensuring its recognition and preservation.
14. Two statements, I and II, are given below. Select the correct option:
Statement I: Women are now actively contributing to various professions, including roles as doctors, engineers, lawyers, managers, and university teachers.
Statement II: Political expression of gender division and political mobilization helped to improve women’s role in public life.
(A) Statement I is true, but II is false
(B) Statement I is false, but II is true
(C) Statements I and II are true, and II is the correct explanation of I
(D) Statements I and II are true, but II is not the correct explanation of I		 (C) Statements I and II are true, and II is the correct explanation of I Women’s active participation in public and professional life has been facilitated by political reforms and mobilization, reducing gender inequalities.
15. In a small village, a farmer borrows money from a village moneylender at a high interest rate but later repays it through a bank loan at a lower rate. What best describes the bank’s role?
(A) The bank acts as a cooperative lender
(B) The bank facilitates a debt-trap situation
(C) The bank ensures a fair exchange of goods
(D) The bank saves the farmer from debt-trap		 (D) The bank saves the farmer from debt-trap By offering lower-interest loans, banks reduce farmers' dependency on informal moneylenders, helping them escape debt traps.
16. Look at the given picture. The work being done in the picture comes under which one of the following economic sectors?
(A) Primary
(B) Secondary
(C) Tertiary
(D) Quaternary		 (C) Tertiary The tertiary sector involves service-based professions such as education, healthcare, and retail, as depicted in the image.
17. Assertion (A): Rural poor families are still dependent on informal sources of credit.
Reason (R): For obtaining loans from banks, collateral and special documents are required.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true		 (A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A) Rural families often rely on informal credit sources due to challenges such as lack of collateral and documentation needed for bank loans.
18. Which one of the following is included in ‘liberalization’?
(A) Promoting trade barriers
(B) Removing trade barriers
(C) Controlling the other country through trade
(D) Increasing import/export duties on goods		 (B) Removing trade barriers Liberalization involves removing restrictions on trade, promoting free trade and economic integration globally.
19. Which one of the following sectors has the highest share in employment in India?
(A) Primary
(B) Secondary
(C) Tertiary
(D) Quaternary		 (A) Primary The primary sector, which includes agriculture, employs the majority of India's workforce, reflecting the country’s agrarian roots.
20. Select the formal sources of credit from the given options:
1. Bank
2. Moneylender
3. Cooperatives
4. Businessman
(A) Only I and II
(B) Only II and III
(C) Only I and III
(D) Only I and IV		 (C) Only I and III Formal sources of credit include banks and cooperatives, which operate under government regulations and offer lower interest rates.
21. Why was the Indian subcontinent central to global trade networks before the sixteenth century? Strategic Location and Rich Resources The Indian subcontinent’s strategic location connected East Asia, Europe, and Africa, making it a vital hub for spices, textiles, and other valuable goods, attracting traders globally.
22(a). “Minerals occur in igneous and metamorphic rocks.” Explain the statement with examples: Rich Mineral Composition Igneous and metamorphic rocks are rich in minerals like tin, copper, and zinc. For example, mica is found in metamorphic rocks, formed under extreme heat and pressure.
OR 22(b). “The ocean waters contain vast quantities of minerals.” Explain the statement with examples: Marine Mineral Wealth Oceans are rich in minerals like magnesium, bromine, and manganese nodules found on the seabed. These resources are crucial for industrial applications.
23. Why was the need for decentralization recognized in the Indian Constitution? Empowering Local Governance Decentralization ensures local governance, promotes people’s participation, and addresses region-specific needs effectively. Panchayati Raj Institutions were established to enhance grassroots democracy.
24. How have developments in ICT enabled globalization? Bridging Geographical Barriers ICT advancements like the internet, mobile communication, and satellite technology facilitate global trade, cultural exchange, and real-time connectivity, reducing physical barriers to integration.
25(a). Explain the role of women in the Civil Disobedience Movement: Active Participation Women participated in protests, picketed foreign goods, and joined the Salt Satyagraha. Leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay inspired rural and urban women to contribute fearlessly.
OR 25(b). How did Indian folklore and symbols strengthen nationalism in the 20th century? Cultural Identity Folklore like Bharat Mata and traditional symbols like the tricolor flag united people, evoking pride and resistance against colonial rule. Swadeshi movements revived cultural and national identity.
26. Describe any three impacts of globalization on Indian agriculture: Technological and Market Integration Globalization introduced advanced technologies, export opportunities for crops like cotton and spices, but also created challenges like international competition and reliance on costly seeds.
27. Analyse any three challenges faced by political parties in India: Lack of Transparency and Inclusivity Political parties face issues like lack of internal democracy, opaque funding, and criminalization of politics, undermining trust and effective functioning.
28. Describe any three characteristics of the Indian federal system: Federal and Unitary Blend India’s federal system divides powers between Union and State governments, follows a three-tier structure including Panchayats, and has unitary features during emergencies for national unity.
29. Why has the issue of sustainability become essential for development in present times? Balancing Development and Conservation Sustainability ensures resource conservation for future generations. Initiatives like renewable energy adoption and afforestation promote balanced ecological and economic development.
30(a). Evaluate the role of Giuseppe Mazzini in the unification of Italy: Visionary Leadership Giuseppe Mazzini inspired the Italian unification through his secret society, ‘Young Italy,’ and promoted nationalist uprisings, laying the ideological foundation for leaders like Garibaldi and Cavour.
OR 30(b). Evaluate the role of Otto von Bismarck in the unification of Germany: Strategic Leadership Bismarck unified Germany through wars like the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars, adopting Realpolitik and consolidating German states under Prussian dominance.
31(a). “Manufacturing sector is considered the backbone of development of the country.” Justify the statement: Crucial for Economic Growth The manufacturing sector provides employment, enhances GDP, and reduces reliance on imports. It supports agriculture through machinery and fertilizers, boosts exports, and promotes technological advancements, driving national development.
OR 31(b). “Agriculture and Industry move hand in hand.” Justify the statement: Interdependence of Sectors Agriculture supplies raw materials like cotton and sugarcane to industries, while industries provide machinery and fertilizers to enhance farming. Food processing industries add value, increasing farmer incomes, showcasing mutual dependency.
32(a). Explain with examples the role of democracy in the reduction of inequality and poverty: Promoting Equality and Welfare Democracy ensures equal opportunities and social welfare through policies like MGNREGA in India, providing rural employment. It reduces inequality by focusing on education, healthcare, and empowering marginalized groups.
OR 32(b). How is democracy a legitimate government? Explain with examples: Based on Public Consent Democracy derives legitimacy from free and fair elections. For instance, India’s electoral system ensures citizen participation. It protects human rights, fosters transparency, and enables peaceful power transitions, securing its legitimacy.
33(a). Explain the differences between public and private sectors of economic activities: Ownership and Objectives Public sector, owned by the government, prioritizes welfare and infrastructure (e.g., Indian Railways), while private sector, owned by individuals, focuses on profit and efficiency (e.g., Reliance Industries). Their roles complement economic growth.
OR 33(b). Explain the differences between the organized and unorganized sectors of economic activities: Job Security and Regulation The organized sector provides legal protections, fixed hours, and benefits (e.g., government jobs), while the unorganized sector lacks these features and faces exploitation. Bridging this gap is crucial for inclusive growth.
34.1: In which language was the ‘Bengal Gazette’ edited by James Augustus Hickey published? English The ‘Bengal Gazette’ was published in English, making it accessible to the educated and colonial administration of that time.
34.2: Why was James Augustus Hickey persecuted? Criticizing Officials Hickey was persecuted for publishing critical content and gossip about senior officials of the East India Company, which angered the colonial administration.
34.3: Which newspapers were encouraged during the 1780s? Why? Officially Sanctioned Newspapers The colonial administration encouraged officially sanctioned newspapers to counteract critical content and present a favorable image of the government.
35.1: Explain the meaning of sustainable development: Balancing Needs Sustainable development ensures meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, focusing on resource conservation.
35.2: In which international conference was ‘Agenda-21’ accepted? Rio Earth Summit, 1992 ‘Agenda-21’ was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 to promote sustainable development globally.
35.3: Explain any two outcomes of the Rio Earth Summit: Adoption of Global Plans The summit led to the adoption of ‘Agenda-21’ for sustainable development and established the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to address global warming.
36.1: How do ‘Krishak Cooperatives’ secure funds for providing loans to their members? Pooling Member Deposits Krishak Cooperatives pool deposits from their members and use these as collateral to obtain large bank loans for lending to members.
36.2: What are the different types of loans that ‘Krishak Cooperatives’ offer to their members? Agricultural and Essential Loans They provide loans for agricultural implements, cultivation, fishery, and house construction, catering to various rural needs.
36.3: Why are such cooperatives desirable in rural areas? Affordable Credit Access Cooperatives reduce dependency on moneylenders, provide affordable credit, and promote rural development through financial inclusion.
37(a): Identify the two places marked on the political outline map of India:
A. The place where the session of Indian National Congress was held in 1920.
B. The place where Gandhiji broke the salt law.		 A: Nagpur, B: Dandi Nagpur was the site of the 1920 Congress session, and Dandi was where Gandhiji broke the Salt Law during the Salt March.
37(b): Locate and label the following places on the same map:
(i) Bailadila – Iron Ore Mines
(ii) Namrup – Thermal Power Plant
(iii) Kandla – Major Sea Port
(iv) Meenam Bakkam – International Airport		 (i) Chhattisgarh, (ii) Assam, (iii) Gujarat, (iv) Tamil Nadu These locations represent important economic and industrial landmarks in India, essential for the country’s development.