This post provides Class 10 Social Science Case Study Questions With Answers, carefully designed according to the latest CBSE examination pattern. It includes case studies from History, Geography, and Political Science, helping students understand essential concepts and strengthen their exam preparation. Each question is accompanied by a well-explained answer for quick revision and self-assessment.
For effective last-minute preparation, a collection of important section-wise case study questions has been compiled. Practising these questions will help students improve their analytical skills, gain confidence, and perform better in the CBSE Class 10 Social Science examination in 2026.
Class 10 Social Science Case Study Questions With Answers Exam 2026
- The question paper will include three case-based questions from History, Geography, and Political Science, carrying 4 marks each.
- Each question will be based on a short passage related to an important historical, geographical, or political topic.
- Students are required to read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow using their understanding of the information given in the passage.
History Class 10 Social Science Case-Based Questions With Answers
Q.1 Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
From the early nineteenth century, as you know, there were intense debates around religious issues. Different groups confronted the changes happening within colonial society in different ways and offered a variety of new interpretations of the beliefs of different religions.
Some criticised existing practices and campaigned for reform, while others countered the arguments of reformers. These debates were carried out in public and in print. Printed tracts and newspapers not only spread the new ideas, but they also shaped the nature of the debate. A wider public could now participate in these public discussions and express their views. New ideas emerged through these clashes of opinions.
This was a time of intense controversies between social and religious reformers and the Hindu orthodoxy over matters like widow immolation, monotheism, Brahmanical priesthood and idolatry. In Bengal, as the debate developed, tracts and newspapers proliferated, circulating a variety of arguments. To reach a wider audience, the ideas were printed in the everyday, spoken language of ordinary people. Rammohun Roy published the Sambad Kaumudi from 1821, and the Hindu orthodoxy commissioned the Samachar Chandrika to oppose his opinions. From 1822, two Persian newspapers were published, Jam-i-Jahan Nama and Shamsul Akhbar. In the same year, a Gujarati newspaper, the Bombay Samachar, made its appearance.
(i) What were the main topics of debates in the early 19th century? (1 )
Answer: The major issues discussed included practices like sati (widow burning), belief in one God, the role of Brahmin priests, and the worship of idols.
ii)How were these debates carried out? (1)
Answer: These discussions took place through printed newspapers and pamphlets, written in simple, everyday language so that more people could understand them.
iii)Name some newspapers published in the 19th century. (2)
Answer: Sambad Kaumudi, Amrita Bazar Patrika, Kesari, and Hindustan Times.
Q.2 Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
The power of the printed word is most often seen in the way governments seek to regulate and suppress print. The colonial government kept a continuous track of all books and newspapers published in India and passed numerous laws to control the press. During the First World War, under the Defence of India Rules, 22 newspapers had to furnish securities. Of these, 18 shut down rather than comply with government orders.
The Sedition Committee Report under Rowlatt in 1919 further strengthened controls that led to the imposition of penalties on various newspapers. At the outbreak of the Second World War, the Defence of India Act was passed, allowing the censoring of reports of war-related topics. All reports about the Quit India movement came under its purview. In August 1942, about 90 newspapers were suppressed.
i) Explain the meaning of ‘censor’? (1)
Answer: ‘Censorship’ means the official examination of newspapers, books, or films, and the removal or banning of any parts that authorities deem objectionable before publication.
ii) Why did the colonial administration keep an eye on books and newspapers? (1)
Answer: The colonial administration monitored books and newspapers to control the press and prevent the spread of articles that were critical of the colonial government.
iii) Why did Gandhiji start a nationwide Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act? Explain any two reasons. (2)
Answer: Gandhiji called for a nationwide peaceful Satyagraha to bring everyone together and protest this oppression. The Rowlatt Act was extremely harsh and violated civil rights.
Q.3 Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
One of the most stringent regulations on the freedom of the press in India was the Vernacular Press Act of 1878. This act, introduced by then Viceroy, Lord Lytton, granted the government extensive powers to censor reports and editorials in the vernacular press. Its purpose was to prevent criticism of British policies by the vernacular press. The Vernacular Press Act was implemented as a response to the ineffectiveness of the ‘Gagging Act’, which the press had been unaffected by. Between 1908 and 1912, four additional measures were enacted: the Newspapers (Incitement to Offences) Act and the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1908, the Press Act of 1910, and the Prevention of Seditious Meetings Act of 1911.
The Press Act of 1910 had a particularly significant impact on Indian newspapers. It granted the local government the authority to demand a security fee for any content deemed ‘offensive’ towards the government. Nearly 1,000 papers were prosecuted under this Act. During Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha, the press played a crucial role in mobilising the masses against the British. This further strained the relationship between the press and the government. Following Gandhi’s arrest in 1930, the government enacted the Press (Emergency Powers) Act of 1931, which granted provincial governments the power of censorship.
i) What was the role of the press and media in India’s freedom movement? (1)
Answer: The press played a crucial role in India’s independence movement by spreading information through newspapers, magazines, and pamphlets, fostering nationalist sentiment, and challenging British colonial rule.
ii) What is the Vernacular Press Act? (1)
Answer: The Vernacular Press Act (1878) was a law passed by the British government to control and censor newspapers published in Indian languages that criticised British rule.
iii) Name the newspaper published by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the role it played in India’s freedom struggle? (2)
Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak published the newspaper “Kesari” in Marathi and “The Maratha” in English. These newspapers were very important in uniting the people and promoting nationalist ideals.
Q.4 Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
Krishnaji Trimbuck Ranade, inhabitant of Poona, intends to publish a Newspaper in the Marathi Language, with a view to affording useful information on every topic of local interest. It will be open for free discussion on subjects of general utility, scientific investigation and the speculations connected with the antiquities, statistics, curiosities, history and geography of the country and of the Deccan, especially… the patronage and support of all interested in the diffusion of knowledge and the Welfare of The People are earnestly solicited.
Bombay Telegraph and Courier, 6 January 1849 “The task of the native newspapers and political associations is identical to the role of the Opposition in the House of Commons in Parliament in England. That is to critically examine government policy to suggest improvements by removing those parts that will not be to the benefit of the people, and also by ensuring speedy implementation. These associations ought to carefully study the particular issues, gather diverse relevant information on the nation, as well as on what the possible and desirable improvements are, and this will surely earn it considerable influence”.
i) Explain the main reason for publishing newspapers by Krishna ji. (1)
Answer: Krishna ji published newspapers to spread useful knowledge, discuss matters of public interest, and promote the welfare of the people.
ii) How was the task of the native newspaper and political association seen as identical
To the role of the opposition? (1)
Answer: They were considered similar because local newspapers criticised government policies, suggested reforms, and worked in the public interest, just like the opposition in parliament.
iii) Analyse the reasons for the popularity of newspapers during the 19th century. (2)
Answer: i) Newspapers spread social, political, and national awareness among the people.
ii) The development of printing technology and education made newspapers cheaper and more accessible to the common people.
Q.5 Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
The introduction of the printing press with movable metal type to Europe in the 1450s CE had significant and enduring consequences. Johannes Gutenberg, a renowned German printer, is widely recognised for this innovation, particularly for his notable printing of the Bible in 1456 CE. Initially, religious texts and educational materials were printed, but soon presses were producing a wide range of literature, from Reformation pamphlets to romantic novels.
This led to a substantial increase in the number of books available, while their cost decreased, resulting in a greater number of people engaging in reading. The dissemination of ideas across Europe was facilitated as scholars published their own works, commentaries on ancient texts, and critiques of one another. However, certain authorities, such as the Catholic Church, objected to certain books and resorted to censorship or even burning them. Nevertheless, the public’s perception of books and reading had already been permanently transformed by this time.
The invention of the movable metal type printer in Europe is commonly attributed to Johannes Gutenberg, a German printer. However, there are alternative claims, including those of Laurens Janszoon Coster, a Dutch printer (c. 1370-1440 CE), as well as two other early German printers, Johann Fust (c. 1400-1465 CE) and his son-in-law Peter Schöffer (c. 1425-1502 CE). Additionally, evidence suggests that movable metal type printers had already been developed in Korea in 1234 CE during the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392 CE).
i) Who is widely recognised for introducing the printing press with movable metal type to Europe? (1)
Answer: Johannes Gutenberg.
ii) Mention one effect of the printing press on the availability of books in Europe. (1)
Answer: The number of books increased, and their cost decreased.
iii) How did the printing press help in the spread of ideas across Europe? Give two points. (2)
Answer: i) Ideas spread rapidly through pamphlets, books, and other printed materials, increasing awareness among people and promoting literacy.
ii) Scholars could publish their own works, commentaries, and critiques.
Geography Class 10 Social Science Case-Based Questions With Answers
Q.1 Read the given text and answer the following questions:
Global pollution is rising due to rapid economic growth, population increases, and insufficient environmental management. This poses serious health risks for people and ecosystems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Contributing to these challenges, the global economy relies on deeply intertwined supply chains, sustained by more than 100 billion tons of raw materials entering the system each year. Intensive material consumption depletes natural resources and causes negative environmental impacts at every stage of the product lifecycle. Global waste is expected to increase to 3.4 billion tons by 2050.
Pollution of all types hinders development outcomes. Exposure to air pollution, water pollution, and hazardous chemicals and wastes like mercury, lead and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) causes debilitating and fatal illnesses, creates harmful living conditions, and destroys ecosystems. Pollution undermines sustainable economic growth, exacerbates poverty and inequality in both urban and rural areas,
and significantly contributes to climate change. Poor people, who cannot afford to protect themselves from the negative impacts of pollution, end up suffering the most.
Pollution is the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death. It is estimated to be several times more deaths than from AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. Global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are reminders of the strong linkages between environment and health and of the need to address such linkages systematically.
i) Why do you think global waste is expected to increase by 2050? (1)
Answer: Global waste is expected to increase by 2050 due to rapid population growth, urbanization, increasing consumption, and unsustainable use of resources.
ii) How do manufacturing industries contribute to different types of pollution? Explain with examples.(1)
Answer: Manufacturing industries contribute to air pollution by releasing smoke and harmful gases, water pollution by discharging untreated wastewater into rivers, and land pollution by disposing of solid and chemical waste (e.g., textile dyes and chemical waste).
iii) Is it reasonable to consider pollution as a potential cause for the worsening of existing global trends of poverty and inequality? Explain your reasoning. (2)
Answer: Yes, it is reasonable because pollution leads to serious health problems that reduce people’s ability to work and earn a living. Poor people often live in more polluted environments and lack the resources for protection or treatment, which exacerbates poverty and widens inequality.
Q.2 Read the given text and answer the following questions:
Energy is a basic requirement for economic development. Every sector of the national economy – agriculture, industry, transport, commercial and domestic – needs inputs of energy. The economic development plans implemented since Independence have necessarily required increasing amounts of energy to remain operational. As a result, consumption of energy in all forms has been steadily rising all over the country.
In this background, there is an urgent need to develop a sustainable path of energy development. Promotion of energy conservation and increased use of renewable energy sources are the twin planks of sustainable energy. India is presently one of the least energy-efficient countries in the world. We have to adopt a cautious approach for the judicious use of our limited energy resources. For example, as concerned citizens, we can do our bit by using public transport systems instead of individual vehicles; switching off electricity when not in use, using power-saving devices and using non-conventional sources of energy. After all, “energy saved is energy produced”.
i) What do you mean by sustainable energy? (1)
Answer: Energy that comes from sources that are not depleted and do not harm the environment.
ii) Write down the two main pillars of sustainable energy. (1)
Answer: The two main pillars are energy conservation and renewable energy.
iii) Mention two simple steps that citizens can take to save energy. (2)
Answer: a) Use public transport instead of private vehicles.
b) Switch off lights and electrical appliances when not in us
Q.3 Read the given text and answer the following questions:
Rat-Hole Mining. Do you know that most of the minerals in India are nationalised, and their extraction is possible only after obtaining due permission from the government? But in most of the tribal areas of north-east India, minerals are owned by individuals or communities. In Meghalaya, there are large deposits of coal, iron ore, limestone and dolomite, etc. Coal mining in Jowai and Cherapunjee is done by family members in the form of a long,g narrow tunnel, known as ‘Rat hole’ mining. The National Green Tribunal has declared such activities illegal and recommended that these should be stopped forthwith.
i) What are minerals in most parts of India? (1) Answer: Nationalised; extraction needs government permission.
ii) In many tribal areas of North-East India, minerals are usually…. (1) (1)Answer: Owned by individuals or communities.
iii) What is “rat-hole” mining? (2)
Answer: Rat-hole mining is a method of coal mining in which narrow, horizontal tunnels are dug into hillsides to extract coal from thin seams. This mining is generally carried out by local people and is unsafe in nature.
Q.4 Read the given text and answer the following questions:
Minerals have played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian economy for centuries. India is a mineral-rich country with vast reserves of coal, iron ore, bauxite, and other essential minerals. These resources have been the backbone of various industries, including steel, cement, and power generation. However, challenges like illegal mining, environmental concerns, rathole mining, and resource depletion need to be addressed.
The Indian government has undertaken reforms to promote sustainable mining practices, attract foreign investment, and reduce import dependency. With prudent management and responsible extraction, India’s mineral wealth can continue to boost economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation in the country.
i) Name any one mineral resource that is abundantly found in India. (1)
Answer: Coal, Iron ore, Bauxite
ii) Mention one challenge related to mining faced by India. (1)
Answer: Illegal mining, Environmental degradation, Rat-hole mining, Resource depletion (any one)
iii) How can responsible and sustainable mining help India’s economic development? Explain any two points. (2)
Answer: a)Sustainable mining ensures long-term availability of mineral resources for industries.
b) It promotes economic growth by supporting industrial development, infrastructure expansion, and employment generation.
Q.5 Read the given text and answer the following questions:
Conservation of minerals and energy resources in India has never been more critical. As a nation on the path of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, we rely heavily on these finite resources to fuel our growth.
Minerals such as coal, iron ore, and oil are the lifeblood of our industries, but their indiscriminate use can lead to resource depletion and environmental degradation. Responsible mining practices, recycling, and efficient use are essential to ensure their availability for future generations.
On the energy front, our dependency on conventional sources like coal and oil not only poses environmental challenges but also leaves us vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. The promotion of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures, and a shift towards cleaner technologies are pivotal for energy security and reducing our carbon footprint.
In conclusion, conserving minerals and energy resources is a national responsibility. It not only safeguards our environment but also ensures sustained economic growth, energy security, and a brighter future for India and its citizens.
i) Why is conservation of minerals important for India? (1)
Answer: Because minerals are finite resources and their overuse can lead to depletion and environmental degradation.
ii) Mention one problem of excessive dependence on conventional energy sources like coal and oil. (1)
Answer: It causes environmental pollution and increases vulnerability to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
iii) Suggest two measures for conserving minerals and energy resources in India. (2)
Answer: a) Adoption of responsible mining practices and recycling of minerals.
b) Promotion of renewable energy sources and use of energy-efficient technologies.
Political Science Class 10 Social Science Case-Based Questions With Answers
Q.1 Read the given text and answer the following questions:
Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over the government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
Over the years, it created feelings of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that none of the major political parties, led by Buddhist Sinhala leaders, was sensitive to their language and culture. As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over time. On the other hand, the Belgian leaders took a different path. They recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country.
i) What kind of measures were adopted by the Sri Lankan government to establish Sinhala supremacy? (1) Answer: Majoritarian measures were adopted by the Sri Lankan government.
ii) How did the Sri Lankan Tamils feel as a result of these measures? (1)
Answer: They felt alienated and discriminated against, and their language and culture were ignored.
iii) How did Belgium deal with regional and cultural differences? Give two points. (2)
Answer: a) Belgium recognised regional and cultural diversity within the country.
b) It amended its constitution several times to ensure power sharing and peaceful coexistence
among different communities.
Q.2 Read the given text and answer the following questions:
In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
All these government measures, coming one after the other, gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that none of the major political parties, led by Buddhist Sinhala leaders, was sensitive to their language and culture. They felt that the constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interests.
i) Which language was declared the sole official language of Sri Lanka in 1956? (1)
Answer: Sinhala
ii) Which community felt alienated due to government policies after 1956? (1)
Answer: Sri Lankan Tamils
iii) State two reasons why Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated after 1956. (2)
Answer: a)They faced discrimination in political representation, government jobs, and access to education.
b) Government policies failed to respect and protect their language and cultural identity.
Q.3 Read the given text and answer the following questions:
There is a second, deeper reason why power sharing is good for democracies. Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.
i) Why is power sharing considered good for political stability? (1)
Answer: Power sharing encourages political stability by reducing conflict between different social groups in society.
ii) What does “tyranny of the majority” mean? (1)
Answer: Tyranny of the majority means a situation where the majority community ignores the rights of minority groups.
iii) How does power sharing reflect the spirit of democracy? (2)
Answer: a) Power sharing gives citizens a chance to have a say in the decision-making process.
b) It promotes people’s participation in governance, which increases the legitimacy of the
democratic system.
Q.4 Read the given text and answer the following questions:
Power-sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groups and movements control or influence those in power. In a democracy, the citizens must have freedom to choose among various contenders for power. In contemporary democracies, this takes the form of competition among different parties. Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand.
In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. Sometimes this kind of sharing can be direct, when two or more parties ally to contest elections. If their alliance is elected, they will form a coalition government and thus share power. In a democracy, we find interest groups, such as those of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers and industrial workers. They will also have a share in governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or bringing influence to the decision-making process.
i) What does competition between different parties ensure? (1)
Answer: Competition between different political parties ensures that power does not remain in the hands of a single party and that citizens have the freedom to choose their representatives.
ii) Explain the direct form of power-sharing. (2)
Answer: The direct form of power-sharing occurs when two or more political parties ally to contest elections together. If the alliance wins the election, the parties form a coalition government.
iii) What is the role of interest groups in politics? (1)
Answer: Interest groups represent the interests of different sections of society and influence government decisions by exerting pressure on the government.
Read Also: Power Sharing Class 10 Notes | Easy Ncert Solutions
FAQ
1. How to solve case study questions in Class 10 History effectively?
Case study questions in Class 10 History can be solved by carefully reading the passage, identifying key historical events, causes, and consequences, and linking them with NCERT concepts such as Print Culture.
2. What type of case study questions are asked in Class 10 Geography exams?
Class 10 Geography case study questions usually focus on resources, agriculture, minerals, manufacturing industries, climate, and map-based data. Students are required to analyse the given information and apply geographical concepts
3. Why are case study questions important in Class 10 Political Science?
Case study questions in Political Science help students understand real-life applications of democracy, power sharing, and enhancing analytical and critical thinking skills.
Conclusion
In this blog, we are providing some important Class 10 Social Science case study questions and answers for which will help students connect textbook knowledge to real-life situations. Whether it’s History, Geography, or Political Science, these questions strengthen analytical thinking, improve answer-writing skills, and prepare students thoroughly for the CBSE board exams to score higher marks.