Social Science — Syllabus & Chapters

The complete syllabus for Social Science — every chapter you need to study, and how the exam paper is structured.

What you will study (chapters)

Chapter 1: From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power
Chapter 2: Ruling the Countryside
Chapter 3: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age
Chapter 4: When People Rebel
Chapter 5: Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners
Chapter 6: Civilising the Native, Educating the Nation
Chapter 7: Women, Caste and Reform
Chapter 8: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s-1947
Chapter 9: India After Independence
Chapter 10: Resources
Chapter 11: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources
Chapter 12: Mineral and Power Resources
Chapter 13: Agriculture
Chapter 14: Industries
Chapter 15: Human Resources
Chapter 16: The Indian Constitution
Chapter 17: Why Do We Need Parliament
Chapter 18: The Law Making
Chapter 19: Judiciary
Chapter 20: Understanding Our Criminal Justice System
Chapter 21: Understanding Marginalization
Chapter 22: Confronting Marginalization

Frequently asked questions

How many chapters are there in Social Science?

The Social Science syllabus has 22 chapters, listed in full above. Cover the high-weightage chapters first using the exam pattern as a guide.

How do I know which Social Science chapters carry the most marks?

Compare the chapter list above with the exam pattern and the last few years of question papers — the topics that appear most often and the units with the highest marks are where to focus first. Always confirm weightage against the official syllabus for your exam year.

Has the Social Science syllabus changed this year?

Boards occasionally revise the syllabus or remove topics for a session. Always download the official syllabus for your exact exam year from the official CBSE portal rather than relying on an older copy or a social-media list.

How can I prepare for Social Science faster?

Begin with the most-frequently-asked topics and the last few years of question papers, then test yourself under timed conditions. If you want guided help, you can use the free AI study tutor for Social Science — practise past-paper questions and get instant feedback — or a focused Social Science study guide that condenses the syllabus into the topics that matter most — both are free to start.