
RBSE Board Class 10 SST Important Questions: Social Science (SST) is a high-weightage subject in the RBSE Board Class 10 examination. RBSE Board Class 10 SST Important Questions includes History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics, and questions are designed to test conceptual clarity, analytical ability, and understanding of real-world issues. Practising Class 10th RBSE board SST important questions 2026 is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the exam and score well.
RBSE Board Class 10 SST Important Questions are selected based on previous years’ papers and recurring exam themes.
These questions help students understand how answers should be written in the board exam and what areas carry higher marks.
Q1 In which year was the first cotton mill at Bombay in India set up?
(A) 1852
(B) 1853
(C) 1854
(D) 1851
Ans: (C)
Q1 Text Solution:
The first cotton mill in Bombay was set up as a spinning mill in 1854 by a Parsi businessman named Cowasji Nanabhai Davar.
The mill was named the Bombay Spinning and Weaving Company and had 50,000 spindles, making it the largest mill in India at that time.
The establishment of the cotton mill industry in Bombay had a significant impact on the city's economy and society.
It led to the growth of other industries, such as engineering and finance, and attracted migrants from other parts of India, leading to a diverse and cosmopolitan population.
Hence, the correct answer is "1854".
Q2 Where was India's first iron and steel plant established?
(A) Kanpur
(B) Mumbai
(C) Jamshedpur
(D) Ahmadabad
Q2 Text Solution:
India's first iron and steel plant was established at Jamshedpur by Jamsetji Tata.
Ans C:
Q3 Black soil is ideal for growing
(A) Rice
(B) Cotton
(C) Wheat
(D) Tea
Ans B:
Black soil, also called Regur soil, has high clay content and excellent moisture-retaining capacity, which makes it ideal for cotton cultivation.
Q4 What is the old alluvial soil of Ganga plain called?
(A) Khadar
(B) Bhangar
(C) Regur
(D) None of these
Ans B
The older alluvial soil of the Gangetic plain is called bangar. It is found in higher elevations and is less fertile than the newer alluvial soil (khadar).
Q5 The 'Swaraj Party' was founded by
(A) Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das
(B) Gandhiji and Sardar Patel
(C) Lala Lajpat Rai and Tilak
(D) Jinnah and Bose
Ans A
The Swaraj Party was founded in 1923 by Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das to enter legislative councils and oppose British rule from within.
Q6 Which of the following is not a pressure group?
(A) Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)
(B) All India Trade Union Congress
(C) Indian National Congress
(D) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Ans C
The Indian National Congress is a political party, not a pressure group. Pressure groups like ABVP, All India Trade Union Congress, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) seek to influence government policies without directly contesting elections.
Q7 Biju Janata Dal belongs to which state?
(A) Bihar
(B) Jharkhand
(C) Odisha
(D) Chattisgarh
Ans C
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is a regional political party of Odisha. It was founded by Naveen Patnaik and is named after Biju Patnaik, a former Chief Minister of Odisha.
Q8 Which sector contributes the most to Gross Domestic Product?
(A) Primary sector
(B) Secondary sector
(C) Tertiary sector
(D) None of these
Ans C
The tertiary (service) sector contributes the most to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in India. Services like transport, banking, education, health, and communication support other sectors and have grown rapidly.
Q9 Which of the following has a three-tier structure?
(A) Co-operative credit society
(B) Consumer Protection Act
(C) Panchayati Raj
(D) All of these
Ans C
The Panchayati Raj system has a three-tier structure Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level). The other options do not follow a three-tier administrative structure.
Q10 When did the great economic depression occur in the world?
(A) 1920
(B) 1929
(C) 1919
(D) 1890
Ans B
The Great Economic Depression started in 1929 after the American stock market crash. It caused worldwide unemployment, fall in production, and collapse of trade.
Q11 Which of the following is included in Indian economic reforms?
(A) Liberalization
(B) Privatization
(C) Globalization
(D) All of these
Q11 Text Solution:
India's economic reforms introduced in 1991 included Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG). These reforms aimed to reduce government control, encourage private sector participation, and integrate the Indian economy with the global market.
Q12 What is the remuneration of capital?
(A) Rent
(B) Wages
(C) Interest
(D) Mixed income
Q12 Text Solution:
In economics, capital (money, machinery, tools) earns interest as its remuneration.
Q13 Which of the following assets has the least liquidity?
(A) Currency
(B) Bond
(C) Real estate
(D) Bank deposit
Q13 Text Solution:
Liquidity refers to how easily an asset can be converted into cash. Real estate takes the longest time to sell, so it has the least liquidity.
Q14 Which of the following was formed with the aim of ensuring participation of states in economic planning?
(A) Planning Commission
(B) National Development Council
(C) NABARD
(D) Money Market
Q14 Text Solution:
The National Development Council (NDC) was formed to ensure the participation of states in economic planning by involving Chief Ministers and central leaders in planning decisions.
Q15 Where did Gandhiji establish Sabarmati Ashram?
(A) Gandhinagar
(B) Ahmedabad
(C) Surat
(D) Vadodara
Q15 Text Solution:
Sabarmati Ashram was established by Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad, on the banks of the Sabarmati River.
Q16 Who among the following introduced compulsory military service in his country?
(A) Mazzini
(B) Metternich
(C) Bismarck
(D) Lenin
Q16 Text Solution:
Otto von Bismarck introduced compulsory military service in Germany as part of strengthening the nation-state and its army.
Q17 Which ruling dynasty in France was restored by the Congress of Vienna?
(A) Habsburg
(B) Romanov
(C) Slavic
(D) Bourbon
Q17 Text Solution:
The Congress of Vienna (1815) restored the Bourbon dynasty to power in France after the defeat of Napoleon.
Q18 Which one of the following is a mineral industry?
(A) Sugar industry
(B) Petro-chemical industry
(C) Both (A) and (B)
(D) None of these
Q18 Text Solution:
A mineral industry is based on minerals or mineral oils as raw materials. The petrochemical industry uses petroleum and natural gas, which are mineral resources. Hence, petro-chemical industry is a mineral-based industry.
Q19 Fill in the blanks: (6x1=6)
(i) The first industrialised country in the world was . (ii) Sri Lanka made the only official language in 1956.
(iii) India follows a _ system of government. (iv) The Consumer Protection Act was passed in the year .
(v) A party needs seats to be recognized as a national party. (vi) The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn after the _ incident.
Q19 Text Solution:
(i) Britain
Solution: Britain was the first country to undergo industrialisation in the 18th century.
(ii) Sinhala
Solution: In 1956, Sri Lanka declared Sinhala as its only official language.
(iii) Federal
Solution: India has a federal structure dividing powers between the Centre and States.
(iv) 1986
Solution: The Consumer Protection Act was enacted in 1986 to safeguard consumer rights.
(v) 100
Solution: A political party needs 100 Lok Sabha seats to gain national party status.
(vi) Chauri-Chaura
Solution: Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement after the violent Chauri-Chaura incident.
Q20 Very short answer type questions: Answer the following questions in one word or in one line. (12x1=12)
What is the main work of the Parliament?
Q20 Text Solution:
Making new laws and amending old laws.
Q21 Who was Giuseppe Mazzini?
Q21 Text Solution:
Giuseppe Mazzini was an Italian nationalist and revolutionary leader.
Explanation:
He played a key role in the unification of Italy in the 19th century.
Mazzini founded the organization "Young Italy" to promote Italian unity and independence from foreign rule.
Q22 Mention any two measures for soil conservation.
Q22 Text Solution:
Soil conservation is important to protect fertile soil from erosion and maintain agricultural productivity. Two major measures for soil conservation are
Afforestation: Planting trees binds the soil with roots and prevents erosion by wind and water. Contour ploughing: Ploughing along slope lines reduces the speed of flowing water and checks soil loss.
Q23 Define the term 'Veto.'
Q23 Text Solution:
The term "veto" refers to the power or right of a person or body to reject or forbid a decision, proposal, or law made by another authority. In political contexts, it often means the power of a head of state or executive authority to refuse approval of a bill or law passed by the legislature, thereby preventing it from becoming law.
Q24 What is Right to Information and Right to Choose?
Q24 Text Solution:
Right to Information: Consumer can get full details of the product.
Right to Choose: Shopkeeper cannot force you to buy something.
Q25 Examine "Small is Beautiful" Book.
Q25 Text Solution:
Small is Beautiful by E. F. Schumacher emphasizes that development should be people-centered and sustainable, promoting small-scale, eco-friendly, and human-based economics.
Q26 Name two movements for conservation of forest.
Q26 Text Solution:
Two movements for the conservation of forests are:
Chipko Movement - Villagers, especially women, hugged trees to prevent felling.
Appiko Movement - Inspired by Chipko, it took place in Karnataka to protect trees from being cut.
Q27 Name the State where Bhilai Iron and Steel plant is located.
Q27 Text Solution:
Bhilai Iron and Steel Plant is located in Bhilai city, in the Durg district of Chhattisgarh, India.
Q28 Why was COPRA (1986) made?
Q28 Text Solution:
To protect consumers from cheating, adulteration, and fraud.
It created district, state, and national consumer courts.
Q29 According to you, write any two essential conditions for democracy.
Q29 Text Solution:
Free and fair elections
Rights and freedoms for all citizens
Q30 When did the civil war in Sri Lanka end?
Q30 Text Solution:
The Sri Lankan civil war officially ended in 2009 after the LTTE was defeated by the Sri Lankan military.
Q31 What is the main aim of World Trade Organization?
Q31 Text Solution:
The main aim of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is to promote free and fair international trade by reducing trade barriers between countries.
Q32 SECTION - B
Short answer type questions: (Answer word limit approx. 50 words) (10x2=20)
What impact did British economic policies have on Indian agriculture?
Q32 Text Solution:
British economic policies had a harmful impact on Indian agriculture. The British forced farmers to grow cash crops like indigo, cotton, and opium instead of food crops. High land revenue and heavy taxes pushed farmers into debt and poverty.
Q33 Differentiate between federal and unitary form of government with examples.
Q33 Text Solution:
A federal form of government is one in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units, such as states or provinces. Each level of government has its own jurisdiction and can make laws independently in certain areas. For example, India and the United States follow a federal system, where both the Union and State governments have clearly defined powers under the Constitution. In contrast, a unitary form of government concentrates all powers in the hands of the central authority, and regional or local governments operate only at the discretion of the central government. Countries like Britain and France follow a unitary system, where the central government holds supreme authority and can alter or abolish local bodies. This distinction affects how governance is structured and how responsive it is to regional diversity.
Q34 Why is 'Tertiary Sector' becoming important in India? Explain.
Q34 Text Solution:
The tertiary sector, also called the service sector, is becoming increasingly important in India because it provides essential services that support both the primary and secondary sectors. As agriculture and industries grow, there is a greater need for services like transport, banking, education, healthcare, trade, and communication, which are all part of the tertiary sector. New services like information technology, tourism, finance, and retail have expanded rapidly in recent years, generating employment and contributing to economic growth. Rising income levels have also increased demand for services such as private schools, hospitals, and professional services.
Q35 Explain the three important terms of Credit'.
Q35 Text Solution:
Three important terms of credit:
Principal – This is the original amount of money borrowed from a bank, co-operative, or moneylender.
Interest – This is the extra money paid to the lender for using the borrowed money. It is usually a percentage of the principal.
Collateral/Security – This is something valuable offered to the lender to ensure repayment. If the borrower cannot repay, the lender can claim it.
Q36 Classify industries on the basis of raw materials.
Q36 Text Solution:
Industries can be classified on the basis of raw materials into the following categories:
Agro-based Industries: Use agricultural products as raw materials. Examples: Cotton textile, jute, sugar, vegetable oil, and paper industry.
Mineral-based Industries: Use minerals and metals as raw materials. Examples: Iron and steel, cement, aluminium, copper smelting.
Forest-based Industries: Use forest products as raw materials. Examples: Furniture, paper, plywood, lac, resin.
Animal-based Industries: Use products obtained from animals as raw materials. Examples: Leather, wool, silk, dairy products.
Q37 How has liberalisation of trade and investment policies helped the globalisation process?
Q37 Text Solution:
Liberalisation of trade and investment policies has helped the globalisation process by making foreign trade and investment easier. Earlier, several developing countries had placed barriers and restrictions on imports and investments from abroad to protect domestic production. However, to improve the quality of domestic goods, these countries have removed the barriers. Import duties have been reduced, measures are been taken to ease the flow of foreign capital into the country, entry by foreign companies to set up base eased and encouraged and Foreign direct investment and foreign funds encouraged to flow in.
Thus, liberalization has led to a further spread of globalisation because now businesses are allowed to make their own decisions on imports and exports. This has led to a deeper integration of national economies into one conglomerate whole. Thus greater foreign investment and greater foreign trade resulted in the mushrooming of MNCs, which in turn resulted in globalisation.
Q38 What was the purpose of the Vienna Congress?
Q38 Text Solution:
The purpose of the Vienna Congress (1815) was to restore peace and stability in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon. The European powers wanted to undo the changes made during the Napoleonic wars. They aimed to restore old monarchies and create a balance of power among European nations.
Q39 Mention any two features of Plantation agriculture.
Q39 Text Solution:
Large scale commercial farming of a single crop is known as plantation agriculture like tea and coffee plantation. Its main features are:
Single crop cultivation - Only one crop is grown on a large scale, such as tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, or banana.
Use of modern techniques - It requires large estates, huge capital investment, scientific methods, good transport facilities, and skilled labour.
Q40 Distinguish between 'Organised' and 'Unorganised Sector'.
Q40 Text Solution:
Difference between the Organised and Unorganised Sector:
| Feature | Organised Sector | Unorganised Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Follows government rules and regulations | Not regulated by formal laws or systems |
| Job Security | Offers job security, fixed working hours, and benefits | No job security, irregular hours, and few or no benefits |
| Examples | Government offices, registered companies | Small shops, daily wage workers, street vendors |
| Wages and Benefits | Fixed wages, paid leave, provident fund, health insurance | Low wages, no paid leave or social security |
Q41 How is horizontal power sharing different from vertical? Explain.
Q41 Text Solution:
Horizontal Power Sharing:
Power is distributed among different organs at the same level of government.
Example: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary in India share powers independently but coordinate with each other.
Ensures checks and balances and prevents concentration of power.
Vertical Power Sharing:
Power is divided between different levels of government, i.e., central and state governments.
Example: Union, State, and Local Governments in India.
Ensures regional autonomy and accommodates diversity.
Key Difference: Horizontal sharing is between branches at the same level, while vertical sharing is between levels of government.
What is nationalism? Explain any four factors responsible for the rise of nationalism in Europe.
OR
What is the French Revolution? Explain any four causes of the French Revolution.
Q42 Text Solution:
Nationalism is a feeling of common identity and unity among the people of a nation based on shared history, culture, language and traditions.
Factors responsible for the rise of nationalism in Europe (any four):
The French Revolution (1789): It spread the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity, which inspired people across Europe to fight against absolute monarchies.
Role of the middle class: Educated middle-class people like professionals and businessmen supported national unity and constitutional governments.
Common culture and language: Folk songs, stories and vernacular languages created a sense of shared identity among people.
Economic interests: The growth of trade and industry required removal of internal trade barriers, encouraging national unity.
OR
The French Revolution was a major historical event that began in 1789 in France and led to the end of absolute monarchy.
Causes of the French Revolution (any four):
Social inequality: French society was divided into three Estates, and the Third Estate bore heavy taxes while enjoying no privileges.
Economic crisis: The state faced severe financial problems due to wars and extravagance of the monarchy.
Role of Enlightenment thinkers: Philosophers like Rousseau and Montesquieu criticized absolute monarchy and promoted democratic ideas.
Weak leadership of Louis XVI: The king failed to address economic and political problems, leading to public unrest.
Q43 What is federalism? Mention any two features of federalism in India.
OR
What is democracy? Write any two merits of democracy.
Q43 Text Solution:
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between the central government and the state governments.
Two features of federalism in India (any two):
Powers are clearly divided between the Union Government and the State Governments by the Constitution.
The Constitution is supreme, and courts have the power to interpret it.
OR
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
Two merits of democracy (any two):
Democracy ensures equality and freedom to citizens.
It allows people to choose and change their rulers through elections.
Q44 What is agriculture? Explain any four features of Indian agriculture.
OR
What is soil erosion? Explain any four causes of soil erosion in India.
Q44 Text Solution:
Agriculture is the primary activity of human beings which includes the cultivation of crops and rearing of animals for food, raw materials and livelihood.
Features of Indian agriculture (any four):
Dependence on monsoon: Indian agriculture largely depends on monsoon rainfall, which affects crop production every year.
Small and fragmented landholdings: Most farmers have small and scattered fields, which reduces productivity.
Variety of crops: Due to diverse climatic and soil conditions, different types of crops such as food crops, cash crops and plantation crops are grown.
Labour-intensive farming: Agriculture in India uses a large amount of human labour due to limited use of modern machinery.
OR
Soil erosion is the removal of the top fertile layer of soil by natural agents like water and wind.
Causes of soil erosion in India (any four):
Deforestation: Cutting of forests exposes soil to rain and wind, increasing erosion.
Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by animals removes vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion.
Heavy rainfall and floods: Strong rain washes away the fertile topsoil.
Improper farming practices: Shifting cultivation and over-irrigation accelerate soil erosion.
Q45 Distinguish between the organised and unorganised sectors.
Or
Explain the role of the tertiary sector in the Indian economy.
Q45 Text Solution:
The organised sector consists of workplaces registered by the government and operating according to labour laws. Workers receive regular salaries, fixed working hours, paid holidays, medical benefits, pensions, and job security. Examples include government offices, factories, banks, and large companies. In contrast, the unorganised sector includes small and unregistered units such as street vendors, construction workers, farm labourers, and small shop assistants. Here, workers often have no fixed wages, no job security, no paid leave, and face exploitation. Working conditions are unstable and depend entirely on employers. Thus, the organised sector offers stability, while the unorganised sector is insecure and poorly regulated.
Or
The tertiary sector, also known as the service sector, plays a vital role in the Indian economy. It includes services such as transport, communication, banking, insurance, trade, education, healthcare, tourism, and information technology. These services support both the primary (agriculture) and secondary (industries) sectors by helping in production, distribution, and marketing. With the growth of technology and urbanisation, the demand for services has increased rapidly. Today, the tertiary sector contributes the largest share to India's GDP and provides employment to a significant portion of the population. It has become the backbone of modern economic growth and development in India.
How did Gandhiji use non-violence and Satyagraha during the freedom struggle?
OR
Describe the main events of the Dandi March.
Q46 Text Solution:
Gandhiji used non-violence and Satyagraha as powerful tools to challenge British rule without using force. He believed that injustice could be resisted through truth, courage, and peaceful protests. His first major Satyagraha was in Champaran, where he fought for indigo farmers. This was followed by movements in Kheda and Ahmedabad, where he used peaceful methods like fasting, negotiation, and non-cooperation. Gandhiji encouraged Indians to boycott British goods, schools, law courts, and foreign cloth. He taught that real strength lies not in violence but in moral force. His method inspired millions to join the struggle and transformed the freedom movement into a mass movement based on unity, discipline, and peace.
Or
The Dandi March, also known as the Salt March, began on 12 March 1930 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. It was launched to protest the unjust British salt laws, which imposed heavy taxes on salt—a basic necessity for all Indians. Gandhi, along with 78 followers from Sabarmati Ashram, walked 240 miles to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat. Thousands of people joined the march along the way, turning it into a mass movement. On 6 April 1930, Gandhi broke the salt law by picking up natural salt from the seashore, symbolising defiance against colonial oppression. The event sparked nationwide civil disobedience, inspiring millions to boycott British goods, refuse taxes, and participate in peaceful protests.
Q47 What is the role of political parties in a democracy? Explain any four functions of political parties.
OR
Describe any six suggestions to improve the election system in India.
Q47 Text Solution:
Political parties are organized groups of people who contest elections and hold power in government. They play a vital role in a democracy.
Four main functions of political parties:
Contest Elections: Parties select candidates and contest elections to form governments at the central and state levels.
Forming Government: The party or coalition with majority support forms the government and implements policies.
Representation of Interests: Parties represent different sections of society, communities, and opinions in the political process.
Policy Making and Accountability: Parties formulate policies, discuss issues in the legislature, and hold the government accountable.
OR
Suggestions to improve the election system in India:
Effective Role of Election Commission: Ensure free and fair elections through strict monitoring.
Awareness among Citizens: Educate voters about their rights and the importance of voting.
Reducing Electoral Malpractices: Strict action against corruption, booth capturing, and bribery.
Transparent Voting Process: Promote electronic voting machines (EVMs) and secure ballot systems.
Regulate Political Funding: Limit donations and prevent misuse of money in elections.
Encourage Women and Youth Participation: Promote wider representation in politics.
Q48 Write the answer in the given map :-(1+1+1+1=4)
Mark the following in the given outline map of India -
A) Ajmer
B) Gaya
C) Durg
D) Nellore
OR
Mark the following in the given outline map of India -
A) Naraura
B) Rawatbhata
C) Tarapur
D) Kalpakkam
Q48 Text Solution:
[Answer: Refer to the provided map solutions in the official PDF for marking locations.]
Students can download the RBSE board class 10 SST important questions PDF for offline study and quick revision before exams. The PDF includes all important questions with answers arranged chapter-wise.
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