Previous Years Question Paper Class 8 Social Science 2025-26 Session Ending Examination

PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS

Session Ending Examination

Class 8

Subject - Social Science

General Instructions:

1. The question paper comprises six sections - A, B, C, D, E, and F. There are 29 questions in the question paper. All questions are compulsory.
2. Section A: questions from 1 to 15 are MCQs of 1 mark.
3. Section B: questions from 16 to 20 are very short-answer type questions, carrying 2 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 40 words.
4. Section C: questions from 21 to 24 are short-answer type questions, carrying 3 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 60 words.
5. Section D: questions from 25 to 26 are long-answer type questions, carrying 5 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 100 words.
6. Section E: questions from 27 to 28 are source-based questions, with three questions and are of 4 marks each.
7. Section F: question no. 29 is map-based, carrying 5 marks with two parts, 29(a) (2 marks) and 29(b) (3 marks).
8. There is no overall choice in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in a question. Only one of the choices in that question has to be attempted.
9. In addition to this, separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.

	Multiple choice questions (1 x 15 = 15)
1	Which of the following is a resource essential for life? a. Iron b. Water c. Wood d. Oil	1
2	What is one major environmental problem caused by cement production? a. Deforestation b. Desertification c. Water conservation d. Air and soil pollution	1
3	Assertion (A): Coal is classified as a renewal resource. Reason (R): It takes millions of years for coal to form naturally. Codes: 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.	1
4	What special weapon did Shivaji use to kill Afzal Khan? a. Sword b. Dagger c. Gun d. Wagh nakh	1
5	Which dynasty ruled Maharashtra in the 13th century with Devagiri (Daulatabad) as its capital? a. Khilji Sultanate b. Mughal Empire c. Yadava dynasty d. Bijapur Sultanate	1
6	Who started a printing press and supported modern medicine? a. Mahadji Shinde b. Bajirao I c. Serfoji II d. Ekoji	1
7	What role did the Ashta Pradhana Mandal play in Maratha governance? a. Army training b. Religious rituals c. Helping the king in administration d. Building temples	1
8	What was the main reason for European powers coming to India? a. To spread religion b. To find jobs c. To trade in spices and textile d. To learn Indian culture	1
9	The British introduced railways in India mainly to: a. Help Indians travel b. Promote tourism c. Transport raw materials and troops d. Improve communication	1
10	Assertion (A): The Doctrine of Lapse was used by the British to annex Indian princely states. Reason (R): It allowed annexation of states without a natural male heir. Codes: 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.	1
11	Column A Column B a. Lok Sabha i. Represent the interests of states at the union level b. Rajya Sabha ii. State-level legislative body c. Vidhan Sabha iii. Lower House of the Parliament d. Vidhan Parishad iv. Upper House of the Parliament Options: a. A-iii, B-iv, C-ii, D-i b. A-iv, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv c. A-ii, B-i, C-iii, D-ii d. A-i, B-iii, C-ii, D-iv	1
12	The President of India is elected through __ a. Lok Sabha only b. Rajya Sabha only c. Electoral college d. Direct election	1
13	What is the key difference between 'labour' and 'human capital'? a. Labour is mental effort, while human capital is physical effort. b. Labour refers to all workers, while human capital refers only to entrepreneurship. c. Labour is the effort used in production, while human capital is the specialised skill and knowledge that enhances that effort. d. There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable.	1
14	What is a 'startup' defined as? a. Any new shop that opens in a neighbourhood. b. A large, established corporation. c. An entrepreneurial venture that aims for rapid growth, often by using technology. d. A government-owned business.	1
15	Wages are the reward for: a. Land b. Labour c. Capital d. Entrepreneurship	1
	Section B: Very Short Answer Questions 5x2=10
16	What is one environmental concern related to the Green Revolution?	2
17	How did the Maratha become a strong naval power in India?	2
18	Mention the two major causes of the Revolt of 1857?	2
19	Identify the figure and write its importance.	2
20	How are these (land, labour, capital, and entrepreneurship) factors interconnected?	2
	Section C: Short Answer Type Questions 3x4=12
21	What are the implications of unsustainable use/over-exploitation of natural resources?	3
22	The chapter describes how forts were 'the core of the state' for the Maratha. Why were they so important? How did they help the Marathas survive against larger enemies?	3
23	The Women's Reservation Bill, 2023, was passed with wide support. Why might it have taken over 25 years for this bill to be passed, despite being discussed for so long?	3
24	What government laws or rules should be changed to improve the ease of doing business?	3
	Section D: Long Answer Type Questions 2x5=10
25	Describe the major causes of the Revolt of 1857. OR "Indians funded their own subjugation." - What does this mean in the context of British infrastructure projects in India, like the railway and telegraph networks?	5
26	Describe the process through which a bill becomes a law in the Indian Parliament.	5
	Section E: Source-Based Type Questions 2x4=8
27	"A variety of online courses are available to students through Government platforms like SWAYAM (study webs of active learning for young aspiring minds), which offers courses for Grade 9 onwards and operates on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) through which learners can explore subjects like robotics, aquaculture, textile printing, and so on that are free of cost. Studnets benefits from learning at their own pace, from anywhere, while pursuing other jobs or courses. Online portals, like the Government's Nationals Career Service, help people find job opportunities across various sectors, from plumbing to accounting. This is how technology has eliminated geographical barriers, allowing people access to knowledge, skill development and jobs in India and abroad." (Source: NCERT Social Science Book for Class 8) Read the above source and answer the following questions. (1+1+2) 27.1. Which of the following best describes the main purpose of SWAYAM? a. To provide paid coaching for competitive exams. b. To offer free online courses for skill and academic development c. To conduct offline vocational training. d. To provide free online academic courses. 27.2. Which feature of SWAYAM best supports learners who are working or enrolled in other courses? a. Fixed classroom timings b. Learning at one's own pace c. Compulsory attendance d. Paid subscriptions 27.3. What role does the National Career Service portal play in employment?	4
28	"India and France launched the International Alliance for Solar Energy (IASE) in 2015 - a coalition of sunshine-rich countries committed to harnessing solar power. The alliance focuses on countries blessed with abundant sunlight throughout the year. India has helped channel billions of dollars into solar projects across developing nations, sharing technical expertise and creating affordable financing options. The Badla Solar Park is a symbol of India's solar ambitions, demonstrating how a country can transition from traditional energy sources to renewable alternatives. For Indians, this alliance represents both environmental responsibility and economic opportunity." (Source: NCERT Social Science Book for Class 8) Read the above source and answer the following questions. (1+1+2) 28.1. The main purpose of the International Alliance for Solar Energy (IASE) is to: a. Encourage the use of solar energy in a damp, marshy region. b. Support countries with less sunlight. c. Encourage use of solar energy in sunshine-rich countries. d. Help developing nations to prosper. 28.2. The Bhadla Solar Park shows that India: a. Depends only on traditional energy. b. Is moving away fro renewable energy. c. Can successfully shift to clean and renewable energy. d. Has stopped industrial development. 28.3. Mention two ways India has supported solar projects in developing countries.	4
	Section F: Map-Based Questions 5x1=5
29	29. A. On the given political map of India, the important centres are marked A & B. Identify these centres with the help of the following information and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them. (1+1=2) a. Capital of the Portuguese colony near them. b. Rani Lakshibai's kingdom. 29. B. On the given outline map of India, locate the cities that were under the rule of the Marathas and their allies. (1+1+1=3) a. Surat b. Pune c. Nagpur Read more...