CBSE Class 10 Economics · 2026-27
Syllabus & Marking Scheme
Economics is one of the four units of the Class 10 Social Science paper, carrying about 20 of the 80 theory marks. Once you have the definitions and standard comparisons down, it is one of the easiest units to score in.
Here is the full picture: the chapters, where Economics sits in the paper, the question pattern, and how to prepare.
At a glance
80Theory marks
20Internal assessment
100Total
3 hrsDuration
Economics is one of the four equal units of the Social Science paper — about 20 of the 80 theory marks (25%).
Social Science paper — marks distribution
| Section / Unit | Marks |
|---|---|
| History — India and the Contemporary World II | 20 |
| Geography — Contemporary India II | 20 |
| Political Science (Civics) — Democratic Politics II | 20 |
| Economics — Understanding Economic Development | 20 |
| Theory total | 80 |
CBSE sets weightage by section/unit, not per chapter. Always confirm the latest official syllabus on cbseacademic.nic.in.
Economics — 5 chapters
Question paper design
- Objective / MCQs, including assertion–reason (1 mark each)
- Very short & short answer questions (2–3 marks)
- Long answer questions (5 marks)
- Case-based / source-based questions
- A rising share of competency-based questions
How to prepare
- Cover all 5 chapters — questions can come from any of them, so nothing is "optional".
- Practise case-based / source-based questions — they carry easy, guaranteed marks if you read the extract closely.
- Write long answers in points, with a one-line introduction and conclusion — the marking scheme rewards structure.
- Drill the most-repeated questions and MCQs (see the free guides linked above).
Frequently asked — Economics syllabus
- How many marks is Class 10 Economics in the board exam?
- Economics is one of the four equal units of the 80-mark Social Science theory paper, carrying about 20 marks (25%). Social Science also has 20 marks of internal assessment, for 100 in total.
- How many chapters are there in Class 10 Economics?
- There are 5 chapters in the current CBSE Class 10 Economics syllabus, all listed above.
- Is the whole syllabus included in the board exam?
- Yes. Questions can be set from any chapter, so it is safest to prepare the entire syllabus rather than guess "important" chapters.