CBSE Class 10 Geography · 2026-27

Syllabus & Marking Scheme

Geography is one of the four units of the Class 10 Social Science paper, carrying about 20 of the 80 theory marks. With its classifications, examples and map work, it is one of the most scoring units — provided you revise systematically.

Here is the full picture: the chapters, where Geography sits in the paper, the question pattern, and how to prepare.

At a glance

80Theory marks
20Internal assessment
100Total
3 hrsDuration

Geography is one of the four equal units of the Social Science paper — about 20 of the 80 theory marks (25%), and it includes map work.

Social Science paper — marks distribution

Section / UnitMarks
History — India and the Contemporary World II20
Geography — Contemporary India II20
Political Science (Civics) — Democratic Politics II20
Economics — Understanding Economic Development20
Theory total80

CBSE sets weightage by section/unit, not per chapter. Always confirm the latest official syllabus on cbseacademic.nic.in.

Geography7 chapters

  1. Resources and Development
  2. Forest and Wildlife Resources
  3. Water Resources
  4. Agriculture
  5. Minerals and Energy Resources
  6. Manufacturing Industries
  7. Lifelines of National Economy

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
  • Map-based questions (Geography map items)

How to prepare

  • Cover all 7 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.
  • Master the map work — it is near-free marks and very scoring.
  • 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 — Geography syllabus

How many marks is Class 10 Geography in the board exam?
Geography 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 Geography?
There are 7 chapters in the current CBSE Class 10 Geography 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.