The CBSE Class 8 Social Science Syllabus 2025-26 is designed to awaken curiosity and deepen the understanding of students about society, governance, history, geography and their surroundings. It integrates major themes from history, geography, civil scripture and economics, which offers a balanced mixture of concepts, case studies and real-life applications. Students detect subjects like colonialism and Indian freedom struggle, natural resources, Indian constitution, governance system and social justice.
The course encourages observation, inquiries and important thinking. Each chapter connects social science to everyday life-learning learners understand how the government works, why natural disasters occur, or historical events shape modern India. Activity-based approach with maps, projects and discussions ensures that learning is attractive and meaningful.
Emphasizing logic, analysis and citizenship values, CBSE class 8 social science courses help students develop the skills required for higher studies and give information about participation in society. It is not only about dates and definitions - it is about understanding the past, explaining the present and shaping the future responsible, as conscious individuals.
Unit 1: History - Our Past III (Part 1 & 2) |
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Lesson No. |
Chapter Title |
Type |
1 |
How, When and Where |
History - Sources and Time Periods |
2 |
From Trade to Territory |
History - Colonialism Begins |
3 |
Ruling the Countryside |
History - British Agrarian Policies |
4 |
Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age |
History - Tribal Uprisings |
5 |
When People Rebel (1857 and After) |
History - First War of Independence |
6 |
Colonialism and the City |
History - Urban Changes |
7 |
Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners |
History - Industrial Impact |
8 |
Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation |
History - British Education Policy |
9 |
Women, Caste and Reform |
History - Social Reform Movements |
10 |
The Changing World of Visual Arts |
History - Culture and Expression |
11 |
The Making of the National Movement (1870–1947) |
History - Freedom Struggle |
12 |
India After Independence |
History - Nation Building |
Unit 2: Geography - Resources and Development |
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Lesson No. |
Chapter Title |
Type |
1 |
Resources |
Geography - Classification & Use |
2 |
Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources |
Geography - Conservation |
3 |
Mineral and Power Resources |
Geography - Resource Management |
4 |
Agriculture |
Geography - Farming Types & Output |
5 |
Industries |
Geography - Industrial Systems |
6 |
Human Resources |
Geography - Population and Density |
Unit 3:Civics - Social and Political Life III |
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Lesson No. |
Chapter Title |
Type |
1 |
The Indian Constitution |
Civics - Framework and Values |
2 |
RUnderstanding Secularism |
Civics - Equality & Diversity |
3 |
Why Do We Need a Parliament? |
Civics - Role of Legislature |
4 |
Understanding Laws |
Civics - Law-making Process |
5 |
Judiciary |
Civics - Court Structure & Role |
6 |
Understanding Our Criminal Justice System |
Civics - Legal Processes |
7 |
Understanding Marginalisation |
Civics - Social Exclusion |
8 |
Confronting Marginalisation |
Civics - Empowerment & Resistance |
9 |
Public Facilities |
Civics - Services & Governance |
10 |
Law and Social Justice |
Civics - Role of Government & Law |
Unit 4: Economics - Understanding Economic Development |
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Lesson No. |
Chapter Title |
Type |
12 |
The Story of Village Palampur |
Economics - Rural Economy |
13 |
Role of the Government in Health |
Economics - Public Health |
14 |
How the Markets Work |
Economics - Buyers and Sellers |
15 |
Globalisation and the Indian Economy |
Economics - Trade & Global Links |
16 |
Public Distribution System |
Economics - Food Security |
Disclaimer: The syllabus and academic information provided here are taken from official CBSE and NCERT sources. For any updates or confusion, please refer to the official CBSE or NCERT websites.
The syllabus consists of four branches: history (our previous III), Geography (Resource and Development), Citizen (Social and Political Life III), and Economics (Understanding Economic Development).
CBSE Schools follow the NCERT textbooks prescribed for class 8: our previous III, resource and development, social and political life III, and understanding economic development.
Yes, map work is an important part of geography and history, which helps students to improve the understanding of spatial thinking and physical and political characteristics.
Geography focuses on resources (natural, human and economic), agriculture, industries and population distribution.
Economics introduces students to rural development, markets, health services, public distribution systems and globalization.
The evaluation includes written examinations, projects, map functions, group activities and internal assessment for periodic tests.
Yes, the new course is designed to be relevant and reliable, which encourages students to add textbook concepts with real world issues.