Economics · Chapter 1 · CBSE Board 2027
Development Class 10 important questions with answers
The 10 questions to practise first, picked from every CBSE board paper 2023–2026. Each one has the official answer and how to write it for full marks. Then try the free 10-question test.
What comes in the exam
- Development is the first chapter of the Economics book, Understanding Economic Development.
- About two-thirds of the questions are 1-mark MCQs, many on a small data table.
- Then come 3-mark, 5-mark and 2-mark questions, and sometimes a case study.
- Almost every year you get different development goals for different people, average (per capita) income and its limits, IMR, literacy rate and attendance, the Human Development Report, and sustainable development.
- World Bank income groups also come almost every year.
- BMI is sometimes asked.
Top 10 Development questions from board papers
Real CBSE questions, printed as they appeared. Open each answer to see the marking and the steps.
- Q1 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2025
India's progress on HDI
How has India progressed in ‘Human Development Index (HDI)’ ? Explain it with any two examples.
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- Give the health example with its cause. Life expectancy has improved because of better health facilities. 1 mark
- Give the education example with its cause. Better education facilities have raised the literacy rate. 1 mark
Answer: Higher life expectancy ; higher literacy rate
Marks: Any two examples 1 each
For full marks: Name the indicator (life expectancy, literacy rate) and the reason it improved.
Where students lose marks: Naming an indicator, like 'literacy', without saying how it improved and why; each example needs the change and its cause.
CBSE marking scheme
Any two (2x1=2): improved life expectancy due to better health facilities; better education facilities raised the literacy rate; Public Distribution System ensured food for the poor; reduced infant mortality due to better education and medical facilities; any other relevant point.
- Q2 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2025
Role of public facilities
Explain the role of public facilities for quality of life.
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- Pick a public facility and show how it improves life. Health facilities provided by the government improve people's well-being. 1 mark
- Add a second facility with its effect. Quality elementary education provided by the government develops human resources. 1 mark
Answer: Health facilities improve well-being ; quality education develops human resources
Marks: Any two points 1 each
For full marks: Name the facility and its effect on quality of life in each point.
Where students lose marks: Naming two facilities without saying how each improves life earns only part marks.
CBSE marking scheme
Any two (2x1=2): public facilities are provided by the government; investment in health improves well-being; quality (elementary) education develops human resources; safe drinking water ensures good health; housing for the poor improves living conditions; safe transport aids economic activity; any other relevant point.
- Q3 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2024
UNDP vs World Bank criteria
How does the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP’s) developmental criterion differ from the World Bank ? Explain.
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- Say what the World Bank measures. The World Bank uses per capita income (average income) to measure development. 1 mark
- Say what UNDP measures, showing it is wider. UNDP's Human Development Index compares countries on educational levels, health status and per capita income. 1 mark
Answer: World Bank: per capita income ; UNDP: education, health and per capita income (HDI)
Marks: Any two points 1 each
For full marks: Name all three UNDP measures. The difference is that UNDP adds education and health to income.
Where students lose marks: Writing that UNDP ignores income is wrong; per capita income is one of its three measures.
CBSE marking scheme
Any two (2×1): the World Bank uses GDP / per capita income to measure development; UNDP uses the Human Development Index (HDI), comparing countries on the educational levels of the people, their health status and per capita income; any other relevant point.
- Q4 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2026
Different goals with examples
“Different persons can have different developmental goals.” Explain the statement with examples.
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- Open with the idea in the statement. Development means different things to different people. 1 mark
- Give the example of a landless labourer. A landless labourer wants more days of work, better wages and a good local school. 1 mark
- Give an example of goals that clash. Industrialists want big dams for electricity, but displaced tribals prefer small check dams; development for one may destroy another. 1 mark
Answer: Different meanings for different people ; labourer wants work and wages ; dams versus check dams
Marks: Any three points 1 each
For full marks: "With examples" means each point should name a person and their goal.
Where students lose marks: Saying everyone wants only more income; the book says people also want freedom, security and respect.
CBSE marking scheme
Any three (1x3): development means different things to different people; landless labourer wants more work days, better wages, local school; rich Punjab farmer wants higher support prices; urban girl wants freedom equal to her brother; goals can conflict — industrialists want big dams, displaced tribals prefer check dams; development for one may be destructive for another; any other relevant point.
- Q5 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2026
Why sustainable development
Why is sustainable development essential ? Explain with examples.
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- Say what sustainable development keeps safe. It conserves resources for future generations. 1 mark
- Give the example of a renewable resource. Even groundwater, a renewable resource, gets overused if we use more than rain replenishes. 1 mark
- Give the example of a resource running out. Essential resources are depleting fast; world crude oil reserves may last only about 50 years. 1 mark
Answer: Saves resources for future generations ; groundwater overuse ; crude oil running out
Marks: Any three points 1 each
For full marks: Give one example with a fact from the book, like groundwater overuse or crude oil lasting about 50 years.
Where students lose marks: Thinking only non-renewable resources need care; the book shows even renewable groundwater can be overused.
CBSE marking scheme
Any three (3x1): environment-friendly economic development; conserves resources for future generations; resources used as per availability; present needs met judiciously; scientists, economists, philosophers work together on it; groundwater, a renewable resource, is replenished by nature; essential resources are depleting fast; any other relevant point.
- Q6 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2026
Issues that need sustainability
Analyse the issues that necessitate sustainable development for the future.
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- Start with damage already done. The present model of development has damaged ecosystems and polluted air, water, land and soil. 1 mark
- Add the threat to the future. Depletion of natural resources threatens their availability for future generations. 1 mark
- End with a global problem. Rapid industrialisation and greenhouse gas emissions cause global warming. 1 mark
Answer: Pollution and damaged ecosystems ; resources depleting for the future ; global warming
Marks: Any three points 1 each
For full marks: "Analyse" needs each issue with its effect; keep to about 60 words.
Where students lose marks: Writing three types of pollution as three points; they count as one issue.
CBSE marking scheme
Any three (3x1=3): present model of development has damaged ecosystems and polluted air, water, land, soil; depletion of natural resources threatens availability for future generations; even renewable resources must be used judiciously; rapid industrialisation and greenhouse gas emissions cause global warming; deforestation causes extinction of plant and animal species; any other relevant point.
- Q7 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2026
Define and calculate BMI
Define the term 'Body Mass Index'. Explain the method of its calculation.
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- Define BMI in one line using the book's words. BMI is the scale nutrition scientists use to find out if we are properly nourished. 1 mark
- Write the formula with the units. BMI = weight (kg) ÷ (height in m)² 1 mark
- Say how to handle height measured in centimetres. Convert height from centimetres to metres first, then divide weight by the square of the height. 1 mark
Answer: BMI checks if we are properly nourished ; BMI = weight (kg) ÷ (height in m)², height converted from cm to m
Marks: Definition 1 · Method 2
For full marks: Write the units: kilograms for weight, metres for height. Say 'square of the height', not just 'height'.
Where students lose marks: Dividing weight by height, not by height squared, or using height in centimetres, gives a wrong BMI.
CBSE marking scheme
Definition (1): BMI is the scale used by nutrition scientists to find out if we are properly nourished. Method (2): weight (kg) ÷ square of height (m); if height is in centimetres convert it to metres first, then divide weight by height squared; any other relevant point. (1+2=3)
- Q8 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2024
Case: groundwater overuse
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : Sustainability of Development “Recent evidence suggests that the groundwater is under serious threat of overuse in many parts of the country. About 300 districts have reported a water level decline of over 4 metres during the past 20 years. Nearly one-third of the country is overusing their groundwater reserves. In another 25 years, 60 per cent of the country would be doing the same if the present way of using this resource continues. Groundwater overuse is particularly found in the agriculturally prosperous regions of Punjab and Western U.P., hard rock plateau areas of central and south India, some coastal areas and the rapidly growing urban settlements.” (36.1) Explain the meaning of Sustainability of Development. (1) (36.2) Describe the serious threat caused by overuse of underground water. (1) (36.3) Mention any two suggestions for the farmers to reduce the overuse of the groundwater in agriculture. (2)
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- (36.1) Define it in one line, with both parts. Development without damaging the environment, so that present development does not compromise the needs of future generations. 1 mark
- (36.2) Take one fact from the source. About 300 districts have reported a water level decline of over 4 metres in the past 20 years. 1 mark
- (36.3) Give the first suggestion for farmers. Change the crop pattern to crops that need less water. 1 mark
- Give a second, different suggestion. Use newer irrigation methods like sprinkler and drip irrigation. 1 mark
Answer: (36.1) Development without harming the environment or future needs ; (36.2) 300 districts' water level fell over 4 m ; (36.3) change crop pattern ; drip and sprinkler irrigation
Marks: (36.1) 1 · (36.2) 1 · (36.3) Two suggestions 1 each
For full marks: For 36.2, quote a fact from the source, like the 300 districts.
Where students lose marks: Giving suggestions for city people, like saving tap water, when 36.3 asks what farmers should do.
CBSE marking scheme
(36.1) Development should take place without damaging the environment, and present development should not compromise the needs of future generations (1). (36.2) Any one: groundwater under serious threat of overuse in many parts of the country; about 300 districts report a water-level decline of over 4 m in the past 20 years; any other relevant point (1). (36.3) Any two (1+1): change in crop pattern; newer irrigation techniques like sprinkler and drip irrigation; any other relevant point.
- Q9 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2025
Groundwater crisis in India
How has the overuse of underground water created a serious crisis in many parts of India ? Explain with examples in the context of sustainable development. (2+3=5)
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- Overuse: first say how groundwater gets refilled. Groundwater is a renewable resource replenished by nature through rain. 1 mark
- Then say when using it becomes overuse. Using more than rain replenishes, through excessive irrigation and industry, is overuse. 1 mark
- Examples: give the book's evidence on falling levels. About 300 districts have reported a water level decline of over 4 metres in 20 years. 1 mark
- Add how widespread the problem already is. Nearly one-third of the country is overusing its groundwater reserves. 1 mark
- Name the regions where overuse is worst. Overuse is high in Punjab and Western U.P., hard rock plateaus of central and south India, some coastal areas and fast-growing cities. 1 mark
Answer: Renewable, refilled by rain ; use beyond recharge is overuse ; 300 districts' fall ; one-third overusing ; Punjab, Western U.P., plateaus, coasts, cities
Marks: Overuse (any two) 2 · Examples (any three) 3
For full marks: Answer in two parts: two points on overuse, three examples. Named regions such as Punjab count as an example.
Where students lose marks: Writing five points on why overuse happens and no examples loses the three marks for examples.
CBSE marking scheme
Overuse (any two, 2x1): groundwater is a renewable resource replenished by nature; it can still be overused by excessive irrigation, industries, etc.; using more than rain replenishes is overuse. Examples (any three, 3x1): groundwater under serious threat of overuse in many parts; many districts report steep fall in water level; nearly one-third of the country is overusing its reserves; if present use continues most parts will face a serious water crisis; overuse especially in Punjab and western UP, hard-rock plateaus of central and south India, some coastal areas and fast-growing cities.
- Q10 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2025
Evaluate: people's goals differ
"The development goals of different categories of people may differ." Evaluate the statement.
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- Start with the basic idea that each person wants different things. Each person seeks different things, since people have different life situations. 1 mark
- Say what guides what people want. People seek things that are most important for them, which fulfil their aspirations. 1 mark
- Add that goals can clash. Goals of two persons or groups may even be conflicting. 1 mark
- Prove the clash with the family example. A girl wants as much freedom as her brother and that he shares household work; he may not like this. 1 mark
- Prove the clash again with the dam example. Industrialists want dams for electricity, but displaced people resent them. 1 mark
Answer: Each seeks different things ; aspirations guide goals ; goals may conflict ; girl and brother ; dams: industrialist vs displaced people
Marks: Any five points 1 each
For full marks: 'Evaluate' needs examples that prove the statement. The girl–brother and dam examples each earn a mark.
Where students lose marks: Giving only the dam example and stretching it over several lines earns one point, not five.
CBSE marking scheme
Any five, 1 each: each person seeks different things; people seek what fulfils their aspirations; goals of persons/groups may conflict; e.g. a girl wants the same freedom as her brother and that he share housework; development for one may not be development for another; e.g. industrialist wants dams for power, displaced people resent them; any other relevant point.
Free 10-question test: Development
MCQ and Assertion–Reason questions from CBSE papers. About 10 minutes. Your score shows straight away.
Common mistakes in Development
Mistake Giving a development goal without saying whose goal it is.
Fix Name the person and the goal together: a landless labourer wants more days of work and better wages; an urban girl wants as much freedom as her brother. Add that goals can conflict, as with big dams and the people they displace.
Mistake Working out BMI with height in centimetres, or not squaring the height.
Fix Give the definition first for 1 mark: the scale nutrition scientists use to check if we are properly nourished. Then the method: change height to metres, square it, and divide the weight in kg by it.
Mistake Saying per capita income tells everything about a country.
Fix It is only an average: it hides how income is shared, and it says nothing about public facilities like health and schools. In a data MCQ, work out the average, then see who it hides.
Mistake Not knowing which World Bank figures to write, or mixing up the two reports.
Fix Write your book's 2024 figures; they earn the mark: 66,500 US dollars and above is high income, about 2,300 US dollars or less is low income, and India, at about 11,000 US dollars, is low middle income. Learn which body brings out which report and what each report measures.
Mistake Mixing up the indicator definitions.
Fix Learn each indicator with its base: IMR is per 1,000 live births; literacy rate has its own age group; your book's Net Attendance Ratio counts children aged 15–17. MCQ options often differ only in an age or a word like 'percentage', so read the question's own wording.
Mistake Writing only 'save the environment' on sustainable development.
Fix Give a reason with an example: even groundwater gets overused when we take out more than rain puts back; crude oil is a fixed stock that runs out; pollution and global warming cross borders and harm future generations.
How to write for full marks
- Keep to the word limits printed on the paper: about 40 words for 2 marks, 60 for 3 marks, 120 for 5 marks and 100 in all for the case study.
- In data questions, quote the numbers from the table and say what they show. Do any sum line by line.
- For 'explain with examples', give each point with one example from the book: a person's goal, a dam, groundwater or crude oil.
- When States are shown only by letters, compare them by their numbers; your book's table compares Haryana, Kerala and Bihar.
- In a 5-mark data answer, follow the mark split, like 1 + 2 + 2: compare, then inferences, then suggestions.
Questions students ask
Which Development questions are most important for the Class 10 board exam 2027?
Expect many MCQs on data, indicators and the Human Development Report, and 3-mark answers on development goals and sustainable development. The 10 questions on this page are real CBSE board questions from 2023–2026, chosen across the chapter's topics and question types.
How many marks does Development carry in the Class 10 board exam?
Development is part of the Economics (Understanding Economic Development) unit, which carries 5 of the 80 theory marks in the CBSE Class 10 Social Science paper.
Are these real CBSE previous year questions?
Yes. Each question is printed as it appeared in a CBSE board paper or sample paper, with its source, and the answer follows CBSE's official marking scheme.
All Class 10 Social Science chapters
Questions and answers: CBSE board papers, sample papers and official marking schemes, 2023–2026. Worked steps and tips: Dhee.