Geography · Chapter 5 · CBSE Board 2027
Minerals and Energy Resources 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
- Minerals and Energy Resources is a Geography chapter from Contemporary India – II.
- Most questions are 1-mark MCQs or 5-mark long answers, then 2-mark questions.
- Assertion–Reason and case studies are fewer.
- Almost every year you get the kinds of minerals, iron ore and bauxite, conventional and non-conventional energy, why we need renewable energy and how to save energy.
- How minerals occur in rocks, the kinds of coal and where power plants are come often.
- The map list has iron-ore mines, coal mines, oil fields and power plants.
Top 10 Minerals and Energy Resources questions from board papers
Real CBSE questions, printed as they appeared. Open each answer to see the marking and the steps.
- Q1 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2026
Types of iron ore
Choose the correct option related to the types of iron-ore : I. Magnetite II. Lignite III. Hematite IV. Anthracite
- (A) Only I and II are correct.
- (B) Only II and III are correct.
- (C) Only III and IV are correct.
- (D) Only I and III are correct.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
Correct option: (D) Only I and III are correct.
- Sort the four names into iron ores and types of coal. Iron ores: magnetite, hematite ; coal types: lignite, anthracite
- Choose only I and III. (D) Only I and III are correct 1 mark
Answer: (D) Only I and III are correct
Marks: Correct option 1
For full marks: Remember: magnetite and hematite are iron ores; lignite, bituminous and anthracite are coal.
Where students lose marks: Option (B) mixes lignite, which is a type of coal, with hematite.
CBSE marking scheme
(D) Only I and III are correct.
- Q2 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2026
Where the wind farm cluster is
Choose the correct option to fill in the blank. The largest wind farm cluster in India is located between __________.
- (A) Nagercoil to Madurai
- (B) Jaipur to Jodhpur
- (C) Bokaro to Raniganj
- (D) Hazira to Jhabua
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
Correct option: (A) Nagercoil to Madurai
- Recall where the largest wind farm cluster lies in Tamil Nadu. Largest wind farm cluster: Tamil Nadu, from Nagercoil to Madurai
- Choose Nagercoil to Madurai. (A) Nagercoil to Madurai 1 mark
Answer: (A) Nagercoil to Madurai
Marks: Correct option 1
For full marks: Learn the place pairs exactly as the book gives them.
Where students lose marks: Choosing (B) Jaipur to Jodhpur is wrong; Rajasthan has wind farms but not the largest cluster.
CBSE marking scheme
(A) Nagercoil to Madurai.
- Q3 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2026
Nuclear plants north to south
Arrange the following 'Atomic energy plants' from north to south as per their location and choose the correct option : I. Kakrapara II. Kaiga III. Rawat Bhata IV. Tarapur
- (A) IV, II, I, III
- (B) IV, II, III, I
- (C) III, I, II, IV
- (D) III, I, IV, II
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
Correct option: (D) III, I, IV, II
- Place each atomic plant in its state. Rawat Bhata – Rajasthan ; Kakrapara – Gujarat ; Tarapur – Maharashtra ; Kaiga – Karnataka
- Arrange the states from north to south. Rajasthan → Gujarat → Maharashtra → Karnataka = III, I, IV, II
- Choose III, I, IV, II. (D) III, I, IV, II 1 mark
Answer: (D) III, I, IV, II
Marks: Correct option 1
For full marks: Turn each plant into its state first; then the north-to-south order is easy.
Where students lose marks: Option (C) puts Kaiga before Tarapur, but Kaiga in Karnataka lies south of Tarapur.
CBSE marking scheme
(D) III, I, IV, II
- Q4 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2026
Conventional vs non-conventional
Differentiate between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Compare how long each kind will last, naming one example each. Conventional sources (coal, petroleum) are limited and exhaustible; non-conventional (solar, wind) are renewable and inexhaustible 1 mark
- Compare their effect on the environment. Conventional sources cause pollution; non-conventional sources are eco-friendly 1 mark
Answer: Exhaustible vs inexhaustible ; polluting vs eco-friendly
Marks: Any two points 1 each
For full marks: Each point must give both sides of the difference. Keep to 40 words.
Where students lose marks: Describing only conventional sources and leaving out the other side of each difference.
CBSE marking scheme
Any two (2x1): conventional — non-renewable vs non-conventional — renewable; polluting vs eco-friendly; limited, exhaustible stock vs unlimited, inexhaustible; e.g. coal, firewood, petroleum, natural gas vs solar, wind; any other relevant point.
- Q5 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2024
Minerals in ocean waters
“The ocean waters contain vast quantities of minerals.” Explain the statement with example.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Name the minerals taken from sea water. Common salt, magnesium and bromine are largely derived from ocean waters 1 mark
- Add what the ocean floor holds. The ocean beds are rich in manganese nodules 1 mark
Answer: Salt, magnesium, bromine from ocean water ; manganese nodules on ocean beds
Marks: Any two points 1 each
For full marks: Each point needs a named mineral as the example. Stay within 40 words.
Where students lose marks: Naming placer minerals like gold and platinum, which are found in sands of valley floors, not ocean water.
CBSE marking scheme
Any two (2×1): most of these minerals are too widely diffused to be of economic significance; common salt, magnesium and bromine are largely derived from ocean water; ocean beds are rich in manganese nodules; any other relevant point.
- Q6 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2023
Need for non-conventional energy
Why is there a pressing need to use non-conventional energy resources ? Explain.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Give the supply reason first. Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortages make future energy supply uncertain 1 mark
- Add the harm fossil fuels do. Increasing use of fossil fuels causes serious environmental problems 1 mark
Answer: Rising prices and shortages of oil and gas ; fossil fuels harm the environment
Marks: Any two points 1 each
For full marks: 'Explain' needs the reason, not just 'pollution'. Two points within 40 words.
Where students lose marks: Listing solar and wind as examples instead of giving reasons why they are needed.
CBSE marking scheme
Any two (2×1): limited availability of resources; growing consumption has depleted fossil fuels; rising oil and gas prices and potential shortages raise uncertainties; fossil fuel use causes serious environmental problems; urbanisation and industrialisation; any other relevant point.
- Q7 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2025
Case: Iron ore source
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : Iron Ore Iron ore is the basic mineral and the backbone of industrial development. India is endowed with fairly abundant resources of iron ore. India is rich in good quality iron ores. Magnetite is the finest iron ore with a very high content of iron up to 70 per cent. It has excellent magnetic qualities, especially valuable in the electrical industry. Hematite ore is the most important industrial iron ore in terms of the quantity used, but has a slightly lower iron content than magnetite (50 – 60 per cent). In 2018 – 19, almost the entire production of iron ore (97%) accrued from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Jharkhand. The remaining production (3%) was from other states. (35.1) In which iron ore is the maximum iron content found ? (1) (35.2) Which is the most important industrial iron ore ? (1) (35.3) "Iron ore is a basic mineral." Support the statement. (2)
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- (35.1) Find the ore with iron up to 70 per cent. Magnetite 1 mark
- (35.2) Find the ore used in the largest quantity. Hematite 1 mark
- (35.3) Say how much iron ore India has. India has fairly abundant resources and is rich in good quality iron ore 1 mark
- Say why industry needs it. It is the backbone of industrial development and is important for many industries 1 mark
Answer: (35.1) Magnetite ; (35.2) Hematite ; (35.3) abundant good quality ore ; backbone of industry
Marks: 35.1 1 · 35.2 1 · 35.3 any two 1 each
For full marks: Read the source for figures: magnetite up to 70 per cent, hematite 50–60 per cent. Give two separate points in 35.3.
Where students lose marks: Swapping the two ores: magnetite has the most iron, hematite is the most used industrially.
CBSE marking scheme
(35.1) Magnetite. (35.2) Hematite. (35.3) Any two, 1 each: abundantly available; India rich in good quality iron ore; important for various industries; any other relevant point.
- Q8 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2023
Case: Conserving energy source
Read the given case and answer the questions that follow : CONSERVATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES Energy is a basic requirement for economic development. Every sector of the national economy – agriculture, industry, transport, commercial and domestic – needs inputs of energy. The economic development plans implemented since independence necessarily required increasing amounts of energy to remain operational. As a result, consumption of energy in all forms has been steadily rising all over the country. In this background, there is an urgent need to develop a sustainable path of energy development. Promotion of energy conservation and increased use of renewable energy sources are the twin planks of sustainable energy. India is presently one of the least energy efficient countries in the world. We have to adopt a cautious approach for the judicious use of our limited energy resources. For example, as concerned citizens we can do our bit by using public transport systems instead of individual vehicles; switching off electricity when not in use, using power-saving devices and using non-conventional sources of energy. At last "Energy Saved is energy produced" (35.1) Why is sustainable energy a key to sustainable development ? (1) (35.2) Why is consumption of energy rising in all over India? (1) (35.3) Explain 'Energy saved is energy produced'. (2)
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- (35.1) Use the case's first line about the economy. Energy is a basic requirement for economic development; every sector needs energy inputs 1 mark
- (35.2) Link the rise to the development plans in the case. Development plans since Independence need ever more energy to remain operational, so consumption keeps rising 1 mark
- (35.3) Give one way the saying works: the source used. Using renewable energy sources saves our limited energy resources 1 mark
- Give a second way: cutting waste. Following reduce, reuse, recycle stops wastage of energy 1 mark
Answer: (35.1) Energy is basic to economic development ; (35.2) development plans need more energy ; (35.3) use renewables ; reduce, reuse, recycle
Marks: 35.1 1 · 35.2 1 · 35.3 any two 1 each
For full marks: Read the case first: 35.1 and 35.2 are answered in its opening lines. 35.3 needs two separate points for 2 marks.
Where students lose marks: Copying the whole paragraph for 35.2 instead of picking the one reason that consumption is rising.
CBSE marking scheme
(35.1) any one: energy is a basic requirement for economic development; every sector (agriculture, industry, transport, commercial, domestic) needs energy; future sustenance depends on conserving energy. (35.2) any one: India is the world's third-largest energy consumer; rising incomes and living standards; economic development, rising population, technological development. (35.3) any two (2x1): using renewable energy; improving energy security; improving access to energy; affordable, reliable, sustainable, modern energy; reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Q9 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2025
Sustainable way to meet demand
"It would be beneficial to develop sustainable way to meet the growing energy demand in India." Support the statement by giving suitable arguments.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Show why energy matters to the country. Energy is basic to economic development; every sector needs energy inputs 1 mark
- Say what is happening to demand. Consumption of energy in all forms is rising steadily 1 mark
- Use the book's phrase for the sustainable path. Energy conservation and increased use of renewable sources are the twin planks of sustainable energy 1 mark
- Give the renewable sources India can use. Use solar, wind and geothermal energy 1 mark
- End with what each of us can do. Small steps: use public transport, switch off power when not in use, use power-saving devices 1 mark
Answer: Energy basic to development ; rising consumption ; twin planks ; renewable sources ; small steps by citizens
Marks: Any five points 1 each
For full marks: 'Twin planks of sustainable energy' is the key phrase. Five arguments in about 120 words.
Where students lose marks: Listing only examples of saving power without saying why a sustainable path is needed.
CBSE marking scheme
Any five (5x1=5): energy is basic to economic development; every sector needs energy inputs; consumption rising steadily; energy conservation and renewables are the twin planks of sustainable energy; energy-efficient programmes; public awareness campaigns; judicious use of limited resources; use of solar, wind, geothermal; small steps - public transport, switching off power, power-saving devices; any other relevant point.
- Q10 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2025
Importance of minerals in life
Explain with examples the importance of minerals for human life.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Start with the book's big claim and its pin-to-ship example. Almost everything, from a tiny pin to a towering building or a big ship, is made from minerals 1 mark
- Give transport and tools examples. Railway lines, road tarmac, implements and machinery are made from minerals 1 mark
- Add vehicles and their fuel. Cars, buses, trains and aeroplanes are made from minerals and run on power from the earth 1 mark
- Add our food. Even the food we eat contains minerals 1 mark
- End with their use through history. People have used minerals for livelihood, decoration, festivities, religious and ceremonial rites 1 mark
Answer: Pin to ship ; railways and machinery ; vehicles and fuel ; food ; livelihood and rites
Marks: Any five points 1 each
For full marks: Each point needs an example, as the question asks. Five points in about 120 words.
Where students lose marks: Writing types of minerals, like ferrous and non-ferrous, instead of their uses in human life.
CBSE marking scheme
Any five (5x1=5): minerals are an indispensable part of our lives; almost everything from a tiny pin to a building or ship is made from minerals; railway lines, road tarmac, implements and machinery are made from minerals; cars, buses, trains, aeroplanes are made from minerals and run on earth-derived power resources; the food we eat contains minerals; minerals used through history for livelihood, decoration, festivities, religious and ceremonial rites; any other relevant point.
Free 10-question test: Minerals and Energy Resources
MCQ and Assertion–Reason questions from CBSE papers. About 10 minutes. Your score shows straight away.
Common mistakes in Minerals and Energy Resources
Mistake Putting a mineral in the wrong group.
Fix Learn the groups with the book's examples: ferrous (iron ore, manganese), non-ferrous (copper, bauxite), non-metallic (mica, limestone) and energy minerals (coal, petroleum, natural gas). MCQ lists often mix the kinds of iron ore with the kinds of coal, so learn both sets of names from the book.
Mistake Describing only one side in a 'differentiate' question.
Fix Write each point as a pair, like 'Conventional sources are exhaustible; non-conventional sources are renewable.' Each pair carries 1 mark.
Mistake Calling natural gas a non-conventional source.
Fix Natural gas is a conventional source: a cleaner fossil fuel, but still a fossil fuel. For non-conventional examples, use solar, wind, tidal, geothermal and biogas.
Mistake Ignoring the mark split in a (3 + 2) question.
Fix When the paper prints 3 + 2, write three points on the role and two on the distribution. For distribution, name real places: Mumbai High, Ankleshwar and Digboi for petroleum; Jharia, Raniganj and Neyveli for coal.
Mistake Placing a power plant in the wrong state.
Fix Learn the thermal and nuclear power plants on the book's map with their states, not only the ones on the map list: MCQs have also named plants like Kaiga, Rawat Bhata, Talcher and Bhusawal. See where each sits on a map of India; then matching plants to states, or arranging them from north to south, becomes easy.
Mistake Writing general lines in a 5-mark answer on saving energy.
Fix Use book points: energy conservation and renewable energy are the twin planks of sustainable energy; we must use limited resources judiciously; use public transport, switch off lights and fans, use power-saving devices. For 'energy saved is energy produced', say that every unit saved need not be generated.
How to write for full marks
- For a 5-mark 'examine', 'justify' or 'explain', write five numbered points, one idea each, in no more than 120 words. Each point carries 1 mark.
- For 'differentiate', use a two-column table or paired lines, with the same basis on both sides, such as stock, pollution or cost.
- When marks are split, use two short headings, like 'Role' and 'Distribution', with the right number of points under each.
- Use the book's exact terms: veins and lodes, placer deposits, nodal industry, photovoltaic technology, geothermal gradient.
- For map work, learn the published list of iron-ore mines, coal mines, oil fields, and thermal and nuclear power plants. Mark each place clearly and write its name beside it.
Questions students ask
Which Minerals and Energy Resources questions are most important for the Class 10 board exam 2027?
Expect MCQs on kinds of minerals, coal and power plants, and 5-mark answers on energy sources, renewable energy and saving energy. 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 Minerals and Energy Resources carry in the Class 10 board exam?
Minerals and Energy Resources is part of the Geography (Contemporary India – II) unit, which carries 3 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.