Class 8 Social Science Syllabus
Chapter-by-chapter topics, exercises, and linked study resources according to the 2026-27 curriculum.
Chapter 1
Introduction: How, When and Where
Topic
Importance of Dates and Periodisation in Indian History
Topic
Colonial Records and Official Archives
Topic
Surveys and Alternative Historical Sources
Chapter 2
From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power
Topic
East India Company Comes East and Trade Rivalries
Topic
Battle of Plassey (1757) and Battle of Buxar (1764)
Topic
Company Expansion: Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse
Topic
Setting up a New Administration and Company Army
Chapter 3
Ruling the Countryside
Topic
Company as Diwan and Land Revenue Systems
Topic
Permanent Settlement, Mahalwari, and Ryotwari Systems
Topic
Crops for Europe: Cultivation of Indigo
Topic
The "Blue Rebellion" and Aftermath
Chapter 4
Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age
Topic
Tribal Livelihoods: Jhum Cultivators, Hunters, Herders
Topic
Impact of Colonial Rule on Tribal Chiefs and Forest Laws
Topic
Birsa Munda and the Tribal Movement in Chota Nagpur
Chapter 5
When People Rebel 1857 and After
Topic
Policies and Discontent: Nawabs, Peasants, Sepoys
Topic
Mutiny Becomes a Popular Rebellion (Meerut to Delhi)
Topic
Spread of Revolt: Key Leaders and Centers
Topic
Suppression of Revolt and Administrative Changes After 1858
Chapter 6
Civilising the "Native", Educating the Nation
Topic
Orientalists vs. Anglicists Discourse (Macaulay)
Topic
Wood's Despatch (1854) and Higher Education
Topic
Vernacular Pathshalas and Report of William Adam
Topic
National Education Vision: Tagore and Rabindranath Tagore
Chapter 7
Women, Caste and Reform
Topic
Working for Change: Sati Abolition and Widow Remarriage
Topic
Education for Girls and Women Reformers
Topic
Caste Reformers: Phule, Periyar, Ambedkar, Sri Narayana Guru
Chapter 8
The Making of the National Movement: 1870s-1947
Topic
Emergence of Nationalism and Early Political Associations
Topic
Moderate vs. Radical Phases and Partition of Bengal (1905)
Topic
Mass Nationalism: Gandhi, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience
Topic
Quit India Movement and Path to Independence and Partition
Chapter 9
Resources
Topic
Definition, Utility, and Value of Resources
Topic
Classification: Natural, Human-made, and Human Resources
Topic
Resource Conservation and Principles of Sustainable Development
Chapter 10
Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources
Topic
Land Resources, Land Use Patterns, and Conservation
Topic
Soil Profile, Weathering, and Soil Erosion Prevention
Topic
Water Scarcity, Conservation, and Rainwater Harvesting
Topic
Distribution and Conservation of Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
Chapter 11
Agriculture
Topic
Farming Systems: Subsistence and Commercial Agriculture
Topic
Major Food and Cash Crops
Topic
Agricultural Development and Comparative Farm Case Studies
Chapter 12
Industries
Topic
Classification of Industries by Raw Material, Size, Ownership
Topic
Factors Affecting Industrial Location and Industrial Regions
Topic
Major World Industries: Iron/Steel and Information Technology
Chapter 13
Human Resources
Topic
Distribution and Density of Population
Topic
Factors Influencing Population Distribution
Topic
Population Change, Composition, and Population Pyramids
Chapter 14
The Indian Constitution
Topic
Why Does a Country Need a Constitution?
Topic
Key Features: Federalism, Parliamentary Form, Separation of Powers
Topic
Fundamental Rights and Secularism
Chapter 15
Understanding Secularism
Topic
Definition of Secularism and Separation of Religion and State
Topic
Indian Secularism vs. Other Democratic Nations
Chapter 16
Parliament and the Making of Laws
Topic
Why Should People Decide? Role of Citizens in Democracy
Topic
Functions of Parliament: Select Government, Control, Unfold Laws
Topic
How Do New Laws Come About? Case Study of Unpopular Laws
Chapter 17
Judiciary
Topic
Role and Independence of the Judiciary
Topic
Structure of Courts in India: Integrated Judicial System
Topic
Branches of Legal System: Civil Law vs. Criminal Law
Topic
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and Access to Courts
Chapter 18
Understanding Marginalisation
Topic
What is Marginalisation? Adivasis and Development
Topic
Minorities and Marginalisation: Case Study of Muslims
Chapter 19
Confronting Marginalisation
Topic
Invoking Fundamental Rights to Fight Inequality
Topic
Laws for Marginalised Groups and SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act
Topic
Reservations as Social Justice Policy
Chapter 20
Public Facilities
Topic
Water as Part of Fundamental Right to Life
Topic
Government Role in Providing Public Facilities
Topic
Water Availability and Inequities Across Cities
Chapter 21
Law and Social Justice
Topic
Minimising Market Exploitation: Minimum Wages Act
Topic
Enforcement of Safety Laws and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Case
Topic