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AP SSC 2025 Social Studies 21E and 22E Question Paper with Solution Pdf

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Nidhi Bamnawat

| Updated On - Jan 23, 2026

AP SSC 2025 Social Studies – 21E and 22 E Question Paper with Solution PDF is available here for download. AP SSC 2025 Social Studies Question Paper consists of 33 questions with a total weightage of 100 marks.

AP SSC 2025 Social Studies – 21E and 22 E Question Paper with Solution PDF

AP SSC 2025 Social Studies – 21E and 22 E Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
AP SSC 2025 Social Studies 21E and 22E Question Paper with Solutions


Question 1:

Where was the first International Earth Summit held?

Correct Answer: Rio de Janeiro
View Solution



Concept: The first International Earth Summit, officially known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), focused on sustainable development and environmental protection.


Calculation:

The summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.


Explanation: Rio de Janeiro hosted the landmark event that led to agreements like the Rio Declaration, Agenda 21, and the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Quick Tip: Remember "Rio 1992" for the first Earth Summit.


Question 2:

Who was the author of the book "Small is Beautiful"?

Correct Answer: E.F. Schumacher
View Solution



Concept: "Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics As If People Mattered" is a seminal work on economics, ecology, and human-scale technology.


Calculation:

The author is E.F. Schumacher, an economist and philosopher.


Explanation: Published in 1973, the book critiques modern economics and advocates for sustainable, small-scale alternatives.
Quick Tip: E.F. Schumacher's work emphasizes "appropriate technology" and human-centered economics.


Question 3:

Which one of the following industries uses bauxite as a raw material?

  • (a) Aluminium Smelting
  • (b) Cement
  • (c) Paper
  • (d) Steel
Correct Answer: (a) Aluminium Smelting
View Solution



Concept: Bauxite is the primary ore for aluminum production.


Calculation:

Aluminium Smelting uses bauxite to extract aluminum via the Bayer process and electrolysis.


Explanation: Bauxite is rich in alumina (\(\ce{Al2O3}\)), essential for aluminum; other industries use limestone (cement), wood (paper), and iron ore (steel).
Quick Tip: Bauxite = Aluminum ore.


Question 4:

Who was the founder of 'Young Italy'?

Correct Answer: Giuseppe Mazzini
View Solution



Concept: 'Young Italy' was a revolutionary political movement aimed at unifying Italy.


Calculation:

Founded in 1831 by Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian patriot and revolutionary.


Explanation: Mazzini established 'Young Italy' to promote republicanism and national unification through secret societies and uprisings.
Quick Tip: Mazzini = Father of Italian Unification and founder of Young Italy.


Question 5:

In which year did the Great Economic Depression begin?

Correct Answer: 1929
View Solution



Concept: The Great Economic Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn.


Calculation:

It began with the Wall Street Crash on October 29, 1929 (Black Tuesday).


Explanation: The crash marked the start of a decade-long depression affecting industrialized nations, leading to mass unemployment and poverty.
Quick Tip: 1929 Wall Street Crash = Start of Great Depression.


Question 6:

Expand IMF.

Correct Answer: International Monetary Fund
View Solution



Concept: IMF is a global financial organization.


Calculation:

I = International, M = Monetary, F = Fund.


Explanation: Established in 1944 at Bretton Woods, it promotes global monetary cooperation, financial stability, and sustainable growth.
Quick Tip: IMF + World Bank = Bretton Woods Twins.


Question 7:

Match the following:

1) Defence \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad A) Concurrent list

2) Education \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad B) State list

3) Agriculture \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad C) Union list

Correct Answer: 1-C, 2-A, 3-B
View Solution



Concept: Indian Constitution divides legislative powers into Union, State, and Concurrent lists.


Calculation:

- Defence → Central government responsibility → Union list (C)

- Education → Both Centre and States legislate → Concurrent list (A)

- Agriculture → Primarily state subject → State list (B)


Explanation: As per Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
Quick Tip: Defence, Foreign Affairs = Union; Police, Agriculture = State; Education, Forests = Concurrent.


Question 8:

How many languages are recognised as scheduled languages by the Indian Constitution?

Correct Answer: 22
View Solution



Concept: The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists official languages.


Calculation:

Originally 14, now 22 after amendments (latest: 92nd Amendment, 2003 added 4).


Explanation: Includes Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili, Dogri.
Quick Tip: Eighth Schedule = 22 languages (as of 2025).


Question 9:

Find out the odd one from the following:

i) Indian National Congress Party

ii) Bharatiya Janata Party

iii) Telugu Desam Party

iv) Bahujan Samaj Party

Correct Answer: iii) Telugu Desam Party
View Solution



Concept: Classification of political parties.


Calculation:

- INC, BJP, BSP → National parties (recognized by Election Commission across India)

- TDP → Regional party (primarily active in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana)


Explanation: Odd one is TDP due to its regional character.
Quick Tip: National vs Regional: Check Election Commission recognition and spread.


Question 10:

Which among the following is considered to calculate HDI?

Correct Answer: d) All of these
View Solution



Concept: Human Development Index (HDI) measures overall development.


Calculation:

HDI = Average of three indices:

1. Life Expectancy (Health)

2. Education (Literacy + Mean years of schooling)

3. Per Capita Income (GNI per capita, PPP)


Explanation: All three components are essential for HDI calculation by UNDP.
Quick Tip: HDI = Health + Education + Income.


Question 11:

Plot the below information on a Bar Graph.


Toys sold in India (%)

Chinese toys — 70%

Other toys — 30%

Correct Answer:
The given data shows that 70% of toys sold in India are Chinese toys, while only 30% are from other countries. This can be represented graphically using a simple bar graph with two bars showing the percentage of each category. The taller bar represents the dominance of Chinese toys in the Indian toy market, indicating high imports and preference for foreign-manufactured toys.
\begin{tikzpicture} \begin{axis}[ ybar, bar width=1cm, width=10cm, height=7cm, ymin=0, ymax=100, ylabel={Percentage of Toys Sold (%)}, symbolic x coords={Chinese Toys, Other Toys}, xtick=data, nodes near coords, enlarge x limits=0.4, grid=both, grid style={dashed, gray!30}, title={Toys Sold in India (%)} ] \addplot coordinates {(Chinese Toys,70) (Other Toys,30)}; \end{axis} \end{tikzpicture}
View Solution



Below is the bar graph representing the data for toys sold in India. The X-axis represents the type of toys, and the Y-axis represents the percentage share.
Quick Tip: When drawing bar graphs, label both axes clearly and keep the scale uniform for accurate representation.


Question 12:

Arrange the following countries from West to East.

China, USA, England, Japan.

Correct Answer: USA, England, China, Japan
View Solution



Concept: Geographical arrangement based on longitude from West to East.


Calculation:

- USA (North America) → Western Hemisphere (~75°W to 120°W)

- England (UK) → Western Europe (~0° to 5°W)

- China → East Asia (~70°E to 135°E)

- Japan → Far East (~130°E to 145°E)


Explanation: Moving eastward: North America → Europe → Asia (China) → Japan.
Quick Tip: West to East: America → Europe → Asia → Japan.


Question 13:

What are basic industries? Give an example.

Correct Answer: Basic industries are those industries that supply their products as raw materials to other industries, thereby forming the foundation of an economy. These industries play a vital role in industrial development because they support and sustain secondary and tertiary sectors. For example, the iron and steel industry is a basic industry as it provides steel to automobile, construction, and machinery sectors. Similarly, cement and aluminium industries are also basic because they help build infrastructure and manufacture other products.
View Solution



Basic industries are the backbone of economic growth since other industries depend on them for raw materials.
Quick Tip: Basic industries are also called “core industries” — they form the base for industrial and economic development.


Question 14:

Read the map carefully and answer the question given below.




In which State is the Kandla Port located ?

Correct Answer: Gujarat
View Solution




Step 1: Locating the Port on the Map

Observe the map provided. The port named "Kandla" is marked on the western coast of India. It is situated at the head of the Gulf of Kutch.

Step 2: Identifying the State

The geographical region corresponding to this location is the state of Gujarat. Kandla is a major tidal port in this state. Quick Tip: Remember the location of major ports: Kandla is in Gujarat (West), whereas Kolkata/Haldia is in West Bengal (East).


Question 15:

Write a note on the effect of the Great Depression on Indian economy.

Correct Answer: The Great Depression of 1929–33 severely affected the Indian economy because India was under British rule and heavily dependent on exports of agricultural products such as jute, wheat, and cotton. Prices of these goods fell drastically, reducing farmers’ incomes. Demand for Indian raw materials in foreign markets declined sharply, leading to widespread poverty, debt, and unemployment in rural areas. Industrial production also slowed down as purchasing power decreased. Overall, the Depression worsened economic inequalities and exposed India’s dependence on colonial trade.
View Solution



Due to the global economic crisis, Indian exports collapsed and rural distress increased, causing immense suffering among farmers.
Quick Tip: When global demand falls, agricultural economies like India’s face the harshest impact.


Question 16:

"The fight for Swaraj is a fight for liberty" – Comment.

Correct Answer: The statement means that the struggle for Swaraj was not just about political independence from British rule but also about achieving personal and collective liberty. It represented freedom from oppression, inequality, and injustice in all forms—political, social, and economic. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi viewed Swaraj as self-rule with responsibility, where individuals would have dignity, equality, and moral autonomy. The fight for Swaraj thus symbolized the broader quest for human rights, equality, and empowerment for all Indians.
View Solution



Swaraj means self-rule and true freedom, both from foreign rule and internal injustice.
Quick Tip: Swaraj = Self-rule + Moral and social freedom for every citizen.


Question 17:

Based on the information given below, answer the following question :





Percentage of population living below the poverty line, 1999 – 2000

(Refer to the provided table comparing Rural and Urban poverty across caste groups)

Que : In which area is the poverty high ? Mention one reason.

Correct Answer: Rural area
View Solution




Step 1: Analyzing the Data

Refer to the last row of the table labeled "All Groups".

Rural poverty percentage: 27.0
Urban poverty percentage: 23.4

Comparing the values (\(27.0 > 23.4\)), poverty is higher in the Rural area.

Step 2: Reasoning

One major reason for higher poverty in rural areas is the heavy **dependence on agriculture**. Agriculture in India is often seasonal and dependent on monsoons, leading to irregular incomes. Additionally, there is a lack of alternative non-farm employment opportunities in rural sectors compared to urban centers. Quick Tip: When analyzing data tables, always check the "Total" or "All Groups" row for the overall trend, unless the question asks for a specific community.


Question 18:

How can you say that India is a federal country?

Correct Answer: India is a federal country because the Constitution divides powers between the Central Government and State Governments. This division is clearly defined under three lists—Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. Each level of government has independent authority within its jurisdiction. Additionally, the Constitution is supreme, and an independent judiciary (the Supreme Court) ensures that both governments follow constitutional provisions. Features like dual polity, distribution of powers, and constitutional supremacy confirm India’s federal nature with a unitary bias.
View Solution



India’s Constitution divides powers between two levels of government — Central and State — making it a federal system.
Quick Tip: Three Lists = Union, State, and Concurrent → key to Indian federalism.


Question 19:

What do you understand by globalisation? Explain in your own words.

Correct Answer: Globalisation refers to the increasing interconnectedness of countries through the exchange of goods, services, ideas, technologies, and people. It leads to the integration of national economies into a single global market. Through liberalisation of trade policies, development of transport and communication, and expansion of multinational corporations, countries are now economically and culturally linked. Globalisation has encouraged international trade and investment, but it has also created challenges such as inequality and economic dependence.
View Solution



Globalisation links different countries by trade, investment, and technology, forming a global economy.
Quick Tip: Globalisation = “One World Market” where ideas, goods, and services move freely.


Question 20:

Suggest any two measures to consumers to protect themselves from exploitation.

Correct Answer: Consumers can protect themselves from exploitation by first being aware of their rights such as the right to safety, right to information, and right to choose. They should always check for standard quality marks like ISI, Agmark, or Hallmark before purchasing products to ensure authenticity. Keeping bills and receipts is important for filing complaints in case of defective products. Consumers must also compare prices and avoid misleading advertisements. Awareness and vigilance are key to avoiding exploitation.
View Solution



Be informed, check quality marks, and keep proof of purchase to prevent fraud.
Quick Tip: An aware consumer is a safe consumer — check ISI, Agmark, or Hallmark before buying.


Question 21:

How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain.

Correct Answer: Human activities such as deforestation, industrialisation, urbanisation, and overgrazing have led to the rapid depletion of flora and fauna. Forests are cleared for agriculture, roads, and settlements, destroying the natural habitat of animals. Hunting, poaching, and overexploitation for commercial purposes have endangered several species. Pollution and climate change have further disturbed ecological balance. As a result, biodiversity loss has increased, leading to the extinction of many plants and animals, which weakens ecosystems and affects human life as well.
View Solution



Deforestation and pollution by humans cause habitat loss, species decline, and ecological imbalance.
Quick Tip: Protect forests and wildlife — they sustain the planet’s ecological balance.


Question 22:

Distinguish between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.

Correct Answer: Conventional energy sources are traditional sources like coal, petroleum, and natural gas that have been used for a long time. They are non-renewable and cause pollution when used. Non-conventional sources, on the other hand, include solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal energy. These are renewable, eco-friendly, and abundant. While conventional sources are exhaustible and concentrated in certain regions, non-conventional sources are available almost everywhere and are essential for sustainable development.
View Solution



Conventional = fossil fuels; Non-conventional = renewable, eco-friendly energies like solar and wind.
Quick Tip: Switch to renewable energy — clean, safe, and sustainable for the future.


Question 23:

Explain what is meant by proto-industrialisation.

Correct Answer: Proto-industrialisation refers to the early phase of industrial development in Europe before the establishment of factories. During this period, merchants provided raw materials to rural households, and families produced goods at home using simple tools. This system was known as the “putting-out system.” It helped expand production without building factories and gave rise to a merchant-controlled economy. Proto-industrialisation laid the foundation for the Industrial Revolution by creating a network of workers, markets, and capital.
View Solution



Before factories, goods were made in homes for merchants — this was proto-industrialisation.
Quick Tip: Proto = “before”; Proto-industrialisation = “pre-factory” stage of industry.


Question 24:

State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.

Correct Answer: Caste inequalities continue in India through social discrimination, economic disparity, and limited access to education and employment for lower castes. Despite legal safeguards such as the abolition of untouchability and reservation policies, Dalits and other backward communities still face exclusion and violence in certain regions. Unequal distribution of resources, political marginalisation, and caste-based prejudices hinder social justice and equality. The persistence of these inequalities highlights the gap between constitutional ideals and social reality.
View Solution



Though laws promote equality, caste-based discrimination still exists in practice.
Quick Tip: True equality means removing social barriers, not just legal ones.


Question 25:

Why is the issue of sustainability important for development?

Correct Answer:
Sustainability means using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is important because development should not come at the cost of environmental destruction or depletion of natural resources. Uncontrolled industrialisation, deforestation, and pollution harm the environment and threaten the long-term well-being of people. Therefore, sustainable development ensures that economic growth, social progress, and environmental balance go hand in hand for the continuous welfare of society.
View Solution



Sustainability is vital to prevent overuse of natural resources and maintain ecological balance for future generations.
Quick Tip: Always link “sustainability” with future generations and responsible resource use.


Question 26:

Write any four slogans on consumer rights.

Correct Answer:
1. “Consumer is the King — Be Aware of Your Rights!”
2. “Be an Aware Consumer, Not a Victim of Exploitation.”
3. “Right to Information is Your Power — Use It!”
4. “Demand Quality, Reject Adulteration!”
These slogans spread awareness about the importance of protecting consumer rights, ensuring fair trade, and encouraging people to make informed choices while purchasing goods or services.
View Solution



These slogans highlight the rights of consumers to be informed, protected, and to seek redressal.
Quick Tip: Always write short, catchy, and awareness-focused slogans related to consumer rights.


Question 27:

A) Explain the advantages of multi-purpose projects.

OR

B) Explain the initiatives taken by the Government to increase agricultural production.

Correct Answer:
\textbf{A) Advantages of Multi-purpose Projects:}
1. They help in irrigation and control floods by storing river water.
2. Provide hydroelectric power, which supports industries and domestic needs.
3. Promote inland navigation, tourism, and fisheries.
4. Help in soil conservation and provide drinking water to nearby areas.
5. They generate employment and contribute to regional development.
Thus, multi-purpose river valley projects such as Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud, and Damodar Valley have become essential for integrated development.
\textbf{B) Government Initiatives for Agricultural Production:}
1. Green Revolution introduced high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation.
2. Land reforms ensured fair distribution and ownership of agricultural land.
3. Establishment of agricultural research institutions and training centres.
4. Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy to protect farmers’ income.
5. Programmes like National Food Security Mission and PM-KISAN helped improve productivity.
View Solution



Both multi-purpose projects and government schemes aim to enhance irrigation, energy supply, and food security for balanced development.
Quick Tip: Link multi-purpose projects with “integrated river valley development” and government initiatives with “modernisation of agriculture.”


Question 28:

A) Read the paragraph and comment.

Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation. On 31 January 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands. Some of these were of general interest; others were specific demands of different classes, from industrialists to peasants. The idea was to make the demands wide-ranging, so that all classes within Indian society could identify with them and everyone could be brought together in a united campaign. The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax. Salt was something consumed by the rich and poor alike and it was one of the most essential items of food. The tax on salt and the Government monopoly over its production, Mahatma Gandhi declared, revealed the most oppressive face of British rule.


OR


B) Read the paragraph and comment.

Gutenberg was the son of a merchant and grew up on a large agricultural estate. From his childhood he had seen wine and olive presses. Subsequently, he learnt the art of polishing stones, became a master goldsmith and also acquired the expertise to create lead moulds used for making trinkets. Drawing on this knowledge, Gutenberg adapted existing technology to design his innovation. The olive press provided the model for the printing press and moulds were used for casting the metal types for the letters of the alphabet. By 1448, Gutenberg perfected the system. The first book he printed was the Bible. About 180 copies were printed and it took three years to produce them. By the standards of the time this was fast production.

Correct Answer:
\textbf{A) Comment on Mahatma Gandhi and the Salt March:}
The Salt March symbolised unity and non-violent resistance. Gandhi used salt, a common necessity, to bring people from all sections together against British rule. It exposed the unjust policies of the British government and ignited a mass movement for freedom, making it one of the most significant events in India’s struggle for independence.
\textbf{B) Comment on Gutenberg’s Contribution:}
Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press revolutionised the spread of knowledge. It made books cheaper and accessible, promoting literacy and learning across Europe. His innovation marked the beginning of the modern printing era, enabling the Renaissance, Reformation, and scientific progress.
View Solution



Both events—Gandhi’s Salt March and Gutenberg’s invention—represent revolutionary changes: one in social unity and the other in knowledge dissemination.
Quick Tip: Always focus on how a small idea or invention can create large-scale social change.


Question 29:

A) What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example for each of them.

OR

B) State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

Correct Answer:
\textbf{A) Forms of Power Sharing:}
1. \textit{Horizontal Division of Power:} Power shared among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary (e.g., India).
2. \textit{Vertical Division of Power:} Power shared between central and state governments (e.g., Federal system).
3. \textit{Community Government:} Power shared among different social and linguistic groups (e.g., Belgium).
4. \textit{Political Power Sharing:} Power shared through elections and political parties.
Such division ensures checks and balances and promotes unity in diversity.
\textbf{B) Functions of Political Parties:}
1. They contest elections and form governments.
2. Shape public opinion and influence policies.
3. Provide political choices to citizens.
4. Link the government with the people.
Parties act as the backbone of democracy by ensuring participation and accountability.
View Solution



Both power sharing and political parties maintain balance and stability in democratic systems.
Quick Tip: Remember: Power sharing prevents concentration of power, while political parties ensure public participation.


Question 30:

A) Locate the following in the given outline map of India:

1) River Narmada

2) Bengaluru

3) Lakshadweep Islands

4) Bay of Bengal

OR

B) Locate the following in the given outline map of World:

1) Germany

2) China

3) USA

4) Egypt

Correct Answer:
\textbf{A) On India Map:}
River Narmada – Flows westward in central India, into the Arabian Sea.
Bengaluru – Capital city of Karnataka, located in southern India.
Lakshadweep Islands – Group of coral islands southwest of Kerala in the Arabian Sea.
Bay of Bengal – Large water body to the east of India.
\textbf{B) On World Map:}
Germany – Central Europe.
China – Eastern Asia.
USA – North America.
Egypt – Northeastern Africa.
View Solution



Locate the given places accurately using political and physical maps of India and the world.
Quick Tip: Always practise map work with proper labeling and clear identification of physical and political features.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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