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CBSE Class 10 Social Science Chapter 15 Gender, Religion and Caste — 20 MCQs with Answers

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Chapter 15 — Gender, Religion and Caste — explores how identity markers shape political outcomes in India. From the sexual division of labour and women's underrepresentation in legislatures to the dangers of communalism and the evolving role of caste in electoral politics, this chapter is dense with conceptual and factual content. Multiple-choice questions test not only recall but also your ability to apply NCERT definitions to real scenarios, distinguish communalism from communal politics, and analyse data on gender and caste. This page presents 20 NCERT-grounded MCQs, each with a clear answer and rationale, so you walk into the 2025 board exam fully prepared.

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Key takeaways

  • ✓Chapter 15 carries 3–4 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Social Science board exam under the Political Science (Civics) section.
  • ✓Gender division, communalism, and caste politics are the three pillars of this chapter; MCQs test conceptual clarity and real-world application.
  • ✓Assertion-Reason MCQs in this chapter often link gender inequality to patriarchy or caste hierarchy to politics.
  • ✓The NCERT text uses terms like 'sexual division of labour', 'communalism', 'caste-based mobilisation' and 'reservation policy' — these appear verbatim in board papers.
  • ✓Practising 20+ MCQs helps students identify tricky distractors, especially in questions on literacy rates, political representation, and communal politics.
  • ✓CBSETUTOR.ai offers unlimited Chapter 15 Gender, Religion and Caste MCQ practice with instant photo-upload doubt solving at ₹999/month for all classes 6–12, with a 3-day free trial.

Gender Division and Politics — Core MCQs

Gender division refers to the unequal roles, resources, and power assigned to men and women in society. The NCERT highlights the sexual division of labour — where most unpaid domestic work falls on women — and the sharp underrepresentation of women in Indian legislatures (less than 15 per cent in Lok Sabha for decades, though the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam reserves 33 per cent seats). MCQs here often ask about feminist movements, literacy gaps, or the concept of patriarchy. Expect a mix of definition-based and data-interpretation questions.
  • Q1. The term 'sexual division of labour' refers to: (A) Division based on biological sex (B) Work assigned by society based on gender (C) Equal distribution of work between sexes (D) Work assigned by law. Answer: (B). Reason: NCERT states society, not biology alone, assigns roles; women do most unpaid domestic work.
  • Q2. According to NCERT data, what is the approximate percentage of women in India's Lok Sabha before the 2023 reservation law? (A) 5% (B) 10% (C) 15% (D) 25%. Answer: (B). Reason: Women's representation hovered around 10–12% historically, well below global averages.
  • Q3. Assertion (A): Feminist movements demand equal rights for women in personal and public life. Reason (R): Patriarchy grants social and economic power primarily to men. (A) Both A and R true, R explains A (B) Both true, R does not explain A (C) A true, R false (D) A false, R true. Answer: (A). Reason: Patriarchy is the root cause feminists challenge; R correctly explains A.
  • Q4. Which of the following is NOT a demand of feminist movements in India? (A) Equal wages for equal work (B) Reservation in legislatures (C) Abolition of all religious practices (D) End to domestic violence. Answer: (C). Reason: Feminists seek reform, not abolition of religion; personal laws reform is the focus.

Religion, Communalism and Secularism — Exam-Style Questions

Religion can influence politics in positive ways (Gandhian values, human rights rooted in faith) or negative ways (communalism). Communalism occurs when one religion is seen as superior and its followers form a political community hostile to others. NCERT distinguishes communal politics (using religion to gain power) from communalism (belief in religious superiority). India's Constitution mandates secularism: no official religion, freedom to practice and propagate faith, and state distance from religion. MCQs test definitions, examples of communal violence (Gujarat 2002, Partition 1947), and constitutional provisions.
  • Q5. Communalism is based on the belief that: (A) All religions are equal (B) One religion is superior to others (C) Religion should guide politics (D) Religion has no role in society. Answer: (B). Reason: NCERT defines communalism as the ideology of religious superiority and antagonism.
  • Q6. Which principle best describes Indian secularism? (A) State promotes one religion (B) State has no official religion (C) State bans all religions (D) State funds all religions equally. Answer: (B). Reason: Article 15, 16, 25–28 ensure the state remains neutral; no official faith.
  • Q7. Gandhiji's use of religious symbols (Ram Rajya, communal harmony) in politics was: (A) Communal (B) Secular (C) Legitimate use of religious values for ethical politics (D) Unconstitutional. Answer: (C). Reason: NCERT clarifies that values like non-violence drawn from religion differ from communal mobilisation.
  • Q8. Assertion (A): Communal politics threatens democracy. Reason (R): It divides society on religious lines and incites violence. (A) Both A and R true, R explains A (B) Both true, R does not explain A (C) A true, R false (D) A false, R true. Answer: (A). Reason: Communal riots, Partition bloodshed, and polarisation all harm democratic fabric; R explains why.

Caste in Indian Politics — Conceptual and HOTS MCQs

Caste remains a reality in Indian society and politics despite constitutional abolition of untouchability. NCERT outlines three ways caste influences politics: (i) parties choose candidates based on caste composition of constituencies, (ii) parties appeal to caste sentiments, (iii) caste groups form pressure groups demanding reservations. Simultaneously, politics influences caste: groups once fragmented unite for political power (e.g., Yadavs, Kurmis as OBCs). The chapter stresses that while caste-based mobilisation can empower marginalised groups, exclusive caste politics undermines social harmony. MCQs test understanding of caste-based reservation, political mobilisation, and the dual relationship between caste and politics.
  • Q9. Caste can take the following forms in politics EXCEPT: (A) Candidates chosen by caste composition of voters (B) Appeals to caste loyalty during campaigns (C) Constitutional mandate to elect only upper castes (D) Caste groups as pressure groups for policy. Answer: (C). Reason: The Constitution prohibits caste discrimination; no mandate to elect specific castes exists.
  • Q10. How does politics influence caste? (A) Caste identities become rigid (B) Castes unite across regions for political power (C) Politics abolishes caste (D) Caste becomes irrelevant. Answer: (B). Reason: NCERT notes that fragmented jatis mobilise as larger groups (OBCs, Dalits) for reservations and representation.
  • Q11. Reservation policy in India aims to: (A) Perpetuate caste divisions (B) Ensure social justice and representation for historically marginalised castes (C) Give upper castes more power (D) Eliminate elections. Answer: (B). Reason: Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 330–332 provide reservations to SCs, STs, and OBCs to correct historical injustice.
  • Q12. Assertion (A): Exclusive caste-based politics can weaken democracy. Reason (R): It may overshadow issues like health, education, and employment. (A) Both A and R true, R explains A (B) Both true, R does not explain A (C) A true, R false (D) A false, R true. Answer: (A). Reason: When caste identity trumps development agenda, governance suffers; R explains A.

Gender Inequality and Political Representation — Data-Based MCQs

India ranks poorly on global gender indices. NCERT cites the 2011 Census: female literacy (65.46%) lags behind male literacy (82.14%), and the sex ratio (940 females per 1,000 males) reflects son preference and gender-based violence. Politically, women held fewer than 15% Lok Sabha seats until the 2023 Women's Reservation Act promised 33% reservation (yet to be implemented in elections). MCQs often present data tables or statements requiring students to infer patterns of inequality. Understanding terms like 'gender gap in literacy', 'missing women', and 'political underrepresentation' is crucial.
  • Q13. India's sex ratio (2011 Census) stands at approximately: (A) 1,000 females per 1,000 males (B) 940 females per 1,000 males (C) 800 females per 1,000 males (D) 1,050 females per 1,000 males. Answer: (B). Reason: NCERT highlights 940:1,000 as evidence of gender discrimination, female foeticide, and neglect.
  • Q14. The Women's Reservation Bill (2023) reserves how many seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies? (A) 10% (B) 25% (C) 33% (D) 50%. Answer: (C). Reason: The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam reserves one-third seats, a long-standing feminist demand.
  • Q15. Gender gap in literacy means: (A) More girls enrolled in schools than boys (B) Difference between male and female literacy rates (C) Equal education for both genders (D) Abolition of girls' schools. Answer: (B). Reason: NCERT data shows male literacy ~16 percentage points higher than female, a significant gender gap.
  • Q16. Assertion (A): Women perform two-thirds of the world's work but earn only 10% of income. Reason (R): Most women's work is unpaid domestic labour not counted in GDP. (A) Both A and R true, R explains A (B) Both true, R does not explain A (C) A true, R false (D) A false, R true. Answer: (A). Reason: NCERT cites this statistic; unpaid care work inflates work hours but not income, so R explains A.

Communalism in Practice — Case-Study and Application MCQs

NCERT provides historical examples: the 1947 Partition saw over a million deaths and mass displacement fueled by communal violence; post-Independence riots in Gujarat (2002), Muzaffarnagar (2013), and periodic tensions illustrate communalism's dangers. Communal politics manifests as hate speech, mobilisation on religious lines, and scapegoating minorities. The Constitution's Preamble (Secular, Socialist, Democratic Republic) and Fundamental Rights (Articles 25–28 on religious freedom, Articles 15 and 16 on non-discrimination) are bulwarks against communalism. MCQs test recognition of communal versus secular acts, constitutional safeguards, and impacts of communal violence.
  • Q17. The Partition of India (1947) is an example of: (A) Secular politics (B) Communal violence and politics (C) Gender equality (D) Caste reservation. Answer: (B). Reason: NCERT describes Partition as the tragic outcome of communal mobilisation by political forces.
  • Q18. Which constitutional provision guarantees freedom of religion? (A) Article 14 (B) Article 19 (C) Article 25 (D) Article 32. Answer: (C). Reason: Article 25 grants all persons freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion.
  • Q19. A political leader declares that people of Religion A are anti-national. This statement is: (A) Secular (B) Communal (C) Democratic (D) Feminist. Answer: (B). Reason: Labelling an entire religious group as anti-national is classic communal hate speech, dividing society on religious lines.
  • Q20. Assertion (A): Secularism requires the state to treat all religions equally. Reason (R): India has no official state religion. (A) Both A and R true, R explains A (B) Both true, R does not explain A (C) A true, R false (D) A false, R true. Answer: (A). Reason: No state religion (R) is the foundation for equal treatment of all faiths (A); R explains A perfectly.

Caste, Class and Economic Inequality — Intersectional MCQs

Caste and class often overlap but are not identical. Many upper-caste households are wealthy, many Dalit and Adivasi households remain below the poverty line, yet exceptions exist: rich SC/ST entrepreneurs, poor Brahmins. NCERT stresses that economic liberalisation has not erased caste disadvantage; Dalits still face exclusion from certain jobs, social spaces, and access to resources. Reservation policies (Mandal Commission for OBCs, Constitutional provisions for SC/ST) aim to bridge this gap. MCQs probe the relationship between caste hierarchy and economic status, the rationale for affirmative action, and the persistence of caste discrimination in modern India.

How to Attempt MCQs in the CBSE Social Science Paper — Strategy Section

The 2025 CBSE Class 10 Social Science paper typically includes competency-based MCQs, some with two statements (Assertion and Reason), and a few case-based. For Chapter 15, expect 3–4 MCQs worth 1 mark each. First, read the question stem carefully — words like 'NOT', 'EXCEPT', 'best describes' change the entire answer. Eliminate obviously wrong options; NCERT language is your gold standard. For Assertion-Reason, check if both statements are true individually, then see if R logically explains A. If a question cites data (literacy rates, sex ratio), do quick mental math to verify options. Time management is critical: spend no more than 30–40 seconds per MCQ. If stuck, mark your best guess and move on; revisit during review time. Underline key terms in the question — 'communalism', 'sexual division of labour', 'reservation' — to anchor your answer in NCERT definitions. Avoid overthinking: the correct answer is almost always the one that mirrors the textbook phrasing most closely.
  • Skim all options before selecting; distractors often use half-truths or mix concepts (e.g., mixing communalism with communal politics).
  • For definition-based MCQs, recall NCERT verbatim: 'sexual division of labour', 'communalism as belief in superiority', 'secular state with no official religion'.
  • In Assertion-Reason, even if both are true, choose 'Both true, R does NOT explain A' if there is no causal link.
  • Case-based MCQs will present a scenario (election rally speech, data table); underline facts and match to chapter concepts.
  • Negative marking does not apply in CBSE board MCQs, so never leave a question blank — make an educated guess if unsure.

Common Mistakes Students Make in Chapter 15 MCQs

Many students confuse communalism (ideology) with communal politics (use of religion in electoral strategy). Another error: assuming caste is purely economic — NCERT is clear that caste is social hierarchy; class is economic. On gender, students mix up 'sex' (biological) and 'gender' (social roles). In Assertion-Reason, choosing 'Both true, R explains A' when R is a separate fact, not a cause, costs marks. Data questions trip students who do not read units carefully (percentages versus absolute numbers, sex ratio per 1,000 versus per 100). Finally, some rely on general knowledge instead of NCERT text; for example, they might know women's reservation passed in 2023 but forget NCERT states it as 'a long-standing demand not yet implemented in elections' — so in a 2024 exam, implementation status must match the year. Always cross-check your knowledge with the edition you are studying.
  • Do not equate secularism with atheism; NCERT defines it as state neutrality, not rejection of religion.
  • Remember that caste mobilisation can empower marginalised groups (positive) or deepen divisions (negative) — context matters.
  • Assertion-Reason: if the question asks 'R is the correct explanation of A', check causality, not just truth.
  • Avoid real-world updates not in NCERT; stick to textbook data and examples unless the question explicitly asks current affairs.
  • In gender MCQs, 'equal representation' is an aspiration, not current reality; choose options that reflect ongoing inequality unless the question specifies a future policy.

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Mastering Gender, Religion and Caste MCQs requires more than rote learning — you need to apply concepts to unseen scenarios, interpret data, and distinguish fine definitional shades. CBSETUTOR.ai provides unlimited, NCERT-aligned MCQ practice for Class 10 Social Science Chapter 15, complete with instant feedback and step-by-step explanations. Stuck on an Assertion-Reason question at 10 p.m.? Snap a photo and upload it; the AI tutor delivers a clear, exam-focused answer in seconds. Whether you are revising gender inequality statistics, communalism case studies, or caste-politics interplay, the platform offers targeted question sets that mirror CBSE's competency-based format. At a flat ₹999 per month for all subjects across Classes 6–12, plus a 3-day free trial, CBSETUTOR.ai is the 24×7 study partner that adapts to your pace. Parents in metro cities juggling coaching fees and students in smaller towns lacking quality Social Science tutors both benefit equally. Try the free trial, practice these 20 MCQs, and watch your confidence — and scores — climb steadily before the 2025 boards.
  • Access 100+ additional MCQs on Gender, Religion and Caste, updated to the latest NCERT edition and CBSE question pattern.
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Frequently asked questions

How many MCQs from Chapter 15 Gender, Religion and Caste appear in the CBSE Class 10 Social Science board exam?+
Typically 3–4 MCQs (1 mark each) are asked from this chapter in the Civics (Political Science) section of the 80-mark board paper. The 2025 pattern may include competency-based and Assertion-Reason formats, so practising diverse question types is essential.
What is the difference between communalism and communal politics according to NCERT?+
Communalism is the belief that one religion is superior to others and that people of different religions cannot live as equal citizens. Communal politics is the practice of using religion to mobilise voters, form political alliances, or incite conflict. The former is an ideology; the latter is its application in electoral strategies.
Why does NCERT emphasise the sexual division of labour in the Gender section?+
Sexual division of labour refers to society assigning most unpaid domestic and care work to women, limiting their time and opportunities for paid employment and political participation. NCERT highlights this to show that gender inequality is not biological but socially constructed, and can therefore be challenged and changed.
What does the 2023 Women's Reservation Act do, and has it been implemented?+
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam reserves 33 per cent of seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women. As of early 2025, it has been passed but not yet implemented in elections; implementation depends on fresh delimitation and Census. NCERT notes it as a long-standing feminist demand.
How can caste influence politics, according to NCERT?+
Caste influences politics in three main ways: (i) parties choose candidates based on the caste composition of voters, (ii) parties appeal to caste sentiments to mobilise support, and (iii) caste groups organise as pressure groups demanding reservations or policy benefits. This dynamic shapes both candidate selection and policy priorities.
Does politics influence caste, or only the other way around?+
Politics also transforms caste. NCERT explains that many fragmented jatis (sub-castes) have united under broader categories like OBC, SC, or ST for political mobilisation. Electoral competition forces political parties to recognise and address caste-based demands, giving marginalised groups a platform and voice they historically lacked.
What is the sex ratio in India according to the 2011 Census, and why is it significant?+
India's sex ratio is approximately 940 females per 1,000 males (2011 Census). This deficit reflects gender discrimination, including female foeticide, infanticide, and neglect of girls' health and nutrition. NCERT uses this statistic to illustrate deep-rooted son preference and the need for policy interventions.
How should I approach Assertion-Reason MCQs in Chapter 15?+
First, verify if Assertion (A) is true by recalling NCERT text. Then check if Reason (R) is true. If both are true, ask: does R logically explain or cause A? If yes, choose 'Both true, R explains A'. If R is true but unrelated to A, choose 'Both true, R does not explain A'. This two-step check prevents careless errors.
Are there any case-based MCQs in Chapter 15, and how do I prepare for them?+
Yes, CBSE often includes a short paragraph (election scenario, data table, or news snippet) followed by 3–4 sub-questions. Read the passage carefully, underline keywords (communal speech, caste-based candidate, gender ratio), and match them to NCERT concepts. Practising sample cases in your textbook and on CBSETUTOR.ai builds this skill.
What is the role of reservation in reducing caste inequality, per NCERT?+
Reservation (Articles 15(4), 16(4), 330–332) provides SCs, STs, and OBCs with access to education, government jobs, and legislative seats, countering centuries of exclusion. NCERT states that reservation is a tool for social justice, ensuring representation and upward mobility for historically marginalised groups, though debates on its scope and duration continue.
How does CBSETUTOR.ai help with Chapter 15 MCQ practice?+
CBSETUTOR.ai offers unlimited NCERT-aligned MCQs for Chapter 15, instant photo-upload doubt solving, and topic-wise performance analytics. At ₹999/month for all subjects and classes 6–12, with a 3-day free trial, it provides 24×7 access to an AI tutor that explains every MCQ option, helps you master Assertion-Reason logic, and tracks your progress toward board exam readiness.
Can I score full marks in Chapter 15 MCQs by only reading NCERT?+
Yes, absolutely. Every MCQ in the CBSE board exam is rooted in NCERT text, definitions, data, and examples. Read the chapter carefully, underline key terms (communalism, sexual division of labour, caste mobilisation, secular state), and solve the in-text and end-of-chapter questions. Supplement with the 20 MCQs on this page and additional practice on CBSETUTOR.ai to build speed and accuracy.

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