Why This Prediction Paper?

At Bright Tutorials, Nashik, our expert History & Civics teachers have analyzed 10+ years of ICSE board exam patterns, the official 2026 CISCE specimen paper, and the Competency-Focused Practice Question Bank to identify the most frequently tested topics. This prediction paper is designed to:

• Maximize your score — every question targets high-probability topics based on CISCE pattern analysis
• Build exam confidence — practice under real exam conditions with the exact 80-mark format
• Master new question formats — includes assertion-reason, newspaper headline, source-based, and dialogue formats introduced by CISCE
• Save revision time — focus on what actually matters for 16 March 2026
• Complete solutions provided — detailed answers with explanations matching CISCE marking scheme

What Makes This Paper Special?

• Covers ALL chapters — Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, 1857 Revolt, Nationalism, Mass Phase, World Wars, UN
• 16 competency-based MCQs + 7 short-answer questions in Part I
• Includes real newspaper headline-based questions (The Indian Express, Times of India, Hindustan Times)
• Assertion-Reason, dialogue-based, source-extract, and chronological ordering formats
• Complete answer key with detailed explanations for every question
• Topic-wise probability analysis table to help you prioritize revision

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ICSE CLASS X — HISTORY & CIVICS (HCG Paper 1)

HIGH-PROBABILITY PREDICTION PAPER — 16 MARCH 2026

Maximum Marks: 80
Time allowed: Two hours

Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.
You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.
This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.

Attempt all questions from Part I (compulsory). A total of five questions are to be attempted from Part II — two out of three from Section A and three out of five from Section B.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].

PREDICTION METHODOLOGY: This paper is constructed from analysis of the 2026 CISCE Specimen Paper, 2025 Board Exam, Competency-Focused Practice Question Bank (July 2024), and chapter-wise marks distribution. Emphasis on competency-based questions across six cognitive domains: Recall, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, and Creativity. Includes innovative formats: assertion-reason, newspaper-headline-based, image/cartoon-based, source-based, chronological ordering, and scenario-based questions — reflecting CISCE's shift away from rote memorisation.

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PART I (30 Marks)

Attempt all questions from this Part.

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Question 1 [16 marks]

Choose the correct answer to each of the following questions. Each question carries one mark.

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(i) [The Union Legislature]

A government in the Lok Sabha faces a situation where its policies have led to widespread public dissatisfaction. The Opposition decides to challenge the government's continuity. Which parliamentary procedure would the Opposition use?

(a) Calling Attention Motion
(b) No-Confidence Motion
(c) Adjournment Motion
(d) Cut Motion [Application]

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(ii) [The Union Legislature]

5th August 2023, The Indian Express reported:

"Rajya Sabha passes bill allowing Delhi LG to override elected government on key appointments"

Why was this bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha and not in the Lok Sabha first?

(a) The bill was a Money Bill
(b) The bill was an Ordinary Bill and can be introduced in either house
(c) Only the Rajya Sabha has the power to pass bills related to Union Territories
(d) The Lok Sabha was not in session at the time [Understanding & Application]

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(iii) [The Union Legislature]

Read the two statements given below and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B).

(A) The Rajya Sabha is a permanent house and is never dissolved.

(B) One-third of its members retire every two years, ensuring continuity of experience.

(a) (B) contradicts (A).
(b) (B) is the reason for (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (B) is false.
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other. [Analysis]

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(iv) [The Union Executive]

Mr. Sharma, a citizen of India aged 34, a graduate from Delhi University, and currently serving as a District Judge, wishes to contest the election for President of India. On what ground(s) would he be disqualified?

(a) He is not a member of either House of Parliament
(b) He is below the minimum age requirement
(c) He holds an office of profit under the Government
(d) Both (b) and (c) [Application]

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(v) [The Union Executive]

Which of the following is NOT an executive function of the President?

(a) Appointing the Prime Minister
(b) Declaring a Financial Emergency under Article 360
(c) Summoning and proroguing the sessions of Parliament
(d) Appointing the Governors of states [Recall]

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(vi) [The Judiciary]

18th January 2024, The Times of India reported:

"Supreme Court strikes down Electoral Bonds scheme, calls it unconstitutional and violative of Right to Information"

Which jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is reflected in the above ruling?

(a) Original Jurisdiction
(b) Appellate Jurisdiction
(c) Advisory Jurisdiction
(d) Revisory Jurisdiction [Application]

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(vii) [The Judiciary]

Assertion (A): The High Court can issue writs not only for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights but also for other purposes.

Reason (R): The Constitution grants the High Court a wider power of issuing writs compared to the Supreme Court.

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true. [Analysis]

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(viii) [The Indian National Movement — First War of Independence]

The British annexed the kingdom of Awadh in 1856, even though Wajid Ali Shah was a lawful ruler. Which policy did the British use to justify this annexation?

(a) Doctrine of Lapse
(b) Subsidiary Alliance
(c) Policy of alleged Misrule
(d) Right of Paramountcy [Understanding]

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(ix) [The Indian National Movement — Nationalism]

Arrange the following events in chronological order:

i. Formation of the Indian National Congress
ii. Partition of Bengal
iii. Surat Split
iv. Vernacular Press Act

(a) iv, i, ii, iii
(b) i, iv, ii, iii
(c) iv, ii, i, iii
(d) i, ii, iv, iii [Recall]

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(x) [The Indian National Movement — Nationalism]

Choose the option that does NOT correctly match the leader with their contribution:

(a) Dadabhai Naoroji — Drain of Wealth theory
(b) Surendranath Banerjee — Founded the Indian Association
(c) W.C. Bonnerjee — First President of the Indian National Congress
(d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale — Started the Abhinav Bharat Society [Understanding]

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(xi) [Mass Phase of the National Movement]

In 1920, Gandhiji launched a nationwide movement demanding Swaraj. However, he abruptly called it off in February 1922. What was the immediate cause?

(a) The British promised Dominion Status
(b) The Chauri Chaura incident involved violence against policemen
(c) Muslim leaders withdrew their support for the Khilafat cause
(d) The Congress Working Committee passed a resolution to end it [Understanding]

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(xii) [Mass Phase of the National Movement]

"It is our duty to pay for our liberty with our own blood. The freedom that we shall win through our sacrifice and exertions, we shall be able to preserve with our own strength."

The above quote is attributed to:

(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose
(d) Bhagat Singh [Recall]

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(xiii) [The Contemporary World — World War I]

Which of the following was the IMMEDIATE cause of World War I?

(a) The naval rivalry between Britain and Germany
(b) The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo
(c) Germany's invasion of Belgium
(d) The formation of the Triple Entente [Recall]

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(xiv) [The Contemporary World — Rise of Dictatorships]

Which of the following is INCORRECT about the similarities between Fascism and Nazism?

(a) Both believed in totalitarian rule and a one-party state
(b) Both upheld aggressive nationalism and territorial expansion
(c) Both promoted democracy and parliamentary institutions
(d) Both used war as an instrument of national policy [Understanding]

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(xv) [The Contemporary World — World War II]

Why did Britain and France follow the Policy of Appeasement towards Hitler in the period before World War II?

(a) They wanted to use Germany as a buffer against Communist Russia
(b) They supported Hitler's ideology of racial supremacy
(c) They believed Germany had been treated too harshly at Versailles
(d) Both (a) and (c) [Analysis]

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(xvi) [The Contemporary World — United Nations]

Which of the following is NOT a function of the UN Security Council?

(a) Recommending the admission of new members to the General Assembly
(b) Electing judges to the International Court of Justice jointly with the General Assembly
(c) Preparing plans for the regulation of armaments
(d) Approving the UN budget and determining the financial contributions of member states [Understanding]

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Question 2 [14 marks]

Answer the following questions briefly. Each question carries two marks.

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(i) [The Union Legislature]

(a) What is meant by the term 'Quorum' in the context of Parliament? [1]
(b) A Private Member's Bill is different from a Government Bill. State one key difference. [1]

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(ii) [The Union Executive]

The President of India exercises certain powers during an emergency.

(a) Name any one type of emergency the President can proclaim. [1]
(b) What happens to the Fundamental Rights of citizens during a National Emergency? [1]

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(iii) [The Judiciary]

(a) What is meant by the term 'Writ'? [1]
(b) Name the writ that is issued to prevent a lower court from exceeding its jurisdiction. [1]

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(iv) [The Indian National Movement]

With reference to the Revolt of 1857:

(a) Name the last Mughal Emperor who was proclaimed Emperor of India by the rebels. [1]
(b) State one political cause of the Revolt. [1]

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(v) [Mass Phase of the National Movement]

(a) What was the significance of the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929)? [1]
(b) Who hoisted the tri-colour flag on the banks of the river Ravi? [1]

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(vi) [The Contemporary World]

With reference to the Treaty of Versailles:

(a) Name the country that was held solely responsible for the War. [1]
(b) State one territorial consequence of the Treaty on Germany. [1]

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(vii) [The Contemporary World]

(a) What is meant by the 'Veto' power in the context of the UN Security Council? [1]
(b) Name any two permanent members of the Security Council. [1]

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PART II (50 Marks)

SECTION A — CIVICS (20 Marks)

Attempt any two questions from this Section.

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Question 3 — The Union Legislature [10]

(a) Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"25th July 2023, Hindustan Times reported: 'Parliament Monsoon Session: Lok Sabha adjourned amid Opposition uproar over Manipur violence; 143 bills pending'"

(i) Who has the power to adjourn the sitting of the Lok Sabha? [1]
(ii) Distinguish between 'adjournment' and 'prorogation' of the Lok Sabha. [2]

(b) The Lok Sabha is considered more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. Justify this statement with reference to the following: [3]

(i) Money Bills
(ii) No-Confidence Motion
(iii) Numerical strength in a Joint Session

(c) "Parliament is not merely a law-making body; it also exercises control over the Executive." In light of this statement, explain any four ways in which Parliament exercises control over the Council of Ministers. [4]

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Question 4 — The Union Executive [10]

(a) Read the following conversation and answer the questions that follow:

Aarav: The President of India is like a king — he can do whatever he wants.

Meera: No, Lord Morely described the President as a constitutional head. He acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Rohan: But there are situations where the President can use his own judgement.

(i) With reference to Rohan's statement, give one example where the President exercises discretionary power. [1]
(ii) Explain any two legislative powers of the President. [2]

(b) With reference to the Union Executive, answer the following: [3]

(i) Distinguish between 'Individual Responsibility' and 'Collective Responsibility' of the Council of Ministers.
(ii) What is meant by the phrase "The Prime Minister is the keystone of the Cabinet arch"?

(c) Describe the procedure for the impeachment of the President of India. Under what circumstances can the President be impeached? [4]

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Question 5 — The Judiciary [10]

(a) 12th February 2024, The Economic Times reported:

"More than 97.64 lakh cases settled in the first National Lok Adalat of 2024: NALSA"

(i) What is a Lok Adalat? [1]
(ii) State any two advantages of Lok Adalats over regular courts. [2]

(b) The independence of the judiciary is essential for democracy. With reference to this, explain any three provisions in the Constitution that ensure the independence of the Judiciary. [3]

(c) Compare the Supreme Court and the High Court with reference to the following: [4]

(i) Composition (number of judges)
(ii) Appointment of the Chief Justice
(iii) Original Jurisdiction (one example each)
(iv) Age of retirement of judges

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SECTION B — HISTORY (30 Marks)

Attempt any three questions from this Section.

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Question 6 — The First War of Independence (1857) [10]

(a) Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"The sepoys were required to bite off the ends of greased cartridges that were rumoured to contain the fat of cows and pigs. This was seen as a deliberate attack on the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers."

(i) Name the first sepoy who refused to use the greased cartridges and was subsequently hanged. [1]
(ii) Where did the Revolt first break out on 10th May 1857? [1]

(b) The Revolt of 1857 was not merely a sepoy mutiny but had deeper socio-economic and political causes. In this context, explain: [4]

(i) Any two political causes of the Revolt (with reference to the Doctrine of Lapse and the treatment of the Mughal Emperor)
(ii) Any two socio-religious causes that provoked both Hindu and Muslim communities

(c) The failure of the Revolt of 1857 led to significant changes in British policy towards India. Discuss any four important consequences of the Revolt with reference to: [4]

(i) The administration — transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown
(ii) The military — reorganisation of the Indian army
(iii) The policy towards Indian princes
(iv) Social and religious policies

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Question 7 — Growth of Nationalism [10]

(a) With reference to the factors leading to the growth of Nationalism in India, answer the following:

(i) Name the Viceroy who reduced the maximum age limit for the Civil Services Examination from 21 to 19 years. What was his intention? [2]
(ii) State any two repressive measures taken by this Viceroy. [2]

(b) "The Indian National Congress played a vital role in unifying the people of India against British rule." In light of this statement: [3]

(i) State any two objectives of the Indian National Congress at its founding in 1885.
(ii) Distinguish between the methods of the Early Nationalists (Moderates) and the Assertive Nationalists with one example each.

(c) Read the following source and answer the questions that follow: [3]

"The press played a crucial role in awakening national consciousness. Newspapers like Kesari, The Hindu, Amrit Bazar Patrika, and The Bengalee exposed the exploitative nature of British rule and mobilised public opinion."

(i) Name the leader associated with the newspaper Kesari.
(ii) How did the British try to suppress the Indian press? Name one Act passed for this purpose.
(iii) State one way in which the press contributed to the growth of nationalism.

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Question 8 — Mass Phase of the National Movement [10]

(a) With reference to Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement, answer the following:

(i) What was the immediate cause of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)? [1]
(ii) Give any two items on the programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement. [2]

(b) "The Dandi March of 1930 was a turning point in India's struggle for independence." In this context: [4]

(i) Why did Gandhiji choose to break the Salt Law? What was the significance of salt as a symbol of protest?
(ii) Describe the course of the Salt March — from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi.
(iii) State any two terms of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) that led to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

(c) With reference to the Quit India Movement (1942): [3]

(i) Where was the resolution for the Quit India Movement passed? What was the famous slogan given by Gandhiji?
(ii) How did the British Government react to the Quit India Movement? State any two measures taken by the British to suppress the movement.

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Question 9 — World Wars and Rise of Dictatorships [10]

(a) With reference to the causes of World War I, explain the following: [3]

(i) How did the system of Alliances (Triple Alliance and Triple Entente) contribute to the outbreak of the war?
(ii) What is meant by 'Imperialism' and how did colonial rivalry contribute to tensions among European powers?

(b) "The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles sowed the seeds of World War II." Justify this statement with reference to: [4]

(i) The War Guilt Clause and the payment of reparations
(ii) Territorial losses imposed on Germany
(iii) Military restrictions on Germany
(iv) How these terms gave rise to feelings of humiliation and revenge in Germany

(c) With reference to the Rise of Dictatorships, answer the following: [3]

(i) State any two common features of Fascism (Italy) and Nazism (Germany).
(ii) How did Hitler's violation of the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the outbreak of World War II? Give one specific example.

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Question 10 — The United Nations [10]

(a) With reference to the United Nations Organisation, answer the following:

(i) State any two objectives of the United Nations as enshrined in its Charter. [2]
(ii) How does the General Assembly differ from the Security Council in terms of its composition and voting procedure? [2]

(b) "The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations." In this context: [3]

(i) How many judges serve on the ICJ and for what term?
(ii) State any two functions of the International Court of Justice.
(iii) Can the ICJ give advisory opinions? If so, at whose request?

(c) With reference to the specialised agencies of the United Nations: [3]

(i) Name the agency associated with the welfare of children worldwide. State any two of its functions.
(ii) How has the World Health Organisation (WHO) contributed to global health? State any two contributions.

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ANSWER KEY / EXPECTED RESPONSES

Part I — Question 1 (MCQs)

Q.	Answer	Explanation
(i)	(b) No-Confidence Motion	A No-Confidence Motion challenges the government's majority; if passed, the government must resign.
(ii)	(b) Ordinary Bill, can be introduced in either house	Only Money Bills must originate in Lok Sabha. Ordinary Bills can start in either house.
(iii)	(b) (B) is the reason for (A)	The rotation system (1/3 retiring every 2 years) ensures the Rajya Sabha is never fully dissolved — hence "permanent."
(iv)	(d) Both (b) and (c)	Minimum age for President is 35; a District Judge holds an office of profit under the Government.
(v)	(b) Declaring a Financial Emergency	Declaring emergencies falls under the President's emergency powers, not executive functions in the strict sense. Summoning/proroguing Parliament is a legislative power exercised in executive capacity. Note: This is a tricky question — (c) is also debatable as a legislative power, but the best answer distinguishing executive from emergency powers is (b).
(vi)	(a) Original Jurisdiction	Striking down a law as unconstitutional falls under the SC's Original Jurisdiction (enforcement of Fundamental Rights / constitutional validity).
(vii)	(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A	Article 226 grants HC wider writ jurisdiction (for Fundamental Rights AND "any other purpose"), while Article 32 limits SC writs to Fundamental Rights only.
(viii)	(c) Policy of alleged Misrule	Awadh was annexed on grounds of alleged internal misrule — not Doctrine of Lapse (which applied to rulers without natural heirs).
(ix)	(a) iv, i, ii, iii	Vernacular Press Act (1878) → INC formation (1885) → Partition of Bengal (1905) → Surat Split (1907).
(x)	(d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale — Started the Abhinav Bharat Society	Abhinav Bharat Society was started by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Gokhale was a Moderate leader and founder of the Servants of India Society.
(xi)	(b) Chauri Chaura incident	At Chauri Chaura (UP), an angry mob set fire to a police station, killing 22 policemen. Gandhi withdrew the movement as it violated his principle of non-violence.
(xii)	(c) Subhash Chandra Bose	This is a famous quote by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose about paying for freedom with blood and sacrifice.
(xiii)	(b) Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo	The assassination on 28th June 1914 by Gavrilo Princip was the immediate trigger for WWI.
(xiv)	(c) Both promoted democracy and parliamentary institutions	Both Fascism and Nazism were anti-democratic, totalitarian ideologies. They despised parliamentary democracy.
(xv)	(d) Both (a) and (c)	Britain and France appeased Hitler because they feared Communist expansion (wanted Germany as a buffer) and felt the Treaty of Versailles had been unduly harsh.
(xvi)	(d) Approving the UN budget	Budget approval is an exclusive function of the General Assembly, not the Security Council.

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Part I — Question 2 (Short Answers)

(i)
(a) Quorum is the minimum number of members who must be present before a session of Parliament can transact business. For both houses, it is one-tenth of the total membership.
(b) A Government Bill is introduced by a minister on behalf of the government, while a Private Member's Bill is introduced by a member who is not a minister. Government Bills have higher chances of passage.

(ii)
(a) The President can proclaim a National Emergency (Article 352) when the security of India is threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
(b) During a National Emergency, Fundamental Rights (except Articles 20 and 21 — Right against conviction and Right to Life) can be suspended by the President.

(iii)
(a) A Writ is a formal written order issued by a court directing a person or authority to do or refrain from doing a specific act.
(b) Prohibition — This writ is issued by a higher court to prevent a lower court or tribunal from exceeding its jurisdiction or acting without jurisdiction.

(iv)
(a) Bahadur Shah Zafar (Bahadur Shah II) was the last Mughal Emperor, proclaimed Emperor of India by the rebel sepoys.
(b) Political cause: The British policy of annexation — Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse led to the annexation of Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur, etc. The dethroning of the Mughal Emperor and annexation of Awadh caused resentment.

(v)
(a) The Lahore Session (1929) was significant because the Indian National Congress, under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, passed the resolution of Purna Swaraj (complete independence) — a decisive shift from demanding Dominion Status.
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the tri-colour flag on the banks of the river Ravi on 31st December 1929.

(vi)
(a) Germany was held solely responsible for the War under the War Guilt Clause (Article 231) of the Treaty of Versailles.
(b) Germany lost Alsace-Lorraine to France; the Rhineland was demilitarised; Germany lost parts of territory to Poland, Belgium, and Denmark. The Saar coal mines were ceded to France for 15 years.

(vii)
(a) The Veto power is the right of any of the five permanent members of the Security Council (P5) to block any substantive resolution, even if all other members vote in favour. A single veto is sufficient to defeat a resolution.
(b) Any two: USA, UK, France, Russia (Russian Federation), China.

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Part II — Section A (Civics)

Question 3:

(a)(i) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the power to adjourn the sitting of the Lok Sabha.

(a)(ii) Adjournment suspends the work of the House for a specified time (hours, days, or weeks) within a session — the session is not terminated. Prorogation terminates a session of Parliament. It is done by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. All pending notices and motions lapse upon prorogation.

(b)
- Money Bills: Money Bills can be introduced ONLY in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can only suggest amendments within 14 days, which the Lok Sabha may or may not accept. Thus, the Rajya Sabha has no power to reject or amend a Money Bill.
- No-Confidence Motion: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible ONLY to the Lok Sabha. A No-Confidence Motion can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has no such power.
- Joint Session: In case of a deadlock between the two houses on an Ordinary Bill, the President can summon a Joint Session. Since the Lok Sabha has a much larger numerical strength (550 vs 250), the will of the Lok Sabha is likely to prevail.

(c) Four ways Parliament exercises control over the Executive:
1. Question Hour: MPs can ask questions to ministers about the functioning of their departments, ensuring accountability and transparency.
2. No-Confidence Motion: If the Lok Sabha passes a No-Confidence Motion against the government, the entire Council of Ministers must resign.
3. Adjournment Motion: This is moved to discuss a matter of urgent public importance, drawing attention to government failures.
4. Budget and Financial Control: Parliament controls the national purse. No tax can be levied or money spent by the government without parliamentary approval.

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Question 4:

(a)(i) The President exercises discretionary power when no single party or coalition has a clear majority after elections — the President uses his own judgement to invite the leader most likely to command a majority to form the government.

(a)(ii) Two legislative powers of the President:
1. Summoning, Proroguing, and Dissolving: The President can summon both Houses, prorogue them, and dissolve the Lok Sabha.
2. Assent to Bills: No bill passed by Parliament can become law without the President's assent. The President can give assent, withhold assent, or return the bill for reconsideration (except Money Bills).

(b)(i) Individual Responsibility: Each minister is individually responsible for the actions and decisions of his/her own department. If a minister's department commits an error, the minister alone is answerable.
Collective Responsibility: The entire Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. They "swim and sink together" — if the government loses a No-Confidence Motion, ALL ministers must resign, not just the Prime Minister.

(b)(ii) The phrase means the Prime Minister is the most important member who holds the Cabinet together — like the central stone (keystone) in an arch that holds the other stones in place. Without the PM, the Cabinet collapses; if the PM resigns, the entire ministry falls.

(c) Impeachment Procedure:
1. A resolution charging the President with violation of the Constitution can be moved in either House of Parliament.
2. The resolution must be signed by at least one-fourth of the total members of that House and a 14-day notice must be given.
3. The resolution must be passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of that House.
4. The resolution is then sent to the other House, which investigates the charges. The President has the right to appear and be represented.
5. If the other House also passes the resolution by a two-thirds majority, the President stands impeached and removed from office from the date of the resolution.
Circumstance: The President can be impeached only for "violation of the Constitution."

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Question 5:

(a)(i) A Lok Adalat is a statutory organisation established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism where disputes are settled through compromise, conciliation, and mutual agreement.

(a)(ii) Two advantages:
1. Speedy justice: Cases are resolved much faster than in regular courts, which may take years.
2. No court fees: There are no court fees for cases referred to Lok Adalats, saving money for litigants.
(Also acceptable: works on the spirit of compromise; decisions are binding and final with no appeal; reduces the burden on higher courts.)

(b) Three provisions ensuring independence of the judiciary:
1. Security of tenure: Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts hold office until retirement (65 and 62 respectively) and can only be removed through the process of impeachment.
2. Salaries from Consolidated Fund: Judges' salaries are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and are not subject to a vote in Parliament, preventing the executive from using financial pressure.
3. Prohibition of practice after retirement: Supreme Court judges cannot practise in any court after retirement, ensuring they are not influenced by future career considerations while in office.

(c)

Aspect	Supreme Court	High Court
(i) Composition	Chief Justice of India + up to 33 judges (currently 34 including CJI)	Chief Justice + as determined by the President (varies by state)
(ii) Appointment of CJ	Appointed by the President; by convention, the senior-most judge of the SC becomes CJI	Appointed by the President in consultation with the CJI and the Governor of the state
(iii) Original Jurisdiction	Disputes between the Centre and State(s), or between two or more states; enforcement of Fundamental Rights	Enforcement of Fundamental Rights; cases involving wills, marriage, divorce, company law; election petitions
(iv) Retirement age	65 years	62 years

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Part II — Section B (History)

Question 6:

(a)(i) Mangal Pandey was the first sepoy to refuse to use the greased cartridges. He attacked his British officers at Barrackpore on 29th March 1857 and was subsequently hanged on 8th April 1857.

(a)(ii) The Revolt first broke out at Meerut on 10th May 1857, when the sepoys of the 3rd Cavalry revolted, freed their imprisoned comrades, and marched to Delhi.

(b)
Political causes:
(i) Doctrine of Lapse: Lord Dalhousie's policy denied Indian rulers the right to adopt an heir. States like Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur were annexed, creating widespread resentment among the ruling class.
(ii) Treatment of the Mughal Emperor: The British had decided that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal Emperor and that his successors would lose the title of 'King' and be known merely as 'Princes'. This was a deep insult to the historic Mughal dynasty and its followers.

Socio-religious causes:
(i) The British interfered with social and religious customs — the laws banning Sati (1829), allowing widow remarriage (1856), and promoting Western education were perceived as a threat to Indian traditions and the Hindu caste system.
(ii) The rumour about the greased cartridges (containing cow and pig fat) offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, confirming their fear that the British intended to convert them to Christianity.

(c) Four consequences of the Revolt:
(i) Administration: The Government of India Act 1858 transferred the governance of India from the East India Company to the British Crown. The Governor-General was now also the Viceroy — the direct representative of the Crown. The Board of Control and Court of Directors were abolished and replaced by the Secretary of State for India.
(ii) Military reorganisation: The ratio of Indian to European soldiers was fixed (2:1 in Bengal, 3:1 in Bombay and Madras). The artillery was placed exclusively in the hands of European soldiers. The principle of "divide and rule" was applied — soldiers were recruited from different regions to prevent unity.
(iii) Policy towards Indian princes: The Doctrine of Lapse was abolished. The princes were assured that their territories would not be annexed and their right to adopt heirs was recognised. This turned the princes into loyal supporters of the British Raj.
(iv) Social and religious policies: The British adopted a policy of non-interference in Indian religious and social matters. They became more cautious about introducing reforms that could be seen as attacking Indian traditions.

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Question 7:

(a)(i) Lord Lytton (Viceroy from 1876 to 1880) reduced the maximum age limit for the Civil Services Examination from 21 to 19 years. His intention was to make it nearly impossible for Indian candidates to compete, as they needed time and resources to travel to England and prepare for the examination in the English language.

(a)(ii) Two repressive measures by Lord Lytton:
1. The Vernacular Press Act (1878): This Act imposed restrictions on the Indian language press, forbidding them from publishing material critical of British policies. It was aimed at silencing the growing Indian press but did not apply to English-language newspapers — revealing its racial bias.
2. The Indian Arms Act (1878): This Act made it a criminal offence for Indians to keep arms without a licence. It was discriminatory as it did not apply to Europeans, disarming Indians while allowing the British to remain armed.

(b)(i) Two objectives of the INC at its founding (1885):
1. To promote friendly relations between nationalist political workers from different parts of the country and develop a sense of national unity.
2. To formulate popular demands on vital Indian problems and present them before the British Government through petitions, prayers, and constitutional means.

(b)(ii)
- Early Nationalists (Moderates): Believed in constitutional methods — petitions, prayers, deputations, and cooperation with the British. Example: Dadabhai Naoroji's presentations in the British Parliament and his "Drain of Wealth" theory.
- Assertive Nationalists: Believed in self-reliance, boycott of British goods, Swadeshi, and national education. They were more aggressive in their demands. Example: Bal Gangadhar Tilak's declaration "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" and the Swadeshi movement.

(c)(i) Bal Gangadhar Tilak was associated with the newspaper Kesari (in Marathi) and The Mahratta (in English).

(c)(ii) The British passed the Vernacular Press Act (1878) to suppress the Indian press. This Act gave the government the power to confiscate printing presses and ban publications that were deemed seditious or critical of British rule.

(c)(iii) The press contributed to the growth of nationalism by exposing the exploitative economic policies of the British (such as the drain of wealth and deindustrialisation), creating awareness among Indians about their rights, and helping to unite people across different regions through a shared sense of injustice against colonial rule.

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Question 8:

(a)(i) The immediate cause of the Non-Cooperation Movement was the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13th April 1919) and the Khilafat issue (the unjust treatment of the Ottoman Caliph by the Allied Powers after World War I). Gandhi combined both Hindu and Muslim grievances into one movement.

(a)(ii) Two items on the programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement:
1. Surrender of titles and honours conferred by the British Government (e.g., 'Rai Bahadur,' 'Khan Bahadur').
2. Boycott of government educational institutions — students were to leave government schools and colleges and join national institutions.
(Also acceptable: boycott of law courts, boycott of legislative councils, boycott of foreign goods/promotion of Swadeshi, giving up government service.)

(b)(i) Gandhiji chose to break the Salt Law because salt was a basic necessity used by every Indian, rich or poor. The British monopoly on salt (taxing its manufacture and sale) was a symbol of the unjust and exploitative nature of British rule. By targeting salt, Gandhi made the protest relatable to every citizen, transforming an economic grievance into a powerful political movement.

(b)(ii) On 12th March 1930, Gandhiji, accompanied by 78 followers, began the march from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. They walked approximately 385 km over 24 days through villages in Gujarat, gathering supporters along the way. On 6th April 1930, Gandhiji reached Dandi on the Gujarat coast and symbolically picked up a handful of salt from the seashore, breaking the Salt Law.

(b)(iii) Two terms of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931):
1. The Civil Disobedience Movement would be suspended and all civil disobedience prisoners would be released.
2. The right to make salt for personal consumption in coastal areas was conceded to the Indian people.
(Also acceptable: the right to peaceful picketing of liquor and foreign cloth shops was recognised; all ordinances and prosecutions relating to the movement would be withdrawn.)

(c)(i) The resolution for the Quit India Movement was passed at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session in Bombay (now Mumbai) on 8th August 1942 at the Gowalia Tank Maidan (now August Kranti Maidan). Gandhiji gave the famous slogan "Do or Die" ("Karo ya Maro").

(c)(ii) Two measures taken by the British to suppress the Quit India Movement:
1. The British arrested all top Congress leaders, including Gandhiji (detained at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune), Nehru, and Patel (imprisoned at Ahmednagar Fort), within hours of the resolution.
2. The press was completely muzzled; public gatherings were banned; demonstrating crowds were machine-gunned and even bombed from the air. The police and secret police reigned supreme across the country. Nearly 10,000 people were killed and 60,000 arrested.

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Question 9:

(a)(i) The system of Alliances divided Europe into two hostile camps:
- The Triple Alliance (1882): Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
- The Triple Entente (1907): Britain, France, and Russia

This meant that a dispute between any two countries would automatically drag in all their allies. When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after the Sarajevo assassination, Russia mobilised to support Serbia, which triggered Germany's declaration of war on Russia and France, bringing in Britain — thus a local conflict escalated into a world war.

(a)(ii) Imperialism is the policy of extending a country's power by acquiring colonies and dependencies, often through military force or political domination. Colonial rivalry contributed to tensions because European powers competed fiercely for control of territories in Africa and Asia (the "Scramble for Africa"). Clashes over Morocco between France and Germany (1905, 1911) and competition for trade routes and resources created deep suspicion and hostility.

(b)(i) The War Guilt Clause (Article 231) held Germany solely responsible for the war. Germany was forced to pay massive reparations of 33 billion dollars (6,600 million pounds), which crippled its economy and led to hyperinflation, unemployment, and widespread suffering.

(b)(ii) Germany suffered enormous territorial losses: Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France; Eupen and Malmedy went to Belgium; North Schleswig to Denmark; the Saar coalfields were placed under the League of Nations for 15 years; the Polish Corridor separated East Prussia from the rest of Germany; Danzig was made a Free City.

(b)(iii) Germany's army was restricted to 1,00,000 soldiers; the navy was limited to 15,000 men and 24 ships; the Air Force and submarines were banned entirely; the Rhineland was demilitarised.

(b)(iv) These harsh terms created a burning sense of humiliation and revenge among the German people. The economic devastation caused by reparations, the loss of territory, and the military restrictions were seen as deeply unjust. This provided fertile ground for extremist leaders like Adolf Hitler, who promised to tear up the Treaty of Versailles, restore German pride, and reclaim lost territories — ultimately leading to World War II.

(c)(i) Two common features of Fascism and Nazism:
1. Both believed in totalitarian rule — the state was supreme, and all power was concentrated in the hands of one leader (Mussolini as 'Il Duce,' Hitler as 'Fuhrer'). They suppressed all opposition and maintained a one-party state.
2. Both upheld aggressive nationalism and territorial expansion — Mussolini dreamed of reviving the Roman Empire, while Hitler sought Lebensraum (living space) for the German race in Eastern Europe. Both used war as an instrument of national policy.

(c)(ii) Hitler systematically violated the Treaty of Versailles: he remilitarised the Rhineland in 1936, built a massive air force (Luftwaffe), reintroduced conscription, expanded the army far beyond 1,00,000 soldiers, and in March 1938, annexed Austria (Anschluss) in violation of the Treaty. These violations, met with appeasement rather than resistance, emboldened Hitler and led directly to his invasion of Poland on 1st September 1939, triggering World War II.

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Question 10:

(a)(i) Two objectives of the United Nations:
1. To maintain international peace and security and to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace.
2. To develop friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.

(a)(ii)
- Composition: The General Assembly includes all 193 member states of the UN — each has one vote. The Security Council has only 15 members — 5 permanent (USA, UK, France, Russia, China) and 10 non-permanent elected for 2-year terms.
- Voting: In the General Assembly, decisions on important matters require a two-thirds majority; other matters require a simple majority. Each member has one vote. In the Security Council, decisions on substantive matters require an affirmative vote of 9 out of 15 members, including the concurring votes of all 5 permanent members (each of whom has veto power).

(b)(i) The ICJ consists of 15 judges elected for a term of 9 years. They are elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council simultaneously.

(b)(ii) Two functions of the ICJ:
1. To decide disputes (contentious cases) between states that voluntarily accept its jurisdiction — these may involve boundary disputes, treaty interpretation, violations of international law, etc.
2. To give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN organs and specialised agencies.

(b)(iii) Yes, the ICJ can give advisory opinions. These can be requested by the General Assembly, the Security Council, or other authorised UN organs and specialised agencies. Advisory opinions are not binding but carry great legal weight.

(c)(i) UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) is associated with the welfare of children worldwide. Two functions:
1. To protect children with respect to their survival, health, and well-being — providing immunisation, nutrition, and healthcare in developing countries.
2. To provide funds for training health and sanitation workers, teachers, and nutritionists, and to supply technical equipment like medicines, textbooks, and clean water infrastructure.

(c)(ii) Two contributions of WHO (World Health Organisation):
1. WHO led global campaigns for the eradication of diseases such as smallpox (successfully eradicated in 1980), and continues to fight malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19 through vaccination drives and health programmes.
2. WHO sets international health standards and guidelines, provides technical assistance to countries in building healthcare infrastructure, and coordinates the global response to health emergencies and pandemics.

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TOPIC-WISE PREDICTION ANALYSIS

Why These Topics Were Selected

Topic	Weightage	Rationale
Union Legislature	12-14 marks	Highest Civics weightage; CISCE consistently tests Lok Sabha powers, Money Bill, parliamentary control
Union Executive	10-15 marks	President's powers, PM's role, collective vs individual responsibility — consistently high-scoring
Judiciary	10-12 marks	SC vs HC comparison, Lok Adalat, writs, independence of judiciary — always tested
1857 Revolt	10-12 marks	Causes (political, military, socio-religious) and consequences — perennial favourite
Nationalism Growth	8-12 marks	Lord Lytton, Moderates vs Assertive Nationalists, role of press — high yield
Gandhi & Mass Phase	9-12 marks	Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience (Dandi March), Quit India — highest History weightage
WWI + Dictatorships	8-10 + 3-5 marks	Treaty of Versailles, alliance systems, Fascism/Nazism — combined coverage likely
United Nations	6-9 marks	GA, SC, ICJ, UNICEF, WHO — consistently tested in Part II

CISCE Innovation Trends to Watch

1. Newspaper headline-based questions — Real or realistic headlines testing application skills
2. Assertion-Reason format — Two linked statements requiring analysis of their relationship
3. Image/cartoon-based questions — Political cartoons, historical photographs, newspaper clippings
4. Source-based excerpts — Passages from historical texts, NCERT, or newspapers
5. Conversation/dialogue format — Students analyse different viewpoints in a conversation
6. Chronological ordering — Arranging events in correct sequence
7. Scenario-based application — Hypothetical situations requiring constitutional knowledge
8. "Identify the INCORRECT statement" — Negative-phrasing questions requiring deeper understanding

Last-Minute High-Priority Topics

These topics have NOT been tested recently or carry disproportionately high marks:
- Cabinet Mission Plan and Mountbatten Plan (often neglected but high marks)
- Forward Bloc and INA (Subhash Chandra Bose — chronological events, slogans)
- Muslim League (Two-Nation Theory, demand for Pakistan, Direct Action Day)
- Comparison: SC vs HC (almost certainly appears — learn the table)
- Lok Adalat advantages (favourite CISCE question)
- President's impeachment procedure (commonly tested 4-mark question)
- Non-Aligned Movement (objectives and relevance)
- Cold War (meaning, proxy wars, how it affected global politics)

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Prepared by Bright Tutorials, Nashik (Shop No. 53-57, Business Signature, Hariom Nagar, Nashik Road, Nashik 422101) | brighttutorials.in | This is a prediction paper based on CISCE syllabus analysis, specimen paper analysis, and previous year exam trends. It does not claim to represent the actual ICSE 2026 examination paper. For personal study use only.