Syllabus: Social Studies (New NCERT) for Class 6 | Social Studies for Class 6 - New NCERT PDF Download

In Class 6 Social Studies, you'll learn about history, geography, and civics. Topics include ancient civilizations, maps, the Indian government, and our environment. Knowing the syllabus helps you understand what you'll study and how each chapter connects. Let’s explore these interesting topics and see how they fit together! 

Theme A — India and the World: Land and the People

This theme covers the basics of our planet's geography, like its major features and how to show them on maps. While we have great maps on our phones today, this theme goes beyond maps. It explores how features like oceans, mountains, and rivers have influenced civilizations and helped shape India’s unique identity.

Chapter 1: Locating Places on the Earth 

In this chapter, you'll learn about:

• Types of Maps: Physical (natural features), Political (boundaries), Thematic (specific information).
• Map Components: Distance (scale), Direction (cardinal directions), Symbols (legend).
• Coordinates: Latitude (parallel lines), Longitude (vertical lines).
• Time Zones: 24 zones, each 15° wide; changes in date at the International Date Line.

Chapter 2: Oceans and Continents 

In this chapter, you'll study:

• Earth’s Surface: How Earth's surface is divided between oceans and continents.
• Indian Navy Emblem: The significance of the Indian Navy's motto "Sam noh Varunah."
• Distribution: Why the Northern Hemisphere has more land and the Southern Hemisphere has more water.
• Oceans: The five major oceans and the reasons seawater is salty.
• Disasters: The impact of ocean-related disasters like tsunamis and cyclones.
• Islands: The role of islands, including the largest one, Greenland.
• Environmental Impact: How oceans influence the environment and the challenges they face from pollution.

Chapter 3: Landforms and Life 

In this chapter, you'll study:

• Landforms: Different types, including mountains, plateaus, and plains.
• Mountains: Characteristics, types (e.g., young vs. old), notable examples, and mountain environments.
• Plateaus: Features, types (e.g., lava plateaus), notable examples, and their mineral richness.
• Plains: Characteristics, types (e.g., floodplains), and their significance for agriculture and human settlement.
• Historical and Cultural Aspects: The role of mountains and plains in ancient poetry and their sacred status in various cultures.
• Adaptation and Challenges: How people adapt to different landforms and the challenges they face, including environmental concerns.

Theme B — Tapestry of the Past

In this theme, we look at India’s history as if we're creating a big, detailed picture. Understanding the past helps us make sense of the present and shapes our identity. By studying past events, we learn where things went right or wrong, helping us avoid making the same mistakes again.

Chapter 4: Timeline and Sources of History 

In this chapter, you'll study:

• The Earth's History: Understand how our planet's long history influences the present.
• Who Studies Earth History: Learn about geologists, palaeontologists, anthropologists, and archaeologists.
• Measuring Time: Explore the Gregorian calendar and other systems like BCE and CE.
• Timelines: Discover how timelines help us see historical events in order.
• Centuries and Millenniums: Learn about the terms for longer periods like centuries (100 years) and millenniums (1,000 years).
• Traditional Indian Calendars: Find out how panchangas are used in India for timekeeping and predicting celestial events.
• Sources of History: Understand the various sources historians use, like artifacts and ancient writings.
• Early Human History: Explore how early humans lived, used tools, and began farming.
• The First Crops: See how the end of the Ice Age led to the development of agriculture and early settlements.

Chapter 5: India, That Is Bharat 

In this chapter, you'll study:

• India's Historical Names: Explore names like 'Sapta Sindhava,' 'Bhäratavarsha,' and 'Jambudvipa' from ancient texts.
• Evolution of 'Bharat': Learn how 'Bhärata' became the common name for India.
• Foreign Names: Discover names like 'Hind,' 'Indoi,' and 'Yintu' used by Persians, Greeks, and Chinese.
• Hindustan: Understand the term 'Hindustan' and its historical use.
• Xuanzang's Journey: See how the Chinese scholar Xuanzang's travels influenced our understanding of ancient India.

Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation 

In this chapter, you'll study:

• Harappan Civilization: It's advanced cities and balanced society.
• Civilization Traits: Key features like government, trade, and writing.
• Development: Growth from villages to cities.
• City Planning: Architecture and water management.
• Diet and Trade: Food, agriculture, and trading practices.
• Decline: Reasons for the civilization’s fall and its legacy.

Theme C — Our Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Traditions

India is known for its rich and ancient culture. This theme explores what makes this culture unique, its guiding principles, and how it has shaped Indian history. It also looks at how understanding this heritage can help us address today’s challenges. The goal is for students to appreciate the cultural roots of our civilization and their importance.

Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots 

In this chapter, you'll study:

• Unity in Diversity: India's strength lies in combining various cultures into a unified nation.
• Diverse Landscapes: India’s vast diversity is visible through its languages, foods, and traditions.
• Staple Foods: Common grains like rice, barley, and wheat are used across the country.
• Traditional Clothing: Different regions are known for unique types of saris and textiles.
• Festivals: India celebrates a variety of festivals, often with regional names but similar themes.
• Literature: Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata show unity in diverse storytelling.

Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One' 

In this chapter, you'll study:

• Unity in Diversity: How India's various cultures and traditions unite to form a single nation.
• Geographical and Cultural Diversity: Different landscapes, foods, and clothing across regions.
• Staple Foods and Spices: Common food grains and spices used throughout India.
• Textiles and Clothing: The variety and significance of traditional clothing like saris.
• Festivals: Diverse festivals celebrated across different regions.
• Literature and Epics: Important literary works and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Theme D — Governance and Democracy

This theme helps us understand how political systems work, especially in India, which is the world’s largest democracy. It covers how our government operates at different levels, how citizens can participate, and what their rights and duties are. It also looks at how different countries have different systems and how they interact. By studying this, we become more informed and responsible citizens, learning how to engage with and influence the policies that affect our lives.

Chapter 9: Family and Community 

In this chapter, you'll study:

• Importance of Families and Communities: Their roles in providing support and a sense of belonging.
• Types of Families: Joint families, nuclear families, and their features.
• Family Roles: Responsibilities of parents, children, and grandparents.
• Community Functions: Support systems, cultural practices, and resource management.
• Real-Life Examples: Community initiatives and their impacts.

Chapter 10: Grassroots Democracy — Part 1: Governance 

Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas

In this chapter, you'll study:

• Panchayati Raj System and Functions: Local governance in India with three levels—Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), and Zila Parishad (district).
• Key Figures: Notable Sarpanchs who make significant contributions.
• Child-Friendly Initiatives: Includes children in village decision-making.
• Importance: Empowers communities, improves efficiency, and encourages participation.

Chapter 12: Grassroots Democracy — Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas

Theme E — Economic Life Around Us

This theme explores how people and countries manage their daily needs like food, clothing, and shelter. It also looks at how economies work, particularly in a large country like India. Key topics include what money is, how it is created, how people can earn it, and how resources are managed. This helps us understand the basics of economic activities and practices.

Chapter 13: The Value of Work 

In this chapter, you'll study:

• Economic Activities: Actions involving money, like farming and services.
• Non-Economic Activities: Actions without money, such as volunteering and family care.
• Value Addition: Enhancing value through production stages.

Chapter 14: Economic Activities Around Us

In this chapter, you'll learn about:

• Economic Sectors
• Interdependence: Sectors rely on each other (e.g., dairy processing).