Class 6 ISSO sample questions and sample paper based on previous year question patterns and the latest SOF Olympiad exam format.
Attempt a 50-question mock test with important questions designed to match real exam difficulty.
📘 Class 6 ISSO Sample Questions
Q1. Which of the following is an example of secular literature?
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A. The Rigveda
B. The Puranas
C. Arthashastra by Chanakya
D. The Upanishads
Answer: C. Arthashastra by Chanakya
Secular literature consists of non-religious texts like accounts of foreign travelers, books on politics, and science.
Secular literature consists of non-religious texts like accounts of foreign travelers, books on politics, and science.
Q2. The process of 'Decipherment' in history refers to:
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A. Digging up old buildings
B. Understanding the meaning of ancient scripts
C. Counting the number of coins
D. Painting cave walls
Answer: B. Understanding the meaning of ancient scripts
Decipherment is the method used by scholars to read and understand inscriptions written in lost languages or scripts.
Decipherment is the method used by scholars to read and understand inscriptions written in lost languages or scripts.
Q3. In the Mesolithic period, 'Microliths' were typically used as:
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A. Large bowls for cooking
B. Tiny stone points for saws and arrows
C. Statues of gods
D. Heavy hammers for construction
Answer: B. Tiny stone points for saws and arrows
Microliths were tiny stone tools that were fixed onto handles of bone or wood to make more advanced weapons and tools.
Microliths were tiny stone tools that were fixed onto handles of bone or wood to make more advanced weapons and tools.
Q4. The Neolithic site of Burzahom (in present-day Kashmir) is famous for:
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A. High-rise brick buildings
B. Underground pit-houses
C. Large iron factories
D. Coastal trade ports
Answer: B. Underground pit-houses
People in Burzahom built pit-houses dug into the ground with steps, likely to protect themselves from the cold climate.
People in Burzahom built pit-houses dug into the ground with steps, likely to protect themselves from the cold climate.
Q5. Which was the earliest metal to be used by humans?
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A. Iron
B. Steel
C. Copper
D. Aluminum
Answer: C. Copper
Copper was the first metal used by humans, marking the transition from the Stone Age to the Chalcolithic Age.
Copper was the first metal used by humans, marking the transition from the Stone Age to the Chalcolithic Age.
Q6. The Harappan 'Great Bath' was lined with bitumen to:
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A. Make it look black
B. Prevent water leakage
C. Keep the water warm
D. Kill bacteria
Answer: B. Prevent water leakage
Natural tar (bitumen) was applied as a layer over the bricks and mortar to make the tank watertight.
Natural tar (bitumen) was applied as a layer over the bricks and mortar to make the tank watertight.
Q7. Which Harappan city was divided into three parts instead of the usual two?
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A. Mohenjodaro
B. Harappa
C. Dholavira
D. Lothal
Answer: C. Dholavira
Most Harappan cities had two parts (Citadel and Lower Town), but Dholavira was unique with its three distinct walled sections.
Most Harappan cities had two parts (Citadel and Lower Town), but Dholavira was unique with its three distinct walled sections.
Q8. The 'Janapadas' were the lands where the _______ set their foot and settled down.
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A. Dasyus
B. Jana (People/Tribes)
C. British
D. Greeks
Answer: B. Jana (People/Tribes)
'Janapada' literally means the land where the 'jana' (people/tribe) set foot and settled down.
'Janapada' literally means the land where the 'jana' (people/tribe) set foot and settled down.
Q9. In the Mahajanapadas, the tax on crops (1/6th of produce) was known as:
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A. Bhaga (Share)
B. Shulka
C. Bali
D. Hiranya
Answer: A. Bhaga (Share)
The 1/6th share of the crop given to the king was called 'Bhaga' and was the main source of income for the state.
The 1/6th share of the crop given to the king was called 'Bhaga' and was the main source of income for the state.
Q10. Vardhamana Mahavira spread his message in which language?
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A. Sanskrit
B. Prakrit
C. Latin
D. English
Answer: B. Prakrit
Prakrit was the language of the common people, which allowed Mahavira’s teachings to reach a wider audience.
Prakrit was the language of the common people, which allowed Mahavira’s teachings to reach a wider audience.
Q11. The 'Dhamma Mahamatta' were officials appointed by Ashoka to:
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A. Collect heavy taxes
B. Train the army
C. Spread the message of Dhamma
D. Protect the palace
Answer: C. Spread the message of Dhamma
Ashoka created this special rank of officials to travel and teach people about the principles of Dhamma (righteousness).
Ashoka created this special rank of officials to travel and teach people about the principles of Dhamma (righteousness).
Q12. Which Mauryan city was on the trade route between North and South India?
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A. Pataliputra
B. Taxila
C. Ujjain
D. Sarnath
Answer: C. Ujjain
Ujjain was a major trade hub that connected the routes from the northern parts of India to the southern peninsula.
Ujjain was a major trade hub that connected the routes from the northern parts of India to the southern peninsula.
Q13. The 'Sangam' literature was compiled in assemblies held in the city of:
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A. Puhar
B. Madurai
C. Arikamedu
D. Kanchipuram
Answer: B. Madurai
Sangam literature consists of ancient Tamil poems composed in assemblies of poets (Sangams) held in Madurai.
Sangam literature consists of ancient Tamil poems composed in assemblies of poets (Sangams) held in Madurai.
Q14. In South Indian villages, the 'Adimai' referred to:
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A. Large landowners
B. Ordinary ploughmen
C. Landless laborers and slaves
D. Village headmen
Answer: C. Landless laborers and slaves
In ancient Tamil society, 'Adimai' was the term for slaves and laborers who worked on the lands of others.
In ancient Tamil society, 'Adimai' was the term for slaves and laborers who worked on the lands of others.
Q15. The Silk Route was first opened to the world by the people of:
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A. India
B. Rome
C. China
D. Egypt
Answer: C. China
Silk making was invented in China around 7000 years ago, and Chinese traders eventually opened routes to export it.
Silk making was invented in China around 7000 years ago, and Chinese traders eventually opened routes to export it.
Q16. Which Gupta king is referred to as the 'Napoleon of India'?
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A. Chandragupta I
B. Samudragupta
C. Skandagupta
D. Kumaragupta
Answer: B. Samudragupta
Historian V.A. Smith gave him this title due to his massive military conquests and his unbeaten record.
Historian V.A. Smith gave him this title due to his massive military conquests and his unbeaten record.
Q17. Banabhatta wrote the biography of Harshavardhana titled:
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A. Harshacharita
B. Indika
C. Vikramankadevacharita
D. Ratnavali
Answer: A. Harshacharita
The 'Harshacharita' is the earliest surviving royal biography in India, written in Sanskrit.
The 'Harshacharita' is the earliest surviving royal biography in India, written in Sanskrit.
Q18. The 'Aihole Inscription' provides details about which Chalukya king?
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A. Pulakeshin I
B. Pulakeshin II
C. Vikramaditya
D. Mangalesha
Answer: B. Pulakeshin II
Written by the poet Ravikirti, this inscription details the ancestry and victories of Pulakeshin II, including his win over Harsha.
Written by the poet Ravikirti, this inscription details the ancestry and victories of Pulakeshin II, including his win over Harsha.
Q19. The 'Shikhara' of a Hindu temple is the:
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A. Entrance gate
B. Deity room
C. Tower built on top of the Garbhagriha
D. Assembly hall
Answer: C. Tower built on top of the Garbhagriha
The Shikhara is the high mountain-like tower that marks the location of the main deity's room (Garbhagriha).
The Shikhara is the high mountain-like tower that marks the location of the main deity's room (Garbhagriha).
Q20. Aryabhata stated that the Earth is round and rotates on its axis in:
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A. Charaka Samhita
B. Aryabhatiyam
C. Panchatantra
D. Meghaduta
Answer: B. Aryabhatiyam
In this Sanskrit work, Aryabhata provided scientific explanations for eclipses and the rotation of the Earth.
In this Sanskrit work, Aryabhata provided scientific explanations for eclipses and the rotation of the Earth.
Q21. The Earth is slightly flattened at the Poles and bulges at the Equator. This shape is:
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A. Sphere
B. Geoid
C. Circle
D. Oval
Answer: B. Geoid
A 'Geoid' is defined as an Earth-like shape which accounts for its imperfect spherical form.
A 'Geoid' is defined as an Earth-like shape which accounts for its imperfect spherical form.
Q22. Which imaginary line divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
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A. Tropic of Cancer
B. Prime Meridian
C. Equator
D. Arctic Circle
Answer: C. Equator
The Equator is the 0° latitude that acts as the dividing line between the top and bottom halves of the globe.
The Equator is the 0° latitude that acts as the dividing line between the top and bottom halves of the globe.
Q23. The 0° Longitude is also known as the:
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A. Equator
B. Prime Meridian
C. International Date Line
D. Tropic of Capricorn
Answer: B. Prime Meridian
It passes through Greenwich, London, and is used as the starting point for calculating time zones.
It passes through Greenwich, London, and is used as the starting point for calculating time zones.
Q24. The Earth rotates from:
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A. North to South
B. East to West
C. West to East
D. South to North
Answer: C. West to East
This direction of rotation is why the sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west.
This direction of rotation is why the sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west.
Q25. Christmas is celebrated in the summer season in:
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A. Canada
B. Great Britain
C. Australia
D. Russia
Answer: C. Australia
Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, which experiences summer while the Northern Hemisphere has winter in December.
Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, which experiences summer while the Northern Hemisphere has winter in December.
Q26. A leap year occurs because of:
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A. Faster rotation
B. Accumulation of 6 extra hours over 4 years
C. Moon's orbit
D. Sun's position
Answer: B. Accumulation of 6 extra hours over 4 years
One revolution takes 365 days and 6 hours. Every 4 years, these 6 hours add up to 24 hours (one day).
One revolution takes 365 days and 6 hours. Every 4 years, these 6 hours add up to 24 hours (one day).
Q27. Which map shows the boundaries of different states?
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A. Physical Map
B. Thematic Map
C. Political Map
D. Sketch
Answer: C. Political Map
Political maps are specifically designed to show borders of countries, states, and cities.
Political maps are specifically designed to show borders of countries, states, and cities.
Q28. On a map, 'Scale' is the ratio between:
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A. North and South
B. Map distance and Ground distance
C. Symbols and Colors
D. Elevation and Depth
Answer: B. Map distance and Ground distance
A scale allows us to represent a massive area on the ground using a very small measurement on paper.
A scale allows us to represent a massive area on the ground using a very small measurement on paper.
Q29. The domain of the Earth consisting of solid rocks and soil is:
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A. Atmosphere
B. Hydrosphere
C. Lithosphere
D. Biosphere
Answer: C. Lithosphere
The Lithosphere includes the solid crust and the top layer of soil containing nutrients for life.
The Lithosphere includes the solid crust and the top layer of soil containing nutrients for life.
Q30. Continent through which Equator, Cancer, and Capricorn all pass:
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A. Asia
B. South America
C. Africa
D. Australia
Answer: C. Africa
Africa is the only continent that spans both hemispheres across all three major latitudinal markers.
Africa is the only continent that spans both hemispheres across all three major latitudinal markers.
Q31. Mountain range separating Europe from Asia:
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A. Andes
B. Himalayas
C. Urals
D. Alps
Answer: C. Urals
The Ural Mountains in Russia form a natural land boundary between the European and Asian continents.
The Ural Mountains in Russia form a natural land boundary between the European and Asian continents.
Q32. Which layer of the atmosphere contains the Ozone layer?
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A. Troposphere
B. Stratosphere
C. Mesosphere
D. Exosphere
Answer: B. Stratosphere
The ozone layer in the Stratosphere protects the Earth from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
The ozone layer in the Stratosphere protects the Earth from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
Q33. The 'Sahyadris' is another name for the:
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A. Aravalis
B. Western Ghats
C. Eastern Ghats
D. Himadri
Answer: B. Western Ghats
The Western Ghats mountains along the western coast of India are locally known as the Sahyadris.
The Western Ghats mountains along the western coast of India are locally known as the Sahyadris.
Q34. The world's largest delta (Sunderban) is formed by:
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A. Narmada
B. Godavari
C. Ganga and Brahmaputra
D. Krishna
Answer: C. Ganga and Brahmaputra
These two rivers deposit massive amounts of silt into the Bay of Bengal, creating the largest delta in the world.
These two rivers deposit massive amounts of silt into the Bay of Bengal, creating the largest delta in the world.
Q35. The hot and dry winds in the Northern Plains during summer are:
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A. Monsoon
B. Loo
C. Trade Winds
D. Western Disturbance
Answer: B. Loo
Loo refers to the strong, dusty, hot winds that blow across North India during May and June.
Loo refers to the strong, dusty, hot winds that blow across North India during May and June.
Q36. Forming a fixed and negative image of a group is:
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A. Equality
B. Diversity
C. Stereotyping
D. Secularism
Answer: C. Stereotyping
Stereotyping happens when we fit people into one image, often based on their religion, gender, or race.
Stereotyping happens when we fit people into one image, often based on their religion, gender, or race.
Q37. Who chaired the Indian Constitution Drafting Committee?
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A. Mahatma Gandhi
B. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
C. Jyotirao Phule
D. Sardar Patel
Answer: B. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Known as the 'Father of the Indian Constitution', he led the committee that wrote the draft of our legal framework.
Known as the 'Father of the Indian Constitution', he led the committee that wrote the draft of our legal framework.
Q38. 'Apartheid' was a system of racial discrimination in:
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A. USA
B. India
C. South Africa
D. China
Answer: C. South Africa
Apartheid was a policy of segregation that existed in South Africa until the early 1990s.
Apartheid was a policy of segregation that existed in South Africa until the early 1990s.
Q39. In a democracy, the ultimate power lies with:
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A. The King
B. The Army
C. The People
D. The Police
Answer: C. The People
In a democracy, the government is elected by citizens, meaning authority comes from the will of the people.
In a democracy, the government is elected by citizens, meaning authority comes from the will of the people.
Q40. The minimum age to vote in India is:
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A. 16 years
B. 18 years
C. 21 years
D. 25 years
Answer: B. 18 years
Every Indian citizen aged 18 or above has the right to vote regardless of their background.
Every Indian citizen aged 18 or above has the right to vote regardless of their background.
Q41. Local government in large urban areas is managed by:
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A. Gram Panchayat
B. Municipal Corporation
C. Zila Parishad
D. Block Samiti
Answer: B. Municipal Corporation
Large cities have Municipal Corporations, while smaller towns have Municipal Councils.
Large cities have Municipal Corporations, while smaller towns have Municipal Councils.
Q42. The head of a Municipal Corporation is called the:
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A. Sarpanch
B. Mayor
C. Governor
D. Prime Minister
Answer: B. Mayor
The Mayor is the elected head of the city's Corporation and serves as its first citizen.
The Mayor is the elected head of the city's Corporation and serves as its first citizen.
Q43. Who is responsible for maintaining land records in a village?
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A. The SHO
B. The Patwari
C. The Sarpanch
D. The Tehsildar
Answer: B. The Patwari
The Patwari (also known as Lekhpal or Kanungo) measures land and keeps detailed records of ownership in villages.
The Patwari (also known as Lekhpal or Kanungo) measures land and keeps detailed records of ownership in villages.
Q44. The Hindu Succession Amendment Act (2005) gave property rights to:
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A. Only sons
B. Daughters, sons, and mothers equally
C. Only fathers
D. Relatives only
Answer: B. Daughters, sons, and mothers equally
This law ensured that women have an equal share in the family's agricultural land and property.
This law ensured that women have an equal share in the family's agricultural land and property.
Q45. Which body approves the work of the Gram Panchayat?
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A. Central Government
B. Gram Sabha
C. High Court
D. Police
Answer: B. Gram Sabha
The Gram Sabha consists of all adults in the village and acts as the oversight body for the Panchayat's plans.
The Gram Sabha consists of all adults in the village and acts as the oversight body for the Panchayat's plans.
Q46. Why are 'conventional symbols' used on maps?
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A. Artistic value
B. Universal understanding across languages
C. Printing costs
D. Government rules
Answer: B. Universal understanding across languages
These symbols are agreed upon internationally so that anyone can read a map regardless of the language they speak.
These symbols are agreed upon internationally so that anyone can read a map regardless of the language they speak.
Q47. If it is 12 Noon at Greenwich (0°), what is the time at 15° East?
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A. 11 AM
B. 1 PM
C. 12:15 PM
D. 2 PM
Answer: B. 1 PM
The Earth rotates 1° in 4 minutes. 15° = 60 minutes (1 hour). Since it is East, we add time: 12 PM + 1 hour = 1 PM.
The Earth rotates 1° in 4 minutes. 15° = 60 minutes (1 hour). Since it is East, we add time: 12 PM + 1 hour = 1 PM.
Q48. Why did Ashoka give up war after the victory at Kalinga?
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A. Military loss
B. Defeat
C. Horror at violence/bloodshed
D. Financial crisis
Answer: C. Horror at violence/bloodshed
Ashoka is the only king in history who gave up conquest after winning a war because he was moved by the suffering he caused.
Ashoka is the only king in history who gave up conquest after winning a war because he was moved by the suffering he caused.
Q49. How does 'Diversity' differ from 'Inequality'?
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A. Diversity is a choice
B. Diversity is cultural/linguistic; Inequality is resource-based
C. No difference
D. Diversity is bad
Answer: B. Diversity is cultural/linguistic; Inequality is resource-based
Diversity is a positive aspect of differences in background, whereas inequality is the unfair lack of opportunity or resources.
Diversity is a positive aspect of differences in background, whereas inequality is the unfair lack of opportunity or resources.
Q50. Why is the Circle of Illumination different from the Earth's Axis?
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A. Earth is flat
B. Axis is tilted while illumination divides day/night
C. Sun moves
D. Moon's gravity
Answer: B. Axis is tilted while illumination divides day/night
The Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5°, but the Circle of Illumination (light/dark boundary) always remains vertical relative to the Sun.
The Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5°, but the Circle of Illumination (light/dark boundary) always remains vertical relative to the Sun.
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Class 6 ISSO Preparation
These Class 6 ISSO sample papers, sample questions, and mock tests are designed by Olympiadtester based on previous year question papers and the latest SOF International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) exam pattern. They include important questions from topics such as locating places on Earth, oceans and continents, landforms, early civilisation, India’s cultural roots, unity in diversity, governance, and economic life, helping students improve accuracy, speed, and overall performance.
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