Class 9 · Social Science · New NCERT
Chapter 2: Shaping of the Earth's Surface
"Shaping of the Earth's Surface" opens the Geography chapters, at about twenty-six pages. Students are likely to study how the Earth's surface has been shaped by internal and external forces, such as plate movements, volcanoes, earthquakes, weathering, erosion and deposition, and the landforms that result. Maps, diagrams and case studies, including those of India, help. It builds on the Grade 6 and Grade 8 chapters on landforms and natural resources, and links with the Science chapter on Earth as a system.
This is chapter 2 (Part 1, Chapter 2) of 15 in Exploring Society: India and Beyond, the Class 9 Social Science textbook, in the Geography section, and begins on page 13 of Part 1 of the printed 2026-27 book. It follows "Understanding Social Science" and is followed by "Atmosphere and Climate".
The aim of "Shaping of the Earth's Surface" is understanding, not recall. Students should be able to explain ideas in their own words, give local examples and ask their own questions. Teachers can encourage them to collect stories, objects and information from home and the neighbourhood, which makes the chapter personal and meaningful and builds respect for different views.
At home, talk with your child about "Shaping of the Earth's Surface": ask what they found interesting and what they would like to find out. Look at a map or atlas together, share family stories and relate the chapter to your neighbourhood or community.
This overview is written from the 2026-27 textbook's Contents page, its preface and the chapter title, to help families and teachers prepare. Please read the chapter itself for exact content, activities and exercises.