Class 9 · Social Science · New NCERT
Chapter 9: The Price Puzzle: What Drives the Market
"The Price Puzzle: What Drives the Market" is the last chapter of Part 1. Students are likely to study how prices are set in markets, the roles of demand and supply and why prices change, using everyday examples such as vegetables, fuel and tickets. It follows from the chapter on choice and builds on the Grade 7 chapter on understanding markets. Surveying local prices and role-playing buyers and sellers make it concrete, and the chapter connects with the Mathematics chapters on data.
This is chapter 9 (Part 1, Chapter 9) of 15 in Exploring Society: India and Beyond, the Class 9 Social Science textbook, in the Economics section, and begins on page 195 of Part 1 of the printed 2026-27 book. It follows "Building Blocks in Economics: The Problem of Choice" and is followed by "Oceans and Life".
Social Science in this book studies society through four disciplines: Geography, History, Political Science and Economics. With "The Price Puzzle: What Drives the Market", students are invited to ask questions, analyse information and examine multiple perspectives rather than memorise: maps, images, side boxes and activities are all part of the learning. Real-life application and critical thinking are emphasised.
A good follow-up to "The Price Puzzle: What Drives the Market" is to connect it with something local or current: a place, a person, a custom or a news item. Ask the student to bring one new fact or question to class. Discussing different points of view politely is part of the learning.
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.