MP Board Class 12 Home Science 2026 Question Paper with Solution PDF

Consumer rights are legal entitlements that protect buyers from unfair trade practices and ensure fair treatment in the marketplace.


Major Consumer Rights (India):

Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, consumers have the following rights:


Right to Safety: Protection against hazardous goods/services
Right to be Informed: About quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, price
Right to Choose: Access to variety at competitive prices
Right to be Heard: Consumer interests will be considered
Right to Seek Redressal: Against unfair practices or exploitation
Right to Consumer Education: Awareness about rights



Analysis of Given Options:


(a) Selection:

This relates to Right to Choose
Consumers have right to select from various options
Valid consumer right


(b) Compensation:

This relates to Right to Seek Redressal
Consumers can claim compensation for loss/damage
Valid consumer right


(d) Filing a complaint:

This relates to Right to be Heard and Right to Redressal
Consumers can file complaints in consumer courts
Valid consumer right


(c) Getting a shop raided:

NOT a consumer right
Raiding shops is a law enforcement action (police, legal authorities)
Consumers cannot personally conduct raids
Consumers can complain to authorities who may take action




Consumer Protection Mechanism:

\begin{tabular{|l|l|
\hline
Consumer Action & Authority Action

\hline
File complaint & Consumer court hears case

Report unfair practice & Legal authorities may inspect/raid

Claim compensation & Court orders compensation

\hline
\end{tabular


Final Answer: Getting a shop raided Quick Tip: Consumer rights include: Choice, Information, Safety, Redressal (compensation), Hearing, Education. "Raiding shops" is an enforcement action by authorities, not a consumer right. Consumers can complain; authorities raid if needed.

Emotional development in infants follows a predictable sequence. Some basic emotions are present from birth, while others develop later as the brain matures.


Emotions Present at Birth:

Research in developmental psychology shows that newborns display:


Distress/Pain: Crying in response to discomfort, hunger, or pain
Contentment: Calmness when comfortable and fed
Interest: Attention to novel stimuli, faces
Dislike/Disgust: Aversion to unpleasant tastes or smells



Why Dislike is Visible from Birth:


Innate Preference: Newborns show clear aversion to bitter or sour tastes
Facial Expressions: Babies make distinct "disgust" faces (nose wrinkling, tongue protrusion) when given unpleasant tastes
Survival Mechanism: Dislike of potentially harmful substances (bitter=poison) is evolutionarily programmed
Sensory Reflex: This is a primitive response, not learned



Why Other Options Develop Later:


(a) Love:

Attachment and love develop over first year
Babies show preference for caregivers by 2-3 months
Genuine attachment forms around 6-8 months


(b) Fear:

Fear emerges around 6-9 months
Stranger anxiety appears at this time
Requires cognitive development to recognize potential threats


(c) Anger:

Frustration/anger emerges around 4-6 months
Babies show anger when goals are blocked (e.g., toy taken away)
Requires some cognitive awareness of cause-effect




Emotional Development Timeline:

\begin{tabular{|l|l|
\hline
Age & Emotions Displayed

\hline
Birth & Contentment, Distress, Disgust, Interest

2-3 months & Social smile

4-6 months & Anger, Surprise

6-9 months & Fear (stranger anxiety)

12+ months & Love/Attachment, Jealousy, Shyness

\hline
\end{tabular


Final Answer: Dislike Quick Tip: Newborns show basic emotions: contentment (pleasure) and distress/dislike (displeasure). Complex emotions like love, fear, and anger develop later with brain maturation and social experience.

Water enters our body through various sources. Understanding these sources is important for maintaining proper hydration.


Sources of Water for the Body:


Drinking Water: Direct consumption of water (tap, bottled, filtered)
Beverages: Tea, coffee, juice, milk, soft drinks, etc.
Food: Many foods contain significant water content
Metabolic Water: Water produced inside body during chemical reactions



Why Sweets is NOT a Source of Water:


Low Water Content: Most sweets (candy, chocolate, toffees, mithai) have very low water content
High Sugar Concentration: Sweets primarily contain sugar, fats, and dry ingredients
Dehydrating Effect: High sugar concentration can actually draw water from body cells (osmotic effect)
Not Hydrating: Sweets do not contribute meaningfully to daily water intake



Water Content in Different Sources:

\begin{tabular{|l|c|
\hline
Source & Approx. Water Content (%)

\hline
Drinking water & 100%

Milk & 87-90%

Fruits (watermelon, orange) & 80-95%

Vegetables (cucumber, lettuce) & 95-97%

Cooked rice & 60-70%

Bread & 35-40%

Sweets (typical) & 5-15%

Chocolate & 1-2%

\hline
\end{tabular


Why Other Options are Sources of Water:


(a) Food:

Fruits, vegetables, soups, and even solid foods contain water
Approximately 20-30% of daily water intake comes from food


(b) Drinking water: Primary and most direct source of water

(c) Beverages:

All drinks (except alcoholic beverages with diuretic effect) contribute to hydration
Tea, coffee, juice, milk all contain water




Final Answer: Sweets Quick Tip: Body water comes from: drinking water (60%), beverages (30%), and food (10%). Sweets are not a significant water source—they contain minimal water and high sugar that may increase thirst.

Investment means allocating money with the expectation of generating future income or appreciation. Different investment options have varying characteristics in terms of returns, risk, liquidity, and stability.


Comparison of Investment Options:


(a) NSC (National Saving Certificate):

Type: Government-backed small savings scheme
Risk: Very low (sovereign guarantee)
Returns: Fixed interest rate (around 6-7% currently)
Liquidity: Lock-in period (5 years), penalty for premature withdrawal
Tax: Eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C
Limitation: Fixed returns, may not beat inflation significantly


(b) Gold:

Type: Precious metal
Risk: Moderate, price fluctuates based on global markets
Returns: Historically appreciates but with volatility
Liquidity: High (can be sold easily)
Concerns: No regular income; storage and purity issues; no compounding


(c) Land:

Type: Real estate (physical asset)
Risk: Relatively low if chosen wisely; location-dependent
Returns: High appreciation potential over long term
Income: Can generate rental income
Advantages:

Limited supply (scarce resource)
Always in demand (population growth)
Hedge against inflation
Multiple uses (residential, commercial, agricultural)
Can be used as collateral for loans



(d) House:

Type: Real estate (constructed property)
Risk: Moderate; subject to depreciation of structure
Returns: Appreciation plus rental income
Concerns: Maintenance costs, depreciation of building




Why Land is Often Considered Best:


Scarcity: Land is limited in supply while population grows
Appreciation: Historically, land values increase significantly over time
No Depreciation: Unlike houses (buildings depreciate), land does not wear out
Multiple Uses: Can be sold, leased, developed, or used as collateral
Inflation Hedge: Land prices typically rise with inflation
Passive Income: Can generate rental/lease income
Tangible Asset: Physical asset that can be seen and controlled



Investment Comparison Table:

\begin{tabular{|l|c|c|c|c|
\hline
Factor & NSC & Gold & Land & House

\hline
Safety & High & Moderate & High & Moderate

Returns & Fixed/Low & Variable & High & Moderate-High

Liquidity & Low (locked) & High & Moderate & Moderate

Inflation Protection & Poor & Good & Excellent & Good

Regular Income & No & No & Possible & Possible

Depreciation & No & No & No & Yes (structure)

\hline
\end{tabular


Final Answer: Land Quick Tip: Land is often considered the best long-term investment because it is scarce, appreciates, doesn't depreciate, generates income, and hedges against inflation. However, all investments depend on individual goals, risk appetite, and market conditions.

Stains are classified based on their origin and composition. Vegetable stains come from plant-based sources, while other stains may have different origins (mineral, animal, synthetic, etc.).


Classification of Stains:


Vegetable Stains (Plant-based): Come from plant materials
Animal Stains: Come from animal products
Mineral Stains: Come from earth/soil/minerals
Synthetic Stains: Man-made chemicals/dyes
Protein Stains: Blood, egg, milk, etc.



Analysis of Options:


(a) Vegetable curry:

Contains plant-based ingredients (vegetables, spices, oils)
Derived from vegetables and plant products
This IS a vegetable stain


(b) Coffee:

Comes from coffee beans (seeds of coffee plant)
However, coffee stains are classified as tannin stains or organic stains, not typically as "vegetable stains" in stain removal terminology
Coffee contains tannins and other compounds that behave differently from typical vegetable stains
Often grouped separately due to its chemical composition
This is NOT typically classified as a vegetable stain


(c) Fruit:

Clearly plant-based (fruit juices, pulp)
Classic example of vegetable stain
This IS a vegetable stain


(d) Flower:

Plant-based (flower petals, pollen)
Can leave vegetable stains
This IS a vegetable stain




Stain Classification in Home Science/Laundry:

\begin{tabular{|l|l|
\hline
Stain Type & Examples

\hline
Vegetable Stains & Fruits, vegetables, grass, flowers, curry

Tannin Stains & Coffee, tea, wine

Protein Stains & Blood, milk, egg, sweat

Oil/Grease Stains & Cooking oil, butter, cosmetics

Dye Stains & Ink, synthetic colors

Mineral Stains & Rust, mud

\hline
\end{tabular


Why Coffee is Different:

Coffee contains tannic acid and complex organic compounds
Requires different removal methods than typical vegetable stains
Often responds to different stain removers



Final Answer: Coffee Quick Tip: In stain removal classification: Vegetable stains = fruits, vegetables, grass, flowers, curry. Coffee and tea are tannin stains, not vegetable stains, requiring different treatment.

Diseases spread through different modes of transmission. Some are airborne, while others spread through water, food, or contact.


Analysis of Options:


(A) Measles: Caused by virus. Spreads through air via respiratory droplets from coughs/sneezes. Airborne disease.

(B) Cholera: Caused by bacterium *Vibrio cholerae*. Spreads through contaminated water or food (fecal-oral route). Does NOT spread through air. This is the correct answer.

(C) Cold: Caused by various viruses. Spreads through air via droplets and also through contaminated surfaces. Airborne disease.

(D) Tuberculosis: Caused by bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. Spreads through air when infected person coughs or sneezes. Airborne disease.



Conclusion: Cholera is waterborne, not airborne.


Final Answer: (B) Cholera

The average birth weight of a full-term newborn baby is an important indicator of health and nutrition.


Normal Range: The average birth weight for full-term babies (37-40 weeks gestation) is between 2.5 kg to 3.5 kg (approximately 5.5 lbs to 7.7 lbs).

Global Average: Worldwide, the average birth weight is approximately 3.2 kg (7 lbs).

Low Birth Weight: Below 2.5 kg is considered low birth weight, which may indicate prematurity or intrauterine growth restriction.

High Birth Weight: Above 4.0 kg is considered high birth weight (macrosomia), which may have implications for delivery.



Why Other Options are Incorrect:


(A) 5 Kg: Too high; this would be considered very large (macrosomia) and is not average.

(B) 7 Kg: Extremely high; not possible for a newborn—this is toddler weight.

(C) 6 Kg: Still far above normal average birth weight.



Final Answer: (D) 2.5-3.5 Kg.

Water is one of the most essential and abundant compounds on Earth. Its molecular formula represents the number and type of atoms in one molecule.


Composition: Water consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.

Formula: \( H_2O \) — The subscript "2" indicates two hydrogen atoms, and no subscript after O means one oxygen atom.

Chemical Name: Dihydrogen monoxide (though rarely used in common language).

Molecular Weight: 18.015 g/mol (approximately 18 g/mol).



Why Other Options are Incorrect:


(B) \( H_2O_2 \): This is hydrogen peroxide, a different compound used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent.

(C) \( HO_2 \): This is hydroperoxyl radical, an unstable free radical, not water.

(D) \( H_2O_3 \): This is trioxidane or hydrogen trioxide, an unstable molecule, not water.



Final Answer: (A) \( H_2O \)

A washing machine is a household appliance designed to clean clothes automatically. Understanding its benefits helps in appreciating its role in modern life.


Labour Saving: Washing machines eliminate the need for manual scrubbing, rubbing, and wringing of clothes. This reduces physical effort and fatigue.

Time Saving: A washing machine can wash clothes much faster than manual washing. It allows multitasking—while clothes are being washed, people can do other work.

Other Benefits:

Consistency in cleaning
Better rinsing and water extraction
Less wear and tear on clothes compared to harsh manual scrubbing


What it does NOT save directly: While washing machines may save some water compared to manual washing (if used efficiently), they do not directly save money—in fact, they involve electricity cost, machine cost, and maintenance.



Why Option (A) is Correct:
The primary and most direct benefits of a washing machine are saving labour (physical effort) and time.


Why Other Options are Incorrect:


(B) Money and labour: Washing machines do not save money; they cost money to buy, run, and maintain.

(C) Time: This is partially correct but incomplete—labour saving is equally important.

(D) None of these: Incorrect because option (A) correctly identifies both labour and time.



Final Answer: (A) labour and time

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant physiological changes to support the growing fetus. Various nutrients are transferred from mother to baby through the placenta.


Calcium Requirement in Pregnancy:

Calcium is essential for fetal skeletal development, tooth formation, heart function, and muscle contraction.
The developing baby draws calcium from the mother's blood to build its own bones and teeth.
If maternal calcium intake is inadequate, the fetus will still extract calcium from the mother's bones and teeth, leading to calcium depletion in the mother.


Why Calcium Gets "Lost" in Blood:

Maternal blood calcium levels may decrease because calcium is continuously transferred to the fetus.
This can lead to hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) in the mother if not compensated by diet or supplements.


Consequences of Calcium Deficiency:

Increased risk of pre-eclampsia
Muscle cramps
Dental problems in mother
Osteoporosis risk later in life


Recommended Intake: Pregnant women need about 1000-1300 mg of calcium daily.



Why Other Options are Incorrect:


(A) Thiamine: Vitamin B1; important for metabolism but not significantly depleted in blood during pregnancy.

(C) Niacine: Vitamin B3; also important but not the primary element lost.

(D) Calorie: Calories are energy units, not an element or nutrient that gets "lost in blood." Calorie requirement increases but it's not a substance.



Other Nutrients Needed During Pregnancy:

Iron (prevents anemia)
Folic Acid (prevents neural tube defects)
Protein
Iodine
Vitamin D



Final Answer: (B) Calcium

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by infection of the intestine. Understanding its causative agent and transmission is essential.


Actual Causative Agent: Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae (not "Vibro-coma").

Transmission:

Spreads through contaminated water and food (fecal-oral route)
Not directly transmitted from person to person through casual contact
Poor sanitation and hygiene are major risk factors


Options Analysis:

(A) Vibro-coma: Incorrect spelling; the correct name is \textit{Vibrio cholerae. Even if intended as Vibrio, the option is misspelled and not the standard answer format.

(B) Tetanus: This is a different disease caused by \textit{Clostridium tetani. It causes muscle stiffness and lockjaw, not cholera.

(C) Influenza: This is a viral respiratory disease caused by influenza virus, unrelated to cholera.


Why (D) is Correct:

None of the given options correctly name the transmitting agent of cholera.
"Vibro-coma" is not the correct scientific name.
Tetanus and Influenza are completely different diseases.




Correct Information:

\begin{tabular{|l|l|
\hline
Feature & Details

\hline
Causative Agent & \textit{Vibrio cholerae (bacterium)

Transmission & Contaminated water/food

Symptoms & Severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration

Prevention & Clean water, sanitation, oral vaccine

Treatment & Oral rehydration, antibiotics

\hline
\end{tabular


Final Answer: (D) None of these

Vinegar is a common household liquid used in cooking, cleaning, and food preservation. Understanding its chemical nature is important.


Chemical Composition:

Vinegar is typically 4-8% acetic acid (\(CH_3COOH\)) dissolved in water.
The remaining 92-96% is water along with trace amounts of flavoring compounds.


Acidic Nature:

Acetic acid gives vinegar its sour taste and characteristic pungent smell.
The pH of vinegar ranges from 2.5 to 3.5, making it acidic.
It turns blue litmus paper red, confirming its acidic property.


Uses as an Acidic Re-agent:

Cooking: Adds sour flavor to foods, used in pickling (preservation)
Cleaning: Dissolves mineral deposits, grease, and some stains due to acidity
Laboratory: Used as a mild acid in various experiments
Traditional medicine: Sometimes used as a mild disinfectant




Why Other Options are Incorrect:


(B) Alkaline re-agent: Incorrect. Alkaline substances have pH above 7 (e.g., baking soda, bleach). Vinegar is acidic, not alkaline.

(C) Greasy solvent: While vinegar can help cut through grease to some extent, this is not its primary classification. "Greasy solvent" is not a standard chemical term, and vinegar is not primarily a solvent for grease (degreasers are usually alkaline).

(D) Greasy absorbent: Incorrect. Vinegar does not absorb grease; it may help dissolve or remove it through chemical action, but "absorbent" is not an accurate description.



Final Answer: (A) Acidic re-agent

Breast milk is uniquely designed to meet all the nutritional needs of a newborn infant. Understanding what newborns require is crucial for proper infant care.


Breast Milk Composition:

Contains the perfect balance of nutrients: carbohydrates (lactose), proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals
Provides antibodies and immune factors that protect against infections
Changes composition as the baby grows to meet changing needs
Contains approximately 87% water, which fulfills the baby's hydration needs


Why Newborns Don't Need Extra Water:

Breast milk is about 87% water, enough to keep the baby well-hydrated even in hot weather
Giving extra water can:

Fill the baby's small stomach, reducing appetite for nutrient-rich breast milk
Lead to water intoxication (diluting electrolytes in blood)
Increase risk of infections if water is contaminated

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months—no other liquids or solids, not even water


Why Other Options are Incorrect:

(A) Honey:

Never give honey to infants under 1 year
Risk of infant botulism (spores of *Clostridium botulinum* in honey)
Can cause serious illness or death


(B) Glucose:

Not needed—breast milk provides lactose (milk sugar)
Extra glucose can disrupt blood sugar balance
Not recommended unless medically prescribed for specific conditions


(C) Water:

Not needed as explained above
Exclusive breastfeeding provides all necessary hydration





WHO/UNICEF Recommendations:

Initiate breastfeeding within first hour of birth
Exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months (no water, no other milk, no foods)
Continue breastfeeding with complementary foods up to 2 years or beyond



Final Answer: (D) None of these

ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) is a life-saving mixture used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, especially in children.


What is ORS:

ORS is a specific combination of clean water, salts (sodium chloride, potassium chloride), and sugar (glucose)
It helps replace fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea or vomiting
WHO and UNICEF recommend a standard formula


Why Water is the Correct Mixing Liquid:

ORS powder is designed specifically to be dissolved in clean drinking water
Water ensures correct concentration of salts and sugar for proper absorption
Other liquids alter the composition and can be harmful


Why Other Options are Incorrect:

(A) Milk:

Milk contains proteins, fats, and lactose
Can be difficult to digest during diarrhea
Alters electrolyte balance and may worsen diarrhea


(B) Soup:

Contains salt and other ingredients
Unknown concentration—cannot ensure correct ORS formula
May not have proper glucose-electrolyte balance


(C) Juice:

High sugar content (fructose)
Too much sugar can draw water into intestine (osmotic diarrhea)
Wrong electrolyte concentration





ORS Preparation Guidelines:

Use clean drinking water (boiled and cooled if unsure)
Follow package instructions exactly
Use entire packet for correct amount of water (usually 1 liter)
Do not boil after mixing
Discard after 24 hours



ORS Recipe (if packet unavailable):

1 liter clean water
6 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt



Final Answer: (D) Water

Human development is divided into distinct stages based on age. Each stage has characteristic physical, cognitive, and social developments.


Stages of Human Development:

Infancy (0-2 years): Babyhood—rapid physical growth, dependence on caregivers
Early Childhood (2-6 years): Childhood—preschool years, language development, independence growing
Middle Childhood (6-12 years): School age, logical thinking develops
Adolescence (13-19 years): Puberty, identity formation
Adulthood (20+ years): Maturity, independence


Why 2-6 Years is Called Childhood:

This period is specifically referred to as "Early Childhood"
Characterized by:

Rapid language acquisition
Development of motor skills (running, jumping)
Socialization begins
Imagination and play become important
Toilet training typically completed





Why Other Options are Incorrect:


(A) Baby hood: Refers to infancy (0-2 years), not 2-6 years.

(C) Adolescence: Refers to teenage years (13-19 years), characterized by puberty.

(D) Adult hood: Refers to mature years (20+ years), complete physical and mental maturity. Quick Tip: Remember developmental stages: Babyhood = 0-2 years Early Childhood = 2-6 years Middle Childhood = 6-12 years Adolescence = 13-19 years Adulthood = 20+ years The 2-6 year period is called "Early Childhood" or simply "Childhood."

Breast milk is uniquely designed to meet all the nutritional needs of a newborn infant. Understanding what newborns require is crucial for proper infant care.


Breast Milk Composition:

Contains the perfect balance of nutrients: carbohydrates (lactose), proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals
Provides antibodies and immune factors that protect against infections
Changes composition as the baby grows to meet changing needs
Contains approximately 87% water, which fulfills the baby's hydration needs


Why Newborns Don't Need Extra Water:

Breast milk is about 87% water, enough to keep the baby well-hydrated even in hot weather
Giving extra water can:

Fill the baby's small stomach, reducing appetite for nutrient-rich breast milk
Lead to water intoxication (diluting electrolytes in blood)
Increase risk of infections if water is contaminated

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months—no other liquids or solids, not even water


Why Other Options are Incorrect:

(A) Honey:

Never give honey to infants under 1 year
Risk of infant botulism (spores of *Clostridium botulinum* in honey)
Can cause serious illness or death


(B) Glucose:

Not needed—breast milk provides lactose (milk sugar)
Extra glucose can disrupt blood sugar balance
Not recommended unless medically prescribed for specific conditions


(C) Water:

Not needed as explained above
Exclusive breastfeeding provides all necessary hydration





WHO/UNICEF Recommendations:

Initiate breastfeeding within first hour of birth
Exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months (no water, no other milk, no foods)
Continue breastfeeding with complementary foods up to 2 years or beyond



Final Answer: (D) None of these Quick Tip: Newborns need ONLY breast milk for first 6 months—no water, no honey, no glucose. Breast milk is 87% water and provides complete nutrition. Honey can cause infant botulism and is dangerous under 1 year.