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Sunday, 25 October

JEE Main · Chemistry · Class 12

General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements: JEE Main previous year questions

This chapter is not in NTA's JEE Main 2026 syllabus. It had 70 questions in the shifts Lumi analysed; they are kept here for reference.

Questions
70
in 66 of 108 shifts · 5 of 8 years
Average a shift
0.4
of 25 Chemistry · 0.0 since 2024 -0.6
Typical range
0.0–0.9
questions a shift; fewest 0.0, most 0.9
Syllabus
Dropped
NTA JEE Main 2026 syllabus
  • Typical range (fact)
  • Average a shift (fact)
  • Weighted estimate (model)

Questions are counted per shift, out of the 25 each subject has, in the shifts Lumi analysed; papers that offered 30 a subject (2017, 2021–2024) are scaled to 25. Typical range: the middle six of the eight years (2017, 2020–2026), leaving out the single highest and lowest year. The average and the range are historical fact. The weighted estimate is a model: each year's share, with recent years counting more (half-life three years), and chapters NTA dropped from the syllabus set near zero. It is a guide to effort, not a forecast of the paper.

Key findings

General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements at a glance

  1. 01

    57%

    of the 56 ideas in Lumi's map of the chapter have not been asked or touched on in the shifts analysed.

  2. 02

    4%

    of its questions asked for a numerical answer, 0.1 times the Chemistry average.

  3. 03

    0%

    of its questions were rated hard, against 6% across all Chemistry questions in the same shifts.

Questions a shift, year by year

Out of the 25 Chemistry questions in a shift. Years differ in how many shifts Lumi analysed, so each year is scaled to one shift.

0240’170.7’200.9’210.9’220.7’230’240’250’26

Raw count: 2017: 0 in 1 shift · 2020: 8 in 12 shifts · 2021: 26 in 24 shifts · 2022: 25 in 24 shifts · 2023: 10 in 12 shifts · 2024: 1 in 18 shifts · 2025: 0 in 8 shifts · 2026: 0 in 9 shifts.

Kind of question

SHARE OF QUESTIONS
  • Recall, single correct47%
  • Match the list17%
  • Two statements11%
  • Assertion–reason7%
  • Conceptual6%
  • Diagram based6%
  • Numerical answer4%
  • Data or graph1%

Most common asks: definition recall (2); match list on metallurgical processes (2); statement i/ii on ellingham diagram (2).

Profile

This chapter in numbers

Where it ranks, how steady it is, and what it costs to study.

Syllabus
Dropped
NTA JEE Main 2026
Last asked
2024
Share of Chemistry
1.6%
of its questions, all shifts analysed
Busiest year
2021
0.9 questions a shift
Year to year
Swings a lot
varies by about 0.4 questions a shift
Long-run direction
-0.04
questions a shift, per year
Easy questions
67%
0% rated hard
Numerical answer
4%
0.1× the Chemistry rate
With a figure
6%
graph, diagram or structure
Foundation for others
8%
of its ideas are used in other chapters

Difficulty, year by year

Each question rated easy, medium or hard. Each bar is that year’s split, so years compare directly; the number is the questions in that year’s analysed shifts (1 to 24 shifts a year).

  • 2017
  • 20208
  • 202126
  • 202225
  • 202310
  • 20241
  • 2025
  • 2026
  • Easy
  • Medium
  • Hard

What it asks you to do

SHARE OF QUESTIONS
  • Recall73%
  • Conceptual20%
  • Data or graph7%

Coverage

How much of the chapter JEE Main has used

We split the chapter into 56 ideas. In the 108 shifts analysed, JEE Main built a question around 21 of them. Most of the chapter has never been the main idea of a question, so past questions alone leave most of it out.

Asked as the main idea
21
Touched on in a question
3
Never asked
32

Topics

What repeats, topic by topic

This chapter's questions per topic in each year's analysed shifts. The number is the count; the shade is scaled to one shift, so a year with more analysed shifts (1 to 24 a year) does not look darker. 14 questions had no close topic in Lumi's map and count for the chapter only.

’17’20’21’22’23’24’25’26
020+questions in that year’s analysed shifts, shaded per shift
  • Metallurgical Extraction

    As a topic: 50 questions in 4 of 8 years, most often single correct, 2% numerical answer.

  • Adsorption

    As a topic: 31 questions in 5 of 8 years, most often single correct, 29% numerical answer.

  • Gibbs Free Energy

    As a topic: 29 questions in 6 of 8 years, most often numerical value, 66% numerical answer.

Drill down

Topic, idea, question

Open a topic to see every idea JEE Main tested inside it, then open an idea to read the questions. Each row shows its 8 years.

  • Open50 · 71%816206

    21 ideas inside

    • OpenRepeated6 · 12%23
    • OpenRepeated6 · 12%5
    • OpenRepeated6 · 12%22
    • OpenRepeated5 · 10%3
    • OpenRepeated4 · 8%22
    • OpenRepeated3 · 6%
    • OpenRepeated3 · 6%2
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • Open2 · 4%2
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
  • Open3 · 4%
  • Open3 · 4%2

Squares are the 8 years with analysed shifts, 2017 to 2026. A number is the questions that year when there is more than one; the shade is scaled to one shift, so a year with more analysed shifts (1 to 24 a year) does not look darker. Share is of the level above.

Ideas

The exact ideas JEE Main has asked

Inside the topics, 25 different ideas were tested; 11 came more than once. These are the repeats, then the ideas new since 2024.

Dots are the 8 years with analysed shifts, 2017 to 2026.

Every question

All 70 General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements questions

Newest first, shift by shift. The newest 40 show their opening words; older ones name the idea they tested. Each opens with its options and the official answer.

JEE Main 20241 question

  1. 29 Jan 2024, Shift 1 · Q65Identify the incorrect pair from the following :EasySingle correct

JEE Main 202310 questions

  1. 8 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q65Which of the following metals can be extracted through alkali leaching technique?MediumSingle correct
  2. 8 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q65In Hall - Heroult process, the following is used for reducing Al2O3\mathrm{Al_2O_3} :-EasySingle correct
  3. 10 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q64Which of the following is used as a stabilizer during the concentration of sulphide ores?EasySingle correct
  4. 10 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q65Gibbs energy vs T plot for the formation of oxides is given below. For the given diagram, the correct statement is -MediumDiagram basedHas a figure
  5. 11 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q65In the extraction process of copper, the product obtained after carrying out the reactions (i)…EasySingle correct
  6. 11 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q65Given below are two statements : Statement I : In the metallurgy process, sulphide ore is converted to oxide before reduction. Statement…EasyTwo statements
  7. 12 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q66Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R Assertion A : In the Ellingham…MediumAssertion–reason
  8. 13 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q65Which one of the following is most likely a mismatch ?MediumSingle correct
  9. 13 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q65Given below are two statements related to Ellingham diagram: Statement I : Ellingham diagrams can be constructed for formation of oxides,…MediumTwo statements
  10. 15 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q65Which one of the following is not an example of calcination?EasySingle correct

JEE Main 202225 questions

  1. 25 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q67The compound(s) that is(are) removed as slag during the extraction of copper is : (A) CaO\mathrm{CaO} (B) FeO\mathrm{FeO} (C)…MediumOther
  2. 25 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q67Given below are two statements. Statement I: Pig iron is obtained by heating cast iron with scrap iron. Statement II: Pig iron has a…EasyTwo statements
  3. 26 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q64Refining using liquation method is the most suitable for metals with :EasySingle correct
  4. 26 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q67The metal that is not extracted from its sulfide ore isEasySingle correct
  5. 27 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q67Which of the following methods are not used to refine any metal? A. Liquation B. Calcination C. Electrolysis D. Leaching E. Distillation…EasyOther
  6. 27 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q86Among the following ores Bauxite, Siderite, Cuprite, Calamine, Haematite, Kaolinite, Malachite, Magnetite, Sphalerite, Limonite, Cryolite,…EasyNumerical value
  7. 28 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q66Which of the reaction is suitable for concentrating ore by leaching process ?EasySingle correct
  8. 28 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q33Given below are two statements : One is labelled as **Assertion A** and the other is labelled as **Reason R** **Assertion A** : The…MediumAssertion–reason
  9. 29 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q65In metallurgy the term “gangue” is used for :EasySingle correct
  10. 29 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q66In liquation process used for tin (Sn), the metalEasySingle correct
  11. 30 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q36Match List I with List II List I | List II A. Cyanide Process | I. Vapour phase refining B. Froth flotation process | II. Aluminium C.…EasyMatch the list
  12. 24 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q67Match List - I with List - II : List - I (A) Sphalerite (B) Calamine (C) Galena (D) Siderite List - II (I) FeCO3\mathrm{FeCO_3} (II)…EasyMatch the list
  13. 24 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q67Which of the following chemical reactions represents Hall-Heroult Process?EasySingle correct
  14. 24 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q86(a) Baryte, (b) Galena, (c) Zinc blende and (d) Copper pyrites. How many of these minerals are sulphide based?EasyNumerical value
  15. 25 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q64Leaching of gold with dilute aqueous solution of NaCN in presence of oxygen gives complex [A], which on reaction with zinc forms the…EasySingle correct
  16. 25 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q67Given below are two statements. Statement I: During electrolytic refining, blister copper deposits precious metals. Statement II: In the…MediumTwo statements
  17. 26 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q67Given below are two statements : Statement I : According to the Ellingham diagram, any metal oxide with higher ΔG∘\Delta G^\circ is more…MediumTwo statements
  18. 26 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q64The role of depressants in 'Froth Floation method' is toMediumSingle correct
  19. 27 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q66Match List - I with List - II. List - I (A) Concentration of gold ore (B) Leaching of alumina (C) Froth stabiliser (D) Blister copper List…MediumMatch the list
  20. 27 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q63**Statement I:** Leaching of gold with cyanide ion in absence of air / O2\mathrm{O_2} leads to cyano complex of Au(III). **Statement II:**…MediumTwo statements
  21. 28 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q64Given are two statements one is labelled as Assertion A and other is labelled as Reason R. Assertion A :Magnesium can reduce…MediumAssertion–reason
  22. 28 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q67In the metallurgical extraction of copper, following reaction is used : FeO+SiO2→FeSiO3\mathrm{FeO + SiO_2 \rightarrow FeSiO_3} FeO\mathrm{FeO} and…EasySingle correct
  23. 29 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q67In isolation of which one of the following metals from their ores, the use of cyanide salt is not commonly involved ?MediumSingle correct
  24. 29 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q67Match List I with List II. List I Ore | List II Composition A. Siderite | I. FeCO3\mathrm{FeCO_3} B. Malachite | II.…EasyMatch the list
  25. 30 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q67ΔG∘\Delta \mathrm{G}^\circ vs T plot for the formation of MgO, involving reaction 2Mg+O2→2MgO2\mathrm{Mg}+\mathrm{O_2}\rightarrow 2\mathrm{MgO},…MediumDiagram basedHas a figure

JEE Main 202126 questions

  1. 3 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q34Ellingham diagram does not predict theEasySingle correct
  2. 3 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q34Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R Assertion A : Fluoride based compound…EasyAssertion–reason
  3. 4 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q36The concentrated ores siderite and copper glance are converted to their oxides byEasySingle correct
  4. 4 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q33During the isolation of copper from copper matte, SiO2\mathrm{SiO_2} is added toEasySingle correct
  5. 26 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q35Ellingham Diagram Basics · Medium · Two statements
  6. 26 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q35Adsorption in Froth Flotation · Medium · Two statements
  7. 27 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q36Liquation Refining Principle · Easy · Single correct
  8. 27 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q33Open the question · Easy · Match the list
  9. 31 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q36Hall-Heroult Process · Easy · Assertion–reason
  10. 31 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q59Anode Mud Composition · Medium · Numerical value
  11. 24 Feb 2021, Shift 1 · Q34Open the question · Easy · Single correct
  12. 24 Feb 2021, Shift 1 · Q36Bayer Process Chemistry · Easy · Single correct
  13. 24 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q35Open the question · Easy · Match the list
  14. 25 Feb 2021, Shift 1 · Q35Ellingham Diagram Basics · Easy · Single correct
  15. 25 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q35Metal Refining Techniques · Easy · Single correct
  16. 26 Feb 2021, Shift 1 · Q34Open the question · Easy · Match the list
  17. 26 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q34Open the question · Easy · Match the list
  18. 26 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q36Open the question · Medium · Match the list
  19. 22 Jul 2021, Shift 2 · Q35Open the question · Easy · Other
  20. 25 Jul 2021, Shift 1 · Q34Bayer Process Chemistry · Easy · Single correct
  21. 25 Jul 2021, Shift 2 · Q35MacArthur-Forrest Cyanide Process · Easy · Match the list
  22. 16 Mar 2021, Shift 2 · Q34Gibbs Energy Equation in Metallurgy · Easy · Single correct
  23. 17 Mar 2021, Shift 1 · Q34Ellingham Diagram Phase Changes · Medium · Diagram based · has a figure
  24. 17 Mar 2021, Shift 2 · Q35Open the question · Easy · Match the list
  25. 18 Mar 2021, Shift 1 · Q35Hall-Heroult Process · Easy · Single correct
  26. 18 Mar 2021, Shift 2 · Q35Metal Refining Techniques · Easy · Match the list

JEE Main 20208 questions

  1. 8 Jan 2020, Shift 2 · Q33Iron Extraction Chemistry · Easy · Single correct
  2. 9 Jan 2020, Shift 1 · Q33Ellingham Diagram Intersections · Medium · Diagram based · has a figure
  3. 2 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q33Iron Extraction Chemistry · Easy · Single correct
  4. 4 Sep 2020, Shift 1 · Q33Metal Refining Techniques · Medium · Other
  5. 4 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q38Calcination vs. Roasting · Easy · Single correct
  6. 5 Sep 2020, Shift 1 · Q34Ellingham Diagram Basics · Easy · Single correct
  7. 6 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q33Distillation Refining · Easy · Single correct
  8. 6 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q42Ellingham Diagram Basics · Medium · Single correct

Questions from the official JEE Main papers published by NTA. Chapter, topic and idea tags, counts and notes are Lumi’s. Pattern: Asked most years.

More Chemistry, Class 12

All JEE Main chaptersJEE Main Chemistry analysisStudy plan