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Sunday, 25 October

JEE Main · Chemistry · Class 11

The s-Block Elements: JEE Main previous year questions

This chapter is not in NTA's JEE Main 2026 syllabus. It had 71 questions in the shifts Lumi analysed; they are kept here for reference.

Questions
71
in 64 of 108 shifts · 6 of 8 years
Average a shift
0.5
of 25 Chemistry · 0.0 since 2024 -0.8
Typical range
0.0–0.8
questions a shift; fewest 0.0, most 1.2
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

The s-Block Elements at a glance

  1. 01

    35%

    of the 52 ideas in Lumi's map of the chapter have not been asked or touched on in the shifts analysed.

  2. 02

    7%

    of its questions asked for a numerical answer, 0.2 times the Chemistry average.

  3. 03

    4%

    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.

0240.8’170.8’200.8’210.7’221.2’230.1’240’250’26

Raw count: 2017: 1 in 1 shift · 2020: 9 in 12 shifts · 2021: 22 in 24 shifts · 2022: 20 in 24 shifts · 2023: 17 in 12 shifts · 2024: 2 in 18 shifts · 2025: 0 in 8 shifts · 2026: 0 in 9 shifts.

Kind of question

SHARE OF QUESTIONS
  • Recall, single correct42%
  • Conceptual14%
  • Match the list14%
  • Numerical answer7%
  • Two statements7%
  • Assertion–reason7%
  • Application6%
  • Multi-step1%
  • Diagram based1%

Most common asks: count ions identified by flame test (1); melting point order of alkaline earth metals (1); water of crystallisation in gypsum and plaster of paris (1).

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
2.2%
of its questions, all shifts analysed
Busiest year
2023
1.2 questions a shift
Year to year
Swings a lot
varies by about 0.4 questions a shift
Long-run direction
-0.10
questions a shift, per year
Easy questions
49%
4% rated hard
Numerical answer
7%
0.2× the Chemistry rate
With a figure
1%
graph, diagram or structure
Foundation for others
9%
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).

  • 20171
  • 20209
  • 202122
  • 202220
  • 202317
  • 20242
  • 2025
  • 2026
  • Easy
  • Medium
  • Hard

What it asks you to do

SHARE OF QUESTIONS
  • Recall66%
  • Conceptual27%
  • Application6%
  • Multi-step1%

Coverage

How much of the chapter JEE Main has used

We split the chapter into 52 ideas. In the 108 shifts analysed, JEE Main built a question around 27 of them. 48% of the chapter has never been the main idea of a question, so past questions alone leave part of it out.

Asked as the main idea
27
Touched on in a question
7
Never asked
18

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. 9 questions had no close topic in Lumi's map and count for the chapter only.

’17’20’21’22’23’24’25’26
018+questions in that year’s analysed shifts, shaded per shift
  • s-Block Elements

    As a topic: 64 questions in 6 of 8 years, most often single correct, 6% numerical answer.

  • Hydrogen and Hydrides

    As a topic: 62 questions in 4 of 8 years, most often single correct, 8% numerical answer.

  • Periodic Trends

    As a topic: 99 questions in 7 of 8 years, most often single correct, 5% numerical answer. Recent asks: match list on ionization enthalpy values; numerical: energy from successive ionization enthalpies; periodic trend across a period.

  • Anion Analysis

    As a topic: 19 questions in 7 of 8 years, most often single correct, 5% 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.

  • Open56 · 79%81816112

    24 ideas inside

    • OpenRepeated7 · 13%222
    • OpenRepeated5 · 9%2
    • OpenRepeated5 · 9%2
    • OpenRepeated4 · 7%2
    • OpenRepeated4 · 7%2
    • OpenRepeated3 · 5%2
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • Open2 · 4%2
    • Open2 · 4%2
    • Open2 · 4%2
    • Open2 · 4%2
    • Open2 · 4%2
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • Open2 · 4%2
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
  • Open2 · 3%
  • Open2 · 3%
  • Open1 · 1%
  • Open1 · 1%

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, 28 different ideas were tested; 19 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 71 The s-Block 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 20242 questions

  1. 6 Apr 2024, Shift 2 · Q66Match List - I with List - II. List - I (Alkali Metal) (A) Li (B) Na (C) Rb (D) Cs List - II (Emission Wavelength in nm) (I) 589.2 (II)…HardMatch the list
  2. 30 Jan 2024, Shift 2 · Q90Number of metal ions characterized by flame test among the following is ________.…MediumNumerical value

JEE Main 202317 questions

  1. 6 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q68The setting time of Cement is increased by addingEasySingle correct
  2. 6 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q65The product, which is not obtained during the electrolysis of brine solution isEasySingle correct
  3. 6 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q66Structures of BeCl2\mathrm{BeCl_2} in solid state, vapour phase and at very high temperature respectively are:MediumSingle correct
  4. 6 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q67Ion having highest hydration enthalpy among the given alkaline earth metal ions is:EasySingle correct
  5. 8 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q68Given below are two statements: Statement I: Lithium and Magnesium do not form superoxide Statement II: The ionic radius of…MediumTwo statements
  6. 8 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q67Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R Assertion A : Sodium is about 30…MediumAssertion–reason
  7. 10 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q66Lime reacts exothermally with water to give ‘A’ which has low solubility in water. Aqueous solution of ‘A’ is often used for the test of…EasySingle correct
  8. 10 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q67The compound which does not exist isMediumSingle correct
  9. 10 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q67Number of water molecules in washing soda and soda ash respectively are:EasySingle correct
  10. 11 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q67Match List-I with List-II: List-I | List-II A. K | I. Thermonuclear reactions B. KCl | II. Fertilizer C. KOH | III. Sodium potassium pump…MediumMatch the list
  11. 11 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q68Alkali metal from the following with least melting point is:EasySingle correct
  12. 11 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q88Mg(NO3)2⋅XH2O\mathrm{Mg(NO_3)_2{\cdot}XH_2O} and Ba(NO3)2⋅YH2O\mathrm{Ba(NO_3)_2{\cdot}YH_2O}, represent formula of the crystalline forms of nitrate salts. Sum…MediumNumerical value
  13. 12 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q65The density of alkali metals is in the orderEasySingle correct
  14. 12 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q68In the given reaction cycle CaCl2+Na2CO3⟶X‾+Y‾\mathrm{CaCl_2 + Na_2CO_3 \longrightarrow \underline{X} + \underline{Y}} with an arrow from the underlined X…EasyDiagram basedHas a figure
  15. 13 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q67Be(OH)2\mathrm{Be(OH)_2} reacts with Sr(OH)2\mathrm{Sr(OH)_2} to yield an ionic salt. Choose the incorrect option related to this reaction from the…MediumSingle correct
  16. 13 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q67Better method for preparation of BeF2\mathrm{BeF_2}, among the following isHardSingle correct
  17. 15 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q67Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R : Assertion (A) : BeCl2\mathrm{BeCl_2}…EasyAssertion–reason

JEE Main 202220 questions

  1. 25 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q69Choose the correct order of density of the alkali metals :EasySingle correct
  2. 25 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q69The correct order of density isEasySingle correct
  3. 26 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q66Reaction of BeCl2\mathrm{BeCl_2} with LiAlH4\mathrm{LiAlH_4} gives : (A) AlCl3\mathrm{AlCl_3} (B) BeH2\mathrm{BeH_2} (C) LiH (D) LiCl (E)…MediumOther
  4. 26 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q69Given below are two statements: one is labelled as **Assertion A** and the other is labelled as **Reason R**. **Assertion A:** LiF is…MediumAssertion–reason
  5. 27 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q69Given below are two statements. Statement I: The chlorides of Be and Al have Cl-bridged structure. Both are soluble in organic solvents…MediumTwo statements
  6. 27 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q67An element A of group 1 shows similarity to an element B belonging to group 2. If A has maximum hydration enthalpy in group 1 then B is :EasySingle correct
  7. 28 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q68Which of the following statement is incorrect ?MediumSingle correct
  8. 28 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q35**Statement I** : An alloy of lithium and magnesium is used to make aircraft plates. **Statement II** : The magnesium ions are important…MediumTwo statements
  9. 29 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q67Lithium nitrate and sodium nitrate, when heated separately, respectively, give :EasySingle correct
  10. 24 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q69Which of the following statements are correct ? (A) Both LiCl and MgCl2\mathrm{MgCl_2} are soluble in ethanol. (B) The oxides…MediumOther
  11. 24 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q69Which one of the following compounds is used as a chemical in certain type of fire extinguishers?EasySingle correct
  12. 25 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q66Which one of the following alkaline earth metal ions has the highest ionic mobility in its aqueous solution ?EasySingle correct
  13. 26 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q69The correct order of melting point is :EasySingle correct
  14. 26 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q66s-block element which **cannot** be qualitatively confirmed by the flame test isEasySingle correct
  15. 27 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q68BeCl2\mathrm{BeCl_2} reacts with LiAlH4\mathrm{LiAlH_4} to give :MediumSingle correct
  16. 27 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q83BeO reacts with HF in presence of ammonia to give [A] which on thermal decomposition produces [B] and ammonium fluoride. Oxidation state…MediumNumerical value
  17. 28 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q69Among the following, basic oxide is :EasySingle correct
  18. 29 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q69Match List - I with List - II. List - I (Metal) (A) Li (B) Na (C) Rb (D) Cs List - II (Emitted light wavelength (nm)) (I) 670.8 (II) 589.2…HardMatch the list
  19. 29 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q69Amongst baking soda, caustic soda and washing soda, carbonate anion is present inEasySingle correct
  20. 30 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q69Correct statement about alkali metal oxides isEasySingle correct

JEE Main 202122 questions

  1. 3 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q33The correct order of the basic character for the following metal hydroxides isMediumSingle correct
  2. 3 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q36Thermal Stability Trends · Medium · Single correct
  3. 4 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q38Formation of Oxides, Peroxides, and Superoxides · Medium · Single correct
  4. 4 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q50Flame Coloration · Easy · Match the list
  5. 4 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q35Phase-Dependent Structure of BeCl2 · Medium · Two statements
  6. 26 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q37Carbonate Lime Water Test · Easy · Single correct
  7. 26 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q37Thermal Stability Trends · Medium · Assertion–reason
  8. 27 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q38Gypsum and Plaster of Paris · Easy · Single correct
  9. 27 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q35Anomalous Solubility of Specific Alkali Halides · Medium · Single correct
  10. 31 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q38Portland Cement Composition and Setting · Easy · Single correct
  11. 31 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q35Hydration Enthalpy Trends · Easy · Assertion–reason
  12. 24 Feb 2021, Shift 1 · Q59Amphoterism of Beryllium Compounds · Medium · Numerical value
  13. 24 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q37Flame Coloration · Medium · Match the list
  14. 25 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q58Photoelectric Application of K and Cs · Easy · Numerical value
  15. 26 Feb 2021, Shift 1 · Q36Limitations of the Solvay Process · Easy · Single correct
  16. 26 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q39Calgon's Method for Permanent Hardness · Easy · Single correct
  17. 22 Jul 2021, Shift 2 · Q37Solubility of Salts · Medium · Match the list
  18. 25 Jul 2021, Shift 1 · Q36Amphoterism of Beryllium Compounds · Medium · Two statements
  19. 25 Jul 2021, Shift 2 · Q37Existence of Solid Bicarbonates · Medium · Match the list
  20. 17 Mar 2021, Shift 2 · Q37Limitations of the Solvay Process · Easy · Single correct
  21. 18 Mar 2021, Shift 1 · Q37Gypsum and Plaster of Paris · Easy · Match the list
  22. 18 Mar 2021, Shift 2 · Q37Open the question · Medium · Match the list

JEE Main 20209 questions

  1. 8 Jan 2020, Shift 1 · Q34Thermal Dehydration of Gypsum · Easy · Single correct
  2. 8 Jan 2020, Shift 2 · Q35Direct Formation of Nitrides · Medium · Single correct
  3. 9 Jan 2020, Shift 2 · Q34Diagonal Relationship · Medium · Other
  4. 2 Sep 2020, Shift 1 · Q34Photoelectric Application of K and Cs · Easy · Single correct
  5. 2 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q35Direct Formation of Nitrides · Medium · Single correct
  6. 3 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q34Diagonal Relationship · Medium · Single correct
  7. 4 Sep 2020, Shift 1 · Q34Formation of Oxides, Peroxides, and Superoxides · Easy · Single correct
  8. 4 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q33Amphoterism of Beryllium Compounds · Easy · Single correct
  9. 6 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q35Open the question · Easy · Match the list

JEE Main 20171 question

  1. 2 Apr 2017 (offline) · Q41Diagonal Relationship · 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 11

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