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Topic Periodic table
Asked 9 times across 4 UPSC exams over 42 years (1984–2026), peaking in 2026.
Key insights
- Most tested in CDS — 4 of 9 PYQs
- Most asked in 2026
- Recurs across 6 years (1984–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1984 → CDS 2015 → NDA 2021 → GEO 2024
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (7 of 9) are since 2016.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2026
Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the codes given below the Lists
| List I (Symbol of Element) | List II (Group of Element) |
|---|
| A. Sm | 1. Transition Elements |
| B. Cs | 2. Alkali Metals |
| C. Os | 3. Actinoid Elements |
| D. Np | 4. Lanthanoid Elements |
Codes:
- A 4 2 1 3 ✓
- B 4 1 2 3
- C 3 1 2 4
- D 3 2 1 4
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Science & Technology › Physics & Chemistry
CDS2026
Which of the following statements relating to the Modern Periodic Table is/are correct ?
- The atomic radius increases on moving from left to right across a period
- Germanium, Tellurium, and Copper are transition metals
- The two isotopes of Chlorine occupy the same position in the periodic table
- The metallic property of Ca, Ba, Be and Sr follows the order : Be < Ca < Sr < Ba. Select the answer
using the codes given below :
- A 3 only
- B 1 and 4
- C 2 and 3
- D 3 and 4 ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Science & Technology › Physics & Chemistry
GEO2026
Consider the following statements in respect of noble gases
- They are p-block elements
- They are highly active
- They have completely filled electronic configurations
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A III only
- B I and III only
- C I only
- D I, II and III
Answer key not yet available (pending official release)
Science & Technology › Physics & Chemistry
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