The s-block elements comprise Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 2 (alkaline earth metals), characterized by their outermost electrons residing in s-orbitals.

Group 1 (Alkali Metals): Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr

• General configuration: $[Noble\ gas]\ ns^1$
• Oxidation state: +1 exclusively (stable noble gas configuration after losing one electron)
• Soft metals, low melting points, low densities

Group 2 (Alkaline Earth Metals): Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra

• General configuration: $[Noble\ gas]\ ns^2$
• Oxidation state: +2 exclusively (stable noble gas configuration after losing two electrons)
• Harder, higher melting points, higher densities than Group 1 counterparts in the same period

s-Block in NEET: Questions focus on (1) flame colors, (2) oxide types, (3) sodium compound preparations, (4) diagonal relationships, and (5) calcium compound properties. Approximately 1-2 questions per NEET paper.