$word_{count}$: 210

Chemical bonding consistently appears as 2-3 questions in JEE Main (approximately 6% weightage). Question types: (1) Identify hybridisation/geometry of unusual species (xenon compounds, interhalogens — 1 question almost every year). (2) MOT-based questions on bond order, magnetic nature, bond length ordering (1 question). (3) Dipole moment/polarity identification or comparison (1 question). Time allocation: 2-3 minutes per question. Strategy: For geometry questions, immediately calculate SN = sigma bonds + lone pairs. For MOT, memorize the MO filling order and the Z <= 7 / Z >= 8 switch. For dipole moment, draw the structure and check symmetry. Common traps: confusing electron geometry with molecular geometry, using wrong MO ordering for O2 vs N2, forgetting that NF3 has a near-zero dipole despite being pyramidal, assuming F2 bond is stronger than Cl2 bond. Must-memorize: all xenon compound geometries, O2/O2+/O2-/$O2^{2-}$ bond orders, isoelectronic series (N2/CO/NO+/CN- all have BO=3), and the NF3 vs NH3 dipole moment comparison. Practice numerical bond order calculations — they are quick marks if you know the MO filling.