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Electronic configuration (every year): Know anomalous configs of Cr and Cu. Remember: ions lose 4s first, then 3d. Practice writing configs for ions like Cr^3+, Mn^2+, Fe^3+, Cu^2+. Quick check: d-electron count = Z - 18 - charge (for 3d ions).

Oxidation state questions: Max OS = group number up to Mn(+7). Know stability patterns: d^0, d^3, d^5, d^10 are extra stable. Higher OS with F^-/O^2- (MnO4^-, CrO4^2-), lower OS with CO/CN^-.

KMnO4/K2Cr2O7 reactions: Know the half-reactions in all three media for KMnO4. Know the chromate-dichromate equilibrium direction with pH. Calculate n-factors: KMnO4 = 5(acid), 3(neutral), 1(alkaline); K2Cr2O7 = 6(acid).

Magnetic moment: Count unpaired electrons using d-configuration and ligand field. mu = sqrt(n(n+2)). Common values: d^3 = 3.87, d^5(HS) = 5.92, d^8 = 2.83 BM.

f-block: Focus on lanthanoid contraction (causes and consequences), anomalous oxidation states (Ce^4+ = 4f^0, Eu^2+ = 4f^7, Yb^2+ = 4f^14), and key differences between lanthanoids and actinoids.

Physical property trends: Know the anomalies — Mn (low m.p.), Cu (positive E degree), Zn (colourless, low m.p., d^10). These are the most tested exceptions to general trends.