inert pair effect is the non-participation of the s-electrons in the bulkier atoms.
the s-electrons don't participate due to poor sheilding effect of the f orbitals.
therefore they can't be lost very easily. if they're lost they destabilize the atom
occurs in heavy elements like Pb, Bi , Tl etc.
ex in Bi
+1 oxidation state is more stable than in +3
stability order of +1 state in grp 15
Bi>Sb>As
reverse for stability of +3
rate me if all this helps me.......