Depreciation, Provisions and Reserves – NCERT Class 11 Accountancy Financial Accounting Part I, Chapter 7 – Concepts, Methods, and Practice

Complete coverage of the meaning, causes, significance, and methods of depreciation (straight line and written down value), distinction from amortisation and depletion; detailed exploration of provisions and reserves, types, accounting treatment, and differences with solved illustrations.

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Categories: NCERT, Class XI, Accountancy, Financial Accounting, Depreciation, Provisions, Reserves, Methods, Solutions, Chapter 7
Tags: Depreciation, Provisions, Reserves, Amortisation, Depletion, Straight Line Method, Written Down Value, AS-6, Provision for Doubtful Debts, Types of Reserves, Revenue Reserve, Capital Reserve, Secret Reserve, Journal Entries, Practice Questions, NCERT Class 11, Accountancy, Chapter 7
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Depreciation, Provisions and Reserves - Class 11 NCERT Chapter 7 - Ultimate Study Guide, Notes, Questions, Quiz 2025

Depreciation, Provisions and Reserves

Chapter 7: Accountancy - Ultimate Study Guide | NCERT Class 11 Notes, Questions, Examples & Quiz 2025

Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes - Depreciation, Provisions and Reserves Class 11 NCERT

Overview & Key Concepts

  • Chapter Goal: Understand depreciation (meaning, causes, need, factors, methods), provisions, reserves. Exam Focus: SLM/WDV calculations, distinction provisions/reserves, journal entries. 2025 Updates: Emphasis on AS-6, tax implications. Fun Fact: Depreciation ensures matching principle from matching costs to revenues. Core Idea: Allocate asset cost over useful life. Real-World: Business asset valuation, profit ascertainment. Ties: To Chapter 6 (Fixed Assets). Expanded: Causes detailed, methods formulas, provisions types, reserves secret/general. Global: ICAI standards. Ethical: Prudent charging for true profits.
  • Wider Scope: Amortisation/depletion similar; secret reserves.
  • Expanded Content: Features non-cash, continuing; causes wear/obsolescence; need matching/tax; factors cost/residual/life; methods SLM equal, WDV diminishing; provisions charge against profit, reserves appropriation.

Section I: Depreciation

  • Fixed assets depreciate due to use/time/obsolescence. Depreciation: Expired cost charged to P&L.
  • Simple Example: Machine ₹1,00,000, 10 years life, ₹10,000 scrap. Depreciable cost ₹90,000. Annual depreciation ₹9,000 (SLM).

Extended: AS-6 defines as wearing out/consumption/loss from use/time/obsolescence.

7.1 Meaning of Depreciation

  • Decline in book value of fixed assets. Based on cost consumed, not market value.
  • ICMA: Diminution in intrinsic value due to use/lapse of time.
  • AS-6: Measure of wearing out, allocated over useful life.

Simple Example: How Depreciation Works

In simple terms, depreciation spreads asset cost over years. Here's a table for a machine bought for ₹50,000 on April 1, 2025, useful life 5 years, scrap ₹5,000:

YearCostScrapDepreciable CostAnnual Dep (SLM)
Initial₹50,000₹5,000₹45,000-
Year 1---₹9,000
Year 5---₹9,000 (Total ₹45,000)

This ensures only used portion charged yearly.

7.1.2 Features of Depreciation

  • Decline in book value; due to time/use/obsolescence; continuing process; non-cash expense; charged before tax.
  • Simple Example: Profit before dep ₹50,000, dep ₹10,000 → Profit before tax ₹40,000.

Analysis Table for Depreciation Impact (Simple Machine Example)

YearBook Value StartDep ChargedBook Value EndProfit Before DepProfit After Dep
2025₹1,00,000₹10,000₹90,000₹50,000₹40,000
2026₹90,000₹10,000₹80,000₹50,000₹40,000

Shows gradual reduction; true profit reflected.

7.2 Depreciation and Similar Terms

  • Depletion: For natural resources (e.g., mine extraction).
  • Amortisation: For intangibles (e.g., patent ₹10,000/10 years = ₹1,000/year).

7.3 Causes of Depreciation

  • Wear & Tear: Use/time (e.g., machine usage).
  • Expiration of Legal Rights: Patents expire.
  • Obsolescence: New tech (e.g., old machine outdated).
  • Abnormal: Accidents (e.g., fire loss).

7.4 Need for Depreciation

  • Matching Costs & Revenue: Charge proportionate cost.
  • Tax Consideration: Deductible expense.
  • True Financial Position: Avoid overvaluation.
  • Compliance: Legal requirement (Companies Act).

7.5 Factors Affecting Depreciation

  • Cost: Purchase + installation (e.g., machine ₹50,000 + ₹5,000 = ₹55,000).
  • Net Residual Value: Scrap - disposal cost (e.g., ₹6,000 - ₹1,000 = ₹5,000).
  • Depreciable Cost: Cost - Residual (₹55,000 - ₹5,000 = ₹50,000).
  • Useful Life: Economic life (e.g., 5 years, not physical).

Methods of Depreciation

  • Straight Line Method (SLM): Equal annual charge. Formula: (Cost - Scrap)/Life.
  • Written Down Value (WDV): On reducing balance. Formula: Rate% on WDV.

Simple Example: SLM Calculation Step-by-Step

Machine ₹1,00,000, Scrap ₹10,000, Life 10 years.

  1. Depreciable Cost = ₹1,00,000 - ₹10,000 = ₹90,000.
  2. Annual Dep = ₹90,000 / 10 = ₹9,000.
  3. Year 1 Book Value = ₹1,00,000 - ₹9,000 = ₹91,000.

Simple Example: WDV Calculation Step-by-Step

Same machine, Rate 10%.

  1. Year 1 Dep = 10% of ₹1,00,000 = ₹10,000; WDV = ₹90,000.
  2. Year 2 Dep = 10% of ₹90,000 = ₹9,000; WDV = ₹81,000.

Section II: Provisions and Reserves

  • Provisions: Charge against profit for known liability (e.g., bad debts).
  • Reserves: Appropriation of profit for future needs (e.g., general reserve).
  • Types: Secret reserves (hidden), specific/general.

Simple Example: Provision vs Reserve

TypePurposeExampleEffect
ProvisionKnown liabilityDepreciation ₹10,000Charge to P&L
ReserveFuture expansionGeneral Reserve ₹5,000From Profit

Summary

  • Depreciation allocates cost; methods SLM/WDV; provisions charge, reserves retain.
  • Journal: Depreciation A/c Dr. to Asset A/c.
  • Distinction: Provisions compulsory, reserves optional.

Why This Guide Stands Out

Complete: Methods calculations, Q&A, quiz. Accountancy-focused. Free 2025.

Key Themes & Tips

  • Aspects: Matching principle, AS-6, secret reserves.
  • Thinkers: Prudence concept.
  • Tip: Memorise formulas; practice numericals; distinguish provisions/reserves.

Exam Case Studies

Machine depreciation SLM/WDV; provision for bad debts; general reserve creation.

Project & Group Ideas

  • Calculate depreciation for home assets.
  • Debate secret reserves ethics.