Q.Bhim, Arjun and Nakul were partners in a firm sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 4 : 3 : 3. With effect from 1st April, 2023, they agreed to share profits equally. Due to change in the profit sharing ratio, Arjun's gain or sacrifice will be : (A) Sacrifice 1/30 (B) Gain 1/30 (C) Sacrifice 1/15 (D) Gain 1/15
🔒You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Part (a)Concept understanding — Sacrificing Ratio Definition
Let’s start with something you already know from everyday life.
Suppose you and your friend share a pizza equally — half each. One day, your friend says, “I’m not that hungry, you can have a bigger slice today.” So you take 60% and your friend takes 40%. Your friend has sacrificed 10% of the pizza in your favour. That 10% is the sacrificing ratio — the share your friend gave up so you could have more.
Now bring this into a partnership firm. Partners share profits in a fixed ratio (say 3:2). When a new partner is admitted, the old partners have to give up a part of their share to make room for the newcomer. The proportion in which they give up their shares is called the sacrificing ratio.
Precise meaning
Sacrificing ratio = Old ratio – New ratio (for each old partner).
If the result is positive, that partner has sacrificed. If negative, that partner has gained (which is called the gaining ratio, used at retirement).
For example, if A and B share profits 3:2, and they admit C for a 1/5th share, the new ratio might become 2:2:1. Then:
- A’s sacrifice = 3/5 – 2/5 = 1/5
- B’s sacrifice = 2/5 – 2/5 = 0
So A alone sacrifices 1/5th of the total profit. That 1/5th is the sacrificing ratio between A and B — here it’s simply 1:0.
Why does it matter?
Because the new partner brings in goodwill (a premium) to compensate the old partners for the share they gave up. That goodwill is distributed among the sacrificing partners in their sacrificing ratio. If you don’t calculate the sacrificing ratio correctly, you’ll distribute the goodwill unfairly — and that’s a serious accounting error.
Accounting treatment
When the new partner brings in his share of goodwill in cash:
-
Journal entry:
- Debit: Cash/Bank A/c (with the amount brought in)
- Credit: Premium for Goodwill A/c (with the same amount)
-
Then the premium is distributed to the sacrificing partners:
- Debit: Premium for Goodwill A/c
- Credit: Old Partners’ Capital A/cs (individually, in sacrificing ratio)
If the new partner does not bring in cash, the adjustment is done through the capital accounts directly (the new partner’s capital is debited, and the old partners’ capitals are credited).
Format: Capital Accounts (showing goodwill adjustment) …
Part (b)Concept understanding — Partnership Profit Distribution Rules
Partnership Capital Accounting — A First Look
Think of a partnership like a group of friends pooling money to start a roadside food stall. Each friend brings in some cash — that’s their capital. But unlike a simple piggy bank, a partnership needs a clear record of who put in how much, because profits (and losses) are shared in a fixed ratio, and partners may withdraw money, lend extra funds, or take a salary.
That record is what Partnership Capital Accounting is about.
What It Really Means
In accounting, capital is the amount a partner contributes to the firm. But it’s not just a one-time number. Over time, a partner’s capital changes due to:
- Additional capital introduced
- Drawings (money or goods taken out)
- Share of profit or loss
- Interest on capital, interest on drawings, partner’s salary, commission
The Capital Account of each partner tracks all these changes. It answers: What does the firm owe to this partner at any point?
Why It Matters
Without proper capital accounting, you cannot:
- Determine each partner’s claim on the firm’s assets
- Calculate interest on capital correctly
- Prepare the Profit and Loss Appropriation Account
- Settle accounts when a partner retires or dies
The NCERT textbook emphasises that capital accounts are personal accounts of the partners — they show the firm’s liability towards each partner.
Two Methods of Maintaining Capital Accounts
The NCERT Class 12 Accountancy textbook (Part II, Chapter 2) describes two methods:
1. Fixed Capital Method
Under this method, the capital account remains constant (except when additional capital is introduced or capital is withdrawn permanently). All other transactions — share of profit, drawings, interest, salary — are recorded in a separate Current Account.
In the Fixed Capital Method, the Capital Account shows only the permanent capital. The Current Account shows the fluctuating balance.
2. Fluctuating Capital Method
Here, all transactions are recorded directly in the Capital Account. The capital balance changes every year.
Accounting Treatment — Which Account is Debited/Credited
Let’s take the most common entries. I’ll show the journal entry first, then explain.
Entry 1: Capital Introduced
When a partner brings in cash or assets:
| Date | Particulars | L.F. | Debit (Rs) | Credit (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash/Bank A/c | Dr. | xxx | ||
| To Partner’s Capital A/c | xxx |
Why? Cash comes in (asset increases — debit), and the firm’s liability to the partner increases (capital is a liability — credit).
Entry 2: Drawings
When a partner withdraws cash or goods for personal use:
| Date | Particulars | L.F. | Debit (Rs) | Credit (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partner’s Capital/Current A/c | Dr. | xxx | ||
| To Cash/Bank/Purchases A/c | xxx |
Why? The firm’s liability to the partner decreases (debit the capital/current account), and cash or goods go out (credit).
Entry 3: Interest on Capital
This is an appropriation of profit. The formula (as per NCERT) is:
Interest on Capital = Capital × Rate of Time × Time (in months)/12
Journal entry:
| Date | Particulars | L.F. | Debit (Rs) | Credit (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest on Capital A/c | Dr. | xxx | ||
| To Partner’s Capital/Current A/c | xxx |
Then, at the end of the year, Interest on Capital is transferred to the Profit and Loss Appropriation Account:
| Date | Particulars | L.F. | Debit (Rs) | Credit (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit and Loss Appropriation A/c | Dr. | xxx | ||
| To Interest on Capital A/c | xxx |
Entry 4: Partner’s Salary
If the partnership deed allows a salary:
| Date | Particulars | L.F. | Debit (Rs) | Credit (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary to Partner A/c | Dr. | xxx | ||
| To Partner’s Capital/Current A/c | xxx |
Again, this is transferred to the Profit and Loss Appropriation Account.
Entry 5: Share of Profit
At the end of the year, after all appropriations, the remaining profit is distributed:
| Date | Particulars | L.F. | Debit (Rs) | Credit (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit and Loss Appropriation A/c | Dr. | xxx | ||
| To Partner’s Capital/Current A/c | xxx |
Formats as per NCERT
Format of Capital Account (Fluctuating Method)
| Particulars | Amount (Rs) | Particulars | Amount (Rs) | …
Part (a)
Old ratio Bhim : Arjun : Nakul = 4 : 3 : 3, so Arjun's old share = 3/10. New ratio = equal = 1/3 each. …
Part (a): Arjun's share rises from 3/10 to 1/3, a gain of 1/30, option (B).
Part (b): Profit ₹17,500 < total interest ₹35,000, so interest is limited to profit and shared 4:3 — Neeru ₹10,000, Meetu ₹7,500, option (D).
Part (a)
Concept
On a change in profit-sharing ratio, Gain (or Sacrifice) = New Share − Old Share. A positive result is a gain; a negative result is a sacrifice.
| Partner | Old share | New share |
|---|---|---|
| Bhim | 4/10 | 1/3 |
| Arjun | 3/10 | 1/3 |
| Nakul | 3/10 | 1/3 |
Arjun: 1/3 − 3/10 = 10/30 − 9/30 = +1/30 ⇒ gain of 1/30. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 150 on this concept.
- CBSE 2026Set 67/3/11 markMCQQ.(a) Atul, Bajaj and Madan were partners in a firm sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 1 : 2 : 5. The partnership deed provides that interest on a partner's drawings shall be charged @ 18% per annum. During the year ended 31st March, 2025, Bajaj withdrew ₹ 7,000 at the end of each quarter. Interest on Bajaj's drawings will be : (A) ₹ 1,890 (B) ₹ 3,150 (C) ₹ 420 (D) ₹ 5,040(OR)(b) Damodar, Rao and Shridharan were partners in a firm sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 3 : 1 : 1. Their fixed capitals were ₹ 4,00,000; ₹ 3,00,000 and ₹ 2,00,000 respectively. Interest on capital is allowed at the rate of 6% per annum. Journal entry for allowing interest on Rao's capital will be : (A) Profit & Loss Appropriation A/c Dr. — Debit ₹ 18,000 | To Rao's Capital A/c — Credit ₹ 18,000 (B) Profit & Loss Appropriation A/c Dr. — Debit ₹ 18,000 | To Rao's Current A/c — Credit ₹ 18,000 (C) Interest on Capital A/c Dr. — Debit ₹ 18,000 | To Rao's Current A/c — Credit ₹ 18,000 (D) Interest on Capital A/c Dr. — Debit ₹ 18,000 | To Rao's Capital A/c — Credit ₹ 18,000
›Reveal solutionSolution
Part (a): Interest on Bajaj's drawings = ₹1,890 (option A). Part (b): Interest on Rao's capital ₹18,000 debited to Interest on Capital A/c and credited to Rao's Current A/c (option C).
Part (a)
When a fixed amount is withdrawn at equal intervals, interest on drawings is found by the average period method.
Interest on Drawings = Total Drawings × Rate × (Average Period ÷ 12)
Working Note
- Total drawings = 7,000 × 4 = ₹28,000.
- Withdrawal at the end of each quarter: first drawing (30 Jun) has 9 months to run; last drawing (31 Mar) has 0 months. Average period = (9 + 0) ÷ 2 = 4.5 months. …
- CBSE 2026Set 67/3/11 markMCQQ.Divya and Bholi were partners in a firm sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 3 : 1. On 1st April, 2024, their fixed capitals were ₹ 8,00,000 and ₹ 6,00,000 respectively. On 30th September, 2024, Bholi introduced ₹ 50,000 as additional capital. Partnership deed provided that interest on capital will be allowed @ 12% p.a. Interest on Bholi's capital for the year ended 31st March, 2025 was : (A) ₹ 78,000 (B) ₹ 75,000 (C) ₹ 72,000 (D) ₹ 3,000
›Reveal solutionSolution
The interest on Bholi's capital for the year ended 31st March, 2025, is ₹75,000.
In a partnership firm, interest on capital is an allowance provided to partners for contributing capital to the business. It is typically calculated at a specified rate on the opening capital balance for the entire accounting period. However, if a partner introduces additional capital during the year, interest is calculated on this additional amount only for the period it remained in the business. This ensures fairness, as partners are compensated for the exact duration their capital was employed by the firm.
Interest on capital is considered an appropriation of profits, not a charge against profits. This means it is allowed only if there are sufficient profits; if profits are less than the total interest on capital, the interest is allowed only to the extent of profits, distributed in the ratio of capital. If there are losses, no interest on capital is allowed.
To calculate Bholi's interest on capital, we need to consider her initial capital and the additional capital introduced, along with the respective periods for which each amount was outstanding.
Solution
The interest on Bholi's capital for the year ended 31st March, 2025 is calculated as follows:
-
Interest on Initial Capital:
Bholi's initial fixed capital on 1st April, 2024, was ₹6,00,000. This capital remained in the business for the entire financial year (12 months).
Interest = ₹6,00,000 × 12% × (12/12) = ₹72,000
-
Interest on Additional Capital:
Bholi introduced additional capital of ₹50,000 on 30th September, 2024. This means the additional capital was available to the firm from 1st October, 2024, until the end of the financial year, 31st March, 2025. This period is 6 months (October, November, December, January, February, March).
Interest = ₹50,000 × 12% × (6/12) = ₹3,000
-
Total Interest on Bholi's Capital:
Total interest on Bholi's capital for the year is the sum of interest on her initial capital and interest on her additional capital.
Total Interest = ₹72,000 + ₹3,000 = ₹75,000 …
-
- CBSE 2026Set 67/4/11 markMCQQ.Ankur and Angad were partners in a firm sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 8 : 7. On 1st July, 2024, Angad advanced a loan of ₹ 8,00,000 to the firm. There is no partnership deed. Angad demands interest on loan @ 10% p.a. On 31st March, 2025, the amount of interest on loan due to Angad will be : (A) ₹ 36,000 (B) ₹ 48,000 (C) ₹ 80,000 (D) ₹ 60,000
›Reveal solutionSolution
When there is no partnership deed, interest on a partner's loan is allowed at 6% per annum as per the Indian Partnership Act, 1932. For Angad's loan of ₹8,00,000 for 9 months, the interest due is ₹36,000.
In partnership accounting, the absence of a partnership deed is a critical factor. When partners do not have a written agreement, or if the existing deed is silent on a particular matter, the provisions of the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, automatically apply. This Act serves as a default framework to ensure fairness and prevent disputes.
One of the key provisions of this Act, specifically Section 13(d), addresses interest on a partner's loan to the firm. It states that if a partner has advanced a loan to the firm, they are entitled to receive interest on that loan at a rate of 6% per annum. This is a statutory right and overrides any personal demands made by a partner, such as Angad's demand for 10% interest in this case.
ImportantWhen there is no partnership deed, or the deed is silent, the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, applies. As per Section 13(d) of this Act, a partner is entitled to interest on a loan advanced to the firm at 6% per annum.
It is also crucial to understand that interest on a partner's loan is considered a charge against profits, not an appropriation of profits. This means it must be paid whether the firm makes a profit or incurs a loss. It is treated as an expense of the business, similar to interest paid on a loan from an external party, and is debited to the Profit & Loss Account.
Working Notes
-
Applicable Rate of Interest on Loan:
Since there is no partnership deed, the provisions of the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, apply. As per Section 13(d) of the Act, interest on a partner's loan is allowed at 6% per annum.
Watch outAngad's demand for 10% p.a. interest is not applicable in the absence of a partnership deed explicitly stating this rate. The statutory rate of 6% p.a. must be followed.
-
Period for which Interest is Due:
Angad advanced the loan on 1st July, 2024. The accounting period ends on 31st March, 2025.
The period for which interest is due is from 1st July, 2024, to 31st March, 2025.
This duration covers July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, and March.
Number of months = 9 months.
-
Calculation of Interest on Angad's Loan:
Loan Amount = ₹8,00,000
Rate of Interest = 6% p.a. (as per Indian Partnership Act, 1932)
Period = 9 months
Interest on Loan = Loan Amount × Rate × Period
Interest on Loan = ₹8,00,000 ×1006×129
Interest on Loan = ₹48,000 ×129
Interest on Loan = ₹4,000 ×9
Interest on Loan = ₹36,000 …
-
- CBSE 2026Set 67/4/11 markMCQQ.Anita and Priyal were partners in a firm sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 3 : 2. On 1st April, 2024, their capital accounts showed balances of ₹ 3,00,000 and ₹ 4,00,000 respectively. The partnership deed provided for interest on capital @ 8% p.a. The firm earned a profit of ₹ 28,000 for the year ended 31st March, 2025. Interest on capital allowed to Anita and Priyal was : (A) Anita ₹ 24,000, Priyal ₹ 32,000 (B) Anita ₹ 16,000, Priyal ₹ 12,000 (C) Anita ₹ 12,000, Priyal ₹ 16,000 (D) Anita ₹ 16,800, Priyal ₹ 11,200
›Reveal solutionSolution
When the available profit is less than the total interest on capital due, the interest on capital is restricted to the available profit and distributed among partners in the ratio of their individual interest entitlements. For Anita and Priyal, the interest on capital allowed will be ₹12,000 and ₹16,000 respectively.
In partnership accounting, the treatment of interest on capital is a crucial concept, especially when the firm's profit is insufficient to cover the full amount of interest. Interest on capital is generally considered an appropriation of profit, not a charge against profit. This means it is paid only if there are profits, and only to the extent of available profits.
Here's the rule:
If the partnership deed provides for interest on capital, but it does not explicitly state that interest on capital is a charge against profits (meaning it must be paid even if it results in a loss), then it is treated as an appropriation. In such cases, if the total amount of interest on capital due to all partners exceeds the net profit available for appropriation, the interest on capital is restricted to the available profit. This available profit is then distributed among the partners in the ratio of their individual interest on capital entitlements.
Let's apply this concept to the given problem.
Working Notes
-
Calculation of Anita's full Interest on Capital:
Anita's Capital = ₹3,00,000
Interest Rate = 8% p.a.
Full Interest on Capital for Anita = ₹3,00,000 × 8/100 = ₹24,000
-
Calculation of Priyal's full Interest on Capital:
Priyal's Capital = ₹4,00,000
Interest Rate = 8% p.a.
Full Interest on Capital for Priyal = ₹4,00,000 × 8/100 = ₹32,000
-
Total full Interest on Capital:
Total full Interest on Capital = Anita's Interest + Priyal's Interest
Total full Interest on Capital = ₹24,000 + ₹32,000 = ₹56,000
-
Comparison with Available Profit:
Firm's Profit for the year = ₹28,000
Total full Interest on Capital = ₹56,000
Since the firm's profit (₹28,000) is less than the total full interest on capital (₹56,000), the interest on capital will be restricted to the available profit of ₹28,000.
Watch outA common mistake is to simply pay the full interest on capital, which would result in a loss for the firm. Interest on capital is an appropriation, not a charge, unless the deed explicitly states otherwise. Therefore, it cannot exceed the available profit.
-
Ratio for distributing restricted Interest on Capital: …
-
- CBSE 2026Set 67/5/11 markMCQQ.Munna and Sonu were partners in a firm sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 4 : 1. Their fixed capitals were ₹ 40,00,000 and ₹ 30,00,000 respectively. During the year ended 31st March, 2025, Munna withdrew ₹ 50,000 for personal use. Interest on drawings was to be charged @ 6% p.a. The journal entry for charging interest on Munna’s drawings will be : (A) Interest on Drawings A/c Dr. — Debit ₹ 1,500 | To Munna’s Capital A/c — Credit ₹ 1,500 (B) Munna’s Capital A/c Dr. — Debit ₹ 1,500 | To Interest on Drawings A/c — Credit ₹ 1,500 (C) Interest on Drawings A/c Dr. — Debit ₹ 1,500 | To Munna’s Current A/c — Credit ₹ 1,500 (D) Munna’s Current A/c Dr. — Debit ₹ 1,500 | To Interest on Drawings A/c — Credit ₹ 1,500
›Reveal solutionSolution
Munna's Current A/c Dr. ₹1,500 | To Interest on Drawings A/c Cr. ₹1,500 — the correct entry is (D).
Concept: Interest on Drawings in a Partnership
When a partner withdraws money for personal use, the partnership charges interest on those drawings to compensate the firm for the loss of capital employed. This interest is an appropriation of profit (not a charge against profit like interest on a loan), meaning it reduces the partner's share of distributable profit.
Accounting Treatment
The entry for charging interest on drawings involves two steps conceptually, though in practice we often combine them:
- Interest on Drawings Account is credited (it is an income to the firm, increasing the pool available for appropriation).
- The partner's account is debited (the partner owes this amount to the firm; it reduces his claim).
Because the firm maintains fixed capital accounts (capitals are ₹40,00,000 and ₹30,00,000 and remain unchanged), all adjustments for interest, salary, drawings, and profit shares flow through the Current Accounts of the partners. The fixed capital method keeps the Capital Account static; the Current Account is the working account that absorbs all operational adjustments.
Thus the journal entry is:
Partner's Current A/c Dr.
To Interest on Drawings A/c
This debits the partner's Current Account (reducing his balance or increasing his debit balance) and credits Interest on Drawings, which will later be transferred to the Profit & Loss Appropriation Account on the credit side, increasing distributable profit.
Watch outA common mistake is to debit "Interest on Drawings A/c" thinking it is an expense. Interest on drawings is not an expense; it is an appropriation item (a recovery from the partner). The Interest on Drawings Account is credited, not debited.
Solution
Working Note 1: Calculation of Interest on Drawings
Munna withdrew ₹50,000 during the year ended 31st March, 2025. The question does not specify the date(s) of withdrawal, so we apply the average period method: interest is calculated for an average period of 6 months (half the year).
Interest on Drawings=Drawings×100Rate×12Time (months)
=50,000×1006×126=50,000×0.06×0.5=₹1,500
Journal Entry for Charging Interest on Munna's Drawings
| Date | Particulars | L.F. | Debit (₹) | Credit (₹) | …
- CBSE 2026Set MARCH1 markMCQQ.The capital proportion of A, B and C is 1:2:3 respectively. The divisible profit is ₹ 1,20,000. What will be the amount of profit of C?(a) 60,000(b) 40,000(c) 20,000(d) 50,000
›Reveal solutionSolution
C's share of the 1,20,000 divisible profit in the 1 : 2 : 3 ratio is 60,000, so the answer is (a).
Total of the ratio = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 parts.
Partner Ratio Share of 1,20,000 A 1/6 20,000 B 2/6 40,000 - CBSE 2026Set MARCH1 markQ.Old Ratio – New Ratio = __________ Ratio.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Old Ratio - New Ratio = Sacrificing Ratio.
On admission of a partner, the existing partners surrender a portion of their profit share in favour of the incoming partner. The proportion in which they surrender is the sacrificing ratio, calculated as the difference between each old partner's old share and new shar …
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.Consider the following statements: Statement (I): Sacrificing Ratio = Old Profit and Loss sharing ratio – New Profit and Loss sharing ratio. Statement (II): Super profit = Average profits – Normal profits. Choose the correct answer from the following options: A) Only statement (I) is wrong B) Only statement (II) is correct C) Statement (I) is wrong and statement (II) is correct D) Both statements (I) and (II) are correct
›Reveal solutionSolution
Both definitions are standard and correct, so option (D) applies.
Statement (I): Sacrificing Ratio = Old profit-sharing ratio - New profit-sharing ratio. This is the correct formula; it measures the share old partners give up to the incoming/gaining partner.
…
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.If Nisha and Komal are sharing profits in the ratio of 4 : 3. They decided to distribute profits equally in future. The sacrifice of Nisha will be A) 1/14 B) 4/14 C) 4/7 D) 3/7
›Reveal solutionSolution
Nisha's sacrifice on moving from a 4:3 ratio to an equal ratio is 1/14 — option (A).
Old ratio of Nisha and Komal = 4 : 3, so Nisha's old share = 4/7.
New ratio = equal = 1 : 1, so Nisha's new share = 1/2.
Sacrifice = Old share - New share
= 4/7 - 1/2
= 8/14 - 7/14
= 1/14
…
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Mahaveer and Jitendra are partners in a firm sharing profits in the ratio of 4 : 3. They admitted Vaibhav for 1/5th share in profit, which he received from Jitendra. Calculate the sacrificing ratio.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Only Jitendra sacrifices his 1/5th share, so the sacrificing ratio is entirely Jitendra's (Mahaveer nil).
Mahaveer and Jitendra share profits 4 : 3. Vaibhav is admitted for a 1/5th share, which he takes wholly from Jitendra.
- Mahaveer's sacrifice = 0 (his share is unchanged).
- Jitendra's sacrifice = 1/5 (he alone gives up the share). …
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.Interest on capital in the absence of partnership deed :(a) 6%(b) 10%(c) 12%(d) is not paid
›Reveal solutionSolution
Correct option: (d) is not paid.
When there is no partnership deed, the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 applies and it allows no interest on partners' capital. Interest on capital is payable only if the deed expressly provides fo …
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Fill in the blank: Sacrificing ratio is always ________ to gaining ratio.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Answer: Opposite / reverse.
Sacrificing ratio = Old ratio - New ratio (share given up), while gaining ratio = New ratio - Old ratio (share acquired). They are computed in opposite directions, so a sacrificing ratio is always the opposite (reverse) of a gaining r …
🎓Unlock everything free for 14 days
- ✓Full step-by-step solutions
- ✓Concept-first explanations
- ✓Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- ✓PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.