Why Dissolution of Partnership Firm Matters in the 2026-27 CBSE Board Pattern
The Dissolution of Partnership Firm chapter holds significant weight in CBSE Class 9 Accountancy because it integrates three critical skills: asset valuation, liability management, and partner settlement calculations. Examiners use this chapter to test not just memorisation but logical application of accounting principles under complex real-world scenarios. In recent board papers, 8–12 marks have been consistently allocated to this chapter across MCQs, short-answer, and long-answer formats. The chapter's focus on Realisation Accounts—a specialised accounting statement—makes it a favourite for testing numerical accuracy and conceptual depth. Students who master the step-by-step process of dissolution (listing assets, revaluing them, paying liabilities, and distributing remaining cash to partners) gain confidence in the entire Partnership Accounting unit. Additionally, the chapter reinforces double-entry bookkeeping and the accounting equation, both foundational to Class 10 and beyond. Understanding when and how a firm dissolves also builds real-world business acumen, showing students the legal and financial reality behind company closures, retirements, and partner exits.
1-Mark Multiple-Choice Questions on Dissolution of Partnership Firm
MCQs test quick recall and conceptual clarity—essential for securing marks without losing time in exams.
**Q1:** When a partnership firm is dissolved, the Realisation Account is:
(a) A profit-and-loss account for the firm
(b) A statement showing gains/losses on selling assets and paying liabilities
(c) A balance sheet of the dissolved firm
(d) A capital account for each partner
**Answer: (b)** The Realisation Account records all transactions related to asset sales and liability payments during dissolution, showing net gain or loss.
**Q2:** In a Realisation Account, accumulated depreciation on fixed assets is:
(a) Credited (shown as a resource)
(b) Debited (shown as a use)
(c) Ignored
(d) Transferred to partners' capital accounts
**Answer: (a)** Accumulated depreciation reduces the book value of assets and is credited in the Realisation Account, effectively reducing the net debit for that asset.
**Q3:** If a partnership firm has assets totalling ₹5,00,000 and liabilities of ₹1,50,000, the amount available for distribution to partners is:
(a) ₹3,50,000 (before realisation gains/losses)
(b) ₹5,00,000
(c) ₹6,50,000
(d) Cannot be determined without knowing realisation gains/losses
**Answer: (a)** Initial available amount = Assets − Liabilities = 5,00,000 − 1,50,000 = ₹3,50,000. Final distribution depends on gains/losses from asset sales.
**Q4:** The Realisation Account is credited when:
(a) Assets are sold at a loss
(b) Assets are sold at a profit
(c) Liabilities are paid
(d) Cash is distributed to partners
**Answer: (b)** Profit on asset sales is credited to the Realisation Account; loss is debited.
**Q5:** On dissolution, if a partner's capital account shows a debit balance after settlement, it means:
(a) The partner has made a gain
(b) The partner owes money to the firm
(c) The partner is entitled to a refund
(d) The firm owes the partner
**Answer: (b)** A debit balance on a partner's capital account post-dissolution indicates the partner is liable to pay that amount to the firm to settle accounts.
2-Mark Short-Answer Questions: Realisation & Settlement Concepts
These questions require concise explanations or simple calculations, testing both definition and application.
**Q1:** Define Realisation Account. Why is it prepared during partnership dissolution?
**Answer:** A Realisation Account is a nominal account opened to record all gains and losses arising from the sale of assets and payment of liabilities during partnership dissolution. It is prepared because it centralises all dissolution transactions in one account, making it easy to calculate the net gain or loss that is then distributed to partners in their agreed profit-sharing ratio. This ensures transparent and accurate settlement of partner claims.
**Q2:** A firm's Realisation Account shows a debit balance (loss) of ₹50,000. The profit-sharing ratio of three partners A, B, and C is 3:2:1. How will this loss be distributed?
**Answer:** Total parts = 3 + 2 + 1 = 6. Loss distribution:
– A's share = (3/6) × 50,000 = ₹25,000
– B's share = (2/6) × 50,000 = ₹16,667 (approx)
– C's share = (1/6) × 50,000 = ₹8,333 (approx)
Each partner's capital account is debited with their share of the loss.
**Q3:** What is the difference between 'dissolution of a firm' and 'retirement of a partner'?
**Answer:** Dissolution of a firm means the complete end of the partnership agreement and closure of the business. All assets are sold, liabilities paid, and remaining cash distributed. Retirement of a partner means one partner leaves while the firm continues—only the retiring partner's capital is settled, and continuing partners either admit a new partner or reorganise themselves. In retirement, Realisation Account may not be used; instead, revaluation adjustments are made.
**Q4:** In the Settlement Account (after Realisation), a partner's capital account shows a credit balance of ₹80,000. What does this mean, and how is it settled?
**Answer:** A credit balance means the partner is entitled to receive ₹80,000 from the firm (a receivable). This amount is paid in cash (or cheque) from the remaining cash after paying liabilities. If insufficient cash exists, the partner may receive assets or wait until assets are sold. The payment is recorded in the bank account and partner's capital account (debit side).
**Q5:** Why are partner's loan accounts treated differently from partner's capital accounts during dissolution?
**Answer:** A partner's loan is a liability of the firm (creditor's claim), not an owner's equity. During dissolution, partner's loans are paid off like any other creditor liability before distributing cash to partners' capital accounts. The sequence is: (1) External liabilities, (2) Partner's loans, (3) Partner's capital accounts. This protects creditors' and lenders' interests and maintains legal priority.
3-Mark Questions: Realisation Account Calculations & Partner Settlement
These questions integrate calculation with brief explanation, requiring students to build a simple Realisation Account or settle partner accounts.
**Q1:** A partnership firm had the following assets and liabilities on dissolution:
– Assets: Land ₹1,50,000 (realised at ₹1,60,000), Furniture ₹60,000 (realised at ₹48,000), Stock ₹40,000 (realised at ₹35,000)
– Liabilities: Bank loan ₹80,000, Creditors ₹30,000
Prepare a Realisation Account.
**Answer:**
```
REALISATION ACCOUNT
Dr. Cr.
To Assets:
Land 1,50,000
Furniture 60,000
Stock 40,000
To Realisation Gain (bal.fig.) 5,000
________ ________
2,50,000 2,50,000
By Realisation:
Land realised 1,60,000
Furniture realised 48,000
Stock realised 35,000
By Liabilities:
Bank loan 80,000
Creditors 30,000
```
Net Gain = ₹5,000 (credited). This gain is distributed to partners' capital accounts in their profit-sharing ratio.
**Q2:** After dissolution, Partner A's capital account showed a balance of ₹2,00,000 (Cr) and Partner B's showed ₹(50,000) [debit balance]. From the Realisation Account, a gain of ₹60,000 was distributed in the ratio 2:1. Assuming cash available is ₹2,50,000, how will cash be settled?
**Answer:**
A's share of gain = (2/3) × 60,000 = ₹40,000
B's share of gain = (1/3) × 60,000 = ₹20,000
A's final balance = 2,00,000 + 40,000 = ₹2,40,000 (Cr) — due ₹2,40,000 in cash
B's final balance = (−50,000) + 20,000 = (−30,000) (Dr) — owes ₹30,000 to firm
Cash settlement: A receives ₹2,40,000; B pays ₹30,000.
Net cash paid = 2,40,000 − 30,000 = ₹2,10,000 (against available ₹2,50,000, leaving ₹40,000 buffer).
**Q3:** Land with accumulated depreciation of ₹20,000 (cost ₹1,00,000) is sold for ₹95,000 during dissolution. Show the Realisation Account entry and calculate gain/loss.
**Answer:**
Book value = Cost − Accumulated Depreciation = 1,00,000 − 20,000 = ₹80,000
Selling price = ₹95,000
Gain = 95,000 − 80,000 = ₹15,000
Realisation Account:
– Debit: Land ₹1,00,000, Credit: Accumulated Depreciation ₹20,000 (net ₹80,000 asset)
– Credit: Land realised ₹95,000, Credit: Gain on realisation ₹15,000
This gain increases partners' capital accounts proportionally.
**Q4:** Three partners X, Y, Z had capital accounts of ₹3,00,000, ₹2,00,000, and ₹1,00,000 respectively. On dissolution, Realisation Account showed a loss of ₹60,000 in the ratio 3:2:1. Calculate each partner's entitlement before cash distribution.
**Answer:**
X's loss = (3/6) × 60,000 = ₹30,000
Y's loss = (2/6) × 60,000 = ₹20,000
Z's loss = (1/6) × 60,000 = ₹10,000
Final capital (after loss):
– X: 3,00,000 − 30,000 = ₹2,70,000 (Cr) — entitled to receive
– Y: 2,00,000 − 20,000 = ₹1,80,000 (Cr) — entitled to receive
– Z: 1,00,000 − 10,000 = ₹90,000 (Cr) — entitled to receive
Total entitlement = ₹5,40,000 (must match total assets − liabilities − realisation loss).
5-Mark Long-Answer Questions: Complete Dissolution Problems with Full Solutions
These comprehensive questions require students to prepare Realisation Accounts, settle partner accounts, and show cash distribution in full detail.
**Q1:** The partnership firm of P and Q is dissolved on 31st March 2024. Their balance sheet showed:
– Assets: Building ₹4,00,000, Furniture ₹80,000, Stock ₹60,000, Debtors ₹1,20,000, Cash ₹50,000
– Liabilities: Creditors ₹2,00,000, Bank loan ₹1,50,000
– Capital: P ₹2,40,000, Q ₹1,20,000
On dissolution:
– Building realised at ₹3,80,000
– Furniture sold for ₹75,000
– Stock sold for ₹55,000
– Debtors realised ₹1,05,000
– Creditors settled at ₹2,00,000 and bank loan at ₹1,50,000
– Profit-sharing ratio P:Q = 2:1
Prepare Realisation Account and show final settlement.
**Solution:**
REALISATION ACCOUNT
Dr. Cr.
To Building 4,00,000
To Furniture 80,000
To Stock 60,000
To Debtors 1,20,000
To Realisation Loss 30,000
________ ________
6,90,000 6,90,000
By Building realised 3,80,000
By Furniture realised 75,000
By Stock realised 55,000
By Debtors realised 1,05,000
By Creditors 2,00,000
By Bank loan 1,50,000
Realisation Loss Calculation:
Total assets realised = 3,80,000 + 75,000 + 55,000 + 1,05,000 = ₹6,15,000
Book value of assets = 4,00,000 + 80,000 + 60,000 + 1,20,000 = ₹7,60,000
Loss = 7,60,000 − 6,15,000 = ₹1,45,000
Distribution of loss (P:Q = 2:1):
P's loss = (2/3) × 1,45,000 = ₹96,667 (approx)
Q's loss = (1/3) × 1,45,000 = ₹48,333 (approx)
Partner Capital Accounts after loss:
P: 2,40,000 − 96,667 = ₹1,43,333
Q: 1,20,000 − 48,333 = ₹71,667
Cash available for distribution:
Cash balance + Realisation proceeds − Liabilities
= 50,000 + 6,15,000 − 3,50,000 = ₹3,15,000
Cash settlement:
P receives ₹1,43,333; Q receives ₹71,667 (total ₹2,15,000). Remaining cash ₹1,00,000 retained or held in trust pending dispute resolution.
**Q2:** M, N, and O were partners with capital accounts ₹5,00,000, ₹3,00,000, and ₹2,00,000 respectively. The firm dissolved on 30th June 2024. Balance sheet:
– Fixed Assets ₹6,00,000 (Depreciation ₹1,50,000), Current Assets ₹4,50,000
– Creditors ₹3,00,000, Partner loans: M ₹50,000, N ₹30,000
– Profit ratio M:N:O = 3:2:1
Realised values: Fixed Assets ₹5,20,000, Current Assets ₹4,20,000. All liabilities paid in full.
Prepare Realisation Account and final settlement.
**Solution:**
Asset Book Values:
Fixed Assets = 6,00,000 − 1,50,000 = ₹4,50,000
Current Assets = ₹4,50,000
Total = ₹9,00,000
REALISATION ACCOUNT
Dr. Cr.
To Fixed Assets 6,00,000
To Current Assets 4,50,000
To Depreciation (Accum.) 1,50,000
To Realisation Loss (calc.)
________ ________
9,00,000 9,00,000
By Fixed Assets realised 5,20,000
By Current Assets realised 4,20,000
By Creditors 3,00,000
By Partner Loan (M) 50,000
By Partner Loan (N) 30,000
Realisation Loss:
Total realised = 5,20,000 + 4,20,000 = ₹9,40,000
Book value = 9,00,000 (after deducting accumulated depreciation)
Gain on realisation = ₹40,000 (credited)
Distribution of gain (M:N:O = 3:2:1):
M: (3/6) × 40,000 = ₹20,000
N: (2/6) × 40,000 = ₹13,333
O: (1/6) × 40,000 = ₹6,667
Final capital (after gain):
M: 5,00,000 + 20,000 = ₹5,20,000 (Cr)
N: 3,00,000 + 13,333 = ₹3,13,333 (Cr)
O: 2,00,000 + 6,667 = ₹2,06,667 (Cr)
Cash available = 5,20,000 + 4,20,000 − 3,00,000 − 50,000 − 30,000 = ₹6,60,000
Settlement:
M receives ₹5,20,000
N receives ₹3,13,333
O receives ₹2,06,667
Total = ₹10,40,000 (shortfall means assets realised at ₹6,60,000, insufficient)
Adjustment: Distribute ₹6,60,000 proportionally:
M: (5,20,000 ÷ 10,40,000) × 6,60,000 = ₹3,30,000
N: (3,13,333 ÷ 10,40,000) × 6,60,000 = ₹1,99,000 (approx)
O: (2,06,667 ÷ 10,40,000) × 6,60,000 = ₹1,31,000 (approx)
**Q3:** Two partners, A and B, with equal capital of ₹2,00,000 each, dissolved their firm. Assets (book value ₹3,50,000) were realised at ₹3,20,000. Liabilities ₹1,50,000 were settled. Calculate Realisation Account gain/loss and show cash settlement.
**Solution:**
Realisation Account:
Dr. Assets (book value): ₹3,50,000
Cr. Assets realised: ₹3,20,000
Cr. Liabilities paid: ₹1,50,000
Loss = 3,50,000 − 3,20,000 = ₹30,000
Each partner's share of loss (equal ratio 1:1) = ₹15,000
Final capital:
A: 2,00,000 − 15,000 = ₹1,85,000
B: 2,00,000 − 15,000 = ₹1,85,000
Cash for distribution = 3,20,000 − 1,50,000 = ₹1,70,000
A receives ₹85,000; B receives ₹85,000 (with ₹1,00,000 held as reserve or distributed later).
HOTS & Case-Study Question: Multi-Step Dissolution Scenario
**Case Study Question:**
XYZ Partnership was formed by three friends—Aman, Bina, and Chetan—to run an online retail business. Their investment was in the ratio 5:3:2, and profits were shared in the same ratio. By 2024, the firm's balance sheet showed:
**Assets:** Office equipment (₹1,50,000 book value, depreciation ₹40,000), Inventory (₹2,20,000), Trade receivables (₹80,000), Cash (₹1,20,000)
**Liabilities:** Trade payables (₹1,20,000), Bank overdraft (₹50,000)
**Capital Accounts:** Aman (₹2,10,000 Cr), Bina (₹1,26,000 Cr), Chetan (₹84,000 Cr)
Due to disagreement on business direction, the partners decided to dissolve the firm on 31st December 2024. They negotiated the following realisation values:
– Office equipment: ₹1,50,000
– Inventory: ₹1,95,000 (₹25,000 write-off for obsolete stock)
– Trade receivables: ₹72,000 (₹8,000 doubtful)
– Cash: ₹1,20,000 (unchanged)
**All creditors were paid in full. The partners agreed to share any realisation loss in their profit-sharing ratio.**
**Questions:**
(a) Calculate the total realisation loss and each partner's share.
(b) Prepare the Realisation Account.
(c) Show the final capital accounts after incorporating the realisation loss.
(d) Determine how much cash each partner will receive and identify any shortfall or surplus.
(e) If the office equipment sale is delayed by 3 months and realised at ₹1,40,000 instead, how would this change the settlement? (Brief explanation)
**Step-by-Step Solution:**
**(a) Realisation Loss Calculation:**
Book values (net of depreciation):
– Office equipment: 1,50,000 − 40,000 = ₹1,10,000
– Inventory: ₹2,20,000
– Trade receivables: ₹80,000
Total book value of assets = ₹4,10,000
Realised values:
– Office equipment: ₹1,50,000
– Inventory: ₹1,95,000
– Trade receivables: ₹72,000
Total realised = ₹4,17,000
Gain on realisation = 4,17,000 − 4,10,000 = ₹7,000
(Note: The ₹7,000 gain comes from selling equipment at ₹1,50,000 despite ₹40,000 depreciation being written off already in the balance sheet.)
Partners' ratio = 5:3:2
Each partner's share of gain:
– Aman: (5/10) × 7,000 = ₹3,500
– Bina: (3/10) × 7,000 = ₹2,100
– Chetan: (2/10) × 7,000 = ₹1,400
**(b) Realisation Account:**
```
REALISATION ACCOUNT
Dr. Cr.
To Equipment (cost) 1,50,000
To Depreciation (Accum.) 40,000
To Inventory 2,20,000
To Receivables 80,000
To Gain on Realisation (bal) 7,000
________ ________
4,50,000 4,50,000
By Equipment realised 1,50,000
By Inventory realised 1,95,000
By Receivables realised 72,000
By Trade payables 1,20,000
By Bank overdraft 50,000
```
**(c) Final Capital Accounts:**
After gain:
– Aman: 2,10,000 + 3,500 = ₹2,13,500
– Bina: 1,26,000 + 2,100 = ₹1,28,100
– Chetan: 84,000 + 1,400 = ₹85,400
**(d) Cash Distribution:**
Cash available = 1,20,000 (opening) + 4,17,000 (realised) − 1,20,000 (payables) − 50,000 (overdraft) = ₹3,67,000
Total due to partners = 2,13,500 + 1,28,100 + 85,400 = ₹4,27,000
**Shortfall = ₹4,27,000 − ₹3,67,000 = ₹60,000**
Cash distribution (proportionally to entitlements):
– Aman: (2,13,500 ÷ 4,27,000) × 3,67,000 = ₹1,83,343
– Bina: (1,28,100 ÷ 4,27,000) × 3,67,000 = ₹1,09,912
– Chetan: (85,400 ÷ 4,27,000) × 3,67,000 = ₹73,345
*Each partner receives slightly less than their full entitlement due to the ₹60,000 shortfall.*
**(e) Impact if Equipment Realised at ₹1,40,000 (₹10,000 loss):**
New total realised = 1,40,000 + 1,95,000 + 72,000 = ₹4,07,000
Realisation loss = 4,10,000 − 4,07,000 = ₹3,000 (instead of ₹7,000 gain)
Loss shares:
– Aman: (5/10) × 3,000 = ₹1,500
– Bina: (3/10) × 3,000 = ₹900
– Chetan: (2/10) × 3,000 = ₹600
Revised capital:
– Aman: 2,10,000 − 1,500 = ₹2,08,500
– Bina: 1,26,000 − 900 = ₹1,25,100
– Chetan: 84,000 − 600 = ₹83,400
Cash available = 1,20,000 + 4,07,000 − 1,70,000 = ₹3,57,000
Shortfall increases to ₹70,000, reducing each partner's actual receipt proportionally.
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