
CBSE Class 12 Accountancy is often considered a scoring subject, so students must prepare it smartly. One of the most effective strategies for smart preparation is analyzing the past 5 years’ CBSE board question papers and sample papers. A clear pattern emerges when we study recurring chapters, frequently asked concepts, and mark-wise distribution.
Explore the chapter-wise and topic-wise analysis of CBSE Class 12 Accountancy (based on the last five years), helping students focus on high-weightage and repeatedly asked areas.
CBSE follows a structured blueprint. It has been observed that:
Around 60–70% of board exam questions are conceptually aligned with CBSE sample papers.
Questions are rarely repeated verbatim, but topics and formats are frequently repeated.
Certain chapters are guaranteed question contributors every year.
Hence, past paper analysis allows students to:
Identify high-priority chapters
Focus on exam-oriented topics
Improve time management and accuracy
Students must review the chapter-wise CBSE Class 12 Accountancy analysis of the last 5 years to identify the most important topics for the board exam:
This chapter lays the foundation for partnership accounting and has consistently raised questions.
Most Important Topics:
Guarantee of a Partner (asked in short and long questions)
Fixed vs Fluctuating Capital Accounts
(Debit/Credit treatment – 1 mark MCQs frequently)
Profit & Loss Appropriation Account
(often combined with other adjustments)
Past Adjustments (2, 3, 4, and 6 marks questions)
Interest on Capital and Drawings
Absence of Partnership Deed
(profit sharing & interest on loan @6%)
Appropriation more than profits (case-based questions)
A concept-heavy chapter with repeated theoretical and numerical questions.
Key Focus Areas:
Sacrificing Ratio & Gaining Ratio (MCQs)
Workmen Compensation Reserve & Investment Fluctuation Reserve
Treatment of General Reserve / P&L Balance not transferred to capital accounts
Goodwill valuation:
Weighted Average Method
Capitalisation Method
Questions from this chapter appear across change, admission, and retirement topics.
One of the most important chapters, almost guaranteed to have a long question.
Frequently Asked Topics:
New Profit Sharing Ratio (1 mark MCQs)
Premium for Goodwill:
Fully brought
Partially brought
Not brought
Adjustment of Capital:
When a new partner’s capital is given
Proportionate and total capital method
Hidden Goodwill (repeated in MCQs and numericals)
Revaluation Account & Partner’s Capital Account
Balance Sheet after admission
Overvaluation/Undervaluation of assets (presentation in Balance Sheet)
One full-length question is almost certain from this chapter.
Another high-weightage chapter with conceptual clarity required.
Important Topics:
Gaining Ratio
Treatment of Goodwill
Revaluation Account
Partner’s Capital Account
Loan Account of Retiring Partner
Executor’s Account (Death of Partner)
Calculation of the deceased partner’s share of profit
(Time-based – months/years are crucial)
Often combined with Balance Sheet preparation.
This chapter consistently appears in board exams.
High-Frequency Areas:
Realisation Account (very important)
Treatment of Partner’s Loan and Outside Liabilities
Memorandum Balance Sheet
Missing information-based questions:
Profit/Loss on realisation
Value of assets realised
Value of sundry assets
Either general entries or full Realisation Account is asked.
A high-scoring and highly repeated chapter.
Most Asked Topics:
Meaning of:
Authorised, Issued, Subscribed, Called-up & Paid-up Capital
Reserve Capital & Capital Reserve
Forfeiture of Shares
(1 mark, 3 marks, and even 6 marks questions)
Reissue of forfeited shares
Oversubscription & Pro-rata allotment
Full-fledged Balance Sheet questions
One full numerical question is almost permanent from this chapter.
Conceptual + numerical mix with repeated patterns.
Important Topics:
Types of Debentures (Redeemable, Irredeemable)
Issue at Discount / Premium
Redemption at Discount / Premium
Loss on Issue of Debentures & its write-off
Purchase Consideration (also linked with shares)
Balance Sheet presentation
Frequently tested in 3–6 mark questions
Easy-to-score theoretical and practical chapter.
Important Areas:
Objectives of Financial Statements
Limitations of Financial Statements
Schedule III (Headings & Sub-headings)
Preparation of:
Statement of Profit & Loss
Balance Sheet
Highly predictable questions.
Focus On:
Comparative Income Statement & Balance Sheet
Common Size Statement
Missing value-based questions
Generally, 2–4 mark questions, sometimes higher.
One of the most repeated analytical chapters.
Most Asked Ratios:
Current Ratio
Debt-Equity Ratio
Inventory Turnover Ratio
Trade Receivables Turnover Ratio
Interest Coverage Ratio
Gross Profit Ratio
Net Profit Ratio
Return on Investment
Special Focus:
Increase/Decrease-based reasoning questions
A guaranteed chapter in every CBSE paper.
Key Areas:
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
Non-cash items adjustments
Cash & Cash Equivalents:
Meaning
Items included/excluded
Calculation
Full Cash Flow Statement (Indirect Method)
Can be full-length or sectional question.
The past 5 years’ CBSE Accountancy paper analysis clearly shows that CBSE follows a predictable pattern. Students who focus on repeated topics, sample papers, and high-weightage chapters can confidently score well. Instead of studying everything equally, prioritize smartly, revise repeatedly asked concepts, and practice presentation.