Physics Wallah

Theory Of Accounting, Class 11 Accountancy

authorImageMuskan Verma16 Sept, 2025
Share

Share

Theory of Accounting

Theory of Accounting: The subject of accountancy in Class 11 starts with the Theory of Accounting. This chapter lays the foundation for all other topics in accounts. It explains the rules, ideas, and principles that guide the preparation of financial statements. Without this base, accounting would become confusing and unreliable. Understanding the theory helps students know why accountants follow certain practices and how financial records remain uniform and reliable.

Theory of Accounting

The Theory of Accounting explains the basic framework on which all accounting practices are built. It includes certain assumptions, concepts, and principles. These guides help accountants to prepare records that are correct, uniform, and easy to compare. The theory ensures that every business follows similar methods while recording financial transactions. If students grasp this theory well, they can easily understand the logic behind accounting entries instead of just memorizing them.

Fundamentals of Accounting Assumptions

Accounting assumptions form the base of the Theory of Accounting. These assumptions are generally accepted and applied in all accounting practices. They provide a stable ground on which accounts are prepared. Listed here are some points that cover the fundamentals of accounting assumptions: 

  • Business Entity Assumption: A business is separate from its owner. All records belong only to the business.

  • Going Concern Assumption: The business will continue to operate. It is not expected to close soon.

  • Accounting Period Assumption: Business life is divided into fixed periods. Usually, one year is taken for reporting.

  • Money Measurement Assumption: Only monetary transactions are recorded. Non-monetary events are ignored.

  • Accrual Assumption: Record transactions when they occur. Do not wait for cash to be received or paid.

Important Accounting Principles

Accounting principles are the detailed rules that come under the Theory of Accounting. They guide how each transaction should be recorded. These principles ensure fairness, reliability, and clarity. Here is the table that carries the important accounting principles that one can refer to: 

Important Accounting Principles
Principle Explanation
Dual Aspect Concept Every transaction has two sides, debit and credit.
Prudence Concept Record possible losses but not future profits.
Matching Concept Expenses must match revenue in the same period.
Consistency Concept Use the same methods year after year.
Materiality Principle Record only important items that affect decisions.
Full Disclosure Principle All relevant information should be shared in statements.
Cost Concept Assets are recorded at the purchase price, not the current value.
Revenue Recognition Concept Revenue is recorded when it is earned, not when received.
Verifiable Objectivity Concept Records should be based on bills, vouchers, and evidence.

Accounting Standards and Their Role

Along with assumptions and principles, accounting standards are an important part of the Theory of Accounting. These standards are rules issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Their main purpose is to maintain uniformity in financial statements. When every company follows the same standards, comparison becomes easier. These standards also improve the transparency and reliability of accounts. For multinational companies, standards help in keeping global practices consistent.

Preparation Tips for Class 11 Accounts 

Studying the Theory of Accounting may feel difficult in the beginning. But with the right approach, students can learn it easily. Below, we’ve mentioned some tips:

  1. Read with Understanding: Do not just memorize. Try to understand why each principle or assumption is used.

  2. Use Examples: Link every principle with real-life examples. This makes the theory simple and easy to remember.

  3. Prepare Notes: Write short notes of each assumption and principle. These notes help during revision.

  4. Practice Questions: After reading the chapter, solve the practice questions to test the clarity of students.

  5. Stay Consistent: Study theory chapters regularly, not just before exams. Small daily efforts build strong concepts.

  6. Revise Frequently: Go through the assumptions, principles, and standards again and again until they are clear.

The Theory of Accounting forms the first and most important chapter of Class 11 Accountancy. It introduces students to assumptions, principles, and standards that form the backbone of financial reporting. Without this theory, accounting would not be systematic or reliable. By learning the Theory of Accounting, students gain clarity about how transactions are recorded and why specific rules exist. A good understanding of this chapter builds confidence and creates a strong base for advanced topics in accounts.

Join PW Commerce Online Course and unlock your potential with quality education and dedicated learning support.

Also, Check
Class 11 Business Studies Class 11 Accountancy
Class 11 Economics Class 11 Applied Maths

Theory of Accounting FAQs

What is the Theory of Accounting in Class 11 Accountancy?

It is the base of accountancy with assumptions, concepts, and principles for recording transactions.

Why is it important to study the Theory of Accounting?

It explains the logic of accounting rules and makes concepts easy to apply.

What are the main assumptions of accounting?

Business Entity, Going Concern, Accounting Period, Money Measurement, and Accrual.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.