Accountancy Notes for Chapter 2 Issue and Redemption of Debentures Class 12 - FREE PDF Download
FAQs on Issue and Redemption of Debentures Class 12 Accountancy Chapter 2 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. What is the best way to quickly revise the key concepts in the Issue and Redemption of Debentures chapter?
For a quick revision, start by summarising the definition of a debenture as a long-term debt instrument. Then, create a concept map of the different types of debentures (e.g., secured/unsecured, redeemable/irredeemable, convertible/non-convertible). Follow this by reviewing the journal entries for issuing debentures at par, premium, and discount. Finally, summarise the four main methods of redemption to cover the entire lifecycle of a debenture.
2. How should I structure my revision of Chapter 2: Issue and Redemption of Debentures to cover all topics effectively?
A structured revision plan ensures complete coverage. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Start with the fundamentals: clearly define debentures and contrast them with shares.
- Step 2: Master the journal entries for the Issue of Debentures under all conditions (for cash, for consideration other than cash, and as collateral security).
- Step 3: Dedicate time to the Redemption of Debentures, focusing on the accounting treatment for each method.
- Step 4: Revise the specific accounting for Debenture Redemption Reserve (DRR) and writing off the discount/loss on issue.
- Step 5: Practice problems combining different issue and redemption scenarios.
3. What are the main methods of redeeming debentures that I need to summarise for the CBSE exam?
For your revision, focus on the four primary methods by which a company can redeem its debentures as per the CBSE Class 12 syllabus:
- Payment in a lump-sum: The entire amount is paid to debenture holders on the maturity date.
- Payment in instalments: Repayment is made in specified instalments over a period, often decided by a 'draw of lots'.
- Purchase in the open market: The company buys its own debentures from the stock market and cancels them.
- Conversion into shares or new debentures: Debenture holders are given the option to convert their holdings into equity shares or new debentures.
4. Which accounting entries are most crucial for a last-minute revision of this chapter?
For a last-minute revision, concentrate on the accounting entries that cover the most common scenarios:
- Entries for the issue of debentures for cash (at par, premium, and discount).
- Entries for the issue of debentures as collateral security and for consideration other than cash.
- The entry for recording interest on debentures and the related TDS (Tax Deducted at Source).
- Entries for the redemption of debentures, especially when they are redeemed at a premium.
- The entry for writing off the 'Loss on Issue of Debentures' account.
5. How are the terms of issue and redemption interconnected, and why is this concept vital for revision?
The terms of issue and redemption are financially linked and dictate key accounting treatments. For instance, if debentures are issued at a discount but will be redeemed at a premium, both the discount and the future premium payable are recognised as a 'Loss on Issue of Debentures' at the time of issue itself. Understanding this interconnection is vital because it ensures the company properly accounts for the total expected loss over the life of the debenture, reflecting the 'prudence concept' of accounting. This is a common area for practical questions in exams.
6. What common misconceptions about debenture redemption should I be careful of during revision?
When revising debenture redemption, avoid these common mistakes:
- Confusing Redemption Methods: Assuming all debentures are redeemed in a lump sum at maturity, while forgetting about redemption by instalments or purchase in the open market.
- Incorrect DRR Treatment: Misunderstanding the rules for creating a Debenture Redemption Reserve (DRR) or applying it to companies exempted under the Companies Act, 2013.
- Profit/Loss on Cancellation: Incorrectly calculating or recording the profit or loss when a company purchases its own debentures from the open market for cancellation. Profit on cancellation is a capital profit and must be transferred to the Capital Reserve.
7. Why is it important to clearly understand the difference between shares and debentures for revision?
Understanding the difference is fundamental because it defines the relationship between the company and the fund provider. Shareholders are owners with voting rights, receiving dividends (appropriation of profit). In contrast, debenture holders are creditors (lenders) with no voting rights, receiving fixed interest (a charge against profit). This distinction is crucial for correctly preparing financial statements, especially when determining payment priority during a company's winding up, where debenture holders are paid before shareholders.
8. What are the key rules for creating a Debenture Redemption Reserve (DRR) that are important to remember for the 2025-26 syllabus?
As per the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI guidelines for the 2025-26 syllabus, the key concept to revise is that DRR is a reserve created out of profits available for dividend distribution. It is mandatory for certain companies to ensure funds are available for redemption. Remember that All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs) regulated by RBI and Banking Companies are exempted from creating DRR. For other specified companies, a certain percentage of the value of outstanding debentures must be transferred to the DRR before redemption begins.
9. How do I summarise the accounting process for writing off a 'Discount or Loss on Issue of Debentures'?
To quickly revise this, remember that 'Discount or Loss on Issue of Debentures' is a capital loss. The accounting standard states it should be written off in the year it is incurred. The process is:
- First Priority: Write it off against the Securities Premium Reserve (SPR), if any balance exists.
- Second Priority: If SPR is insufficient or non-existent, write off the remaining amount against the Statement of Profit and Loss.
10. From a revision perspective, why would a company issue debentures as collateral security instead of simply taking a loan?
A company issues debentures as collateral security to provide an additional layer of security to a lender against a loan. The key concept to revise is that this is a secondary security. If the company defaults on the loan repayment, the lender has the right to these debentures. The primary reason is strategic: it can help secure a loan on more favourable terms without an immediate cash outflow from the debenture issue itself. For accounting, remember that no journal entry is passed for the issue, but it must be disclosed in the notes to accounts in the Balance Sheet.

















