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Microlesson · 5-min read

AS 10 – Scope and Recognition Criteria

## Scope of AS 10 – What is NOT Covered?

AS 10 applies to PPE, but certain assets are specifically excluded and governed by other standards:

Asset TypeApplicable Standard
Assets taken on leaseAS 19 – Leases
Intangible AssetsAS 26 – Intangible Assets

These assets should be recorded in the books under their respective standards, not AS 10.

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## Recognition Criteria

An item is recognised as PPE only if both conditions are met:

1. Future Economic Benefits — It is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the entity (benefit for more than 12 months).

2. Cost can be measured reliably — The cost of the item can be measured reliably.

> If either condition fails, the expenditure is charged to the Profit & Loss account in the period incurred.

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## Measurement Overview

Once recognised, PPE is measured in two stages:

StageBasis
Initial MeasurementAt Cost
Subsequent MeasurementEither Cost Model (carry at cost less accumulated depreciation/impairment) or Revaluation Model (revalue to fair value periodically)

Under the Cost Model, the asset stays at historical cost less depreciation.

Under the Revaluation Model, the asset is revalued at the end of every period to its fair value.

Worked example

### Example 1

Example: A company purchases machinery worth ₹10 lakhs. It will generate revenue for 5 years. Both conditions are met (future benefit > 12 months, cost reliably measured) → Capitalise as PPE.

### Example 2

Example: A company pays ₹50,000 for training employees to use a new machine. No future economic benefit flows to the entity from the training itself (the employee, not the entity, holds the benefit) and it does not meet the recognition criteria → Expense to P&L.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Capitalising expenditure that does not meet BOTH recognition criteria — both future economic benefit AND reliable measurement are needed.
  • Confusing lease assets with owned PPE — assets taken on lease are governed by AS 19, not AS 10.
  • Treating intangible assets (patents, goodwill) under AS 10 — they fall under AS 26.
Bare-Act text Paragraph 7 – Recognition · AS 10 – Property, Plant and Equipment (ICAI) · click to expand
The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment shall be recognised as an asset if, and only if: (a) it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the entity; and (b) the cost of the item can be measured reliably.
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