accounting

Ind AS 38: Intangible Assets

Ind AS 38 - Intangible Assets accounting. Recognition, measurement, amortization, and impairment of intangible assets.

GetYourCA Team
8 April 2026·Updated 8 April 20262 min read12.5K views

Ind AS 38: Intangible Assets#

Definition#

An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset without physical substance:

  • Separable (can be sold, rented)
  • Arises from contractual or legal rights
  • Future economic benefits expected

Initial Recognition#

An intangible asset is recognized if:

  • Future economic benefits probable
  • Cost can be measured reliably
  • Asset is identifiable (separable or arises from rights)

Research & Development#

Research Phase#

  • Costs expensed as incurred
  • No intangible asset recognized
  • Examples: market research, prototype testing

Development Phase#

  • Costs can be capitalized if:
    • Technical feasibility
    • Intention to complete
    • Ability to generate future benefits
    • Adequate resources available
    • Costs measurable reliably

Capitalizable Costs#

  • Materials and direct labor
  • Directly attributable overheads
  • Borrowing costs (if applicable)

Subsequent Measurement#

Cost Model#

  • Carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment

Revaluation Model#

  • Fair value less subsequent amortization
  • Revaluation surplus to OCI

Amortization#

Intangible assets with finite life#

  • Amortized over useful life
  • Review useful life annually
  • Test for impairment if indicators exist

Intangible assets with indefinite life#

  • No amortization
  • Annual impairment testing
  • Review for indefinite life status

Goodwill (Other than Business Combination)#

Goodwill from separate acquisition:

  • Recognized at cost
  • Tested annually for impairment
  • Not amortized

Disclosure Requirements#

  • Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization
  • Reconciliation of carrying amount
  • Useful life or amortization rate
  • Methods used for amortization
  • Research and development expenditure charged to expense

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