CBSE Class 11 Business Studies Chapter-9 Important Questions - Free PDF Download
FAQs on Important Questions for CBSE Class 11 Business Studies Chapter 9 - Small Business
1. What are the latest investment and turnover limits for classifying an enterprise as micro, small, or medium as per the MSMED Act, 2006 for the CBSE 2025-26 syllabus?
As per the revised classification under the MSMED Act, 2006, manufacturing and service enterprises are classified based on the following composite criteria of investment in plant & machinery and annual turnover:
- Micro Enterprise: Investment up to ₹1 crore AND turnover up to ₹5 crore.
- Small Enterprise: Investment up to ₹10 crore AND turnover up to ₹50 crore.
- Medium Enterprise: Investment up to ₹50 crore AND turnover up to ₹250 crore.
2. What are the main features of cottage industries? (3-Mark Question)
Cottage industries are a traditional form of small-scale industry characterised by the following features:
- They are generally organised by individuals who use their own resources.
- They use family labour and locally available talent, rather than hired workers.
- The equipment used is simple and investment is low.
- They produce simple goods in their own premises and often use indigenous technology.
3. Explain how small-scale industries contribute to the balanced regional development of a country. [HOTS]
Small-scale industries play a crucial role in promoting balanced regional development in the following ways:
- They can be set up anywhere in the country as they require less capital and simpler technology, thus reducing regional disparities.
- They utilise local resources, both material and human, preventing the drain of resources from rural to urban areas.
- By providing employment opportunities in rural and backward areas, they help raise the standard of living and prevent migration to overcrowded cities.
4. What are the major problems faced by small businesses in India? Explain any three in detail.
Small businesses in India face several significant problems. Three of the most important ones are:
- Finance: They often struggle to get adequate credit from banks due to a lack of collateral and poor creditworthiness. They frequently rely on moneylenders who charge exorbitant interest rates.
- Raw Materials: Small businesses lack the bargaining power to procure quality raw materials at low prices. This forces them to either compromise on quality or pay higher prices, affecting their profitability.
- Managerial Skills: These enterprises are typically run by a single person who may lack all the necessary skills in management, marketing, and finance, but cannot afford to hire professional managers.
5. An enterprise has an investment of ₹8 crores in plant & machinery and an annual turnover of ₹45 crores. Identify the category of enterprise under the MSMED Act.
The enterprise falls under the category of a Small Enterprise. According to the MSMED Act, a business is classified as 'Small' if its investment in plant and machinery is not more than ₹10 crore and its annual turnover is not more than ₹50 crore. This enterprise meets both criteria.
6. What are the key objectives of the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)?
The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) was set up to promote, aid, and foster the growth of small business units in India. Its key objectives are:
- To supply imported and indigenous machines on an easy hire-purchase basis.
- To procure, supply, and distribute imported and domestic raw materials.
- To help in exporting the products of small business units.
- To provide mentoring and advisory services.
7. Why do many small-scale industries in India struggle with under-utilisation of capacity, and what is its financial impact?
Many small-scale industries operate below their full capacity primarily due to a lack of demand for their goods or poor marketing skills. This under-utilisation is financially harmful because their fixed costs (like rent and salaries) remain the same, but are spread over fewer units of output. This leads to a higher cost per unit, reduced profitability, and can eventually make the business unviable and lead to its closure.
8. List the key incentives provided by the government to industries set up in backward or hilly areas.
The government provides several incentives to encourage industries in backward, hilly, and rural areas to promote balanced regional growth. Key incentives include:
- Land: Land is provided at concessional rates, with some states offering rent-free periods in the initial years.
- Power: Power is supplied at subsidised rates, often with a 50% concession or an initial exemption from payment.
- Tax Holiday: New units are exempted from paying taxes for a period of 5 to 10 years.
- Finance: A subsidy of 10-15% is given for building capital assets, and loans are offered at concessional interest rates.
- Raw Materials: These units get preferential treatment in the allotment of scarce raw materials.
9. What criteria must an enterprise meet to be classified as a 'Woman Entrepreneur Enterprise'?
An enterprise is recognised as a 'Woman Entrepreneur Enterprise' if it is owned, controlled, and managed by one or more women entrepreneurs holding a share capital of not less than 51%. This initiative aims to encourage female participation in business.
10. Explain the role of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in supporting small businesses.
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the principal financial institution for the promotion, financing, and development of the MSME sector. It provides direct and indirect financial assistance through various schemes and coordinates the functions of other institutions engaged in similar activities, ensuring a smooth flow of credit to small enterprises.
11. Beyond finance, what are the key reasons small Indian businesses find it difficult to compete with multinational companies? [FUQ]
Besides financial constraints, small businesses struggle against multinational companies (MNCs) due to several disadvantages:
- Technology: They often use outdated technology, resulting in lower productivity and inconsistent quality.
- Quality Standards: They may find it difficult and expensive to comply with international quality certifications like ISO 9000, which are often required for global markets.
- Marketing & Branding: They lack the resources and scale for aggressive advertising, brand building, and establishing global distribution channels that MNCs possess.
- Economies of Scale: MNCs produce on a massive scale, which lowers their per-unit cost, allowing them to offer more competitive prices.
12. What are the primary objectives of NABARD in promoting rural entrepreneurship?
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is an apex development bank with a mandate to support rural enterprises. Its objectives include:
- Providing and regulating credit for the promotion of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage industries, and other rural crafts.
- Offering counselling, consultancy, training, and development programmes to rural entrepreneurs to foster a culture of business in non-farm sectors.
13. A company sets up a food processing plant in a rural area and decides to use labour-intensive techniques to provide employment to local people. What important values does this business decision demonstrate? [Value-Based Question]
This business decision demonstrates several important values:
- Social Responsibility: The company shows concern for the welfare of society by actively working to solve the problem of unemployment in a rural area.
- Employment Generation: By choosing labour-intensive methods, the company prioritises creating jobs for the local community.
- Balanced Regional Development: Setting up a plant in a rural area contributes to the economic development of that region, helping to reduce urban-rural disparities.

















