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SSC Financial and Cost Accounting P-1 QUESTION #6062
Question 1

Which of the following best defines Prime Cost?

  • The total of all cost items that can be directly charged to individual product units✔️
  • The sum of all direct materials and direct labour costs, excluding all other costs
  • The total costs incurred in producing one finished unit
  • The sum of the largest cost components in a product
Correct Answer Explanation

Prime Cost $= \text{Direct Materials} + \text{Direct Labour} + \text{Direct Expenses}$. It includes all costs that can be directly traced to a product unit — not just materials and labour. Option A is the most accurate because it captures all directly chargeable items. Option B is incomplete (it excludes direct expenses). Option C describes total production cost (including overheads). Option D is vague and incorrect.