As per AS-26 assets like goodwill should be written off .

AS-26 (Intangible Assets) prescribes specific guidelines for amortization of intangible assets like goodwill.

The standard requires that amortization should commence as early as possible - meaning from the date when the intangible asset is available for use. This ensures that the cost of the asset is systematically allocated over its useful life without delay.

The amortization period is determined by the estimated useful life of the asset. AS-26 establishes a rebuttable presumption that the useful life of an intangible asset, including goodwill, will not exceed 10 years from the date it becomes available for use.

This 10-year limit can be exceeded only in rare cases where there is persuasive evidence that the useful life is longer. However, normally, the write-off period should not extend beyond 10 years.

Option 1 is incomplete as it doesn't consider the useful life limitation. Option 2 mentions useful life but omits the important 10-year benchmark that AS-26 establishes. Option 4 ignores the practical limit and the "as early as possible" requirement.

Option 3 correctly combines all three essential elements:

• Immediate commencement of amortization
• Limitation to estimated useful life
• Normal maximum ceiling of 10 years