There are 2496 students in a school as on 1st April 2023. During the session, there were 186 new admissions whereas 43 students withdrew from the school. At the end of the session, there were 2539 students in the school, out of whom 1800 were boys and the rest were girls. In this case, which of the following figures represent a flow variable?

186

The correct answer is Option (1) → 186

A flow variable is measured over a period of time — it shows change or movement during that period.
A stock variable, on the other hand, is measured at a point in time — it represents a quantity that exists on a specific date. 

• 2496 → Number of students as on 1st April 2023 → measured at a point in time → Stock variable.

• 2539 → Number of students at the end of the session → measured at a point in time → Stock variable.

• 1800 → Number of boys at the end of the session → measured at a point in time → Stock variable.

• 186 → New admissions during the session → measured over a period of time → Flow variable.