The new criminal laws for AIBE are now among the most important parts of the exam. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) came into force on 1 July 2024. They replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
This guide is for law graduates preparing for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), including final-year students and candidates who studied the old codes. It walks through all three laws chapter by chapter, then covers timelines, penalties, section mapping and a revision plan.
The Three Codes at a Glance
| BNS | BNSS | BSA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 | Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 | Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 |
| Act number | 45 of 2023 | 46 of 2023 | 47 of 2023 |
| Replaces | IPC, 1860 | CrPC, 1973 | Evidence Act, 1872 |
| Nature | Substantive law (defines offences and punishments) | Procedural law (how cases are investigated and tried) | Law of evidence (what can be proved and how) |
| Size | 358 sections, 20 chapters | 531 sections, 39 chapters | 170 sections, 12 chapters |
| In force | 1 July 2024 | 1 July 2024 | 1 July 2024 |
Why They Matter for AIBE
The AIBE is an open-book exam, and the AIBE XXI syllabus of 19 subjects now includes the BNS, BNSS and BSA in place of the repealed laws. AIBE XXI was held on 7 June 2026. Coaching sites commonly estimate about 8 to 10 questions each for BNS, BNSS and BSA, though these are estimates and not official figures.
Bare Acts without notes are permitted, so the skill that pays off is finding the right provision quickly. That means knowing the chapter structure and the old-to-new mapping covered below
Which Law Applies? Transition Rules
Each code has a repeal and savings clause: BNS Section 358, BNSS Section 531 and BSA Section 170.
- Substantive liability: Offences committed before 1 July 2024 continue to be dealt with under the IPC. This follows the constitutional rule against retrospective criminal liability under Article 20(1).
- Pending procedure: Under BNSS Section 531, investigations, inquiries, trials and appeals pending on 1 July 2024 generally continue under the CrPC.
- New proceedings: Procedure for proceedings begun after that date follows the BNSS.
Questions on this usually test the idea that two systems run in parallel. Read the savings clauses in your Bare Act.
BNS: Chapter-Wise Breakdown
The BNS defines offences. Here are all 20 chapters.
| Ch. | Sections | Subject | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | 1 to 3 | Preliminary | Definitions (s. 2); common intention (s. 3(5)) |
| II | 4 to 13 | Punishments | Community service added to the list of punishments |
| III | 14 to 44 | General Exceptions | Child under seven (s. 20), unsound mind (s. 22), private defence (ss. 34 to 44) |
| IV | 45 to 62 | Abetment, Conspiracy, Attempt | Abetment (s. 45), criminal conspiracy (s. 61), attempt (s. 62) |
| V | 63 to 99 | Offences against Woman and Child | Sexual offences (63 to 73), assault on women (74 to 79), marriage offences (80 to 87), miscarriage (88 to 99) |
| VI | 100 to 146 | Offences affecting the Human Body | Life (100 to 113), hurt (114 to 125), restraint (126 to 136), kidnapping and slavery (137 to 146) |
| VII | 147 to 158 | Offences against the State | War (s. 147), acts endangering sovereignty (s. 152) |
| VIII | 159 to 168 | Army, Navy and Air Force | Mutiny, abetment of desertion |
| IX | 169 to 177 | Elections | Bribery, undue influence |
| X | 178 to 188 | Coins, Bank Notes, Stamps | Counterfeiting |
| XI | 189 to 197 | Public Tranquillity | Unlawful assembly, rioting |
| XII | 198 to 205 | Public Servants | Offences by or relating to public servants |
| XIII | 206 to 226 | Contempts of Lawful Authority | Absconding, non-attendance, resisting public servants |
| XIV | 227 to 269 | False Evidence, Public Justice | Perjury, fabricating evidence |
| XV | 270 to 297 | Public Health, Safety, Decency, Morals | Nuisance, adulteration, obscenity |
| XVI | 298 to 302 | Religion | Outraging religious feelings (s. 299) |
| XVII | 303 to 334 | Property | Theft, extortion, robbery, dacoity, breach of trust, cheating, mischief, trespass |
| XVIII | 335 to 350 | Documents and Property Marks | Forgery, false documents |
| XIX | 351 to 357 | Intimidation, Insult, Defamation | Criminal intimidation (s. 351), defamation (s. 356) |
| XX | 358 | Repeal and Savings | Repeals the IPC |
What is genuinely new in the BNS
Reports say the BNS adds 20 new offences and drops 19 IPC provisions. Imprisonment increases for 33 offences, fines for 83, mandatory minimum punishment is introduced for 23, and community service for six.
- Organised crime (s. 111), petty organised crime (s. 112) and terrorist act (s. 113) now sit inside the offences affecting life.
- Mob lynching has its own punishment under s. 103(2).
- Snatching is a separate offence (s. 304).
- Sedition (old s. 124A IPC) is gone. A new offence covers acts endangering India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity.
- Sexual intercourse by deceitful means is covered by s. 69.
- Community service applies to petty offences such as defamation, public intoxication and attempted suicide meant to restrain a public servant.
- The marital exception to rape now sets the minimum age at 18 years instead of 15.
Selected penalties
Check these against your Bare Act before relying on them.
| Offence | Section | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | 103(1) | Death or life imprisonment, plus fine |
| Murder by group of five or more on specified grounds | 103(2) | Death or life imprisonment, plus fine |
| Culpable homicide not amounting to murder | 105 | Life, or 5 to 10 years, plus fine |
| Rape | 64 | Rigorous imprisonment of 10 years to life, plus fine |
| Gang rape | 70(1) | 20 years to life, plus fine |
| Dowry death | 80 | 7 years to life |
| Theft | 303(2) | Up to 3 years, or fine, or both |
| Criminal breach of trust | 316(2) | Up to 5 years, or fine, or both |
| Cheating | 318(2) | Up to 3 years, or fine, or both |
BNSS: Chapter-Wise Breakdown
The BNSS is the procedure code. It has 39 chapters.
| Ch. | Sections | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 to 5 | Preliminary |
| 2 | 6 to 20 | Constitution of Criminal Courts and Offices |
| 3 | 21 to 29 | Power of Courts |
| 4 | 30 to 34 | Powers of Superior Police Officers; Aid to Magistrates |
| 5 | 35 to 62 | Arrest of Persons |
| 6 | 63 to 93 | Processes to Compel Appearance (summons, warrants, proclamation, attachment) |
| 7 | 94 to 110 | Processes to Compel Production of Things (search, seizure) |
| 8 | 111 to 124 | Reciprocal Arrangements; Attachment and Forfeiture of Property |
| 9 | 125 to 143 | Security for Keeping the Peace and Good Behaviour |
| 10 | 144 to 147 | Maintenance of Wives, Children and Parents |
| 11 | 148 to 167 | Public Order and Tranquillity |
| 12 | 168 to 172 | Preventive Action of the Police |
| 13 | 173 to 196 | Information to Police; Investigation |
| 14 | 197 to 209 | Jurisdiction of Criminal Courts |
| 15 | 210 to 222 | Conditions for Initiating Proceedings (cognizance) |
| 16 | 223 to 226 | Complaints to Magistrates |
| 17 | 227 to 233 | Commencement of Proceedings before Magistrates |
| 18 | 234 to 247 | The Charge |
| 19 | 248 to 260 | Trial before a Court of Session |
| 20 | 261 to 273 | Trial of Warrant Cases by Magistrates |
| 21 | 274 to 282 | Trial of Summons Cases |
| 22 | 283 to 288 | Summary Trials |
| 23 | 289 to 300 | Plea Bargaining |
| 24 | 301 to 306 | Attendance of Persons in Prison |
| 25 | 307 to 336 | Evidence in Inquiries and Trials |
| 26 | 337 to 366 | General Provisions on Inquiries and Trials |
| 27 | 367 to 378 | Accused of Unsound Mind |
| 28 | 379 to 391 | Offences Affecting the Administration of Justice |
| 29 | 392 to 406 | The Judgment |
| 30 | 407 to 412 | Submission of Death Sentences for Confirmation |
| 31 | 413 to 435 | Appeals |
| 32 | 436 to 445 | Reference and Revision |
| 33 | 446 to 452 | Transfer of Criminal Cases |
| 34 | 453 to 477 | Execution, Suspension, Remission, Commutation |
| 35 | 478 to 496 | Bail and Bonds |
| 36 | 497 to 505 | Disposal of Property |
| 37 | 506 to 512 | Irregular Proceedings |
| 38 | 513 to 519 | Limitation for Cognizance |
| 39 | 520 to 531 | Miscellaneous (repeal and savings in s. 531) |
The criminal process under the BNSS
FIR (s. 173) → Investigation (s. 176) → Arrest (s. 35) → Remand and custody (s. 187)
→ Police report (s. 193) → Cognizance (s. 210) → Charge (s. 234) → Trial
→ Judgment (s. 392) → Appeal (s. 413)
Key timelines
| Stage | Timeline | Section |
|---|---|---|
| e-FIR | Informant signs within 3 days | 173 |
| Preliminary enquiry (offences punishable with 3 to under 7 years) | Within 14 days | 173(3) |
| Medical report in rape cases | Forwarded within 7 days | 184 |
| Police custody | 15 days in total, which may be taken in parts within the first 40 or 60 days | 187(2) |
| Default bail | After 60 or 90 days without a police report | 187(3) |
| Update to informant or victim | Within 90 days | 193(3) |
| Further investigation | Generally 90 days | 193(9) |
| Documents to accused | Within 14 days | 230 |
| Judgment | Within 30 days of arguments, extendable to 45 | 258, 392 |
| Adjournments | Maximum two | 346 |
Other BNSS provisions to know
- Zero FIR: Section 173 lets an FIR be registered at any police station regardless of jurisdiction, orally or electronically, and then transferred.
- Forensics and recording: Forensic investigation is mandatory for offences punishable with seven years or more (s. 176), and search and seizure must be audio-video recorded (s. 105).
- Bail: First-time offenders can be released after serving one-third of the maximum sentence (s. 479). Bail in non-bailable cases is in s. 480, and anticipatory bail is in s. 482.
- Trial in absentia: Proclaimed offenders can be tried in their absence (s. 356).
- Plea bargaining: Sections 289 to 300.
BSA: Chapter-Wise Breakdown
The BSA has 170 sections compared with 167 in the old Act, with 23 sections modified, five removed and one added.
| Part | Ch. | Sections | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 to 2 | Preliminary |
| 2 | 2 | 3 to 50 | Relevancy of Facts (admissions, statements, judgments, opinions, character) |
| 3 | 3 | 51 to 53 | Facts Which Need Not Be Proved |
| 3 | 4 | 54 to 55 | Oral Evidence |
| 3 | 5 | 56 to 93 | Documentary Evidence (including electronic records), public documents, presumptions |
| 3 | 6 | 94 to 103 | Exclusion of Oral by Documentary Evidence |
| 4 | 7 | 104 to 120 | Burden of Proof |
| 4 | 8 | 121 to 123 | Estoppel |
| 4 | 9 | 124 to 139 | Witnesses |
| 4 | 10 | 140 to 168 | Examination of Witnesses |
| 4 | 11 | 169 | Improper Admission and Rejection of Evidence |
| 4 | 12 | 170 | Repeal and Savings |
The biggest change: electronic records
- Electronic and digital records are expressly treated as documents and as evidence.
- Section 61 says electronic records cannot be denied legal effect only because they are electronic.
- Section 63 replaces Section 65B of the old Act. Admissibility requires a certificate in the prescribed form, given by the party and an expert, and it includes a hash value.
Most other principles, such as confessions and burden of proof, carry over with new numbering.
Old to New Section Mapping
| Concept | Old | New |
|---|---|---|
| Common intention | IPC 34 | BNS 3(5) |
| Private defence | IPC 96 to 106 | BNS 34 to 44 |
| Abetment | IPC 107 | BNS 45 |
| Criminal conspiracy | IPC 120B | BNS 61 |
| Waging war | IPC 121 | BNS 147 |
| Sedition | IPC 124A | BNS 152 (reworded) |
| Murder (punishment) | IPC 302 | BNS 103 |
| Rape (punishment) | IPC 376 | BNS 64 |
| Cruelty by husband or relatives | IPC 498A | BNS 85 |
| Theft | IPC 379 | BNS 303 |
| Cheating | IPC 420 | BNS 318 |
| Defamation | IPC 499 | BNS 356 |
| Arrest without warrant | CrPC 41, 41A | BNSS 35 |
| FIR | CrPC 154 | BNSS 173 |
| Remand and default bail | CrPC 167 | BNSS 187 |
| Police report (chargesheet) | CrPC 173 | BNSS 193 |
| Confession before Magistrate | CrPC 164 | BNSS 183 |
| Plea bargaining | CrPC 265A to 265L | BNSS 289 to 300 |
| Examination of accused | CrPC 313 | BNSS 351 |
| Anticipatory bail | CrPC 438 | BNSS 482 |
| Inherent powers of High Court | CrPC 482 | BNSS 528 |
| Electronic evidence certificate | Evidence Act 65B | BSA 63 |
Common Mix-Ups
- Section 173: BNSS 173 is the FIR. CrPC 173 was the police report, now BNSS 193.
- Section 482: BNSS 482 is anticipatory bail. CrPC 482 (inherent powers) is now BNSS 528.
- Section 35: BNSS 35 combines CrPC 41 and 41A.
A Revision Plan for the New Criminal Laws for AIBE
- Learn each code’s chapter structure first. The tables above give you the map.
- Memorise the mapping table, since questions often use old or new numbers.
- Study what is new, as this is where questions are most likely to come from.
- Practise locating sections in your Bare Act quickly.
- Solve previous-year questions to see how old and new references are mixed.
FAQs
The syllabus now includes the new codes. Old numbers still help because many resources compare them.
No. The exam is open book. Know the structure, the new provisions and the mapping.
The IPC governs liability for pre-July 2024 offences. Procedure depends on when proceedings began.
An FIR registered at any police station and then transferred to the one with jurisdiction.
Section 124A IPC is gone. BNS Section 152 creates a differently worded offence on acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity.
Want the deeper dive? Grab the reference book.
