Last Updated: April 2026
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 from July 1, 2024, is now the primary substantive criminal law tested in PCS-J (Provincial Civil Services — Judicial) and APO (Assistant Prosecution Officer) examinations across all states. As of 2026, every judiciary aspirant must master BNS provisions, its new sections, and key differences from IPC.
BNS 2023 — Overview and Structure
| Parameter | IPC 1860 | BNS 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sections | 511 | 358 |
| Total Chapters | 23 | 20 |
| Effective From | 1862 (British India) | July 1, 2024 |
| Replaces | — | Indian Penal Code 1860 |
| New Offences Added | — | Organised crime, Petty organised crime, Terrorist acts |
| Sedition equivalent | Section 124A | Section 152 |
BNS Section Mapping — IPC to BNS Equivalents
| IPC Section | Offence | BNS Section |
|---|---|---|
| 302 | Murder | 101 |
| 304 | Culpable Homicide not amounting to Murder | 105 |
| 307 | Attempt to Murder | 109 |
| 354 | Assault on Woman (Outrage Modesty) | 74 |
| 375/376 | Rape | 63/64 |
| 378 | Theft | 303 |
| 392 | Robbery | 309 |
| 395 | Dacoity | 310 |
| 405 | Criminal Breach of Trust | 316 |
| 415 | Cheating | 318 |
| 420 | Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery | 318(4) |
| 441/447 | Criminal Trespass | 329 |
| 499/500 | Defamation | 356 |
| 124A | Sedition | 152 (Acts endangering sovereignty) |
New Offences in BNS 2023 — Not in IPC
- Section 111 — Organised Crime: Defines and punishes organised crime syndicates, gang activity, and criminal enterprises. Minimum punishment: 5 years imprisonment.
- Section 112 — Petty Organised Crime: Snatching, card skimming, theft by gangs — specific provision not in IPC
- Section 113 — Terrorist Acts: Incorporated in BNS (previously only in UAPA). Death penalty or life imprisonment.
- Section 69 — Sexual Intercourse by Deceitful Means: New provision — covers cases where promise of marriage is broken
- Section 152 — Acts Endangering Sovereignty: Replaces sedition — broader scope, includes secessionist activities, economic disruption
BNS — Key Definitions for PCS-J Examination
| Term | BNS Definition/Section |
|---|---|
| Murder | Section 100 defines culpable homicide; Section 101 defines when it amounts to murder (4 clauses) |
| Rape | Section 63 — 7 circumstances under which sexual intercourse constitutes rape |
| Theft | Section 303 — dishonest taking of movable property without consent |
| Extortion | Section 308 — intentionally putting a person in fear to deliver property |
| Abetment | Section 48 — instigation, conspiracy, intentional aid |
| Criminal Conspiracy | Section 61 — agreement between 2 or more persons to commit illegal act |
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 — Key Procedural Changes
The BNSS replaced CrPC 1973. Key changes relevant for PCS-J:
- Section 173: FIR can now be registered online (Zero FIR retained)
- Section 187: Remand period for terrorism cases extended to 90 days (was 60)
- Section 479: Undertrial prisoners who have served half their maximum sentence may be released on bail
- Trial in absentia: BNSS permits trial when accused is absconding (Section 356)
- Timelines: Judgment must be delivered within 45 days of arguments; charge framing within 60 days
Frequently Asked Questions — BNS for Judiciary Exams
Will PCS-J 2026 exams test BNS or IPC?
PCS-J 2026 examinations will test BNS 2023 as the primary substantive criminal law, since IPC was repealed from July 1, 2024. However, questions about IPC may still appear in historical context or for pre-2024 case law analysis. Aspirants must study BNS section numbers and provisions thoroughly.
What is the difference between murder and culpable homicide in BNS?
Under BNS 2023: Culpable Homicide is defined under Section 100 — causing death with the intention of causing death or bodily injury likely to cause death. Murder (Section 101) is culpable homicide that meets any of 4 specific conditions (e.g., intention to cause death, knowledge that act will cause death). The maxim: all murder is culpable homicide but not all culpable homicide is murder.
What are the new provisions in BNS not found in IPC?
BNS 2023 introduces three major new provisions absent in IPC: (1) Section 111 — Organised Crime with 5-year minimum sentence; (2) Section 112 — Petty Organised Crime covering gang theft, snatching; (3) Section 113 — Terrorist Acts with death penalty. Additionally, Section 69 on sexual intercourse by deceitful means is a new addition.
How is Section 152 BNS different from Section 124A IPC sedition?
Section 124A IPC (Sedition) targeted acts exciting disaffection towards the government. Section 152 BNS (Acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India) is broader — it covers armed rebellion, subversive activities, separatist activities, and endangering sovereignty or economic security of India. The word sedition does not appear in BNS.
Master BNS, BNSS, and BSA for PCS-J 2026 with structured bare act courses at Judiciary Gurukul.
