Complete BNS Notes 2026 :Top 100 Sections, Facts, FAQs and IPC Comparison

Learn the Top 100 Important BNS Sections with brief descriptions, IPC mapping, exam notes, FAQs, tables, and important facts for SSC, UPSC, Police, Railway and Judiciary exams.

Aug 22, 2026 - 23:45
0 2
Complete BNS Notes 2026 :Top 100 Sections, Facts, FAQs and IPC Comparison

Top 100 Most Important BNS Sections (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023)

Introduction

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 and came into force on 1 July 2024. The new criminal law aims to modernize India's criminal justice system by introducing provisions related to organized crime, terrorism, mob lynching, community service, cyber-enabled offences, and stronger protection for women and children. BNS contains 358 sections across 20 chapters, consolidating and simplifying several provisions that were previously scattered in the IPC.

Official Resources:

Quick Facts About BNS

Particular Details
Law Name Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Replaced Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
Enforced From 1 July 2024
Total Chapters 20
Total Sections 358
Major Additions Organized Crime, Terrorism, Mob Lynching, Community Service
Governing Ministry Ministry of Home Affairs

Top 100 Important BNS Sections with Brief Description

General Principles & Punishments

Section Description
BNS 1 Short title, commencement and application
BNS 2 Definitions
BNS 3 General explanations
BNS 4 Punishments under BNS
BNS 5 Commutation of sentence
BNS 8 Fine and default punishment
BNS 13 Enhanced punishment for repeat offenders
BNS 34 Right of private defence
BNS 35 Defence of body and property
BNS 38 Private defence causing death

Abetment, Conspiracy & Attempt

Section Description
BNS 45 Abetment
BNS 47 Punishment for abetment
BNS 48 Abetment from outside India
BNS 61 Criminal conspiracy
BNS 62 Attempt to commit offences

Crimes Against Women

Section Description
BNS 63 Rape
BNS 64 Punishment for rape
BNS 65 Rape of minor girl
BNS 66 Rape causing death or vegetative state
BNS 67 Sexual intercourse during separation
BNS 68 Sexual intercourse by person in authority
BNS 69 Sexual intercourse by deceitful means
BNS 70 Gang rape
BNS 71 Repeat rape offenders
BNS 72 Disclosure of rape victim identity
BNS 74 Outraging modesty of woman
BNS 75 Sexual harassment
BNS 76 Disrobing a woman
BNS 77 Voyeurism
BNS 78 Stalking
BNS 79 Insulting modesty of woman
BNS 80 Dowry death
BNS 81 False marriage inducement
BNS 82 Bigamy
BNS 83 Fraudulent marriage
BNS 85 Cruelty by husband or relatives
BNS 86 Definition of cruelty

Crimes Against Children

Section Description
BNS 93 Child abandonment
BNS 95 Employing child for offence
BNS 96 Procuration of child
BNS 97 Kidnapping child for theft
BNS 98 Selling child for prostitution
BNS 99 Buying child for prostitution

Murder, Suicide & Human Body Offences

Section Description
BNS 100 Culpable homicide
BNS 101 Murder
BNS 103 Punishment for murder
BNS 104 Murder by life convict
BNS 105 Culpable homicide punishment
BNS 106 Death by negligence
BNS 107 Abetment of suicide of child
BNS 108 Abetment of suicide
BNS 109 Attempt to murder
BNS 110 Attempt to culpable homicide

Organized Crime & Terrorism

Section Description
BNS 111 Organized crime
BNS 112 Petty organized crime
BNS 113 Terrorist act

These are among the most significant new additions in BNS.

Hurt & Grievous Hurt

Section Description
BNS 114 Hurt
BNS 115 Voluntarily causing hurt
BNS 116 Grievous hurt
BNS 117 Voluntarily causing grievous hurt
BNS 118 Hurt by dangerous weapons
BNS 121 Hurt to deter public servant
BNS 123 Hurt using poison
BNS 124 Acid attack
BNS 125 Endangering life

Kidnapping, Trafficking & Forced Labour

Section Description
BNS 137 Kidnapping
BNS 138 Abduction
BNS 139 Child begging offences
BNS 140 Kidnapping for ransom
BNS 143 Human trafficking
BNS 144 Exploitation of trafficked person
BNS 145 Slave dealing
BNS 146 Forced labour

Offences Against State

Section Description
BNS 147 Waging war against India
BNS 148 Conspiracy against State
BNS 149 Collecting arms against State
BNS 150 Concealing war plans
BNS 152 Endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India

Elections & Public Order

Section Description
BNS 168 Bribery in elections
BNS 169 Undue influence in elections
BNS 170 Personation at elections
BNS 189 Unlawful assembly
BNS 190 Rioting
BNS 191 Rioting with deadly weapons
BNS 194 Promoting enmity
BNS 196 Acts prejudicial to harmony

Public Servants & Justice

Section Description
BNS 197 False evidence
BNS 198 Fabricating evidence
BNS 199 False declaration
BNS 204 Destroying evidence
BNS 221 Public servant disobeying law
BNS 226 Attempted suicide to compel public servant

Property Offences

Section Description
BNS 303 Theft
BNS 304 Snatching
BNS 305 Theft in dwelling house
BNS 308 Extortion
BNS 309 Robbery
BNS 310 Dacoity
BNS 311 Dacoity with murder
BNS 312 Belonging to gang of dacoits
BNS 314 Criminal misappropriation
BNS 316 Criminal breach of trust

Snatching has been introduced as a separate offence under BNS.

Cheating & Financial Crimes

Section Description
BNS 318 Cheating
BNS 319 Cheating by personation
BNS 324 Mischief
BNS 326 Mischief causing damage
BNS 329 Criminal trespass

Forgery & Documents

Section Description
BNS 335 Forgery
BNS 336 Forgery of valuable security
BNS 338 Forgery for cheating
BNS 340 Using forged document
BNS 342 Possession of forged document

Defamation & Criminal Intimidation

Section Description
BNS 351 Criminal intimidation
BNS 352 Intentional insult
BNS 356 Defamation
BNS 357 Publishing defamatory content
BNS 358 Breach of contract to assist helpless person

Important Changes from IPC to BNS

  1. Organized Crime introduced separately.

  2. Terrorist Act included within BNS.

  3. Mob Lynching specifically recognized.

  4. Snatching made a separate offence.

  5. Community Service introduced as punishment.

  6. Stronger provisions for crimes against women and children.

  7. Crimes against women placed in a dedicated chapter for priority treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is BNS?

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 is India's new criminal law that replaced the IPC, 1860 from 1 July 2024.

Q2. Which is the section for murder in BNS?

Murder is defined under Section 101, while punishment is provided under Section 103.

Q3. Which BNS section deals with rape?

Rape is defined under Section 63, and punishment is prescribed under Section 64.

Q4. What is Section 69 of BNS?

Section 69 punishes sexual intercourse obtained through deceitful means such as false promises of marriage or employment.

Q5. Which section covers organized crime?

Organized crime is covered under Section 111 BNS.

Q6. Which section deals with human trafficking?

Human trafficking is punishable under Section 143 BNS.

Q7. What is the BNS section for theft?

Theft is covered under Section 303 BNS.

Q8. Which section deals with criminal intimidation?

Criminal intimidation is covered under Section 351 BNS.

Conclusion

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 represents the most significant reform in Indian criminal law since independence. The top 100 sections listed above cover the majority of offences frequently asked in UPSC, Judiciary, SSC, State PCS, Police, Law Entrance Exams, and legal awareness programs. Understanding these sections helps students, law aspirants, legal professionals, and citizens stay informed about India's modern criminal justice framework. BNS emphasizes national security, protection of women and children, organized crime control, cyber-age offences, and victim-centric justice while simplifying the structure of criminal law.

Suggested Internal Links

  • BNS vs IPC: Major Differences

  • Complete BNSS Sections List

  • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam Explained

  • Top 200 Legal GK Questions for Competitive Exams

  • Important Constitutional Articles for UPSC

Most Important BNS Notes for Government Exams

These are the most frequently asked and high-probability BNS sections for UPSC, SSC CGL, SSC GD, Delhi Police, State Police, Railway, Judiciary, CDS, CAPF, NDA, and State PCS examinations.

1. BNS vs IPC – One-Liner Facts

BNS Section Earlier IPC Section Topic
BNS 63 IPC 375 Rape
BNS 64 IPC 376 Punishment for Rape
BNS 78 IPC 354D Stalking
BNS 80 IPC 304B Dowry Death
BNS 85 IPC 498A Cruelty by Husband
BNS 101 IPC 300 Murder
BNS 103 IPC 302 Punishment for Murder
BNS 106 IPC 304A Death by Negligence
BNS 107 IPC 305 Abetment of Suicide of Child
BNS 108 IPC 306 Abetment of Suicide
BNS 109 IPC 307 Attempt to Murder
BNS 140 IPC 364A Kidnapping for Ransom
BNS 143 IPC 370 Human Trafficking
BNS 147 IPC 121 Waging War Against India
BNS 303 IPC 378 Theft
BNS 309 IPC 390 Robbery
BNS 310 IPC 391 Dacoity
BNS 318 IPC 420 Cheating
BNS 335 IPC 463 Forgery
BNS 351 IPC 503 Criminal Intimidation
BNS 356 IPC 499 Defamation

Exam Trick: Questions often ask "Old IPC Section and New BNS Section Mapping."

2. Most Important New Sections Added in BNS

BNS Section 111 – Organized Crime

Note:

New provision introduced in BNS.

Includes:

  • Extortion

  • Contract killing

  • Kidnapping

  • Human trafficking

  • Drug trafficking

  • Cyber crime syndicates

Exam Question:

Which section deals with Organized Crime?

Answer: Section 111 BNS

BNS Section 112 – Petty Organized Crime

Includes:

  • Chain snatching

  • Ticket black marketing

  • Vehicle theft gangs

Very Important for Police Exams

BNS Section 113 – Terrorist Act

Note:

Earlier covered mainly under UAPA.

Now specifically recognized under BNS.

Exam Favorite Section

3. Women Related Sections (Most Asked)

BNS 63 – Rape

Important Fact

Consent obtained through:

  • Fear

  • Threat

  • Coercion

is NOT valid consent.

Previous IPC:

Section 375

BNS 69 – Sexual Intercourse by Deceitful Means

New Section

Includes:

  • False promise of marriage

  • False employment promise

  • Identity concealment

Expected Question:

Which new BNS section deals with sexual intercourse by deceitful means?

Answer: Section 69

BNS 75 – Sexual Harassment

Includes:

  • Physical advances

  • Demand for sexual favours

  • Showing pornography

BNS 77 – Voyeurism

Meaning:
Watching or recording a woman without consent.

BNS 78 – Stalking

Repeated:

  • Following

  • Monitoring

  • Online tracking

of a woman.

BNS 80 – Dowry Death

Important Rule

Death within 7 years of marriage + cruelty for dowry = Dowry Death.

Previous IPC:

304B

BNS 85 – Cruelty by Husband

Previous IPC:

498A

Most Asked Topic

Includes:

  • Physical cruelty

  • Mental cruelty

  • Dowry harassment

4. Murder & Homicide

BNS 100 – Culpable Homicide

Memory Trick

Every Murder is Culpable Homicide.

But every Culpable Homicide is NOT Murder.

BNS 101 – Murder

Most Important Exam Note

Murder is the aggravated form of culpable homicide.

BNS 103 – Punishment for Murder

Punishment:

  • Death Penalty OR

  • Life Imprisonment

Previous IPC

302

BNS 109 – Attempt to Murder

Previous IPC

307

Example

A fires a gun at B but B survives.

5. Suicide Related Sections

BNS 107

Abetment of Suicide of:

  • Child

  • Mentally ill person

BNS 108

General Abetment of Suicide.

Previous IPC

306

6. Kidnapping & Trafficking

BNS 137 – Kidnapping

Types

  1. Kidnapping from India

  2. Kidnapping from lawful guardianship

BNS 140 – Kidnapping for Ransom

Previous IPC

364A

Frequently Asked

BNS 143 – Human Trafficking

Includes:

  • Recruitment

  • Transport

  • Transfer

  • Harbouring

for exploitation.

7. National Security Sections

BNS 147 – Waging War Against India

Previous IPC

121

Punishment

Can extend to death penalty.

BNS 152

Acts Endangering Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India.

Replaced Sedition Concept

Very Important Current Affairs Topic.

8. Property Offences

BNS 303 – Theft

Previous IPC

378

Definition

Dishonest moving of movable property.

BNS 304 – Snatching

New Section

BNS specifically criminalizes snatching.

Exam Favorite

BNS 309 – Robbery

Theft + Violence = Robbery

Memory Formula

Robbery = Theft + Fear

BNS 310 – Dacoity

Robbery by 5 or more persons.

Easy Trick

5 or More = Dacoity

9. Cheating & Fraud

BNS 318 – Cheating

Previous IPC

420

Most Famous Section

Often called "420 Case".

10. Forgery

BNS 335 – Forgery

Making false documents with intent to cause damage.

Previous IPC

463

11. Criminal Intimidation

BNS 351

Threatening someone with:

  • Injury

  • Reputation damage

  • Property loss

Previous IPC

503

12. Defamation

BNS 356

Previous IPC

499

Meaning:
Harming reputation of another person.

Super Important One-Liner Revision

Topic Section
Organized Crime 111
Terrorist Act 113
Rape 63
False Promise Marriage 69
Sexual Harassment 75
Stalking 78
Dowry Death 80
Cruelty by Husband 85
Murder 101
Punishment for Murder 103
Attempt to Murder 109
Kidnapping for Ransom 140
Human Trafficking 143
Waging War Against India 147
Theft 303
Snatching 304
Robbery 309
Dacoity 310
Cheating 318
Forgery 335
Criminal Intimidation 351
Defamation 356

Exam Fact

For SSC, Railway, Police, CDS, CAPF, UPSC and State PCS exams, the 20 most important sections to memorize first are: 63, 69, 75, 78, 80, 85, 101, 103, 106, 109, 111, 113, 140, 143, 147, 152, 303, 309, 310 and 318.

These sections cover the majority of direct BNS-based objective questions asked in competitive examinations.

Tags: