New Criminal Laws for Judiciary Exam (2026–27): Complete Guide to BNS, BNSS & BSA
By Jyoti Judiciary Coaching — India’s Leading Judiciary Preparation Institute
India has replaced its three major criminal laws after more than 160 years. This shift has reshaped the structure of criminal justice in a way every future judge must deeply understand. Judiciary exams across India, including Rajasthan, Jaipur, and other states, will now be based entirely on:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – Replaces IPC
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) – Replaces CrPC
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – Replaces Evidence Act
Students guided by Jyoti Ma’am at Jyoti Judiciary Coaching have already begun preparing through structured comparisons, conceptual clarity sessions, and detailed case-law analysis.
Key Provisions of BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita)
BNS brings both substantive changes and fresh clarity. Judiciary papers will now focus on understanding definitions, structure, punishment logic, and how these new provisions address modern crime.
1. Offences Against Women: Clearer, Stronger, Wider
Important structural improvements include:
- Clear definition of consent
- Broader meaning of sexual assault
- Digital/online sexual exploitation recognised
- Higher punishment for gang rape
- Mandatory medical assistance in certain cases
Judiciary exams will ask concept-based questions on:
- The difference between old IPC terminology vs. BNS definitions
- Interpretation of consent
- Judicial reasoning behind enhanced punishments
2. Terrorism Defined for the First Time as an Independent Offence
BNS creates a separate offence covering:
- Threats to national security
- Possession or use of explosives for terror
- Funding or sheltering terrorist groups
- Participation in organised terror networks
This will appear in prelims MCQs and mains analytical questions.
3. Mob Lynching Recognised as a Specific Offence
Earlier, mob violence had to be fitted into general provisions like murder or rioting.
BNS now:
- Defines mob
- Specifies punishment for mob-caused injury or death
- Identifies hate-motivated group offences
This is a major policy shift and judiciary exams will test understanding of ingredients.
4. Hit-and-Run as a Separate Offence
Where the driver:
- Causes death by negligence
- Leaves the scene
- Fails to assist the victim
The punishment is significantly higher.
Judiciary questions may ask:
“Discuss the rationale behind creating a separate offence for fleeing the scene after an accident.”
5. Sedition Replaced
IPC’s sedition provision is gone. Instead, BNS focuses on:
“Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.”
This change aims to prevent misuse while protecting national interests.
6. Organised Crime Defined
The modern age has seen large-scale criminal networks.
BNS now treats as organised crime:
- Contract killings
- Cyber fraud groups
- Land mafia
- Trafficking networks
- Illegal financial rackets
This will feature heavily in state judiciary exams.
7. Community Service as a Form of Punishment
This reformative approach allows courts to assign community service for certain minor offences.
Expected mains question:
“Explain the significance of introducing community service as a form of punishment under BNS.”
Important Changes under BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita)
BNSS revises criminal procedure to improve efficiency, transparency, and speed.
1. FIR Filing Made More Accessible
Key changes:
- FIR can be registered digitally
- FIR can be lodged from anywhere
- Zero FIR formally recognised
- Mandatory conversion of electronic information into written FIR
This increases access to justice nationwide.
2. Time-Bound Investigation
Several offences now require:
- Strict timelines
- Faster chargesheet filing
- Court-monitored investigation
- Special deadlines for offences against women and children
This reduces delays and improves clarity in trial stages.
3. Video Conferencing for Production & Testimony
BNSS authorises:
- Virtual appearance of accused
- Digital examination of witnesses
- Remote participation of experts
This modernises trial processes and reduces logistical challenges.
4. Revision of Police Custody Period
Under CrPC, custody was limited to 15 days. Under BNSS, custody can extend in phases up to 60 days depending on the offence. This will be a common MCQ topic.
5. Digital Search and Seizure Protocol
Modern safeguards include:
- Mandatory video recording
- Digital signatures
- Secure evidence storage
- Chain-of-custody clarity
BNSS aligns itself with BSA’s strengthened electronic evidence principles.
6. Victim-Centric Provisions
BNSS improves victim rights through:
- Mandatory updates on case progress
- Legal assistance
- Prevention of secondary trauma
Mains may include an essay-style question on victim-oriented justice.
Important Evidence Rules Under BSA (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam)
BSA replaces the Evidence Act, 1872. Since judiciary exams heavily test evidence law, this section is extremely important.
1. Electronic Records Treated as Primary Evidence
Key rules:
- Electronic data is a “document”
- Metadata and hash values may prove authenticity
- Accurate printed or copied versions may be admitted
- Integrity of data is essential
This reflects technological realities of crime and investigation.
2. Updated Certificate Requirements
The certification requirement remains but with clarity on:
- Who can issue it
- What details must be included
- When exceptions apply
- How evidence stored on third-party servers must be handled
3. Expanded Expert Evidence
Recognised experts now include:
- DNA specialists
- Cyber forensic professionals
- Biometric analysts
- Voice and audio experts
This allows courts to rely on scientific methods more effectively.
4. Admissions & Confessions
The law maintains foundational principles:
- Confession to police remains inadmissible
- Discovery-based statements may be used
- Extra-judicial confessions require reliability
- Retracted confessions need corroboration
5. Dying Declarations
Important aspects:
- Video dying declarations valid
- Multiple declarations acceptable if consistent
- Magistrate presence recommended but not mandatory
6. Presumptions in New Contexts
New presumptions relate to:
- Authenticity of electronic records
- Certain offences involving women
- Organised criminal activity
These presumptions shift evidentiary approaches in trials.
Relevant Case Laws
1. Arjun Panditrao Khotkar v. Kailash Gorantyal (2020)
Reaffirmed the importance of certification for electronic evidence.
2. Murli v. State of Rajasthan (2022)
Explained the rule relating to retracted confessions.
3. Satpal Singh v. State of Haryana (2023)
A dying declaration, if trustworthy, can alone sustain conviction.
4. Pawan Kumar v. State of Himachal Pradesh (2024)
Clarified liability in hit-and-run offences.
5. State of Karnataka v. Shivlinga (2024)
Restated that prosecution bears the burden of proof unless statute directs otherwise.
6. Recent 2024 Digital Evidence Judgments
Recognised hash value, metadata and device logs as valid components of proof.
FAQs
1. What are the new criminal laws applicable for judiciary exams?
They are BNS, BNSS and BSA.
2. Do judiciary exams now follow BNS instead of IPC?
Yes, upcoming exams will use BNS.
3. What is the new definition of terrorism under BNS?
BNS defines terrorism in terms of intent, threat and participation in organised groups.
4. Is sedition removed under the new laws?
The old sedition law is replaced with a new provision on threats to national unity.
5. What major procedural change does BNSS bring?
FIRs can be filed digitally and from any location.
6. Has police custody duration changed under BNSS?
Yes, custody may extend in phases up to 60 days.
7. Are video proceedings permitted under BNSS?
Courts may produce accused and examine witnesses through video conferencing.
8. How does BSA treat electronic evidence?
Electronic records are treated as primary evidence.
9. Is a certificate still required for digital evidence?
Yes, though rules on exceptions are clarified.
10. Does BSA recognise modern experts?
Yes, including DNA, cyber forensics and biometrics.
11. Are dying declarations admissible under the new law?
Yes, including video-recorded declarations.
12. What changes affect victims under BNSS?
Victims must be informed of case progress and may receive legal assistance.
13. Which sections of BNS are expected in judiciary exams?
Offences against women, terrorism, organised crime, hit-and-run and community service.
14. Are punishments revised under BNS?
Yes, many offences now carry stronger penalties.
15. How has the investigation timeline changed?
Many cases must be completed within fixed periods.
16. Does BNS include mob lynching?
Yes, as a distinct offence.
17. How are confessions treated under BSA?
Confessions to police remain inadmissible; exceptions relate to discovery statements.
18. Does BSA allow digital evidence without original devices?
Yes, if authenticity can be proved.
19. Are comparative charts useful for preparing new laws?
Yes, they help identify changes and continuities.
20. Will these new laws affect interviews for civil judge exams?
Yes, interview boards are expected to ask interpretation-based questions.
21. Are New criminal laws lectures available with Jyoti Judiciary coaching for upcoming RJS 2026 exam.
Yes, online recorded lecture and live sessions on new criminal laws are available.
Conclusion
The new criminal laws—BNS, BNSS and BSA—represent a complete structural shift in India’s criminal justice system. For judiciary aspirants, especially those preparing through Jyoti Judiciary Coaching, understanding these laws is essential for both objective and descriptive examinations.
This content gives a clear foundation, updated case laws, important provisions and changes affecting the entire country, along with Rajasthan and Jaipur-specific relevance. Contact Judiciary!
