AIBE Criminal Law PYQs: Criminal Laws - BNS, BNSS, BSA

Why Criminal Law Matters in AIBE 22

• 20–25% of the entire AIBE paper comes from Criminal Law, making it one of the highest-weightage subjects.

• New criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA) replaced IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act, so AIBE will test whether candidates understand the updated structure and key changes.

• Conceptual, scenario-based questions are expected because the laws have been reorganized, redefined, and modernized.

• Criminal Law is highly scoring since definitions, illustrations, exceptions, and procedural rules are straightforward and predictable.

• Direct section-based questions are asked every year, and the new section numbers will be directly tested (e.g., “Which BNSS section deals with anticipatory bail?”).

• Practical daily practice of advocates revolves around criminal law (FIR, arrest, bail, evidence, trial), so AIBE ensures minimum competence in these areas.

• Most Criminal Law PYQs repeat year after year with minor wording changes, making it easy to score if PYQs are practised.

• Knowledge of Criminal Law helps improve one’s performance in various topics, such as Procedure, Evidence, and Ethics.

• Studying the important criminal law chapters increases one’s AIBE score to a point where passing becomes a certainty.

Most Repeated Criminal Law PYQs In AIBE (BNS, BNSS, BSA)

1. In which case is the manner of committing the offence NOT required to be mentioned in the charge?

Correct Answer: A is accused of obeying a direction of law with the intent to save B from punishment.
Explanation: Where the offence does not depend on the manner of commission (e.g., disobeying/obeying a legal direction), detailing the manner is unnecessary.

2. Which of the following offences may be tried summarily?

Correct Answer: Offence under Section 504 IPC (now BNS 345)
Explanation: Minor offences punishable up to 3 years can be tried summarily.

3. Reference to the High Court is provided under which Section?

Correct Answer: Section 395
Explanation: Section 395 CrPC → reference of a case to the High Court on a substantial question of law.

4. Person accused of which offences may NOT be granted anticipatory bail (S. 438 CrPC)?

Correct Answer: i, ii & iii
Explanation: Offences under Sections 376AB, 376DA, 376DB IPC are excluded from anticipatory bail.

5. Which act by a Magistrate vitiates proceedings even if done in good faith?

Correct Answer: Tender a pardon under Section 306 CrPC
Explanation: Only a Chief Judicial Magistrate/Metropolitan Magistrate may tender a pardon. If done without authority, → proceedings are vitiated.

8. When will the court NOT issue a personal appearance summons to the defendant?

Correct Answer: Woman to whom Section 132 CPC does not apply.
Explanation: Women exempt under S.132 cannot be compelled; those outside it can receive a personal summons.

9. Plaintiff is precluded from bringing a fresh suit when:

Correct Answer: When the plaintiff fails to apply for a fresh summons after it is returned unserved.
Explanation: Dismissal for plaintiff’s default bars fresh suit.

10. Maximum number of adjournments permitted?

Correct Answer: No limit prescribed
Explanation: CPC does not set a fixed limit (though courts discourage excessive adjournments).

New Criminal Laws in AIBE 22 2026