Distinction / Difference between Preparation and Attempt (IPC)

No. Preparation Attempt

1 Preparation is an executory Act, Attempt is an Executed Act. Attempt is

it comes before an attempt. direct movement towards the Commission
after the Preparation is made

2 Example: A purchases Knife to Example: A purchases poison and mixes

murder B. Mere purchase of it in the meal of his wife with intention to
Knife which is a preparation. kill her . It is an attempt.

Stage: Preparation is an Act of Stage: Attempt is an act done as per the

3 arranging all the necessary planning which amounts to offence in all
means or articles or commodities cases.
to do an illegal act.

Knowledge: Only the person who Knowledge : Once the attempt is

4 intends to commit the crime complete it manifests
knows fact.

Attempt would not be an offence if It amounts to an offence... i.e. to attempt

5 a person Voluntarily gives up the to do an illegal act.
idea of committing the crime. In
this stage it is mare chance of
commission of crime

Punishment : Preparation is Punishment : According Section

punishable in few cases such as
6 Preparation to commit dacoity
under Section 399 of Indian
Penal Code.( S.399 - Making
preparation to dacoity )
511 of IPC Attempt is punishable
with imprisonment for life or other
imprisonment.