Distinction / Difference between Preparation and Attempt (IPC)

No.	Preparation	Attempt
1	Preparation is an executory Act, it comes before an attempt.	Attempt is an Executed Act. Attempt is direct movement towards the Commission after the Preparation is made
2	Example:  A purchases Knife to murder B. Mere purchase of Knife which is a preparation.	Example: A purchases poison and mixes it in the meal of his wife with intention to kill her . It is an attempt.
3	Stage: Preparation is an Act of arranging all the necessary means or articles or commodities to do an illegal act.	Stage: Attempt is an act done as per the planning which amounts to offence in all cases.
4	Knowledge: Only the person who intends to commit the crime knows fact.	Knowledge : Once the attempt is complete it manifests
5	Attempt would not be an offence if a person Voluntarily gives up the idea of committing the crime.  In this stage it is mare chance of commission of crime	It amounts to an offence... i.e. to attempt to do an illegal act.
6	Punishment :  Preparation is punishable in few cases such as Preparation to commit dacoity under Section 399 of Indian Penal Code.( S.399 - Making preparation to dacoity )	Punishment :  According Section 511 of IPC Attempt is punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment.