- Bharat NCAP tested 35 car models through voluntary OEM submissions until March 2026
- No vehicles have been government-nominated for Bharat NCAP safety assessments so far
- Seven cars underwent retesting before results publication under AIS-197 Clause 6.2
A recent RTI response from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has shed light on new details of Bharat NCAP's crash testing processes. Filed by a TeamBHP member going by the name ron178, the RTI was filed in March 2026. It requested information on the use of modifier statuses in crash tests, the selection process for vehicles tested by the government, and whether any retests were conducted before the publication of Bharat NCAP results.
35 Cars Tested Under Voluntary OEM Submissions
The response shared by the TeamBHP member revealed that Bharat NCAP has assessed 35 car models up to 31 March 2026. These vehicles were tested under voluntary OEM submissions. Based on the response provided, none of the vehicles has been selected by the government of India for the assessments. It is worth noting that AIS-197 (Automotive Industry Standard) provisions allow the government to nominate vehicles for safety testing.
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Seven Cars Underwent Retesting
The RTI response also brought focus on seven cars, which were retested by the safety rating organisation before publishing the results on the official website. The RTI response notes that these retests or reassessments were carried out in accordance with Clause 6.2 of AIS-197, which outlines the procedures for retesting. The vehicles that underwent retest include:
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire
- Tata Punch ICE
- Tata Sierra ICE
- Tata Curvv ICE
- Mahindra XUV 3XO
- Mahindra XUV400 EV
- Mahindra BE6
Retests Conducted As Per AIS-197 Clause 6.2
Clause 6.2 of AIS-197 states that Bharat NCAP retests or reassessments can be initiated by the agency or manufacturer in cases of incomplete data, missing parameters, or results outside defined limits.
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It also says that additional data may be submitted or tests repeated, with the authority retaining discretion over validity and final ratings. Retesting is also allowed if manufacturers identify issues and propose safety improvements, while reassessments, usually funded by the OEM, may lead to revised results if approved.
Why Retesting Is Part of Global Safety Protocols
Retests are a part of assessment programs worldwide and provide a chance to get accurate results. They also provide a chance to make improvements after an initial evaluation, depending on the case.
Crash Test Modifier Data Not Disclosed Publicly
The applicant also requested details on crash test modifiers, including bodyshell instability, footwell rupture, and associated penalties that can influence final Bharat NCAP scores. However, according to the RTI response shared online, this information has not been made public and is being treated as confidential.