Government Proposes Bharat NCAP 2.0 With Stricter Norms

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed Bharat NCAP 2.0 under AIS 197 (Revision 1), aiming to tighten crash-test rules with stronger build quality, advanced safety technologies, and tougher scoring benchmarks. The draft framework introduces a more comprehensive safety assessment, expanding testing to reflect real-world protection. Ratings will now be based on five verticals, moving beyond the current focus on adult and child occupant safety and basic assists, to provide buyers with clearer insight into overall vehicle safety.

The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) assigns safety ratings to vehicles through crash tests and evaluation standards. Models that excel in these assessments earn the top five-star rating. These guidelines are intended for manufacturers, enabling them to showcase Bharat NCAP ratings on their cars and in marketing campaigns to highlight safety credentials.

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The Bharat NCAP framework introduced in 2023 remains valid until September 30, 2027, but the new draft significantly broadens its scope. It brings in fresh mandatory tests, revised scoring methods, and updated safety verticals. Notably, for the first time, vehicles will be assessed on vulnerable road user protection. With pedestrians facing significant accident fatalities, this addition highlights a crucial step toward enhanced road safety.

The Bharat NCAP 2.0 proposal introduces a 100-point rating system across five pillars: Crash Protection, Vulnerable Road-User Protection, Safe Driving, Accident Avoidance, and Post-Crash Safety. To qualify for a star rating, vehicles must include ESC and curtain airbags, while AEB remains optional, and side-facing seats are excluded. From 2027-29, a 5-star rating will need 70 points, rising to 80 points between 2029-31.