Government Proposes Bharat NCAP 2.0 With Expanded Crash Tests & Stricter Rating Criteria

Government proposes Bharat NCAP 2.0 with broader tests and tougher ratings

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued draft rules outlining the next phase of India’s vehicle safety assessment programme. Called Bharat NCAP 2.0, the updated framework under AIS-197 (Revision 1) proposes wider crash testing, a broader scoring structure and more stringent requirements for higher star ratings. The draft is currently open for stakeholder feedback.

Five-Pillar Rating System Introduced

Unlike the current system, which focuses primarily on adult and child occupant protection, the revised model introduces a five-pillar scoring method. These include:

• Crash Protection (55%)
• Vulnerable Road-User Protection (20%)
• Safe Driving (10%)
• Accident Avoidance (10%)
• Post-Crash Safety (5%)

The total score will follow a 100-point scale, offering a more detailed breakdown of how a vehicle performs in real-world crash and safety scenarios.

Mandatory Safety Features for Star Ratings

To qualify for any star rating under Bharat NCAP 2.0, models must offer:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Curtain airbags

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) remains optional under the proposed guidelines. Vehicles with side-facing seats will not be eligible for a rating.

Between 2027 and 2029, securing a 5-star rating will require 70 points. From 2029 to 2031, the threshold would increase to 80 points. Minimum scores will also be necessary on each of the five pillars.

Expanded Crash Tests for Better Real-World Representation

The updated protocol increases the number of crash evaluations to five, all conducted on the model’s base variant:

1. 64 km/hr offset frontal impact
2. 50 km/hr full-width frontal impact
3. 50 km/hr mobile lateral barrier impact
4. 32 km/hr oblique pole side impact
5. 50 km/hr mobile rigid rear impact

The addition of full-width frontal and rear-impact tests aims to replicate real-world accident conditions more accurately.

Implementation Timeline

Bharat NCAP 2.0 is scheduled to come into effect from October 2027, replacing the current protocol when it expires on September 20, 2027.

For buyers, the updated framework is expected to provide clearer and more comprehensive insights into vehicle safety performance. For manufacturers, the tougher scoring criteria and mandatory safety features will require higher levels of engineering and equipment to achieve competitive star ratings.

The post Government Proposes Bharat NCAP 2.0 With Expanded Crash Tests & Stricter Rating Criteria appeared first on MotorBeam.