Introduction to Bharat NCAP 2.0 Car Safety Norms in India

The Indian government has introduced tougher car safety test norms under Bharat NCAP 2.0. These updated standards will come into effect from October 2027 and will make it harder for car manufacturers to achieve a five-star safety rating compared to the current system. The new rules include more crash tests, more safety parameters, and advanced assessments designed to protect adults, children, and even pedestrians.

What Changes in Bharat NCAP 2.0 Compared to Current Rules

Right now, cars are tested based on three crash tests. Under Bharat NCAP 2.0, this number increases to five. The aim is to make cars safer in real-life crash situations. The new tests will also focus on features that help avoid accidents before they happen.

List of All Crash Tests Required in Bharat NCAP 2.0

Under the new protocol, cars must undergo five different crash tests:

Safety Parameters That Will Be Used for Car Ratings in BNCAP 2.0

Cars will be rated on five major safety parameters:

Advanced Safety Features That Will Influence Star Ratings

Cars with advanced features will score higher under Bharat NCAP 2.0. These features include:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Drowsiness Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Warning

These features help prevent accidents before they occur, making them important in the new rating system.

Government's Draft Protocol AIS Code 197

The Ministry of Road Transport has published the draft protocol for the new safety rating system under AIS Code 197. This document is open for feedback from stakeholders. According to experts, this update will make India’s car safety standards among the strongest in the world.

Evaluation of Female Occupant Safety and Child Safety

Bharat NCAP 2.0 will go beyond current requirements by evaluating:

• Female occupant safety with specialized crash test dummies
• Safety for belted minor occupants
• Testing for 6-year-old and 10-year-old children

These updates make the system more inclusive and accurate.

Use of Advanced Crash Test Dummies

To improve accuracy, advanced dummies will be used for side impact and pole impact tests. These dummies offer more precise data about how real human bodies respond in accidents.

Post-Crash Safety Requirements for EVs and ICE Vehicles

The new protocol includes post-crash testing for both electric vehicles and petrol/diesel cars. These checks include:

• Fire hazard management
• Electrical hazard assessment
• Passenger extrication and safe evacuation

Optional post-crash safety features that can improve ratings include:

• Multi-Collision Braking (MCB)
• SOS/E-Call systems
• Enhanced hazard warning light functions

Why Bharat NCAP 2.0 is Important for Indian Car Buyers

Bharat NCAP 2.0 will help customers understand how safe a car truly is. Since the tests are based on global standards, Indian buyers will get more reliable safety information before purchasing any vehicle.

FAQs:

What is Bharat NCAP 2.0?

Bharat NCAP 2.0 is the updated version of India’s car safety rating system that will be enforced from October 2027, introducing stricter test standards.

How many crash tests will cars undergo in BNCAP 2.0?

Cars will undergo five crash tests instead of the current three: full frontal, offset frontal, side impact, side pole impact, and rear impact.

What new safety features will affect star ratings?

Features like AEB, ESC, drowsiness detection, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning will improve a car’s safety rating.

Will children’s safety be tested?

Yes, safety for 6-year-old and 10-year-old belted child occupants will be evaluated separately for more accuracy.

Does Bharat NCAP 2.0 include EV safety?

Yes, the new protocol includes post-crash safety tests for electric vehicles, including fire and electrical hazard protections.