Bharat NCAP Ratings For Cars - All You Need to Know

In response to the concerning statistics of road accidents in India, with approximately 1.5 lakh lives lost annually as reported in the Road Accidents in India 2019, the government has set a bold target: to decrease road accident fatalities by over 50% by 2024. To realise this goal, various safety initiatives are underway, reflecting a growing emphasis on vehicle safety among Indian car buyers. Owners are increasingly prioritising vehicles equipped with advanced safety features. In light of this trend, the government is encouraging Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to continuously enhance vehicle safety standards. This paradigm shift underscores the significance of safety ratings such as Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) for consumers and stakeholders. Understanding Bharat NCAP ratings is crucial not only for informed vehicle purchases but also for potential implications on vehicle insurance and road safety measures.

What is Bharat NCAP?

Bharat NCAP, short for the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP), addresses the increasing demand for safer vehicles and informed consumer decisions in India. This initiative, spearheaded by the government, entails comprehensive testing of cars available in the Indian market to evaluate their adherence to automotive safety standards. These evaluations encompass crucial aspects such as structural integrity, adult and child occupant safety, and the effectiveness of safety assist technologies.

Following these assessments, Safety Star Ratings are allocated to each vehicle, offering potential buyers crucial insights into its safety performance. These ratings empower consumers to make well-informed choices when purchasing a car.

Additionally, the implementation of Safety Star Ratings incentivises car manufacturers to enhance safety features and bolster the structural resilience of their vehicles. Understanding Bharat NCAP ratings is essential not only for selecting safer vehicles but also for comprehending their potential impact on vehicle insurance and overall road safety measures.

How Does Bharat NCAP Work?

As per the operational guidelines, the Bharat NCAP program adheres to several steps and procedures, including:

• Car manufacturers voluntarily nominate the base model of their vehicles.
• The Bharat NCAP team randomly selects vehicles after visiting the manufacturer's facility.
• The chosen vehicle is transported to the testing centre in Pune for crash testing based on various protocols. Car manufacturer representatives have the option to witness these tests.
• Test ratings are disclosed upon approval by the Bharat NCAP standing committee.
• Bharat NCAP publishes the results, and the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) issues a certificate alongside.

Also Read: Safest Cars in India with Global NCAP Ratings 2025

Bharat NCAP Testing Procedures

The Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) crash testing follows the Automotive Industry Standard 197, which outlines detailed guidelines and protocols. A vehicle is selected for testing under Bharat NCAP through one of the following methods:

• Voluntary submission by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
• Selection of a popular model with at least 30,000 units sold since its launch in the previous year.
• Recommendation from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) based on market feedback and analysis.

Similar to the Global NCAP (GNCAP), BNCAP assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, evaluating vehicles based on three main criteria: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP), and onboard Safety Assist Technologies. The evaluation involves three specific tests:

• Frontal Impact Test at 64 km/h with two adult dummies in the front seats and two child dummies in the rear seats.
• Side Impact Test at 50 km/h with one adult dummy in the driver’s seat and two child dummies in the rear seats.
• Side Pole Impact Test at 29 km/h with one adult dummy in the driver’s seat.

Based on these tests, separate star ratings are assigned for Adult and Child Occupant Protection.

How is a Car Tested for a Bharat NCAP Safety Rating?

Since October 1st, 2023, numerous cars have undergone testing under the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP). When a car model is selected for testing, BNCAP authorities visit the manufacturing facility to randomly pick the base variant of that model. The selected model is then transported to the BNCAP testing facility, where it undergoes crash testing in the presence of both BNCAP officials and OEM representatives. Following the crash test, the results are compiled and shared with the manufacturer. The BNCAP standing committee then reviews the data and, upon approval, the results are published on the official BNCAP website. The Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) also issues a crash test certificate to validate the findings. With this process now operational, the Bharat NCAP website serves as a comprehensive resource for consumers to access the safety ratings of various car models.

Also Read: How to Claim Car Insurance For Own Damage

How Does Bharat NCAP Evaluate Car Safety?

The Bharat NCAP crash test rating program adheres to distinct protocols commonly utilised by global agencies. These evaluations play a pivotal role in enhancing comprehensive car insurance and establishing star ratings, ranging from 1 to 5 Stars, where 5 represents the highest level of safety. The testing encompasses three primary areas: Child Occupant Protection (COP), Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), and the Fitment of Safety Assist Technologies.

Assessment Point Distribution and Minimum Star Ratings for AOP and COP:

The testing regimen includes the Front Impact Test, Side Impact Test, and Side Pole Impact Test, each conducted at specific speeds—64 kmph for frontal crash tests, 29 kmph for pole side tests, and 50 kmph for side tests.

Minimum Scores for Each Star Rating:

To achieve star ratings, cars must attain a minimum score of 27 out of a maximum of 32 points for adult safety. The table below illustrates the correlation between star ratings, AOP, and COP points:

Onboard Safety Assist Technologies for Star Rating Qualification:

• Electronic Stability Control: Mandatory for a 3-star or higher rating.
• Seat Belt Reminder: Required for 3, 4, and 5 stars; not required for 1 or 2 stars.
• Pedestrian Protection: Required for all vehicles.
• Side Head Protection System:

• Mandatory for side impact testing and 5-star rating.
• For 2022/2023 models, optional in at least one variant to qualify for 4 stars.
• For 2024/2025 models, mandatory for 3-star or higher ratings in side impact testing.

Through BNCAP’s rigorous testing standards, consumers can better understand the safety features and protections available in new vehicle models.

Differences Between Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP

The New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) organisations, such as Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP, play pivotal roles in evaluating vehicle safety, and aiding consumers in making informed decisions. While both assess vehicle safety, key differences emerge between them.

The primary distinction between Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP is that Bharat NCAP focuses specifically on vehicles available in India, while Global NCAP assesses vehicles sold worldwide. Additionally, there are three main areas where Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP differ:

Safety Ratings and Points Requirement

• For adult occupant protection, Global NCAP requires a minimum of 34 points (16 for frontal, 16 for side impact, and 2 for seatbelt reminders) for a 5-star rating. Bharat NCAP requires a minimum of 27 out of 32 points for adult protection and 41 out of 49 points for child protection to achieve a 5-star rating.
• Bharat NCAP offers a single, combined rating for both adult and child safety, whereas Global NCAP assigns separate ratings for each.

Car Categories Tested

Bharat NCAP tests only M1 category vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3,500 kg, typically used for passenger vehicles with up to eight seats. Global NCAP, however, includes a broader range, testing M1, M2, M3 (passenger vehicles) and N1, N2, N3 (goods vehicles).

Collaborative Framework

• Global NCAP is an independent body focused on global vehicle safety. Bharat NCAP, however, operates in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, allowing it to influence policy and promote enhanced safety standards in the Indian automotive sector.
• Although Bharat NCAP draws inspiration from Global NCAP, it has customized its approach to align with Indian market conditions, providing relevant safety insights for vehicles commonly found on Indian roads.

Also Read: What is Global NCAP Safety Rating - A Detailed Guide

Similarities Between Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP

Despite their differences, Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP share several similarities in their objectives and testing methodologies:

• Standardized Crash Tests: Both NCAP programs conduct crash tests simulating real-world accidents to evaluate vehicle safety.
• Scoring System: Each program assesses vehicle performance in these tests, awarding points that reflect safety standards.
• Consistent Testing Speeds: Both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP establish standardized speeds for testing, although these speeds differ between programs to ensure equal starting conditions.
• Star Ratings: Vehicles receive a star rating from 1 to 5 based on points achieved in frontal and side-impact crash tests.
• Child Safety Ratings: Both programs use similar criteria to evaluate child safety, assigning ratings that reflect protection levels for younger passengers.

These similarities underline the shared goal of improving vehicle safety standards and transparency for consumers worldwide.

Conclusion

Moreover, both organisations engage in advocacy and awareness efforts, collaborating with stakeholders to promote vehicle safety. Their initiatives aim to enhance road safety and encourage manufacturers to adapt vehicles to local conditions, contributing to safer roads globally.

With the Bharat NCAP becoming a popular option, in the future, you may choose vehicles that come with a 5-star rating. Alongside this, do not forget to get a car insurance policy that helps you protect your vehicle in the event of contingencies. Similarly, if you have a two-wheeler consider getting the right bike insurance plan to protect your finances.*

FAQ’s

1. When will Bharat NCAP be implemented?

Bharat NCAP was implemented on October 1, 2023. Since this date, the program has started testing and rating vehicles for safety specifically for the Indian market.

2. Which cars will be tested by Bharat NCAP?

Bharat NCAP will focus on M1 category vehicles, which include passenger cars weighing up to 3,500 kg and seating up to eight passengers. Eligible models can be selected based on manufacturer requests, popularity, or recommendations by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

3. Where will the crash test results be published?

The Bharat NCAP crash test results will be published on its official website. These results will provide consumers with easy access to the safety ratings for vehicles available in India.

4. Are Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP identical programs?

No, while Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP share similar objectives in improving vehicle safety, they are different programs. Bharat NCAP is government-run and tailored for Indian vehicles and standards, while Global NCAP is an independent, global program with broader, international standards.

5. Has Bharat NCAP tested any cars?

Yes, since its implementation on October 1, 2023, Bharat NCAP has begun testing cars available in the Indian market, awarding them safety ratings based on standardized crash test criteria.

6. Which is better, Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP?

The "better" NCAP depends on your needs. Bharat NCAP is specifically designed for Indian vehicles and regulatory conditions, making it more relevant for Indian consumers. Global NCAP, on the other hand, is globally standardized, evaluating vehicles across multiple markets and may be more relevant for international comparisons.

* Standard T&C Apply

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