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.

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.

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

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.

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. Vehicles are assessed based on two main criteria: Adult safety for front passengers and child safety for rear passengers. 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:

Star Rating	AOP Points	COP Points
1 Star	4	9
2 Star	10	18
3 Star	16	27
4 Star	22	35
5 Star	27	41

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.

Bharat NCAP is India-specific, addressing unique safety challenges within the country's road environment, focusing on factors like occupant protection and pedestrian safety. Conversely, Global NCAP operates internationally, setting global safety standards and testing vehicles across different markets. Bharat NCAP evaluates vehicles based on Indian-centric criteria, considering features like airbags and seat belt reminders, whereas Global NCAP adheres to international safety benchmarks, including adult and child occupant protection and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Both organisations employ a star rating system to denote safety levels, with five stars representing superior safety, albeit with varying interpretations. Bharat NCAP's ratings are specific to India, reflecting local challenges and road conditions, while Global NCAP's ratings hold international recognition, applicable across diverse markets.

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.*