In recent years, car safety awareness in India has seen a significant rise. As more consumers prioritize safety alongside performance and fuel efficiency, initiatives like Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) have become crucial.
Launched in October 2023, Bharat NCAP serves as India’s official car safety rating system, aligning with global safety standards such as Global NCAP (GNCAP). This initiative aims to provide transparent safety ratings for cars manufactured or sold in India, helping consumers make informed decisions while encouraging manufacturers to produce safer vehicles.
This guide will cover:
What is Bharat NCAP, and how does it work?
✅ How do crash tests determine safety ratings?
✅ Why is Bharat NCAP important for Indian consumers?
✅ Comparison of Bharat NCAP vs. Global NCAP
✅ Key safety features modern cars should have
Let’s dive in!
What is Bharat NCAP?
Bharat NCAP is an independent safety assessment program that evaluates new cars based on crash test performance and assigns them a star rating from 1 to 5 stars. A higher rating indicates better safety during accidents.
Key Objectives of Bharat NCAP:
Improve vehicle safety standards in India
Provide reliable crash-test ratings for Indian consumers
Encourage manufacturers to produce safer vehicles
Reduce road accidents and fatalities
With thousands of road fatalities each year, Bharat NCAP plays a crucial role in ensuring safer roads in India.
Global NCAP vs. Bharat NCAP: What’s the Difference?
While both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP focus on vehicle safety, there are key differences between the two:
Criteria Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) Global NCAP (GNCAP)
Maximum Adult Occupant Score 32 points 36 points
Child Occupant Score 49 points 49 points
Test Speed (Offset Crash) 64 km/h 64 km/h
Seatbelt Reminder Points Mandatory but no extra points Additional 2 points
Applicable Region India Global
Key Takeaway: Bharat NCAP is specifically designed for Indian roads and driving conditions, making it more relevant for Indian consumers than Global NCAP.
How Does Bharat NCAP Conduct Crash Tests?
Bharat NCAP evaluates cars through multiple crash tests under controlled conditions, simulating real-world accidents.
Types of Crash Tests:
1. Offset Frontal Impact Test
Speed: 64 km/h
Test Method: Car crashes into a deformable barrier at 40% offset to simulate a head-on collision.
2. Side Impact Test
Speed: 50 km/h
Test Method: A moving barrier strikes the car’s side, assessing side-impact protection.
3. Side Pole Impact Test (For cars with 3+ star ratings)
Speed: 29 km/h
Test Method: Car is slammed into a rigid pole to measure side-strength and occupant safety.
Bharat NCAP Star Rating System
Each car undergoes rigorous crash tests before receiving a star rating based on adult and child occupant protection.
Star Rating Safety Performance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent – Includes advanced safety features
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good – Offers a safe driving experience
⭐⭐⭐ Good – Includes essential safety features
⭐⭐ Average – Provides basic protection
⭐ Minimum – Limited safety features
Scoring Breakdown:
Star Rating Adult Occupant Score (out of 32) Child Occupant Score (out of 49)
⭐ 0 – 9 0 – 9
⭐⭐ 10 – 18 10 – 18
⭐⭐⭐ 16 – 27 16 – 27
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 22 – 35 22 – 35
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 27 – 41 27 – 41
Which Cars Have Been Crash Tested Under Bharat NCAP?
Tata Motors (Highest-Rated Cars)
Model Adult Score (out of 32) Child Score (out of 49) Star Rating
Tata Safari 30.08 44.54 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tata Harrier 30.08 44.54 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tata Punch EV 31.46 45.00 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tata Nexon EV 29.86 44.95 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
More than 60+ cars are expected to be tested under Bharat NCAP in the coming months.
How Are Cars Selected for Bharat NCAP Testing?
There are three primary ways a car gets selected for Bharat NCAP testing:
✅ 1. Voluntary Submission
Manufacturers can submit their cars for testing voluntarily.
✅ 2. Sales Volume Criteria
Cars that sold more than 30,000 units in the past year qualify automatically.
✅ 3. Government Recommendations
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) can select certain vehicles for crash testing.
All test results are shared with manufacturers before being published on Bharat NCAP’s official website.
Must-Have Safety Features in Modern Cars
With growing safety concerns, modern cars are now equipped with advanced safety features such as:
✔ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – Helps maintain stability during sudden turns.
✔ Blind-Spot Monitoring – Alerts drivers about hidden vehicles in adjacent lanes.
✔ Adaptive Cruise Control – Automatically adjusts speed based on traffic conditions.
✔ Lane Departure Warning – Prevents accidental lane switching.
✔ Front Collision Warning (FCW) – Alerts drivers of potential forward collisions.
✔ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – Ensures optimal tire pressure.
Future Impact: As ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) become common, they will play a key role in Bharat NCAP ratings.
Why Bharat NCAP Matters to You
1️⃣ Safer Vehicle Choices – Helps consumers choose safer cars for themselves and their families.
2️⃣ Greater Transparency – Buyers can now compare safety ratings before making a purchase.
3️⃣ Reduced Road Accidents – Encourages manufacturers to produce safer vehicles, lowering accident rates.
4️⃣ Increased Demand for Safety Features – Pushes automakers to offer better safety features in all vehicle segments.
India ranks among the highest in road accident fatalities. Bharat NCAP aims to change this by promoting safer vehicles.
Conclusion: The Future of Car Safety in India
Bharat NCAP has revolutionized the Indian automobile industry, shifting the focus from just fuel efficiency and pricing to safety-first car buying.
