Why in News?
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released the revised draft of Bharat NCAP 2.0, expanding India’s vehicle safety assessment framework beyond crashworthiness to holistic road safety.
Background
India accounts for ~11% of global road deaths.
With rising motorization, lack of safety-rating awareness, and high accident severity, a robust in-country rating system was needed.
Bharat NCAP was first launched in October 2023; the 2025 draft strengthens its scope.
Key Features of Bharat NCAP 2.0
1Expanded Assessment Framework (Five Areas)
Vehicle ratings will now be based on:
Crash Protection – occupant safety in frontal/side impact.
Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Protection – safety for pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
Safe Driving – evaluation of safety assistance features (e.g., ESC, lane assist).
Accident Avoidance – braking efficiency, stability control, ADAS-based warnings.
Post-Crash Safety – ease of rescue, fire safety, auto door unlock, e-call features.
2Voluntary Programme: Manufacturers can voluntarily submit vehicles for testing.
3Nodal Agency: Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune is designated for rating and certification.
4Testing Standards: Conducted as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) – 197.
5Validity: Bharat NCAP framework remains valid till 2027, after which further revisions are expected.
About Bharat New Car Assessment Programme
India’s first in-country car safety rating programme.
Provides star ratings to passenger vehicles for consumer awareness and overall safety improvement.
Launched in 2023 and aligned with global NCAP benchmarks.
Significance of Bharat NCAP 2.0
1Consumer Empowerment: Increases transparency in vehicle safety, enabling informed purchases.
2Industry Push for Safer Designs: Encourages OEMs to adopt better crash structures, pedestrian safety measures, and ADAS features.
3Reduction in Road Fatalities: Supports India’s commitment to the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030).
4Global Alignment: Brings India closer to Euro NCAP, ASEAN NCAP, and Latin NCAP safety frameworks.
5Boost to Vehicle Exports: Higher domestic safety standards improve India’s competitiveness in international markets
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
