Bharat NCAP Details Decoded – Effective Date, Testing, Scores & More

With the introduction of Bharat NCAP, India will be finally getting its own crash safety rating system for cars. This new automobile safety testing program has been widely regarded as a turning point in the Indian automobile Industry.

Implementation

The Bharat NCAP testing has been slated to be implemented from October 1. With the implementation of this new safety norm, cars made and sold in India will be tested for their crashworthiness to determine the safety quotient.

What Is It?

The Bharat NCAP is a voluntary crash testing program and no manufacturers are forced to undergo these crash tests. However, OEMs are encouraged to share sample vehicles for crash-testing purposes. These vehicles can either be provided by the OEM or the testing agency can pick up randomly from an authorised dealership.

Qualification For Vehicles

In order to qualify for the new Bharat NCAP crash testing, the gross weight of the vehicle should be below 3.5 tonnes. On top of that, the vehicle looking to be tested under the Bharat NCAP crash testing should be either manufactured or imported to India.

Process For Bharat NCAP

The process of submitting a model for crash testing is fairly simple and sraight forward. The manufacturer submits the application for crash testing along with details of the model. After accepting the application, the Bharat NCAP authority notifies the manufacturer for the selection of the model.

After conducting the crash test, Bharat NCAP shares the result with the OEM. This result can either be published or the manufacturer can seek a reassessment of the model. It is also worth mentioning that the Bharat NCAP has the liberty to pick up models for crash testing from showrooms.

Testing & Testing Parameters

Under the Bharat NCAP crash testing, three types of crash testing will be conducted to assess the cars - Offset Deformable Barrier Frontal Impact Test, Side Impact Test, and Pole Side Impact Test.

According to the data acquired, Bharat NCAP will award separate ratings for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP). Furthermore, the safety rating methodology also considers the fitment of Safety Assist Technologies.

Scores

To score a 5-Star safety rating for Adult Occupant Protection, the tested vehicle must score a minimum of 27 points. Whereas, 41 points should be acquired to score a 5-Star safety rating in Child Occupant Protection.

Thoughts About The Bharat NCAP Crash Testing

The introduction of Bharat NCAP is expected to greatly benefit car manufacturers in India as they no longer have to undergo the rather expensive Global NCAP crash testing procedure. Furthermore, we also expect this new safety norm to encourage automakers to develop safer cars.