BNCAP 2.0 Launch Likely In 2027: Enhanced Crash Tests, Advanced Dummies And ADAS Integration

A new version of India's car safety testing programme, BNCAP 2.0, will bring enhanced collision testing procedures and technologically superior crash test dummies, according to government officials, as reported by Autocar India. The existing testing framework, implemented in October 2023, evaluates vehicles through frontal offset, lateral, and side pole collision scenarios. The programme also examines child restraint installation methods and safety-assistance features, subsequently assigning separate 5-star ratings for both adult and child occupant safety.

Reports suggest the BNCAP 2.0 implementation is expected to be introduced in late 2027.

It is to be noted that 24 vehicles have undergone evaluation through Bharat NCAP to date and infrastructure for BNCAP 2.0 has been completed, as confirmed by the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT). Currently, 24 automobiles have been tested through this voluntary assessment initiative. 

Enhanced Testing Protocol

Government officials revealed that the upgraded Bharat NCAP will incorporate a complete frontal collision test, supplementing the existing offset deformable barrier assessment where 40 per cent of the vehicle's front section (driver's side) undergoes impact testing. 

Also, rear collision testing will be integrated into the protocol, while technologically advanced dummies will be deployed during side pole evaluations to gather more thorough crash protection information, officials confirmed.

ADAS Testing Capabilities Under Development

A February 2025 investigation into BNCAP 2.0 revealed plans to extend testing capabilities to encompass Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), responding to the increasing prevalence of such technologies in modern vehicles. 

"Development of this enhanced version [of Bharat NCAP] is actively underway... Our objective isn't simply having these technologies present as features that drivers deactivate when necessary. Rather, they must be calibrated specifically for Indian driving conditions and consumer requirements," Ujjwala Karle, senior deputy director at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), was earlier quoted as saying.