Bharat NCAP 2.0 to rate ADAS features in crash tests
What's the story
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is working on an upgraded version of the country's vehicle safety assessment program, Bharat New Car Assessment Program 2.0 (Bharat NCAP 2.0). The new initiative will focus on assessing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), bringing India's automotive safety standards in line with international benchmarks. Ujjwala Karle, Deputy Director & Head of Technology Group & Digital Twin Lab at ARAI, made the announcement during the ADAS Show 2025 in Bengaluru.
Testing methods
ARAI's integrated approach for ADAS evaluation
ARAI is taking an integrated approach to assess ADAS features, blending virtual simulations with real-world testing. This way, they can ensure proper verification and validation of these advanced systems. At the expo, ARAI showcased its testing capabilities for features such as autonomous emergency braking systems (AEBS) in passenger cars. The body has also been collecting India-specific data for ADAS functions to optimize them for local road conditions and driving behavior.
Impact
ARAI's influence on vehicle testing and consumer awareness
An autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, ARAI has been instrumental in vehicle testing, certification, and research in India. BNCAP launched by ARAI in August 2023 has significantly raised consumer awareness with its ratings of vehicles based on crash test performance. Since its launch, BNCAP has rated 15 vehicles including popular models like Mahindra XUV 9e and Hyundai Tucson.
Upcoming launch
Bharat NCAP 2.0 to launch by 2027
Bharat NCAP 2.0 is likely to launch by 2027 and will include ADAS as an integral component of its safety parameters. Currently, the assessment mainly focuses on three parameters: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, and Safety Assist Technologies. With ADAS in the mix, the overall safety score of a vehicle will be assessed.
Safety tech
ADAS: A modern safety technology in Indian cars
ADAS is a modern-day safety technology that employs cameras, sensors, and radar to deliver assistive safety features to prevent road accidents. Most Indian cars with this technology offer level-2 ADAS, which comes with features such as blind spot monitoring and emergency braking. Indian carmakers such as Tata Motors and Mahindra have followed global manufacturers in offering this feature in their cars.