A recent RTI response from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has revealed more details about how Bharat NCAP carries out crash tests and safety ratings in India. The RTI was filed in March 2026. It sought information about retests, crash test modifiers and how vehicles are selected for Bharat NCAP evaluations, a post on TeamBHP reveals.As per the response shared online, Bharat NCAP had tested 35 car models till March 31, 2026. All these vehicles were voluntarily submitted by manufacturers. The reply also mentioned that none of the cars tested so far were selected directly by the Government of India, although AIS-197 rules do allow the government to nominate vehicles for testing.
Image Credit: TeamBHP.
The RTI response also revealed that seven vehicles were retested or reassessed before their final ratings were published on the Bharat NCAP website. These include the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Tata Punch ICE, Tata Sierra ICE, Tata Curvv ICE, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Mahindra XUV400 EV and Mahindra BE 6.
According to the RTI reply, these retests were conducted under Clause 6.2 of AIS-197. The rule allows retesting or reassessment if there is incomplete data, missing parameters or if some results fall outside the required limits. Retesting is not something unique to Bharat NCAP. Similar safety programmes around the world also conduct reassessments to ensure accurate results and verify improvements before final ratings are announced.Stay tuned to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X.
