These are the present times, where safety is the first priority when people go to market to buy a car in India. A few years back, it was about the looks, gadgets and performance that ruled but safety is now the king. This step has been further catalyzed by the introduction of the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) in 2023. Bharat NCAP gives cars 1-5 stars and informs the purchaser of the vehicle how well that car protects its occupants during an accident.
What is Bharat NCAP?
Bharat NCAP (Bharat New Car Assessment Program) is a government program that test and rates the cars sold in India on their safety performances. Bharat NCAP issues a rating of 1- 5-star by evaluating the effectiveness of a vehicle on a safety test of its structure, airbags, brakes, etc. When the car has a 5-star rating it implies that it is the safest and riders are kept very safe in case of an accident.
The Best 5 Star Bharat NCAP Cars (Safest cars in India)
Tata Harrier EV
Tata Harrier EV was a new electric model released by Tata Motors, so it received 5 stars in 2025. It is equipped with 6 airbags, 3 point seat belts, with seat belt reminders to all occupants accompanied by ESC, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, and other main safety devices.
Mahindra XEV 9e
Another 5 star-rated electric car is the Mahindra XEV 9e, which was tested in a crash test conducted by Bharat NCAP. It provides 6 airbags, the rear disc brake, and tire pressure monitoring (TPMS), and it has the potential of protecting the occupants when in hazardous conditions.
Mahindra BE 6
Mahindra BE 6 is an electric SUV which received a 5 star rating in 2025. The highest variant BE 6 3 was tested and the rating is applicable to all the variants. It has a driver sleepiness detection system, a rear camera, parking sensors, 6 airbags, and TPMS.
Tata Punch EV
In May 2024, Tata Punch EV was named the first car to get a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. This compact electric SUV has 6 airbags, ESC, hill hold control, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, parking sensors and a TPMS and it is great for families that prioritize their safety.
Mahindra Thar Roxx
In November 2024, Mahindra Thar Roxx, a common off-roader, was rated 5 star by the Bharat NCAP. The standard equipment features 6 airbags, a cut-off switch on the passenger seat airbag, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, 3-point seat belts on all seats with seat belt reminder, ESC, TPMS. That includes an ADASs package with more driver assistance systems on certain trim levels.
What are Safety Ratings?
When purchasing a car, safety ratings inform you of the effectiveness of the car to protect occupants of the vehicle in event of an accident. A 5-star Bharat NCAP vehicle is the most protective one. Before such buyers make their choice, they are always advised to check on the ratings.
India: Future of car safety in India
The safety of cars in India continues to increase with advancement of technology. Bharat NCAP test will bring new desirable standards and motivate car manufacturers to include such innovations as automatic emergency braking, Lane Departure warning, and other driver assist technologies. Due to safer cars being demanded by buyers, companies are spending fortunes on state of the art protection.
Conclusion
When you are willing to purchase a new car it is important to ensure that you find a vehicle that has a high safety rating. These are the top 5 cars that are listed here, and earned a 5 star Bharat NCAP accolade, and all are filled with features that will protect the cars drivers as well as their passengers. Safety must be one of the leading priorities, and today, choosing the right option is a breeze, with Bharat NCAP.
Rajnish Dutt
Dutt Rajnish is an experienced journalist with a strong background in reporting and storytelling. He has worked with multiple offline media companies, gaining hands-on experience in news coverage, field reporting, and content creation. Known for his clear writing and dedication to facts, Dutt Rajnish continues to bring real stories to the public with honesty and integrity.