From April 2027, the Indian government will introduce a major change in the way vehicle emissions are tested. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced that India will move from the current Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) for BS-VI passenger vehicles.
At present, MIDC is used to test fuel efficiency and emissions in laboratory conditions. However, this test has often been criticised because it does not accurately reflect real-world driving, such as traffic, higher speeds, sudden acceleration, and longer driving distances. As a result, the fuel efficiency and emission figures shown on paper can differ from what drivers experience on the road.
WLTP is designed to solve this problem. It is already used in Europe and many global markets and is considered more realistic. The test includes longer driving cycles, higher speeds, more acceleration and deceleration, and conditions that are closer to everyday driving. Because of this, emission levels of pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons, and particulate matter will be measured more accurately.
This change will also impact fuel efficiency ratings and future CAFE norms, which decide how fuel-efficient a carmaker’s overall fleet must be. By shifting to WLTP, India aims to align its emission and efficiency testing with global standards.
For car buyers, this means more honest mileage figures, better emission transparency, and cleaner vehicles in the long run.
At present, MIDC is used to test fuel efficiency and emissions in laboratory conditions. However, this test has often been criticised because it does not accurately reflect real-world driving, such as traffic, higher speeds, sudden acceleration, and longer driving distances. As a result, the fuel efficiency and emission figures shown on paper can differ from what drivers experience on the road.
WLTP is designed to solve this problem. It is already used in Europe and many global markets and is considered more realistic. The test includes longer driving cycles, higher speeds, more acceleration and deceleration, and conditions that are closer to everyday driving. Because of this, emission levels of pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons, and particulate matter will be measured more accurately.
How It Will Impact Your Car?
It is important to note that BS-VI emission limits will not change. Only the testing method will be updated. All vehicles will still need to meet strict BS-VI standards, but under tougher and more realistic testing conditions. Vehicle certification will follow the AIS-175 standard, ensuring proper compliance and durability checks.This change will also impact fuel efficiency ratings and future CAFE norms, which decide how fuel-efficient a carmaker’s overall fleet must be. By shifting to WLTP, India aims to align its emission and efficiency testing with global standards.
For car buyers, this means more honest mileage figures, better emission transparency, and cleaner vehicles in the long run.