Indian Government Proposes Mandatory AC-On Rule For ARAI Car Mileage Testing From October 2026

Published: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 11:11 [IST]

The Indian government has proposed a major change to ARAI fuel efficiency testing for passenger vehicles. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has recommended mandatory AC-on mileage testing to bring certified figures closer to real-world driving conditions, and the rule will be effective from October 1, 2026.

ARAI Car Mileage Figures Will Change

Currently, car manufacturers advertise ARAI-certified mileage figures, which are tested under controlled conditions. In many cases, these tests are conducted without the air-conditioning system switched on, resulting in higher claimed mileage figures.

However, in real-world usage, especially under Indian driving conditions, there is often a big difference between claimed fuel efficiency figures and actual on-road mileage, leaving many customers dissatisfied after purchase. The Indian government has stepped in to make mileage testing more realistic and consumer-friendly.

A Newly Proposed ARAI Rule

The official notification states that all M1 category vehicles must now be tested with the air-conditioning system operational, as defined under AIS-213 norms. The M1 category vehicles include Hatchbacks, Sedans, Crossovers, MPVs, and SUVs.

Under the new regulation, manufacturers will also be required to disclose fuel efficiency figures for both AC-on and AC-off conditions, giving buyers a clearer understanding of what to expect in daily usage. It also increases awareness among buyers about the vehicle before making a decision.

A Welcome Move From MoRTH

Fuel efficiency remains one of the most key decision-making factors for Indian car buyers, as it directly impacts long-term ownership costs. This mandatory rule will ensure overall transparency of the system, more realistic mileage figures, reduce consumer dissatisfaction, and enable manufacturers to tune engines and gearboxes for real-world driving conditions.

Indian consumers have increasingly shown a preference to buy more practical, safe, and value-focused cars. The government's earlier mandate for six airbags as standard was widely welcomed, and this proposed rule of more realistic fuel efficiency testing is expected to receive similar appreciation.