India Proposes New Cybersecurity Rules for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

By Amit Jangra | Published Date : June 27, 2026

India has proposed new cybersecurity and software update rules for connected vehicles, with phased implementation planned across different vehicle categories in the coming years.

Jun 27, 2026 | 4 min read | Automotive Technology

Cars and commercial vehicles are changing fast. Many new models now depend on software for different functions. Technology inside vehicles is growing every year. The government now wants clear rules to deal with security risks. At present, these are only draft proposals and people can send their suggestions before the rules are final. If everything goes as planned, these rules will later become part of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The proposal is not only for passenger vehicles. It will also affect goods vehicles, pickups and several other categories that use electronic control systems.

Two New Rules Have Been Proposed

Table of Contents

1. Two New Rules Have Been Proposed

2. India Is Following a Wider Trend

3. Rollout Will Take Place in Phases

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The government has suggested adding two new rules. One is for cybersecurity and the other is for software updates. Under the first rule, manufacturers will need a proper system to identify and handle cyber risks during the life of a vehicle. The second rule deals with software updates. Companies will have to keep records of updates and manage the process in an organised way. For now, these requirements will follow AIS-189 and AIS-190 standards. Later, they will be replaced when the Bureau of Indian Standards publishes its own specifications.

India Is Following a Wider Trend

Similar rules already exist in places like Europe, Japan and South Korea. In those countries, cybersecurity is treated as an important part of vehicle approval. Vehicles are no longer only about engines and tyres. Software now controls many functions. This change is visible across different segments, including passenger vehicles, mini trucks and other commercial vehicles. As technology grows, keeping software safe becomes equally important.

Rollout Will Take Place in Phases

The new rules will not start for every vehicle at the same time. Vehicles with higher levels of automation will come first. Models that receive over-the-air software updates will follow after that. Other vehicles with software update capability will be covered later under the phased schedule announced in the draft. The government has chosen this approach so manufacturers get enough time to prepare.

Many new vehicles are expected to become more connected in the coming years. That includes future electric mini trucks, passenger vehicles and commercial transport models. Through these draft rules, the government wants companies to think about digital security from the beginning instead of treating it as an extra feature after the vehicle reaches the road.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Commercial Vehicles

1. What are the new cybersecurity rules proposed by the Indian government?

Ans: The draft rules require certain vehicles to follow cybersecurity standards and maintain a Cyber Security Management System to manage digital security risks.

2. Which vehicles will be covered under the proposed rules?

Ans: The proposal covers different categories of passenger vehicles, goods vehicles, tractors and some highly automated vehicles, depending on their technology.

3. What is the purpose of the software update management rule?

Ans: The rule aims to ensure vehicle software updates are properly managed, recorded and delivered through a structured Software Update Management System.

4. When will these new rules come into effect?

Ans: The rollout will happen in phases. Different vehicle categories will follow different timelines, starting from October 2026 and continuing until October 2029.

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