New Delhi: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced on Wednesday that the National Test House (NTH), India’s premier scientific institution for testing, calibration, and quality assurance of engineering materials and finished products, will focus on AI-driven testing facilities. The institution aims to explore emerging sectors such as hydrogen energy, smart materials, and advanced electronics.
Modernizing Operations Through Digital Initiatives
Addressing the 114th Foundation Day celebrations of NTH, the minister highlighted the modernization of NTH’s operations through advanced digital initiatives. The newly introduced Laboratory Data Automation System (LDAS) is designed to reduce manual errors, shorten turnaround times, and accelerate quality testing processes, thereby enhancing overall capacity and efficiency. Additionally, a new mobile application will allow industries and consumers seamless access to NTH’s laboratory services, simplifying stakeholder engagement.
Significant Growth in Testing and Revenue
NTH has seen significant growth, registering over 60% increase in sample testing, with 45,926 samples tested in the financial year 2024–25. Revenue also rose by nearly 50%, reaching Rs 44.45 crore, compared to Rs 29.66 crore the previous year.
Historic Institution Evolving for Future Challenges
Established in 1911 in Alipore, Kolkata, as the Government Test House, NTH has grown into India’s oldest and most trusted institution for testing, certification, and quality assurance, the minister noted.
Launch of Cutting-Edge Testing Facilities
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s industrial ecosystem, Minister Joshi virtually inaugurated several state-of-the-art testing facilities. These include the Electric Vehicle Testing Facility at NTH (ER), Kolkata; the Drone Testing Facility at NTH (NR), Ghaziabad; and the Chemical Testing Laboratory at NTH (NR), Ghaziabad.
Milestone in Drone Certification
Marking a milestone in drone certification, the minister also issued the first drone certificates to two Indian manufacturers, underscoring the institution’s role in supporting cutting-edge technology.
Partnerships to Support Green Energy Transition
Furthering its commitment to renewable energy, NTH signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE). These partnerships aim to advance certification and testing of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy equipment, supporting India’s green energy transition.
Promoting Quality in Power Sector Infrastructure
Additionally, NTH collaborated with the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) to promote quality-driven infrastructure financing and facilitate the adoption of reliable, certified technologies in the power sector.
With these initiatives, the National Test House is poised to play a critical role in India’s industrial modernization and technological advancement.
