System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating (SAMAR)
Benchmarking and enhancing the maturity of defence manufacturing enterprises to strengthen India’s self-reliance.
The System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating (SAMAR) is more than just a certification — it’s a compass for India’s defence manufacturers. Conceived by the Quality Council of India (QCI) in collaboration with DRDO, SAMAR provides a structured benchmark to measure the maturity of defence manufacturing enterprises, whether micro, small, medium, or large.
At its core, SAMAR is both a mirror and a roadmap. It reflects where an enterprise stands today — from ad-hoc processes to globally optimized systems — and guides it toward higher levels of standardisation, measurement, and continuous improvement.
Built to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, SAMAR is aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. By encouraging indigenous capabilities, disciplined processes, and a culture of excellence, SAMAR equips Indian enterprises to not only serve national security but also compete with the best defence manufacturers worldwide.
With its five defined maturity levels and a validity of two years, SAMAR pushes enterprises to move from “good enough” to “world-class” — ensuring that every step forward contributes to a stronger, more self-reliant India.
- Assess the maturity level of defence manufacturing enterprises.
- Provide a structured roadmap for capability enhancement.
- Promote best practices in quality, process control, and innovation.
- Strengthen India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The SAMAR Certification Framework recognises five progressive levels of enterprise maturity, defined by how well an organisation standardises and improves its processes. Each certification is valid for two years, encouraging enterprises to continually evolve.
- Level 1 — Ad Hoc BeginningsProcesses exist but are largely unstructured and reactive.
- Level 2 — Early Standardisation
The journey toward consistency has just begun; enterprises are starting to put systems in place. - Level 3 — Established Standards
Processes are now clearly defined, documented, and followed across the organisation. - Level 4 — Measured & Controlled
Processes are not only standardised but also monitored and controlled to ensure reliability and quality. - Level 5 — Continuous Optimisation
Enterprises achieve excellence by continually measuring, refining, and optimising processes for peak performance.
- All micro, small, medium, and large defence manufacturing enterprises.
- Entities engaged in manufacturing for the defence and aerospace sector.
SAMAR helps defence manufacturers improve process maturity, quality, and operational control while fostering continuous improvement and innovation. It also enhances credibility, readiness for defence contracts, and alignment with national self-reliance goals.
1. Financial Benefits
- Enhanced credibility leading to business opportunities.
2. Process Benefits
- Recognition across 5 maturity levels:
a) Ad-hoc processes.b) Early standardisation.c) Standardised processes.d) Standardised, measured, and controlled processes.e) Continuously improved and optimised processes.
- Improved process standardisation and quality control.
- Continuous capability improvement for long-term competitiveness.
Testimonials
SAMAR assessment provided us with valuable insights into our processes, helping us identify areas of strength and improvement. Discussions on critical topics such as obtaining IP rights and patents were particularly valuable, offering useful input for our future strategic planning.
Arivazhagan
Managing Director, Meltronics Systemtech Pvt Ltd
Organized work flow, proper documentation, timely work. Collaboration between MSME and Defence will empower the Indian manufacturers and bring about good development and reduce our dependence on foreign supplies. It will surely help us all to achieve MAKE IN INDIA drive started by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji
Rupesh Kulkarni
Proprietor, Saiprasad Enterprises
I am excited to announce that we have completed the “”SAMAR”” Certification program, an exceptional initiative by QCI in collaboration with DRDO for defence manufacturing enterprises of all sizes.
This certification sets a new standard for our organization. The comprehensive end-to-end online system, based on the Planning, Deployment, and Monitoring (PDM) framework, has greatly enhanced our capabilities.
I encourage all MSMEs and large manufacturers to utilize this outstanding certification program. Together, let’s drive India towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing!
This is a great standard we have encountered so far. The PDM concept is just wonderfully designed. This is surely going to help the defence manufacturing enterprises to the next level. The rating system would encourage continual improvement of the overall system.
RANJAN KUMAR JENA
Founder & CEO, JENA STEEL
SAMAR certification process has helped us understand any gaps in our daily operations, documentation and overall functioning of the organization. It has given us a direction on how to improve in small steps to enhance the operational capability of the organization as a whole.
Ajay Rachakonda
Director - Sales & Marketing, Zetatek Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Obtaining the SAMAR Certification has brought immense value to our organization. It has strengthened our credibility and trust with clients, partners, and stakeholders by demonstrating our commitment to excellence, compliance, and industry best practices. The certification has also enhanced operational efficiency, streamlined our processes, and reinforced a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, it has given us a competitive edge in the market, opening new business opportunities and fostering stronger relationships within our industry. Above all, it reassures our customers and stakeholders of our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in everything we do.
With SAMAR certification, organizations can effectively demonstrate their capability to meet the evolving demands of modern Defence systems, ensuring our armed forces have access to high-quality, indigenously manufactured solutions. SAMAR is more than just a certification—it is a mark of excellence that drives the future of Indian Defence manufacturing.
S. Abdul Khadeer
QUALITY MANAGER, GEM PRESSURE SYSTEMS INDIA PVT LTD
The SAMAR rating will benefit India’s defense manufacturing by improving quality, innovation, and self-reliance. It will also help MSMEs and private players gain credibility and secure defense contracts more easily.
Being rated by SAMAR, will help our company CNC India to gain credibility with DRDO and defense laboratories, positioning us as a reliable partner for defense projects. This rating enhances our eligibility for prototype development, strategic collaborations, and advanced manufacturing opportunities, paving the way for deeper engagement in indigenous defense programs.
Mr. S.R. Venkatesh Reddy
Chief Operating Officer, CNC INDIA ROBOTICS & INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATIONS (formerly CNC India Tools & Services Pvt Ltd)
SAMAR certification reflects commitment to excellence, transparency and streamlined processes and setting benchmark for future initiatives. The model gives good insights on the capabilities as well as improvement areas to reach to global benchmarks for maturity enhancement of QA processes. This assessment captured the strengths and also provide opportunity to deploy best practices and meet the maturity of the global level.
Amol Thorat
Sr GM Quality, GODREJ AND BOYCE MANUFACTURING CO LTD
The extensive evaluation process of the SAMAR certification enabled our organization to thoroughly review and enhance every aspect of compliance. It reflects our commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and operational excellence. We believe that achieving the SAMAR certification will strengthen our credibility and provide a competitive edge in tenders and contracts.
The SAMAR rating ensures that Indian defense manufacturers adhere to stringent quality benchmarks, aligning them with the best global standards. It supports India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Additionally, it enables DRDO to identify companies with world-class manufacturing capabilities and collaborate with them to indigenize mission-critical imported components.
Seema Tiwari
Head Quality, Amphenol Interconnect India Pvt Ltd, Pune