BAJA SAEINDIA 2026 Begins at NATRAX with EV and Hydrogen Teams

The 19th edition of BAJA SAEINDIA has begun with the physical rounds of eBAJA and hBAJA 2026, bringing together 90 electric and 21 hydrogen-hybrid student teams from across the country. The five-day engineering competition is being held from January 7 to 11 at NATRAX in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, under the theme “Torque to Triumph.” An HR Meet connecting students with industry recruiters will take place on January 12 and 13 at Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research, Indore.

BAJA SAEINDIA challenges engineering students to design, build and test all-terrain vehicles through a series of static and dynamic evaluations. Static events assess design, sales, cost analysis, computer-aided engineering, sustainability, innovation and manufacturing excellence, while dynamic events include sled pull, acceleration, suspension and traction tests, maneuverability assessments, and a four-hour endurance race.

This year’s competition features major technical upgrades, including a new 72V tractive system for electric vehicles, an increase in hydrogen blending from 5 per cent to 18 per cent for hybrid vehicles, and the introduction of the Greaves G395WVI lightweight aluminium engine for hBAJA teams.

Recalling the journey of the event, Organising Committee Chairman S. Balraj said BAJA SAEINDIA began with just 17 teams and has now expanded into four categories, including the recently introduced autonomous vehicle category, aBAJA.

Highlighting the focus on advanced technologies, NATRAX Director Dr. Manish Jaiswal said new challenges such as virtual validation through simulation, instrumented testing and 3D printing competitions have been added to raise students’ exposure to state-of-the-art engineering practices.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) continues as the title sponsor of the event, supporting BAJA SAEINDIA since its inception in 2007. Vikranth Hate, Territory Manager, BPCL Retail, Indore, said the company remains the only oil marketing firm consistently providing fuel services for motorsport events in India.

The competition also places strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with women making up nearly 21 per cent of participants and teams representing over 20 states. The event will conclude with the presentation of the Dronacharya Award, honouring faculty advisors who play a key role in mentoring student teams throughout the competition