Electric and Hydrogen BAJA Vehicles Take Centre Stage at NATRAX

The 19th edition of BAJA SAEINDIA commenced on January 7, 2026, with the Physical Round of the eBAJA and hBAJA competitions at the NATRAX facility in Madhya Pradesh. Held under the theme “Torque to Triumph,” the event will continue until January 11, after which a recruitment meet will be organized in Indore.

A total of 111 student teams—90 from the electric BAJA (eBAJA) category and 21 from the hydrogen BAJA (hBAJA) category—have qualified for the Physical Round. These teams advanced after successfully completing the Virtual Round in July 2025, which included design presentations and an online quiz. The competition evaluates student-built all-terrain vehicles through static events such as design assessment, cost analysis, manufacturing quality and sustainability, along with dynamic tests including acceleration, suspension performance and a four-hour endurance race.

This year’s edition introduces major technical upgrades. The eBAJA category has transitioned to a 72-volt tractive system, while hBAJA vehicles now operate with an 18 percent hydrogen blend, compared to 5 percent in previous editions. Additionally, the hBAJA category has adopted the Greaves G395WVI lightweight aluminium engine.

Balraj, Chairman of the BAJA SAEINDIA Organising Committee, highlighted the growth of the competition from just 17 teams at its inception in 2007 to four vehicle categories today, including the recently introduced autonomous BAJA (aBAJA). The competition now sees participation from teams representing over 20 states across India.

Dr. Manish Jaiswal, Director of NATRAX, announced the introduction of two new challenges this year—virtual validation through simulation and instrumented testing, and a 3D printing contest. NATRAX has been the host venue for BAJA SAEINDIA since the competition’s founding year.

According to Supriya Kawade, Convener of hBAJA SAEINDIA 2026 and the event’s Diversity Ambassador, women account for nearly 21 percent of the total participants this year. The competition also features the Dronacharya Award, which recognizes outstanding faculty advisors guiding student teams. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited continues its long-standing association as the title sponsor, a role it has held since 2007.

An HR Meet scheduled for January 12–13 at Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research in Indore will provide participating students with opportunities to interact with automotive industry recruiters for internships and employment.

Organized under SAE India, BAJA SAEINDIA challenges engineering students to design, build and test off-road vehicles. The competition now comprises four categories: mBAJA (internal combustion engine), eBAJA (electric), hBAJA (hydrogen-CNG hybrid) and aBAJA (autonomous).