Hyderabad, February 25, 2026: The much-anticipated BAJA SAEINDIA 2026 – mBAJA category, powered by Speed – the High-Performance Petrol by Bharat Petroleum, is all set to roar into action from today, February 25, 2026, at B. V. Raju Institute of Technology (BVRIT), Narsapur, Hyderabad. Hosted by BAJA SAEINDIA in association with B. V. Raju Institute of Technology, the national-level student engineering competition, having over 1600 Students from 51 Engineering Colleges from all over India participating, serves as a dynamic out-of-classroom learning platform. It provides budding engineers with invaluable hands-on exposure to real-world industrial challenges by engaging them in the complete lifecycle of building an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
Over the three-day event, student teams from premier engineering institutions across India will demonstrate excellence in conceptualizing, designing, analysing, fabricating, validating, and racing their ATVs. The competition rigorously evaluates participants through a series of Static, Dynamic, and Endurance events, culminating in a gruelling four-hour durability run that tests both machine and team resilience.
Addressing the media at a press conference held at Anjani Tek Studio, Panjagutta, key dignitaries including Mr. Balraj Subramaniam, Chairman, Organizing Committee, BAJA SAEINDIA; Dr. V. Murali Krishna, Professor & Dean, Mechanical Engineering, BVRIT & Joint Convener, mBAJA SAEINDIA 2026; and Mr. Aditya Vissam, Secretary, Sri Vishnu Educational Society, highlighted the significance of the competition in nurturing innovation, teamwork, and industry readiness among engineering students.
Originally launched in the United States by SAE International as Mini BAJA SAE, the competition has evolved into a globally recognized engineering challenge. In India, BAJA SAEINDIA was introduced in 2007 with just 27 teams competing in a single internal combustion (IC) engine category. Today, it has expanded into a multi-category mobility innovation platform featuring over 200 teams nationwide.
The competition now spans multiple categories — mBAJA (internal combustion engine), eBAJA (electric), hBAJA (hydrogen/CNG), and aBAJA (autonomous) — reflecting the evolving landscape of sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions.
As engines rev and innovation takes center stage, BAJA SAEINDIA 2026 promises to once again showcase the ingenuity, determination, and engineering excellence of India’s next generation of mobility leaders.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Balraj Subramaniam; highlighted the growth of BAJA SAEINDIA as a national platform for experiential learning and emphasized how the competition continues to strengthen industry–academia collaboration while preparing students to address future mobility challenges through hands-on engineering practice.
“On behalf of the host institution B. V. Raju Institute of Technology, Mr. Aditya Vissam, said, at Sri Vishnu Educational Society, we remain deeply committed to supporting technical education and fostering innovation-driven student activities. Hosting BAJA SAEINDIA reflects our continuous efforts to promote hands-on, practical learning and to provide students with opportunities to engage in large-scale national engineering events. We are proud to be hosting BAJA SAEINDIA for the third consecutive year, reaffirming our dedication to creating an environment where young engineers can learn, innovate, and excel.
Representing the title sponsor, Mr. Shravan Kumar, Territory Manager – Retail, Nizamabad, BPCL; spoke about BPCL’s association with BAJA SAEINDIA and emphasized the importance of industry participation in student competitions and noted that such platforms help nurture future engineers who understand both technical challenges and real-world performance requirements.
“At JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., sustainability is central to our business values—from reducing our carbon footprint to building a greener and cleaner ecosystem. Our tyres are designed to extend vehicle range, reduce energy consumption, and support a broader sustainable mobility ecosystem. This event brings together academia and industry, enabling students to apply classroom learning to real-world engineering challenges. By supporting mBAJA, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing future engineers who are deeply aware of sustainability, safety, and innovation. We wish all the participating teams the very best,” said Dr. Arun Jaura, Chief Technology Officer, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.
Addressing the theme of diversity and inclusivity within the competition, Ms. Lalitha Patra, Co-Convener, mBAJA 2026; spoke about BAJA SAEINDIA’s efforts to encourage broader student participation across disciplines and backgrounds. She emphasized that the platform not only tests technical skills but also promotes collaboration, leadership, and inclusive learning environments.
Mr. Ali Syed, Convener, mBAJA 2026; spoke about the HR Meet initiative and its significance in connecting students with industry opportunities. He explained that the HR Meet provides a structured interface for recruiters to interact with competition participants, enabling companies to identify skilled and competition-tested candidates while giving students exposure to career pathways in the automotive sector. He concluded the formal addresses with the vote of thanks.
