BAJA SAEINDIA 2025, a major collegiate engineering competition, is underway with 200 teams participating across multiple stages, including virtual and physical events. The competition focuses on designing, building, and racing All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), with a growing emphasis on sustainable and autonomous technologies like hydrogen fuel and driverless systems. The event is supported by various partners, including Chitkara University and BPCL, and aims to prepare students for the evolving automotive industry. The final phase will take place across three locations in early to mid-2025, featuring different ATV categories.BAJA SAEINDIA
This year marks the 18th season of BAJA SAEINDIA. Between 5,000 and 10,000 engineering students typically participate each year. The competition is divided into three phases, increasing in complexity. The Virtual Round, hosted by Chitkara University, includes static events like sales, cost, and design evaluations. It also incorporates sustainability considerations and engine simulation. Virtual dynamic events using IPG Carmaker are also part of the evaluation process. The competition aims to prepare students for the future of mobility.
Hydrogen-powered ATVs and autonomous ATVs
The 2024 season saw the introduction of hBAJA (hydrogen-powered ATVs) and aBAJA (autonomous ATVs). The hBAJA category has grown from three teams in 2024 to 20 teams in 2025, using HCNG fuel. aBAJA has also seen significant growth, with 20 teams participating in 2025, focusing on ADAS and autonomous vehicle technology. These new categories reflect the competition’s focus on the evolving automotive landscape.
The Virtual Round of BAJA SAEINDIA 2025 began with a press conference at Chitkara University. Dr. Sandhir Sharma, Vice Chancellor of Chitkara University, welcomed the participants and spoke about the university’s mission to empower future engineers. The university has been a long-standing partner of BAJA SAEINDIA.
“BAJA SAEINDIA has been a beacon of innovation and learning since its inception. Over the past 18 years, it has evolved into a dynamic platform that challenges students to excel in every aspect of engineering. With four categories now in place with a new theme of ‘Fusion 4 Future’ and exceptional participation from teams across the country, the event continues to grow year after year. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, partners, faculty and participating teams for their unwavering support in making BAJA SAEINDIA a resounding success. Over time, BAJA SAEINDIA alumni have positioned themselves in leadership roles across both the automotive and non-automotive industries worldwide, reflecting the tremendous growth of the event and the lasting impact it has had on its participants,” stated Balraj Subramaniam, Chairman, Organizing Committee, BAJA SAEINDIA.
Chitkara University has been a consistent supporter of BAJA SAEINDIA since 2015. The university has hosted both the physical and virtual rounds of the competition in previous years.
“Chitkara University and BAJA SAEINDIA have shared a profound and fruitful partnership since 2015. Hosting the physical round earlier and Virtual Round over the years has been a privilege that underscores our mutual commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. We champion innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration and forward thinking engineering. Together with BAJA SAEINDIA, we are driving creativity, sustainability and excellence to shape the future of India’s Automotive Landscape. This journey is a testament to the hard work, vision and dedication of everyone involved,” believes Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor at Chitkara University.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has been a sponsor of BAJA SAEINDIA since 2007, initially providing fuel for the mBAJA teams and later expanding to include electric fuel for eBAJA.
“BPCL is proud to have supported BAJA SAEINDIA since 2007. Our involvement began with providing fuel to the mBAJA teams, and over the years, we have expanded our role, including supplying electric fuel for the eBAJA buggies. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the progress we have made together. BPCL remains fully committed to BAJA SAEINDIA and will continue to support its mission of shaping the next generation of engineers. Through this partnership, BPCL is dedicated to driving innovation and excellence, empowering students with the skills needed to succeed in the industry,” explained Charu Yadav, General Manager at Bharat Petroleum.
Ruturaj Patil, a former BAJA SAEINDIA participant and current Convener of the Virtual Round, highlighted the importance of virtual events in developing well-rounded engineers.
eBAJA
The third phase of BAJA SAEINDIA 2025 will be held at three different locations. mBAJA and hBAJA will take place from January 9th to 12th, 2025 at NATRAX, Pithampur. eBAJA will be held from February 20th to 23rd, 2025 at BV Raju Institute of Technology, Hyderabad. aBAJA is tentatively scheduled for mid-2025 at ARAI’s Takwe facility near Pune. These events will showcase the culmination of the teams’ efforts and highlight the future of mobility.
“Events like cost, design, sales evaluation, Sustainability event & engine simulation event are crucial in developing both the technical and operational skills of participating teams. These challenges go beyond engineering, encouraging students to explore the business and sustainability aspects of vehicle design, which prepares them for diverse roles in the industry. I am incredibly proud to be part of BAJA SAEINDIA’s journey, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors whose continued support makes this event possible. Their belief in this competition empowers us to create an unparalleled platform for innovation, learning and future leadership,” stated Ruturaj Patil, Convener of the Virtual Round.
