Mehar Baba Competition: India’s defence sector is rapidly moving towards advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, autonomous systems, and drone-based surveillance. In line with this transformation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially launched the third edition of the prestigious Mehar Baba Competition (MBC-3) to promote indigenous defence innovation in the country.
Launched during Aero India 2025, the competition aims to encourage startups, engineering students, innovators, researchers, and academic institutions to develop advanced surveillance technologies under the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
This year’s competition theme focuses on developing Collaborative Drone Based Surveillance Radars using swarm drone technology capable of operating in complex and contested environments.
According to the official AKTU circular issued by Innovation Hub UP Foundation, affiliated institutions have been requested to spread awareness among students, researchers, innovation centers, startups, and faculty members for wider participation in the competition.
What is Mehar Baba Competition?
Mehar Baba Competition is an innovation initiative launched by the Indian Air Force in 2018 with the objective of promoting indigenous technological solutions for modern defence challenges. The competition provides a dedicated platform where Indian technical talent can contribute directly to the country’s aerospace and defence ecosystem.
The initiative supports:
- Defence startups
- Engineering colleges
- Universities
- Researchers
- Entrepreneurs
- Innovation hubs
- Drone technology companies
The core objective of the competition is to reduce dependence on imported defence technologies and strengthen India’s self-reliance in advanced aerospace systems.
Theme of Mehar Baba Competition 3
The official theme of MBC-3 is:
Collaborative Drone Based Surveillance Radars
Under this challenge, participants are expected to develop a collaborative surveillance system using multiple drones functioning together as an airborne radar network.
The proposed solution should be capable of:
- Detecting and tracking targets
- Operating in contested environments
- Sharing surveillance data in real time
- Providing accurate target locations
- Sending information to centralized monitoring systems
The competition highlights the growing importance of swarm drones and autonomous surveillance technologies in modern warfare.
Why MBC-3 is Important
Mehar Baba Competition 3 is not just a technical contest. It is a major national-level innovation initiative that gives Indian students and startups the opportunity to work on real-world defence challenges.
Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat
The competition promotes indigenous research and development in defence technologies, aligning with India’s vision of self-reliance.
Encourages Defence Innovation
Participants get exposure to advanced technologies such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Drone Systems
- Robotics
- Autonomous Navigation
- Radar Technology
- Secure Communication Systems
Opportunity for Students and Startups
Engineering students and startups can gain practical experience while showcasing their ideas before defence organizations and technical experts.
Strengthens Industry-Academia Collaboration
The competition encourages collaboration between academic institutions, researchers, and industry innovators to build next-generation defence technologies.
AKTU Circular Highlights
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) has officially informed all affiliated institutes about the competition and requested them to encourage participation among:
- Students
- Faculty members
- Researchers
- Incubation centers
- Startups
- Innovation hubs
The university stated that promoting this initiative will help strengthen indigenous aerospace and defence technologies in India.
Registration Dates for Mehar Baba Competition 3
The registration process for MBC-3 has already started.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Start Date | 27 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 May 2026 |
Interested participants should complete the registration process before the deadline.
Official Website & Registration Link
Participants can access the official registration form, detailed guidelines, and vision document through the Indian Air Force official portal:
https://indianairforce.nic.in/mehar_baba
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open for:
- Indian startups
- Engineering colleges
- Universities
- MSMEs
- Innovators
- Researchers
- Entrepreneurs
- Drone technology companies
Students from Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Electronics, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and related technical branches may especially benefit from participating.
Technologies Expected in MBC-3
Participants may work on advanced technologies including:
| Technology Area | Application |
|---|---|
| Swarm Intelligence | Coordination between drones |
| Artificial Intelligence | Automated target detection |
| Radar Systems | Airborne surveillance |
| Autonomous Navigation | Independent drone operations |
| Secure Communication | Real-time encrypted data sharing |
| Edge Computing | Faster onboard processing |
These technologies are becoming increasingly important in future defence and surveillance systems.
Future of Drone Warfare in India
Drone-based surveillance and autonomous systems are rapidly becoming essential components of modern military operations worldwide. Countries are investing heavily in intelligent surveillance systems, swarm drones, and AI-enabled battlefield technologies.
India is also expanding its defence innovation ecosystem through:
- Startup support initiatives
- Defence modernization programs
- Indigenous manufacturing schemes
- Research and innovation competitions
Competitions like Mehar Baba Competition 3 provide a strong platform for young innovators to contribute to India’s future defence capabilities.
Official Contact Details
Address for Queries
Group Captain Operations (Remote)
Directorate of Operations (Remote)
Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan)
New Delhi – 110011
Contact Numbers
- 011-23060231 (Extn – 5562)
- 011-23063703
Single Point of Contact
Group Captain Vijay Vinchurkar
Project Officer, Mehar Baba Competition-3
Directorate of Operations (Remote)
Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan)
New Delhi – 110011
Contact
011-23060231 (Extn – 7945)
AICTE Contact Details
For additional guidance and support:
Dr. N. H. Siddalinga Swamy
Adviser, Policy & Academic Planning Bureau
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
Phone
011-29581017
also read : AKTU Announces Strict Exam Entry Rules for 2026 Semester Exams; Students Arriving Late Will Not Get Entry
Final Thoughts
Mehar Baba Competition 3 (MBC-3) 2026 is a valuable opportunity for Indian students, startups, and innovators to become part of the country’s growing defence technology ecosystem.
With the increasing importance of AI-powered surveillance, swarm drone systems, and autonomous defence technologies, MBC-3 can become a major platform for innovation and research in India.
Students interested in Artificial Intelligence, Drone Technology, Robotics, Aerospace, and Defence Innovation should definitely explore this opportunity and participate in one of India’s most exciting defence innovation competitions.
