The 11th edition of the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India off-road competition has commenced in Goa. A total of 77 teams from across the country are participating across three categories this year.
Along with the headlining 4X4 Extreme category, two new ones have been added to make the event even more accessible. The first of these is the 4X4 Modified category, while the 4X4 category is reserved for near-factory spec vehicles.
- 77 teams participating in the 2025 RFC India
- New 4X4 Stock category had the highest number of entries
2025 Rainforest Challenge India winners to be announced on August 3
4X4 Extreme winner gets free entry to Rainforest Challenge global finale in Malaysia
This year’s Rainforest Challenge India has attracted participants from 11 states. Karnataka and Maharashtra lead the charge with 24 and 18 teams, respectively. Other states represented include Telangana, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In a first for RFC India, a team from Meghalaya will also be competing this year, participating in the new 4X4 Modified category.
25 of these teams will compete in the 4X4 Extreme category, which will feature the most challenging terrain and technical requirements in the event. Here, participants will have to tackle 26 stages designed to test driving skill, vehicle recovery techniques, teamwork, as well as physical and mental endurance. Vehicle scrutiny for this category was completed on July 28, with racing action kicking off today. Moreover, winners in this category will earn a free automatic entry to the Rainforest Challenge global finale, which will be held in Malaysia later this year.
Up next is the 4X4 Modified category with 22 teams. This will feature a total of 20 stages, and vehicle scrutiny takes place today, on July 29. The 4X4 Stock category has the highest number of entries with 30 teams signed up. Vehicle scrutiny for this is on July 30, followed by 14 stages of competition.
Winners across all three categories will be announced at the conclusion of the event on August 3. Watch this space for all the updates.
Dipan Sur
