National Essay Writing Competition 2026
National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi
📌About the Event
The Kautilya Society of the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, in collaboration with the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), is organising the first edition of its National Essay Writing Competition. Based on the theme “Governance, Democracy & Constitutional Vision – India @2047,” the competition invites participants to examine issues such as constitutional governance, electoral reforms, democratic accountability, public policy and India’s future as a global democracy.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Central theme: Governance, Democracy & Constitutional Vision – India @2047
- Mode of conduct: Online, submission-based competition
- Participation format: Individual participation only
- Language: English
- Number of entries: Only one essay per participant
- Objective: To encourage research-driven legal and policy scholarship on democracy, constitutional values, electoral reforms, regulatory accountability and governance.
- Submission process: Participants must first complete the online registration form and upload their payment receipt. After successful registration, they will receive access to the official essay-submission form.
📅 Important Dates
- Competition announced: July 6, 2026
- Extended registration and essay submission deadline: July 31, 2026
- Expected declaration of results: August 31, 2026
🎯 Eligibility & Rules
- Who can participate:
- Students from eligible disciplines may participate.
- Practising advocates are eligible.
- Academicians and researchers may participate.
- Professionals working in law, governance, public policy and allied disciplines are also eligible.
- Participation is not restricted only to law students.
- Essays must contain 3,000–5,000 words, including references.
- The essay title must not exceed 12 words.
- The manuscript must be submitted in .docx format.
- The essay must be written in English.
- The content must be original and unpublished.
- Author names and other identifying details must not appear in the manuscript.
- Only one submission is allowed from each participant.
- Plagiarism must remain below 15%.
- AI-generated content must not exceed 10%.
- References must follow the OSCOLA 5th Edition citation style and be provided through endnotes.
🏆 Benefits for the Participants
- Winner: ₹5,000 and a Certificate of Merit
- First runner-up: ₹3,000 and a Certificate of Merit
- Meritorious entry: ₹2,000 and a Certificate of Merit
- Total cash prize pool: ₹10,000
- Top 10 entries: Publication in an edited book carrying an ISBN, along with Certificates of Merit
- Two special articles: Opportunity to be published on the official ADR Blog