Drafting Exercise 2026 | NLIU–Saraf and Partners | NLIU Bhopal | Prizes Worth INR 32000 & Internship Opportunity | Register by November 9, 2026

Drafting Exercise 2026 | NLIU–Saraf and Partners | NLIU Bhopal | Prizes Worth INR 32000 & Internship Opportunity | Register by November 9, 2026

The Civil and Criminal Justice Cell (CCJC) and the Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR) of National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, in association with Saraf & Partners, have announced the NLIU–Saraf and Partners Drafting Exercise 2026 (Round 2) as part of the prestigious Advance Certificate Programme on Commercial Arbitration.

The competition offers law students a unique opportunity to apply commercial arbitration principles to practical legal drafting challenges while gaining exposure to practitioner-oriented problem-solving. Participants also stand a chance to win cash prizes worth INR 32,000 along with internship opportunities at Saraf & Partners, one of India’s leading law firms.

About the Organisers

Civil and Criminal Justice Cell (CCJC), NLIU Bhopal

The Civil and Criminal Justice Cell (CCJC) seeks to simplify and promote the study of civil and criminal laws through academic and practical initiatives, including workshops, lectures, competitions, publications, and collaborative events. The Cell aims to bridge the gap between legal theory and professional practice.

Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR), NLIU Bhopal

Established in 2007 and elevated to the status of a Centre in 2024, CADR has played an important role in promoting scholarship and dialogue in the field of dispute resolution. The Centre actively encourages learning and engagement in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and other ADR mechanisms through various academic and professional initiatives.

About the Drafting Exercise

The NLIU–Saraf and Partners Drafting Exercise is a fact-based legal drafting competition that requires participants to identify and prepare appropriate legal drafts based on a practical commercial arbitration problem.

The exercise is designed to simulate the work of legal practitioners and provide participants with hands-on experience in applying legal reasoning, drafting skills, and arbitration-related concepts to real-world scenarios.

Competition Structure

• A detailed case record will be shared with registered participants approximately three to four days before the offline rounds.
• Participants will be required to analyse the facts and prepare the appropriate legal draft or set of drafts as their proposed solution.
• All submissions will be evaluated by legal professionals from Saraf & Partners.
• The final results will be announced on November 15, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is open to:

• Students enrolled in a three-year LL.B. programme.
• Students enrolled in a five-year integrated LL.B. programme.
• Participants who can be physically present at NLIU, Bhopal on November 14 and 15, 2026.

Submission Guidelines

Participants must prepare appropriate legal drafts based on the fact situation provided by the organisers. The case record and drafting problem will be circulated to registered participants three to four days before the competition.

Submissions will be assessed on drafting quality, legal reasoning, applicability of commercial arbitration principles, and practical problem-solving skills.

Prizes and Awards

Participants will compete for the following rewards:

Winner

• Cash Prize of INR 20,000
• Internship Opportunity at Saraf & Partners

Runner-Up

• Cash Prize of INR 12,000
• Internship Opportunity at Saraf & Partners

Additional Recognition

• Certificates of Merit for outstanding performers.

Registration Details

• Registration Fee: INR 3,500
• The fee includes accommodation facilities.
• Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Limited seats are available.

Important Dates

Complimentary Round Table Conference Access

All registered participants will receive complimentary access to the Round Table Conference on:

“India’s Pro-Arbitration Framework: Reality or Aspiration?”

The conference will be conducted on November 15, 2026, at the NLIU campus and will feature distinguished speakers from the legal fraternity and corporate sector.

Expected Speakers

• Mr. Anirudh Gandhi, Partner, Saraf & Partners
• Hon’ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia, Judge, Delhi High Court
• Senior legal counsels from leading multinational corporations

The conference is expected to provide valuable insights into contemporary developments in commercial arbitration and India’s evolving pro-arbitration ecosystem.

How to Register?

Interested participants must:

1. Complete the official registration form provided by the organisers.
2. Pay the registration fee through the ERP Portal available on the official NLIU website.
3. Ensure registration before the prescribed deadline.

Since seats are limited, applicants are encouraged to register at the earliest.

Why Should You Participate?

The Drafting Exercise provides an excellent platform for law students interested in commercial arbitration and dispute resolution. Participants will gain practical drafting experience, learn from leading arbitration practitioners, engage with industry experts, and compete for internships and cash rewards. The event offers valuable exposure to the realities of arbitration practice and helps students build professional skills highly valued in litigation and dispute resolution careers.

Contact Details

For queries regarding the competition:

Email: ccjc@nliu.ac.in

Email: cadr@nliu.ac.in

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