1st NLUJ–CDSE Essay Writing Competition 2026 [Cash Prizes Rs 15K]: Register by Dec 10

About National Law University, Jodhpur
National Law University, Jodhpur (NLUJ) is a public law school and a National Law University established under the National Law University, Jodhpur, Act, 1999 enacted by the Rajasthan State Legislature. The university was established for the advancement of learning, teaching, research and diffusion of knowledge in the field of law.
The Centre for Disability Studies and Empowerment (CDSE) focuses on advancing disability justice, promoting inclusive policy development and encouraging empowerment-based scholarship through an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. Through cross-departmental collaboration and community outreach, the Centre seeks to contribute to rights-based policy frameworks and disability justice at the national and international levels.

About the Essay Writing Competition
The 1st NLUJ–CDSE Essay Writing Competition, 2026, invites law students to submit original essays addressing issues relating to disability rights, accessibility, equality and inclusion.
The competition seeks to encourage legal research and analysis on contemporary disability-related issues, particularly in the context of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Eligibility
Law students pursuing three-year and five-year law courses are eligible to participate.
Themes
Participants may submit essays on any of the following broad themes:

- Disability and Sports: Participation, Recognition and Equality
- Beyond Compliance: Reimagining Disability Rights Ten Years After the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- AI and Accessibility: Bridging Digital Divides and Ensuring Inclusive Technology for Persons with Disabilities
Submission Guidelines
Interested participants must adhere to the following guidelines:
- The competition is open to law students pursuing three-year and five-year law courses.
- Essays must be between 1,500 and 2,000 words.
- Co-authorship is permitted for a maximum of two authors.
- Submissions will undergo a preliminary blind review and final evaluation by an expert panel.
- Participants should ensure that their submissions address the relevant themes and comply with the prescribed word limit.
Evaluation Criteria
The submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Originality and creativity
- Quality of research and legal analysis
- Clarity and structure
- Relevance to the chosen theme
Blind Review and Selection Process
The publication team will undertake the administrative and logistical management of the competition, including a preliminary blind review of submissions.
The final evaluation will be conducted by an expert panel comprising distinguished faculty members and scholars. The results will be declared on the basis of the final evaluation.
Prizes
The competition offers the following prizes to the winners:
First Position
- Cash prize of Rs. 7,500.
- Internship opportunity at Mission Accessibility.
- Publication on the CDSE website.
Second Position
- Cash prize of Rs. 5,000.
- Internship opportunity at Mission Accessibility, subject to the availability of slots.
- Publication on the CDSE website.
Third Position

- Cash prize of Rs. 2,500.
- Publication on the CDSE website.
Note: Publication is subject to the blog’s editorial guidelines.
Important Dates
| Particulars | Dates |
|---|---|
| Call for Papers and Registration Begins | 12 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission | 10 December 2026 |
| Declaration of Results | First week of February 2027 |
Registration Fees
The registration fee for participation is as follows:
- Single-authored entry: Rs. 150
- Co-authored entry: Rs. 200
Registration and Submission Procedure
The competition announcement specifies the registration fee and submission deadline. However, the registration link, payment instructions and detailed submission procedure have not been provided in the available announcement.
Interested participants may contact the competition coordinators for further information regarding registration and submission.
Last Date for Submission
10 December 2026
Contact Information
For queries regarding the competition, participants may contact the coordinators:
- Taru Jhunjhunwala: +91 96438 02101
- Raghunandan N.: +91 86188 01258



