1st CNLU Arbitral Award Writing & Presentation Competition 2026-27 by CCADR, CNLU Patna [Hybrid; Construction Arbitration; Offline Finals 13-14 Feb 2027; Register by 2 Dec]
Chanakya National Law University, Patna.About the Competition
The Chanakya Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR), Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, has announced the maiden edition of its Arbitral Award Writing and Presentation Competition, 2026-27. Instead of arguing a side, participants step into the role of the arbitral tribunal and draft a reasoned, enforceable arbitral award.
This edition sits primarily in the domain of construction arbitration. Participants will deal with disputes involving delay claims, variations, defects, payment disputes and contractual interpretation, applying substantive and procedural law, assessing evidence and drawing on construction industry standards.
About the Organiser
CNLU Patna was established under the Chanakya National Law University Act, 2006 (Bihar Act No. 24 of 2006) and is recognised under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956. CCADR, set up at CNLU in 2021, works on research, skill-building and professional engagement in dispute resolution. Its other initiatives include the CNLU National Mediation Competition, the National Client Counselling Competition, the newsletter Samvaad and the ADR blog Untangled.
Objectives
- To build knowledge of arbitration principles, procedure and the legal framework governing domestic and international arbitral proceedings.
- To develop practical drafting skills through reasoned, well-structured arbitral awards.
- To help participants identify, analyse and resolve typical issues in construction arbitration, such as delay claims, variations and quantification of loss.
- To encourage critical analysis and problem solving.
Eligibility and Authorship
- Students pursuing a five-year or three-year LL.B. programme.
- Students pursuing a one-year or two-year LL.M. programme.
- Students pursuing any other undergraduate or postgraduate law degree from a recognised university.
- You may participate individually or as a team of two (co-authorship).
Format and Mode
The competition runs in hybrid mode. The written arbitral award is submitted online by 15 December 2026, and results for the advanced rounds are due by 15 January 2027. The top 8 teams will then present their awards in person at CNLU Patna on 13-14 February 2027.
Submission Guidelines
- Awards must be submitted in both .doc/.docx and PDF format.
- All submissions are made through a Google Form.
- The theme, detailed rules, formatting requirements and evaluation criteria will appear in the formal Brochure-cum-Rulebook, which is scheduled for release on 18 October 2026. The problem is expected on 15 November 2026 (tentative).
Registration Fee
The pre-invite and the CCADR announcement do not mention a registration fee. CCADR says complete registration details will be released in the Brochure-cum-Rulebook, so check it before paying or committing.
How to Register
Register through the official CCADR registration form (linked below) by 2 December 2026. The form requires you to sign in with a Google account. Queries can be sent to events.ccadr@cnlu.ac.in.