2nd International Debate Competition 2026 at Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU), Prayagraj [Prize Pool Rs. 75,000]
Debate & Discussion Club (DDC), Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj.About the Competition
The Debate and Discussion Club (DDC) of Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLUP) is hosting the 2nd International Debate Competition on Saturday, 26 September 2026 at the University's Academic Block in Prayagraj. Building on its inaugural global edition, the competition carries a total prize pool of Rs. 75,000 and is open to undergraduate law students from universities in India and abroad.
Topic for the Preliminary Round
The motion for the preliminary round is: "Economic Sanctions Have Become Instruments of Geopolitical Coercion Rather Than Lawful Measures Under International Law."
The debate seeks to rigorously examine the ethical, legal, and practical effectiveness of unilateral and multilateral sanctions, turning its focus toward the complex mechanics of global politics and financial warfare.
Eligibility and Team Composition
- Undergraduate students currently enrolled in the Law discipline of any University in India or abroad.
- Each University is allowed to send only one team.
- Each team will have two speakers: one arguing in favour of the motion and the other against it.
- The debate will be conducted in the English language.
Format and Rounds
The debate follows the classical format with a twist, across two rounds only.
- Preliminary Round: All teams compete on the announced motion on economic sanctions.
- Final Round: The top four teams from the preliminary round advance. Teams receive the topic on the spot and get 20 minutes to prepare, during which they may use mobile phones, laptops and other resources. Each team is assigned to speak for or against the motion through a draw of lots held on the spot.
Speech, Interjection and Timing Rules
- Each speaker gets 4 minutes to present arguments, followed by a 1-minute grace period to conclude.
- Speaking order is determined through a pre-event draw.
- A structured interjection round follows each speech. Within the 1-minute interjection period, any member of the opposing teams or any judge may ask one question.
- The speaker must respond concisely within 2 minutes.
- Exceeding the allocated time leads to deduction of marks or disqualification, at the judges' discretion.
The organisers note that further rules and regulations will be shared before the commencement of the competition.
Registration and Fees
- Indian participants: Rs. 1,000 per team.
- International participants: USD 20 per team.
Registration fees are non-refundable. The fee covers modest accommodation on a need basis, meals, stationery and similar arrangements. Participants must bear their own travel expenses. Limited seats are available.
Before registering, applicants should take a screenshot of the payment to upload in the registration form.
Payment / Bank Details
- Account Number: 50100590400732
- Account Name: Dr. R P National Law University Prayagraj
- IFSC Code: HDFC0000226
- Branch: HDFC Bank, 18-A, S.P. Marg, Civil Lines, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
About the Organiser
Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj offers a five-year B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) programme, a One-Year LL.M. (Public Law) programme and a Ph.D. (Law). Its Debate and Discussion Club, under the leadership of Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, runs weekly debate and discussion sessions every Thursday alongside workshops on public speaking, research methodology and advanced debating techniques.
The inaugural International Debate Competition was held on 30 August 2025 and drew 28 teams from national law universities, public institutions and private universities across India and abroad, including Nepal. It was won by Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, with Government New Law College, Indore finishing as Runners-Up.