First Dr. P. S. Rao Memorial Essay Writing Competition, 2026

The Centre for International Trade and Business Laws (CITBL), NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad invites entries for the First Dr. P. S. Rao Memorial Essay Writing Competition, 2026. The competition is held in memory of Dr. P. S. Rao and encourages rigorous student scholarship at the intersection of international trade, natural resources, and development.

The theme of the competition is Critical Minerals, Digital Economy, and Global Value Chains: Rethinking Trade and Development. Entries may address any of the following sub-themes:

• Trade, Security and the Geopolitics of Critical Minerals
• Deep Sea Mining and the Legal Frontier
• Critical Minerals and the Digital Transition
• Benefiting Developing Countries: Participation, Value Addition and Justice
• Preventing Extractive Injustice: Human Rights, Environment and Accountability
• Critical Minerals and the Green Energy Transition
• International Discourse and India's Strategic Interests

• Undergraduate law students enrolled in 3-year or 5-year LL.B. programmes
• Postgraduate law students enrolled in LL.M. or equivalent programmes
• Students studying International Trade, Environment, Natural Resources Policy, and Mineral Governance

Essays may be single-authored or co-authored by a maximum of two authors.

• Single Author: Rs 450 per essay
• Co-Authored (maximum two authors): Rs 700 per essay

The registration fee is non-refundable and must be submitted at the time of registration.

Cash prizes are awarded to the top three entries. In addition, winners may present their work at the CITBL conference with a registration fee waiver and may pursue virtual internships with CITBL.

Submissions are made online through the official Google Form. Complete the registration, pay the applicable fee, and submit the essay on or before July 30, 2026. For queries, contact the organisers at registrar@nalsar.ac.in.