SAMVAD: 1st Atal Bihari Vajpayee State Debate Competition 2026 at Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur [No Registration Fee]

The Literary Committee of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee School of Legal Studies (ABVSLS), Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur is holding SAMVAD: 1st Atal Bihari Vajpayee State Debate Competition 2026 on 22 August 2026, under the line "Voices that question, minds that lead".

The competition is built around contemporary legal, constitutional and socio-political questions, and evaluates participants on depth of research, clarity of thought, logical reasoning and persuasive delivery. Judging is by academicians and legal professionals. The stated objectives are to promote critical thinking and analytical reasoning, foster articulate advocacy and public speaking, create a forum for intellectual engagement, and encourage democratic values through dialogue and debate.

The theme is Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Debate topics will relate to, but are not limited to, the following indicative sub-themes:

• Economic development and Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Gender justice and social equity
• Digital transformation and inclusive growth
• Federalism
• Governance and Centre-State relations
• Robotics and automation
• Cyber security
• Digital governance

The exact motions will be sent to registered candidates by email, so participants are asked to give a correct email address at registration and check it regularly.

• Open to students enrolled in any recognised undergraduate or postgraduate programme from any recognised institution. The brochure does not restrict entry to law students or to CSJMU's own students.
• Individual participation only. No team entries are permitted.
• An institution may nominate any number of participants.
• A valid student identity card is mandatory at the time of registration, and a registered participant cannot be represented by anyone else.
• Seats are limited and registrations are accepted strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. The organisers advise early registration and state that no entries will be entertained once seats are filled.

The competition follows the conventional debate format. Every participant must be prepared to speak both for and against the motion, and the side is allotted by a random draw immediately before the debate. No participant may change the allotted side. The order of speaking is decided by the organising committee and is final.

Preliminary and semi-final rounds are held online. The final round is offline on the university campus, so finalists must be physically present at the venue; failure to be present in time results in disqualification.

Time limits: preliminary round 3 minutes per participant, semi-final 3 minutes per participant, final 4 minutes per participant. A warning bell sounds one minute before the end of the allotted time and a final bell at its completion. Two marks are deducted for every additional minute.

Participants may argue in English, Hindi, or bilingually in Hindi and English.

• No books, notes, mobile phones, electronic gadgets, cue cards or written material are allowed during the speech. Paper reading is prohibited, though reference to paper material is allowed.
• Offensive, defamatory or discriminatory language is prohibited and can lead to disqualification, as can shouting or hurting religious and cultural sentiment.
• Interruptions while another participant is speaking are not permitted, and decorum must be maintained throughout.
• Participants must not disclose their identity beyond the identity provided at registration.
• Use of unfair means leads to disqualification and forfeiture of all prizes.
• Participants should report at least 15 minutes before the competition starts. The organising committee may modify the schedule. The decision of the judges is final and binding, and no objections are entertained.

Out of 100 marks: knowledge and understanding of the topic 25; quality of arguments and logical reasoning 25; content, research and use of facts 15; organisation and clarity of presentation 10; communication skills, confidence and delivery 15; persuasiveness and convincing ability 5; time management 5.

Penalties: exceeding the time limit attracts deduction of marks; use of offensive language, notes or electronic devices attracts a warning or disqualification; misconduct and indiscipline attract disqualification.

There is no registration or participation fee. Registration opened on 5 August 2026 and is through the official Google Form linked below. A duly filled registration form is mandatory for participation, and seats are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis until they are exhausted. The brochure does not publish a closing date for registration.

No accommodation or food is provided to participants.

The final round is held at the Senanayak Tatyatope Senate Hall, CSJM University, Kalyanpur, Kanpur 208024. The university is about 10 km (roughly 30 minutes) from Kanpur Central Railway Station and about 20 km (roughly 45 minutes) from Kanpur airport, and cabs and taxis are available across the city. From the front gate of the university, walk 50 to 100 metres straight, turn left for the parking area, walk another 100 metres and the Senate Hall is adjacent to the parking area on the right.

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, formerly Kanpur University, was established in 1966 and is a state university accredited with an A++ grade by NAAC and recognised as a Category-I university. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee School of Legal Studies runs B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), BBA LL.B. (Hons.), LL.B. and LL.M. programmes and works through moot courts, debates, judgment analysis sessions, seminars and workshops, including its Abhivyakti Youth Parliament.