National Essay Writing Competition 2026 [Cash Prizes Worth ₹60,000]

2nd IDIA – NLIU CBCL National Essay Writing Competition 2026 [Cash Prizes Worth ₹60,000]: Register by June 30 The 2nd IDIA – NLIU CBCL National Essay

2nd IDIA – NLIU CBCL National Essay Writing Competition 2026 [Cash Prizes Worth ₹60,000]

The 2nd IDIA – NLIU CBCL National Essay Writing Competition 2026 is now open for registrations. Organized jointly by the IDIA MP Chapter and the Centre for Business & Commercial Laws (CBCL), National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, the competition provides law students, researchers, and legal professionals with an excellent platform to showcase their research and writing skills while contributing to meaningful legal discourse.

About IDIA

Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access (IDIA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underprivileged and marginalized students through access to quality legal education. Founded on the vision of Late Prof. (Dr.) Shamnad Basheer, IDIA works across India to identify talented students, train them, and support them in gaining admission to premier law schools.

About NLIU, Bhopal

National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, established in 1997, is one of India's leading National Law Universities. Known for its academic excellence and strong legal education programs, NLIU has consistently maintained a reputation as a premier destination for aspiring legal professionals.

About CBCL

The Centre for Business & Commercial Laws (CBCL) at NLIU Bhopal was established in 2008 as a Centre of Excellence. It promotes scholarship and professional engagement in business and corporate law through publications, conferences, workshops, and research initiatives.

About the Competition

The competition seeks to encourage legal scholarship on contemporary legal issues while promoting diversity in thought and academic discourse. Organized with support from S&R Associates, CaseMine, and Navneet Law Studio, the event offers participants an opportunity to contribute to legal research and support IDIA's mission of expanding access to legal education.

Important Dates

• Registration Opens: 27 January 2026

• Registration Closes: 30 June 2026 (Extended from 31 May 2026)

• Manuscript Submission Deadline: 07 August 2026

• Result Declaration: 31 August 2026

Eligibility

The competition is open to:

• LL.B. students

• LL.B. (Hons.) students

• LL.M. students

• Ph.D. scholars

• Legal professionals

Both individual and co-authored submissions (maximum two authors) are permitted.

Awards and Prizes

Winner

• Cash Prize: ₹25,000

• Internship Opportunity with S&R Associates (for law students)

• Publication in the NLIU CBCL Blog (subject to guidelines)

First Runner-Up

• Cash Prize: ₹20,000

• Publication in the NLIU CBCL Blog (subject to guidelines)

Second Runner-Up

• Cash Prize: ₹15,000

• Publication in the NLIU CBCL Blog (subject to guidelines)

Additional Recognition

• Certificate of Merit for the Top 10 Manuscripts

• Certificate of Participation for all participants

Registration Fee

Single Author

• ₹300

Co-Authored Entry

• ₹500

Special Category

• ₹100 for:

  • IDIA Scholars

  • CAN Foundation Scholars

  • Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

All registration proceeds will support IDIA's mission of making quality legal education accessible to underprivileged students.

Why You Should Participate

This competition is more than a conventional essay contest. Participants get an opportunity to:

• Showcase legal research and writing skills.

• Gain national-level recognition.

• Win cash prizes worth ₹60,000 in total.

• Secure publication opportunities.

• Obtain a prestigious internship opportunity.

• Contribute to discussions on contemporary legal issues.

For law students aspiring to strengthen their CV, publication record, and research profile, this competition presents a valuable opportunity.

Contact Details

For queries regarding registration and participation:

• Mohit Jain: +91 7999913552

• Siddhi Mishra: +91 7073889778

• Email: idiacbclessay@gmail.com

Additional Contacts:

• Loveneesh Dhakad: +91 72249 46506

• Ayush Agarwal: +91 70679 98810

• Gungun Anand: +91 60064 84658

• Purava Rathi: +91 86918 21369

Final Words

The 2nd IDIA – NLIU CBCL National Essay Writing Competition 2026 combines academic excellence, social impact, and professional opportunities. With substantial cash prizes, publication prospects, and internship opportunities, it is one of the most attractive legal essay competitions currently open in India. Eligible students, scholars, and legal professionals should consider registering before 30 June 2026.