About CNLU National Mediation Competition 2026

The Chanakya Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR) at Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, is set to organise the 4th CNLU National Mediation Competition, 2026. This prestigious national-level ADR competition aims to promote mediation skills, negotiation techniques, and alternative dispute resolution among law students across India.

The upcoming edition promises a bigger, more engaging, and academically enriching experience, building on the success of its previous editions.

About Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna

• Established in 2006 under the Chanakya National Law University Act
• One of India’s premier National Law Universities
• Known for:
  • Strong academic foundation
  • Practical legal education
  • Moot courts, debates, ADR competitions, and research activities
• Focuses on preparing students for real-world legal practice

About Chanakya Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR)

1. Established in 2021 at CNLU
2. Dedicated to promoting ADR mechanisms such as:
   1. Mediation
   2. Negotiation
   3. Lok Adalat
3. Key objectives:
   1. Encouraging ADR research and training
   2. Organizing competitions, workshops, and seminars
   3. Creating opportunities for students interested in dispute resolution
4. Future plans include:
   1. ADR certification programs
   2. Online training modules
   3. Specialized ADR courses

Important Dates & Competition Format (2026)

The 4th CNLU National Mediation Competition will be conducted in a hybrid mode (online + offline).

🗓️ Competition Schedule

• Inaugural Ceremony:
  • Date: 10 January 2026
  • Mode: Online (Zoom)
• Preliminary & Quarter-Final Rounds:
  • Date: 11 January 2026
  • Mode: Online (Zoom)
• Semi-Final & Final Rounds:
  • Date: 25 January 2026
  • Mode: Offline
  • Venue: CNLU Campus, Patna

Registration Deadlines

• Provisional Registration: 10 December 2025
• Final Registration: 22 December 2025
• Offline Round Fee Submission: 17 January 2026

Eligibility Criteria

• Open only to law colleges/universities recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI)
• Participants must be:
  • Bonafide students
  • Enrolled in 3-year or 5-year LL.B. programs
• Students must be pursuing the course during the current academic year

Team Composition Rules

Each team must consist of three (3) members, including:

• 🧑‍⚖️ One Mediator
• 🤝 One Client–Counsel Pair (Negotiating Team)

Important Rules:

• Roles cannot be interchanged
• Team composition must remain the same throughout the competition

Registration Fees & Slots

• Maximum participation limit: 40 teams
• Each university may provisionally register up to two teams

Fee Structure

Online Rounds (Preliminary & Quarterfinals): ₹7,500 per team

Offline Rounds (for qualified teams only):

• ₹5,000 per Negotiating Team
• ₹2,500 per Mediator

Bank Details for Fee Payment

• Account Name: Chanakya National Law University
• Bank: State Bank of India
• Branch: CNLU, Patna
• Account Number: 40831092400
• IFSC Code: SBIN0015996
• UPI ID: cnlu40831092400@sbi

Key Rules & Guidelines

• Language: English only (written & oral rounds)
• Dress Code: Business Formal
• Online Platform: Zoom (for virtual rounds)
• Offline Rounds: Conducted physically at CNLU Patna
• Disqualification:
  • Misconduct
  • Unauthorized team changes
  • Violation of competition rules

Links

Notification