NLUJAA, National Article Writing Competition 2026 by STL, NLU Assam: Registration, Themes, Eligibility, Prizes and Submission Guidelines

STL National Article Writing Competition 2026: NLU Assam

The National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJAA @ NLU Assam), Assam through its Society for Technology & Law has announced the 1st STL National Article Writing Competition 2026. The competition aims to encourage legal research, critical thinking, and academic discussion on the growing relationship between law and technology.

This national-level competition provides law students with an opportunity to publish scholarly work on emerging legal and technological issues such as artificial intelligence, data privacy, cybersecurity, digital governance, fintech regulation, and constitutional challenges in the digital age.

About NLUJAA

National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam is one of India’s leading law universities established in 2009 by the Government of Assam. It is the first National Law University in the North-East region of India.

The university is known for:

High-quality legal education
Interdisciplinary legal research
Practical legal training
Judicial academy integrated within the campus
Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes
Promotion of legal scholarship and innovation

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Located in Guwahati, Assam, the institution continues to contribute significantly to the Indian legal education system and justice delivery mechanism.

About Society for Technology & Law (STL)

Society for Technology & Law is a student-led academic society functioning under NLUJAA. The society focuses on legal issues connected with modern technology and digital governance.

The objectives of STL include:

Promoting awareness about technology law
Encouraging legal research in emerging technologies
Creating academic discussions on AI, privacy, cybersecurity, and data protection
Bridging the gap between law and technological developments

STL also runs several academic initiatives, including:

Synthesis Law Review Blog
Digital Docket Newsletter
Upcoming academic journal on technology law

Media and Knowledge Partners

The competition is supported by:

Lawctopus as Media Partner
Lawctopus Law School as Knowledge Partner

Lawctopus is widely known among law students for legal education resources, internships, career guidance, workshops, and online legal courses.

Themes for the Competition

Participants can write on contemporary issues related to law and technology. Suggested themes include:

1. Artificial Intelligence and the Law

AI regulation
Liability in AI systems
Ethical concerns in artificial intelligence

2. Data Protection, Privacy, and Surveillance

Data protection laws
Right to privacy
State surveillance and digital monitoring

3. Platform Governance and Digital Intermediaries

Social media regulation
Liability of online intermediaries
Digital platform governance

4. Intellectual Property in the Digital Ecosystem

Copyright in digital content
Trademark protection online
Patent challenges in technology

5. Technology and Constitutional Law

Freedom of speech online
Digital constitutionalism
Internet shutdowns and fundamental rights

6. Emerging Technologies and Legal Futures

Blockchain and law
Metaverse regulation
Quantum technology and legal challenges

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7. Digital Economy and Fintech Regulation

Cryptocurrency regulations
Digital payments
Fintech compliance and governance

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is open to:

Undergraduate law students
Postgraduate law students
Students enrolled in recognised universities or institutions in India

Participation can be:

Single-authored
Co-authored (maximum two authors)

Inter-institutional teams are also allowed.

Registration Fee

₹300 for single-authored submissions
₹500 for co-authored submissions

Important Dates

Registration Deadline: 29 May 2026
Submission Deadline: 30 May 2026
Result Declaration: Last week of June 2026 (tentative)

Awards and Benefits

The competition offers cash prizes and publication opportunities.

Prize Details

1st Prize: ₹10,000
2nd Prize: ₹5,000
3rd Prize: ₹3,000

Additional Benefits

Top 10 articles will be published in an edited volume
Top 3 winners will receive a physical copy of the publication
Certificate of Merit for top 10 participants
Certificate of Participation for all valid submissions
10% scholarship code for courses offered by Lawctopus Law School

Editorial Guidelines

Participants must follow the prescribed submission guidelines carefully.

Word Limit

1600–2000 words
Footnotes excluded from word count

Originality Requirement

Submission must be original and unpublished
Manuscript should not be under consideration elsewhere

Plagiarism Policy

Similarity should not exceed 15%

AI Usage Policy

Use of generative AI tools in manuscript preparation is strictly prohibited

Citation Style

OSCOLA 4th Edition
Speaking footnotes are not allowed

Formatting Requirements

Main Text

Font: Times New Roman
Font Size: 12
Line Spacing: 1.0
Alignment: Justified

Footnotes

Font: Times New Roman
Font Size: 10

Title

Font Size: 14
Centre-aligned
Underlined

Sub-Headings

Font Size: 12
Centre-aligned

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be judged on:

Originality and conceptual clarity
Quality of legal research
Depth of analysis
Clarity of language and arguments
Contemporary relevance
Proper citation and referencing