HPNLU National Article Writing Competition 2026: Themes, Eligibility, Fees and Submission Details
The Centre for Tribal and Cultural Studies (CTCS), Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, has announced a National Article Writing Competition 2026 to encourage academic research and critical discussion on tribal rights, traditional knowledge, cultural preservation and constitutional governance in India.
The competition provides an opportunity for students, researchers and scholars to explore contemporary legal and socio-cultural issues affecting tribal and indigenous communities.
About Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla
Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla was established by the Government of Himachal Pradesh in 2016 under Act 16 of 2016. The university started functioning on October 5, 2016.
HPNLU offers undergraduate law programmes, including B.A. LL.B. and B.B.A. LL.B., along with a one-year LL.M. programme. The university focuses on legal education through academic, practical and interdisciplinary approaches.
About the Centre for Tribal and Cultural Studies
The Centre for Tribal and Cultural Studies (CTCS) at HPNLU works towards promoting research, academic dialogue, advocacy and capacity-building concerning tribal rights and cultural preservation.
The Centre focuses on issues involving tribal communities, traditional knowledge, cultural practices, legal rights and governance. Its activities seek to encourage greater academic engagement with the challenges faced by tribal and indigenous communities.
Themes of the National Article Writing Competition
Participants can submit an article on any one of the following themes:
- Tribal Traditional Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights: Protection, Ownership and Benefit Sharing
- Tribal Displacement and Development: Reconciling Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Community Rights
- Tribal Autonomy and Self-Governance: Reimagining the Fifth and Sixth Schedules in Contemporary India
Eligibility and Authorship
The competition is open to all. Participants can submit an article individually or jointly with one co-author, making a maximum of two authors per submission. Each participant or team can submit only one article.
Article Submission Guidelines
Participants should follow these requirements:
- Word limit: 1,200–1,500 words, excluding footnotes, title and bibliography
- Language: English
- Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
- Headings: 14-point, bold
- Footnotes: Times New Roman, 10-point
- Line spacing: 1.5
- Paper size: A4
- Margins: 1 inch
- Alignment: Justified
- File format: Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx)
- Citation style: Chicago Footnote Style
- Similarity above 10% may lead to rejection
- AI-generated content must not exceed 20%
- Submissions must remain anonymous and must not disclose the author’s name, institution, contact details or other identifying information.
Registration Fee and Deadline
The registration fee is ₹350 for single authorship and ₹500 for co-authorship. The fee is non-refundable.
The last date for online article submission is 12 October 2026. Articles must be submitted through the prescribed online submission form. Submissions sent by email will not be considered.
Prizes and Certificate
The announced prizes are:
- First Prize: ₹11,000
- Second Prize: ₹7,000
- Third Prize: ₹5,000
Participants who complete the registration requirements will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Evaluation Criteria
Articles will be evaluated based on originality, research quality, depth of analysis, logical reasoning, engagement with contemporary developments, clarity, structure, language, presentation, and quality of referencing and citations.
Interested participants should carefully review the official competition guidelines before registration and submission.
How to Register
Click Here: National Article Writing Competition
Brochure: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zgLxfzOmdghWBnHhVNm3ieLGecjmLPmK/view?usp=sharing
Contact
Convenor: Kashish Chalana (Contact: +91 8302539110)
Co-Convenor: Shubham Verma (Contact: +91 8219246100)
Co-Convenor: Ishika Trivedi (Contact: +91 9565519922)
Share this Post