Certificate Course in International Commercial & Investment Treaty Arbitration 2026 at NLU Delhi
National Law University Delhi has announced the second edition of its Certificate Course in International Commercial and Investment Treaty Arbitration 2026. The programme is conducted under the Chair on Investment Treaties and International Commercial Arbitration and is designed to provide advanced training in international arbitration, investment treaty disputes, and cross-border commercial dispute resolution.
The course is specially structured for government officials, legal practitioners, academicians, and law officers who want to strengthen their expertise in international commercial arbitration and investment treaty arbitration.
About National Law University Delhi
Establishment and Vision
National Law University Delhi was established in 2008 through a joint initiative of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
The university was founded with the objective of delivering:
- Comprehensive legal education
- Interdisciplinary learning
- Socially responsive legal training
- Research-oriented academic development
NLU Delhi follows the five-year integrated law degree model approved by the Bar Council of India.
Governance Structure
Under the National Law University Delhi Act, 2007:
- The Chief Justice of India or a nominated Supreme Court Judge acts as the Visitor of the University.
- The Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court serves as the Chancellor.
- The Vice-Chancellor functions as the chief executive and administrative authority.
Academic Reputation
NLU Delhi is regarded as one of India’s leading law universities. The institution has consistently ranked among the top law schools in India and secured second position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) law rankings for several consecutive years.
The university actively contributes to:
- Legal research
- Public policy discussions
- Judicial education
- Capacity-building programmes
- Community legal awareness
About the Chair on Investment Treaties and International Commercial Arbitration
The Chair on Investment Treaties and International Commercial Arbitration was established at NLU Delhi under the patronage of:
- Justice Indu Malhotra
- V. K. Rajah
The Chair was created to promote:
- Research in international arbitration
- Capacity-building in arbitration law
- Professional training
- International academic collaboration
- Policy-oriented legal discussions
Importance of the Chair
International arbitration has become increasingly significant due to:
- Growth in international trade
- Expansion of foreign investment
- Increase in investor-state disputes
- Rise in complex cross-border commercial conflicts
The Chair aims to help India strengthen its arbitration ecosystem by encouraging engagement with global arbitration standards and practices.
Objectives of the Certificate Course
The programme aims to build India’s expertise in international arbitration and investment treaty law.
Key Objectives
- Develop understanding of international commercial arbitration
- Train participants in investment treaty dispute mechanisms
- Improve practical arbitration skills
- Enhance knowledge of bilateral investment treaties (BITs)
- Build expertise in handling cross-border disputes
- Strengthen policy and treaty drafting understanding
The course becomes especially relevant as India continues legal reforms in arbitration and investment law.
Course Structure and Curriculum
The programme is divided into two major parts.
Part A – International Commercial Arbitration
This section focuses on:
- Commercial dispute resolution
- Arbitration agreements
- Seat and venue of arbitration
- Choice of law
- Institutional arbitration
- Enforcement of arbitral awards
- Practical arbitration procedures
Part B – Investment Treaty Arbitration
This module covers:
- Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs)
- Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS)
- International investment law
- Treaty interpretation
- State liability
- Arbitration involving sovereign states
Teaching Methodology
The course will include:
- Expert lectures
- Interactive sessions
- Practical discussions
- Case-based learning
- Academic and practitioner insights
Participants will also undergo:
- Continuous assessment
- End-term examination
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to:
- Government officials
- PSU employees
- Lawyers
- Law officers
- Academicians
- Legal professionals
Educational Qualification
Candidates must:
- Hold a graduation degree in any discipline
- Secure at least 50% marks
Attendance Requirement
Participants must maintain:
- Minimum 75% attendance
Course Fee
Fee Structure
- Total course fee: Rs. 1.10 Lakhs
Mode of Learning
The course will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Learning Pattern
- Approximately 30% in-person sessions
- Approximately 70% online sessions
Class Schedule
- Classes will be held on Saturdays and Sundays
Course Timeline
Important Dates
- Application Opening Date: 15 January 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 1 July 2026
- Classes Begin: 11 July 2026
Distinguished Faculty and International Experts
The course will be taught by leading experts, arbitrators, academicians, and practitioners from India and abroad.
Notable International Advisors and Faculty
- Stavros Brekoulakis
- Carolyn B. Lamm
- Toby Landau
- N. Jansen Calamita
- Ciccu Mukhopadhaya
- Promod Nair
- Prabhash Ranjan
- Aditya Singh
- Ajay Thomas
Message from the Vice Chancellor
G. S. Bajpai highlighted that the programme has been launched at a crucial stage when India is introducing significant reforms in arbitration and investment treaty law.
The Vice Chancellor stated that the course is intended to prepare:
- Legal practitioners
- Government officials
- Academicians
to effectively deal with the changing landscape of international dispute resolution.
Previous Edition Highlights
The inaugural edition of the programme was conducted between March and July 2025 at the Delhi International Arbitration Centre.
Participants Included
- Government officials
- Policy experts
- Law firm professionals
- Arbitration practitioners
- Legal advisors
Representatives came from institutions such as:
- Department of Economic Affairs
- Department of Legal Affairs
- National Highways Authority of India
- Leading law firms and policy think tanks
The previous edition focused on combining practical arbitration experience with academic learning.
Why This Course Matters
The course is highly relevant because:
- India is witnessing growth in international investments
- Cross-border commercial disputes are increasing
- Investor-state disputes are becoming more common
- Arbitration is emerging as the preferred dispute resolution mechanism globally
Professionals trained in arbitration law are increasingly in demand across:
- Government departments
- International law firms
- Corporate legal teams
- Arbitration institutions
- Policy organisations
Registration Details
Applicants can register through the official NLU Delhi portal.
Contact Information
- Email: icita.certificate@nludelhi.ac.in
- University Email: info@nludelhi.ac.in
- Phone: 011-28034257
