RGNUL and CADR Announce 6th National Negotiation Competition with Hybrid Rounds and Cash Prizes

The Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR) at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab, in collaboration with Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., Markanda Advocates, and other partners, has unveiled the sixth edition of the RGNUL National Negotiation Competition. Scheduled for October and November 2026, the competition will adopt a hybrid format, blending virtual preliminary rounds with in-person advanced rounds on campus.

A Legacy of Excellence in Negotiation

Since its inception in 2021, the RGNUL National Negotiation Competition has established itself as a premier platform for law students across India to hone their ADR skills. Past editions attracted teams from over two dozen leading law universities, and this year’s event promises to continue that tradition. Organized by CADR and the Dr. P.C. Markanda Chair on ADR, the competition honors the late Dr. P.C. Markanda, widely regarded as the Father of Indian Arbitration.

Competition Structure and Rules

Each team must consist of two members—a client and a counsel—who are required to play both roles at least once during the preliminary rounds. Universities interested in sending more than one team must express their intention to CADR, which retains sole discretion over slot allocation. The registration fee is set at INR 8,000 per team (exclusive of GST), with an additional INR 4,000 for teams that qualify for the advanced rounds, which also covers accommodation.

Awards and Opportunities

The winning team will be determined by the highest marks in the final round, while the runner-up will be the team with the lower marks. Individual excellence will be recognized through the Best Negotiator award, given to the participant with the highest individual score in the preliminaries. The Best Negotiating Plan award will go to the team with the highest average score on their negotiation plans. All participants will receive certificates, and exciting cash prizes along with internship opportunities will be announced closer to the event.

Key Observations

The brochure emphasizes the vision behind the competition: "The objective of the Chair is to set up RGNUL as a hub of Arbitration and to render training and technical assistance by way of setting up training institutes for Arbitration and Mediation ." This reflects the institution’s commitment to advancing ADR education.

Looking Ahead

With registrations open until 17th October 2026, the 6th RGNUL National Negotiation Competition is poised to bring together the brightest young negotiators from across the country. The hybrid format ensures wider accessibility while maintaining the rigor and prestige of the offline finals. As the competition continues to grow, it reinforces RGNUL’s position as a leader in alternative dispute resolution education.