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Vivekananda Global University Opens Registrations for 4th R.K. Rastogi Memorial Negotiation Competition 2026
The of the (VGU), Jaipur, has officially opened registrations for the 4th edition of the VGU R.K. Rastogi Memorial Negotiation Competition. Scheduled to take place on , at the VGU campus in Jagatpura, Jaipur, the competition provides law students from across India with a unique opportunity to develop and demonstrate their negotiation skills in a simulated legal environment. The competition, held in offline mode, is designed to mirror real-world legal negotiations, making it an invaluable experience for future dispute resolution practitioners.
Honoring a Legal Luminary
The competition is named in memory of , a towering figure in the Rajasthan legal fraternity. Born in 1909, Rastogi rose to become one of the defining advocates of the Rajasthan Bar, serving as the first Member of the Legislative Assembly from Jaipur and later as Advocate General of the erstwhile state. He was a founding member of the Bar Association, an elected member of the , and a member of the . His reputation as a "master of facts" and his dedication to mentoring junior lawyers left an indelible mark on the profession. The competition's focus on negotiation skills—requiring active listening, empathy, and strategic thinking—is a fitting tribute to a lawyer renowned for his mastery of facts and care for his juniors.
The event is organized in collaboration with , who has served as patron since the first edition. His continued support has ensured the competition's growth and continuity.
Competition Format and Rules
The competition is structured to test participants' ability to negotiate under pressure. Teams consist of two members—one designated as the "client" and the other as the "counsel." In Preliminary Round II, the roles are mandatorily reversed, ensuring both members experience both perspectives. In subsequent rounds, teams are free to choose their roles. Unlike traditional competitions, there are no memorials to submit in advance. Instead, teams receive a set of facts known to both sides along with confidential instructions specific to their party. They must then negotiate a resolution within a time limit, after which judges provide feedback and assess performance.
Eligibility extends to all students enrolled in a full-time integrated or graduate law program as of . Registrations close on , with a deadline for clarifications on October 17. The event kicks off on October 23 with registration, team briefing, and the draw of lots. Preliminary and quarter-final rounds take place on October 24, followed by semi-finals, the final, and the valedictory ceremony on October 25.
The registration fee is INR 6,000 per team with accommodation or INR 4,000 without accommodation, payable online.
Judicial Patronage and Prestige
Since its inception in , the competition has attracted distinguished judges and legal luminaries as speakers and evaluators. Past editions have been graced by Learned Judges of the , including Hon'ble Mr. Justice Pankaj Mithal, Hon'ble Mr. Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Augustine George Masih, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Ajay Rastogi, and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Dinesh Maheshwari. From the , the competition has hosted Chief Justices and judges such as Hon'ble Mr. Justice M.M. Shrivastava, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, and many others. Senior advocates and practitioners also serve as judges for the negotiation rounds, providing participants with direct insights from experienced professionals.
Prizes and Recognition
With a total prize pool worth INR 1,00,000, the competition offers substantial incentives. The winning team receives a trophy and a cash prize of INR 50,000, while the runners-up get INR 30,000 and a trophy. Individual awards include INR 10,000 for the Best Negotiator and INR 10,000 for the Spirit of the Competition award, given to the team that best exemplifies the qualities of effective negotiation. All participants receive certificates of participation, adding value to their legal portfolios.
Implications for Legal Education
The VGU R.K. Rastogi Memorial Negotiation Competition underscores a growing recognition within legal education that dispute resolution extends far beyond litigation. As the ADR Cell itself states,
"Most disputes are not resolved by judgment. They are settled, mediated, arbitrated, or negotiated away, often by lawyers who were never taught how."
This competition addresses that gap by providing a rigorous, practice-oriented training ground for negotiation skills. For law students aspiring to careers in corporate law, family law, or international arbitration, such experiential learning is increasingly vital.
The competition also reflects VGU's broader commitment to innovative legal education. The university, accredited NAAC A+ and ranked among the top in India by various agencies, emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and research. Its ADR Cell conducts workshops, training sessions, and simulation exercises throughout the year, preparing students for national-level competitions. The success of this event, now in its fourth year, highlights the demand for structured negotiation training within law curricula.
How to Register
Interested teams can register through the official link provided on VGU's website: https://vgu.ac.in/vgu-rk-rastogi-memorial-negotiation-competetion. For queries, contact Mr. Rahul Bishnoi (Faculty In Charge, ADR Cell) at +91-8306672827, or Dr. Garima Dhaka Sangwan and Dr. Saloni V. Bahl. Follow updates on Instagram at @adrc_vgu.
With a robust format, esteemed judges, and meaningful prizes, the 4th VGU R.K. Rastogi Memorial Negotiation Competition promises to be a landmark event for law students across the country. It not only honors the legacy of a great legal mind but also equips the next generation with skills essential for modern legal practice.
