A prestigious opportunity for aspiring litigators seeking real courtroom exposure and hands-on trial experience.
About NUALS, Kochi
The 2nd NUALS National Trial Advocacy Competition at NUALS, Kochi is organised by the Centre for Law and Development at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies. The Centre is deeply committed to fostering legal scholarship, policy research, and developmental studies while maintaining global academic standards.
Through a combination of research initiatives, workshops, competitions, and expert lectures, the Centre actively contributes to the evolution of legal education in India. Its activities include specialised workshops on trial advocacy, mock trials, and the widely respected National Securities Law Moot. It also conducts lecture series on contemporary legal issues such as Insolvency and Bankruptcy, Mergers and Acquisitions, and various emerging sectors of law.
Guided by its dedicated Director and supported by experienced faculty, the Centre for Law and Development continues its mission of strengthening the academic foundation and professional competence of law students across India. The NUALS National Trial Advocacy Competition reflects the Centre’s commitment to developing legal professionals capable of navigating real-world courtroom dynamics with skill, confidence, and analytical clarity.
About the Competition
The 2nd NUALS National Trial Advocacy Competition (NTAC) 2026 offers participants a simulation of real criminal trial proceedings. Designed to mirror actual courtroom practice, the competition engages teams in every stage of a criminal trial—from opening statements and examination-in-chief to cross-examination, objections, evidence submission, and closing arguments.
The competition aims to:
- Strengthen trial advocacy and litigation skills
- Improve understanding of criminal procedure, evidence, and courtroom strategy
- Enhance analytical reasoning and quick adaptability under pressure
- Build confidence in oral submissions and courtroom communication
- Encourage teamwork and structured preparation through research-driven arguments
NUALS NTAC is known for maintaining authenticity in trial format, ensuring a rewarding and immersive learning experience for all participants.
Eligibility
The following eligibility criteria apply:
- Open to all law colleges and universities recognised by the Bar Council of India
- Only LL.B. students (3-year or 5-year program) may participate
- Each team must consist of 2–3 members (Two Speakers + One Researcher)
- No change in team composition is allowed after registration, except with formal approval
- Teams must strictly maintain anonymity throughout the competition
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Begins | 25 November 2025 |
| Release of Trial Proposition | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Registration | 25 December 2025 |
| Online Qualifier Rounds | 10 January 2026 |
| Qualifier Results Announced | 12 January 2026 |
| Clarification Window | 12–15 January 2026 |
| Final Clarifications Released | 18 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Advanced Round Fee | 20 January 2026 |
| Advanced Rounds (Offline) | 30 January – 1 February 2026 |
Location and Mode
Mode: Online and Offline (Hybrid – Online Qualifiers + Offline Advanced Rounds)
Venue: National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi
The competition is designed to be accessible nationwide through online qualifier rounds, followed by immersive offline advanced rounds at the NUALS campus. This hybrid structure ensures flexibility as well as real courtroom ambience for the advanced stages.
Fee Structure
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Fee (All Teams) | ₹2,360 |
| Additional Fee for Top 16 Teams Advancing to Phase II | ₹3,540 |
All fees are non-refundable.
Format and Structure
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | 2–3 members |
| Rounds | Online Qualifiers + Offline Advanced Rounds |
| Proposition | Released on 10 December 2025 |
| Evaluation | Based on trial advocacy skills, evidence handling, courtroom conduct |
| Awards | Cash Prizes, Trophies, Certificates |
Participants will face realistic trial scenarios requiring strong understanding of criminal procedure, rules of evidence, objections, and courtroom persuasion.
Awards
The 2nd NUALS National Trial Advocacy Competition 2026 offers prestigious awards across categories:
- Best Trial Advocacy Team: ₹36,000 + Trophy
- Runners-Up Team: ₹24,000 + Trophy
- Best Trial Advocate: ₹10,000 + Trophy
- Best Trial Advocate Runner-Up: ₹7,500 + Trophy
- Best Researcher: ₹7,500 + Trophy (Based on Online Qualifiers)
- Best Researcher Runner-Up: ₹5,000 + Trophy (Online Qualifiers)
- Certificates of Merit for Top 16 teams
- Digital Participation Certificates for all teams
These awards recognize excellence in advocacy, research, teamwork, and courtroom communication.
Eligibility & Requirements
The NUALS National Trial Advocacy Competition is open exclusively to LL.B. students who demonstrate an interest in litigation, criminal procedure, and trial advocacy. Teams must adhere to all rules outlined in the official rulebook, including submission guidelines, conduct norms, anonymity requirements, and deadlines.
Participants should be prepared to examine witnesses, frame objections, handle evidentiary documents, and respond dynamically to judicial queries. Strong research skills, courtroom etiquette, and logical argumentation will be crucial for progressing to the advanced rounds.
All submissions, clarifications, and communication must follow the instructions of the Organising Committee.
Additional Highlights
- Hybrid structure combining online qualifiers and offline courtroom rounds
- Experience grounded in real trial procedures and evidentiary rules
- Opportunity to argue in front of experienced professionals and judges
- Exposure to high-level litigation strategies
- National-level recognition and networking
- Certificates for all participating teams
Important Links
- Registration Form: Click here
- Brochure: Click here
- Rulebook: Click here
Contact Information
- Ms. Kathu Jith P: +91 89210 80135
- Ms. Navami K: +91 91880 65029
- Email: cldntac@nuals.ac.in
FAQs about the NUALS National Trial Advocacy Competition
1. Who is eligible to participate?
Only LL.B. students (3-year or 5-year programs) from BCI-recognized institutions may participate. Teams must consist of 2–3 members.
2. What is the last date to register?
The final date for registration is 25 December 2025. Teams must ensure timely submission of the registration fee and details.
3. What is the competition format?
The event consists of online qualifier rounds followed by offline advanced rounds for the top 16 teams. Participants undergo full trial advocacy simulation.
4. Are there prizes for winners?
Yes. Cash prizes, trophies, and certificates will be awarded across categories, including Best Team, Best Advocate, and Best Researcher.
5. Can team members be changed after registration?
Changes are not permitted except with formal written approval from the Organising Committee.
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