1st RTI Drafting Competition by Panjab University is now open for registrations for students interested in constitutional governance, transparency, and the practical use of the Right to Information Act.
The competition is organised by the Panjab University Students’ Liberty Union and aims to enhance participants’ understanding of transparency mechanisms and democratic accountability through strategic RTI drafting.
About the Organization
The 1st RTI Drafting Competition by Panjab University is organised by the Panjab University Students’ Liberty Union, a student-led academic initiative functioning at Panjab University Chandigarh.
The Union operates under the global network of Students For Liberty, one of the world’s largest student organizations promoting dialogue on public policy, governance, and constitutional values.
Through competitions, discussions, and research initiatives, the organization seeks to promote constitutional literacy, democratic engagement, and informed academic discourse among students.
About the RTI Drafting Competition
The 1st RTI Drafting Competition by Panjab University, titled “शासन को सवाल”, is designed to encourage students to use the Right to Information Act as a tool for transparency and accountability in governance.
Participants will be provided with a detailed factual matrix inspired by real-world governance issues, including electoral politics, bureaucratic pressure, and alleged institutional failures.
Based on this scenario, participants will draft RTI applications that strategically seek relevant information from public authorities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The competition evaluates participants on their ability to apply legal reasoning, statutory interpretation, and effective drafting techniques under the Right to Information Act 2005.
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Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | 2 March 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | 12 March 2026 |
Location and Mode
Mode: Online
Participants from across India can take part by submitting their drafted RTI applications electronically.
Format and Structure
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition Type | RTI Drafting Competition |
| Participation Mode | Individual or Team of Two |
| Submission Format | Formal RTI Application |
Participants will draft RTI applications based on the problem statement provided in the official brochure.
Competition Theme
The 1st RTI Drafting Competition by Panjab University focuses on:
- Transparency in governance
- Democratic accountability
- Strategic use of the Right to Information Act
The competition encourages participants to critically engage with governance issues and develop legally sound information requests.
Drafting Guidelines
Participants must prepare RTI applications that:
- Use clear and precise legal language
- Follow the structure of formal RTI applications under the RTI Act
- Address relevant Public Information Authorities
- Strategically frame questions to obtain necessary information
Detailed drafting instructions will be provided in the official brochure and problem statement.
Eligibility & Requirements
The 1st RTI Drafting Competition by Panjab University is open to students enrolled in:
- Diploma programmes
- Undergraduate programmes
- Postgraduate programmes
Participants from recognised institutions across India are eligible.
Students may participate either individually or as a team of two members.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Legal accuracy and understanding of the RTI framework
- Precision and clarity in drafting information requests
- Strategic identification of relevant information
- Logical structure and overall drafting quality
Registration Fees
- Individual Participation: ₹100
- Team of Two: ₹150
Participants must complete registration and payment to receive access to the competition materials.
Prizes and Certificates
The 1st RTI Drafting Competition by Panjab University offers:
- Merit certificates for top-performing participants
- Certificates of participation for all participants
- Recognition for high-quality RTI drafting and legal analysis
Contact Information
For queries related to the competition:
Sukhman Kapoor
Chairwoman, Publications and Editorial Committee
Panjab University Students’ Liberty Union
Contact Number: 8168026325
Application Procedure
Participants must complete registration through the official form.
Participants must download the official brochure and problem statement to prepare their RTI draft.
Submission Deadline: 12 March 2026