A premier opportunity for law students to engage in policy innovation, technology regulation, and critical problem-solving at a national platform.
About NLIU, Bhopal
The NLIU-NDA Policy Case Competition is a flagship initiative of the NLIU Cell for Law and Technology (NLIU-CLT), a leading research centre of the National Law Institute University, Bhopal. Established under Act No. 41 of 1997 of the Madhya Pradesh State Legislature, NLIU is recognised by the University Grants Commission and the Bar Council of India as one of India’s premier law universities.
Since commencing teaching in 1998, NLIU has consistently upheld its mission to provide modern legal education through multidisciplinary teaching, research, and advanced training. The University is known for producing graduates with broad legal perspectives, analytical capabilities, and strong ethical foundations, all aligned with national and humanitarian goals.
The NLIU Cell for Law and Technology (CLT) actively explores the intersection of law, technology, policy, and innovation. Through courses, research initiatives, roundtables, academic collaborations, and its flagship annual fair Techtonic, the Centre seeks to enhance participants’ understanding of evolving techno-legal challenges. The Cell has grown into a nationally respected platform for critical thinking, policy drafting, and technological law analysis.
About Techtonic 2026
Techtonic 2026 is the fifth edition of the NLIU-CLT Technology and Law Fair and serves as a premier academic festival that unites aspiring lawyers, policy thinkers, academics, and industry professionals. Scheduled from 16–18 January 2026, Techtonic features:
- The NLIU-CLT Policy Case Competition in collaboration with Nishith Desai Associates (NDA)
- A Round Table Conference with prominent national and international experts
- CLT Talk Shows on cutting-edge technology law issues
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals and research-policy organisations
Techtonic continues to be an influential platform where students learn, ideate, debate, and shape perspectives on technology governance and digital policy.
About the NLIU-NDA Policy Case Competition
The NLIU-NDA Policy Case Competition is India’s first-of-its-kind event dedicated to policy drafting, critical analysis, and governance-oriented problem-solving in the technology law domain. Launched in 2021, the competition has examined major policy problems such as:
- Cyber Bullying (2021)
- Internet Platform Regulation (2023, with Ikigai Law)
- Artificial Intelligence & Intellectual Property (2024)
The competition challenges participants to explore real-life regulatory concerns, propose solutions, and refine their submissions through expert feedback. It includes two stages:
Stage 1 — Written Submission Round
- A detailed policy problem is released on 1 December 2025.
- Teams draft and submit structured proposals in a prescribed format.
- Submissions undergo a dual-review process:
- Technical Review: By NLIU-CLT
- Content Review: By professionals from firms, academia, and policy institutions
Stage 2 — Oral Presentation Rounds (On-Campus)
- All registered teams present at the NLIU campus.
- Shortlisted teams advance and receive expert feedback.
- Revised proposals are then presented before the final jury.
- Winners are determined based on both written and oral rounds.
This structure provides practical policy experience, rigorous academic feedback, and exposure to real-world regulatory methodologies.
Theme for the Competition
Theme: “Governing Emotional and Medical Risks of AI”
This theme addresses the regulatory challenges posed by artificial intelligence systems interacting with human emotional and medical well-being. Participants must explore:
- Standards for accuracy, transparency, and safety in AI-enabled medical or therapeutic tools
- Risks of emotional dependency and psychological harm
- Ethical guidelines for responsible AI innovation
- Human-in-the-loop oversight mechanisms
- Protocols for risk mitigation, bias reduction, and system accountability
The theme requires teams to balance innovation with safety, creating frameworks that protect mental and physical health while enabling technological progress.
Perks and Benefits
Participants of the NLIU-NDA Policy Case Competition will receive:
- Access to Round Table Conferences with national and international policy experts
- Entry to CLT Talk Shows on media law, entertainment law, online gaming regulation, and more
- Expert mentorship for shortlisted teams after preliminary rounds
- Cash prizes, trophies, and internship opportunities with law firms and policy think tanks
- Awards for:
- First, Second, and Third positions
- Best Speaker
- Best Written Submission
- Networking opportunities with judges, practitioners, researchers, and industry specialists
- Peer engagement with like-minded policy enthusiasts
- Certificate of Participation for all teams
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | 1 December 2025 |
| Release of Policy Problem | 1 December 2025 |
| Registration Closes | 25 December 2025 |
| Deadline for Written Submissions | 1 January 2026 |
| Declaration of Results (Written Round) | 5 January 2026 |
| Oral Presentation Rounds | 16–18 January 2026 |
Location and Mode
Mode: Offline (Oral rounds at NLIU Bhopal)
Venue: National Law Institute University, Bhopal
The competition combines online submission with offline presentation rounds at the University campus, enabling participants to engage deeply with peers and experts.
Format and Structure
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | As per competition guidelines |
| Stages | Written Proposal + Oral Presentations |
| Review Process | Dual-review: Technical + Content |
| Theme | Governing Emotional & Medical Risks of AI |
| Awards | Cash prizes, trophies, internships |
| Certification | Participation certificate for all teams |
Eligibility & Requirements
The NLIU-NDA Policy Case Competition is open to law students from recognised institutions across India. Teams must carefully follow all rules regarding submissions, formatting, and presentation requirements.
Participants must demonstrate strong analytical, drafting, and problem-solving skills. Submissions must be original, well-researched, and aligned with the theme. The written round requires structured policy proposals supported by data, case studies, or comparative frameworks.
Teams must abide by anonymity rules, submission deadlines, and presentation protocols. Those qualifying for oral rounds should be prepared to defend, amend, and refine their proposals based on expert feedback.
Additional Highlights
- Opportunity to shape policy approaches to emerging AI risks
- Interaction with top-tier policy professionals and academics
- Exposure to real-world governance challenges
- Skill-building in public policy writing, analysis, and advocacy
- National-level recognition for winners and high performers
Important Links
- Registration Form: Click here
- Brochure: Click here
- Problem Statement: Click here
- Rulebook: Click here
Contact Information
Email: clt@nliu.ac.in
FAQs about the NLIU-NDA Policy Case Competition
1. Who can participate in the competition?
The event is open to law students from recognised institutions across India. Team composition requirements must be followed as per rulebook instructions.
2. What is the competition format?
It consists of a written policy proposal round followed by offline oral presentation rounds at the NLIU campus for qualified teams.
3. What is the theme for 2026?
The theme is “Governing emotional and medical risks of AI”, focusing on responsible and safe AI deployment in sensitive domains.
4. What are the last dates for registration and submission?
Registration closes on 25 December 2025, and written submissions must be submitted by 1 January 2026.
5. Will participants receive certificates?
Yes. All teams will receive participation certificates. Winners receive additional awards, trophies, and internships.
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