Elevate your legal advocacy skills by participating in the 11th NLIU-Justice R.K. Tankha Memorial International Arbitration Moot, 2026. Hosted by the National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, this flagship event provides an elite global platform for students to engage with complex questions of International Arbitration and commercial law.
About the National Law Institute University, Bhopal (NLIU)
The National Law Institute University, Bhopal, established in 1997, is recognized as the second oldest National Law University in India. Over nearly three decades, NLIU has consistently imparted top-tier legal education and fostered a culture of excellence in research and mooting.
The NLIU-Justice R.K. Tankha Memorial International Arbitration Moot is organized in prestigious association with the Office of Mr. Vivek Tankha (Senior Advocate & Member of Rajya Sabha). This competition serves as a “Lighthouse” for aspiring practitioners, providing a rigorous environment for academic analysis of global dispute resolution mechanisms. By participating, students gain deep insights into the synergy between international trade law and the practical procedural aspects of arbitral tribunals, guided by the legacy of Late Hon’ble Mr. Justice R.K. Tankha.
About the 11th NLIU-Justice R.K. Tankha Memorial Moot
The 11th edition of this Moot is a premier international competition held physically on the vibrant NLIU campus. It is designed to simulate a real-world international arbitration proceeding, challenging teams to navigate the intricacies of a high-stakes Case Record drafted by experts from leading firms like Khaitan & Co.
Competition Structure and Format
The competition is structured to ensure that only the most prepared and research-oriented teams reach the final stages.
- Memorial Qualification Round: This is the primary filtering stage. All registered teams submit their written arguments (memorials), which hold significant weight in the elimination process. The top 40 teams, evaluated based on their research and analytical rigor, qualify for the physical oral rounds.
- Oral Rounds: Qualifying teams will gather at NLIU Bhopal for two Preliminary Rounds, followed by the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and the grand Final Round.
- Exclusivity: Participation is restricted to a maximum of three teams per institution. In keeping with high professional standards, cross-institutional or open teams are not permitted.
Event Timeline
| Event | Important Date |
| Provisional Registration Deadline | 20th February, 2026 (Extended) |
| Final Registration Deadline | 25th February, 2026 (Extended) |
| Memorial Submission (Soft-Copy) | 7th March, 2026 (Extended) |
| Release of Qualifying Teams List | 11th March, 2026 (Extended) |
| Oral Rounds (On-Campus) | 27th March – 29th March, 2026 |
Registration Details and Fees
The registration process for the 11th NLIU-Justice R.K. Tankha Memorial International Arbitration Moot involves a tiered approach to ensure administrative efficiency.
- Provisional Registration: Every institution must first complete a provisional registration via the official Google Form by the specified deadline (Feb 20).
- Final Registration: Once provisional status is confirmed, teams will receive detailed instructions for final registration for the Memorial Qualification Round.
- Oral Round Fees: Teams that successfully qualify for the Oral Rounds are required to complete a separate registration. This involves an additional fee of INR 3,000 per team member.
- International Teams: Specific fee structures and registration nuances for foreign teams will be communicated directly following their provisional registration.
Awards and Prestigious Prizes
NLIU is pleased to offer a substantial prize pool totaling over ₹2.1 Lakhs, alongside career-altering internship opportunities.
- Winners: Cash prize of ₹1,15,000/- and the Winner’s Trophy.
- Runners-Up: Cash prize of ₹50,000/-.
- Best Memorials: ₹15,000/- each for the Best Claimant and Best Respondent memorials.
- Best Speaker (Prelims): Cash prize of ₹15,000/-.
- Best Speaker (Finals): An exclusive internship opportunity with Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC) LLP, a London-based international law firm.
- Additional Internships: Stay tuned for announcements regarding internship opportunities at leading Indian law firms for other merit certificate holders.
Eligibility and Participation
The moot is open to students currently enrolled in a 5-year integrated LL.B. or a 3-year LL.B. program. Participants must demonstrate a high degree of professional discipline and a commitment to understanding complex statutory interpretation and global arbitral rules. The problem typically involves commercial disputes, necessitating a strong grasp of contract law and the UNCITRAL Model Law.
Why You Should Participate
- Academic Analysis: Engage in deep research on modern International Arbitration issues.
- Elite Networking: Meet Senior Advocates, partners from top-tier law firms, and international legal experts.
- Hands-on Training: Experience the pressure and thrill of physical oral rounds on a premier law campus.
- Global Exposure: Compete with top law schools from India and abroad.
Official Links and Contact Information
For any specific queries regarding the 11th NLIU-Justice R.K. Tankha Memorial International Arbitration Moot, reach out to the organizers at tankhamoot@nliu.ac.in or mca@nliu.ac.in.
Click here to Register
Click here to download brochure
Click here to download rulebook
Click here to download Case Record
