Criminal Law Essay Writing Competition – Apply Now for October 2025 Opportunity
About the University/Organization
The Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), established under the Gujarat National Law University Act, 2003, stands as one of India’s most prestigious centres for legal education. Recognised by both the Bar Council of India and the University Grants Commission, GNLU functions as a nodal agency to promote excellence in legal education and research.
Offering integrated undergraduate programs in five disciplines — B.A. LL.B., B.B.A. LL.B., B.Com. LL.B., B.Sc. LL.B., and B.S.W. LL.B. — alongside LL.M., Ph.D., and diploma courses, GNLU continues to foster interdisciplinary scholarship and innovation.
The GNLU Centre for Research in Criminal Justice Sciences (GCRCJS) is a specialized research hub committed to advancing criminal law studies through deep academic inquiry and practical discourse. The Centre has hosted several landmark events such as the 13th Asian Criminology Conference, the GCRCJS International Conference on Crime & Technology, and its flagship Legislative Drafting Competition.
With participation from esteemed jurists like Hon’ble Mr. Justice Aravind Kumar, Hon’ble Ms. Justice Gita Gopi, and Senior Advocate Ms. Rebecca John, GCRCJS continues to be a thought leader in the field of criminal justice and reform.
About the Competition
The 3rd GCRCJS Criminal Law Essay Writing Competition invites essays on the central theme —
“Transcending Boundaries in Criminal Justice: From Local Realities to Global Imperatives.”
This competition aims to inspire law students and researchers to engage critically with evolving global perspectives in criminal law. Participants are encouraged to explore issues ranging from financial crimes and cross-border investigations to victim protection and climate change offences.
By merging theoretical insight with practical application, this event nurtures a new generation of thinkers committed to reforming criminal justice systems in both local and international contexts.
Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 1 October 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 28 October 2025 |
Location and Mode
Mode: Online
Location: Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Attalika Avenue, Knowledge Corridor, Koba, Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382426
Format and Structure
- Duration: Single Submission Event
- Word Limit: 1500–2000 words (excluding footnotes)
- Font & Spacing: Times New Roman; Font size 12 (body), 10 (footnotes); 1.5 line spacing (body)
- Citation Style: OSCOLA
- Plagiarism Limit: Maximum 10% (as per UGC guidelines)
- AI Usage: Strictly prohibited; essays must be original
- Co-authorship: Maximum of two authors per submission
Eligibility & Requirements
- Open to students of Law, Criminology, Sociology, Public Administration, and related disciplines.
- Submissions must be in English only.
- Participants should ensure adherence to the theme and sub-themes, which include:
- Financial Crimes and Global Regulatory Standards
- Victim-Centric Approaches to Justice
- Juvenile Justice: Reform, Deterrence, and Protection
- Challenges in Cross-Border Criminal Investigations
- Environmental Offences and Climate Crimes
- Witness Protection and Universal Jurisdiction
Skills Required:
Strong analytical writing, knowledge of contemporary criminal law developments, and clarity of legal argumentation.
Additional Highlights
- Certificates: Certificate of Participation for all valid entries
- Merit Recognition: Top 3 essays will receive Certificates of Merit and cash prizes
- Publication: Top 5 essays to be featured on the GCRCJS Crime & Justice Blog
- Prize Pool: ₹15,000 in total
- 1st Prize – ₹7,000
- 2nd Prize – ₹5,000
- 3rd Prize – ₹3,000
- Networking: Opportunity to gain visibility within the national academic community
Awards and Benefits
All essays meeting the submission standards will receive a Certificate of Participation. The top 3 entries will win cash prizes and certificates, and the top 5 essays will be published on the official Crime & Justice Blog —
http://crimeandjustice.blog/
This is a remarkable chance for law students to gain recognition, build academic credentials, and contribute to critical discussions shaping modern criminal law.
Registration Process
- Registration Fee: ₹100 (non-refundable)
- Payment Link: https://rzp.io/rzp/98gO3j8o
- Submission Link: https://forms.gle/H9TYjDR9uj2h5ttG8
- Participants must retain the payment receipt for record purposes.
- File name format for submission: <Title of the Paper – EssayComp>
FAQs – Criminal Law Essay Writing Competition
1. Who can apply for this Criminal Law Essay Writing Competition?
Students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Law, Criminology, Public Administration, or related social sciences are eligible to participate.
2. Is this Criminal Law Essay Writing Competition paid or unpaid?
A nominal registration fee of ₹100 is required for each submission; however, there is no additional fee for participation or evaluation.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The deadline for submission is 21 October 2025, and no extensions will be granted.
4. What is the selection process?
Submissions will be assessed on originality, legal reasoning, coherence, and adherence to formatting guidelines. Essays exceeding plagiarism limits or involving AI-generated content will be disqualified.
5. Will I get a certificate after completion?
Yes. All eligible participants will receive a Certificate of Participation, while top performers will receive Certificates of Merit and cash prizes.
Important Links
Downloadables
- Brochure
Contact
Email: gcrcjs@gnlu.ac.in
Phone:
- Shivam Agrawal – +91 94130 29413
- Vatshal Raval – +91 92653 84215
- Shubh Naik – +91 98243 30830
- Durlabhya Singh – +91 78500 73174
- Sonia Dhawan – +91 73077 91958
Address:
Gujarat National Law University, Attalika Avenue, Knowledge Corridor, Koba, Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382426