About the Organisation
The International Arbitration Moot Court Competition hosted annually by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow, stands as one of India’s most respected platforms for academic excellence and practical legal training. Established in 2005, RMLNLU has consistently developed into a premier national law institution nurturing skilled, research-driven, and socially conscious legal professionals.
The 4th edition of this competition is conducted in collaboration with Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys, one of India’s leading full-service dispute resolution and commercial law firms. Additional support from the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), PSL Advocates & Solicitors, MRP Advisory, and other global institutions enhances the academic and professional depth of the event. The Moot has grown substantially since its introduction in 2023, attracting leading practitioners, arbitrators, and academicians who engage with participants on intricate aspects of international and domestic arbitration.
Each year, the competition provides students with an opportunity to build advocacy skills, improve legal drafting abilities, enhance public speaking, and gain substantive exposure to arbitration jurisprudence. Backed by prestigious sponsors and an experienced moot court committee, the event ensures rigorous judging, diverse networking opportunities, and intellectually stimulating research. The 2026 edition promises to be one of the most impactful events, focusing on the dynamic field of construction arbitration, a sector that continues to evolve globally.
About the Moot Competition
The 4th RMLNLU–Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan International Arbitration Moot Court Competition 2026 challenges students to engage with complex issues related to construction arbitration. Participants will draft memorials, argue before panels of distinguished judges, and engage in extensive research on contractual disputes, delay claims, breaches, and technical intricacies of infrastructure projects.
This opportunity builds essential skills such as:
- Advanced research and legal writing
- Understanding procedural and substantive arbitration law
- Oral advocacy before arbitration experts
- Teamwork, strategy, and time management
- Exposure to real-world commercial and construction disputes
The competition spans from December 2025 to April 2026, culminating in oral rounds from 3–5 April 2026 at RMLNLU, Lucknow. Participants also benefit from the presence of industry-leading sponsors, knowledge partners like SCC Online, institutional partners like SIAC, and training partners like IFAM, all of whom contribute significantly to the learning experience.
Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | 1 December 2025 |
| Release of Proposition | 10 December 2025 |
| Release of Clarification | 15 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Provisional Registration | 30 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Memorial Submission | 5 February 2026 |
| Memorial Knockout Result | 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Final Registration | 1 March 2026 |
| Oral Rounds | 3–5 April 2026 |
Location and Mode
Mode: Offline (In-Person Rounds)
Venue:
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
India
Format and Structure
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | December 2025 – April 2026 |
| Oral Round Dates | 3–5 April 2026 |
| Structure | Memorial Rounds + Knockouts + Oral Rounds |
| Judges | Arbitration experts, partners, academicians, practitioners |
| Awards | ₹1,75,000 Prize Pool + Special Awards |
| Additional Benefits | Internship opportunities (to be announced) |
Eligibility & Requirements
Participation in the International Arbitration Moot Court Competition is open to teams representing recognised law colleges and universities across India. Each institution may send one team comprising three members: two speakers and one researcher. Teams are expected to demonstrate a strong grasp of arbitration law, contract principles, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Participants must prepare written submissions from both claimant and respondent perspectives, showcasing their analytical, interpretive, and advocacy skills. The memorial evaluation determines whether the team qualifies for the top 32 bracket. Only qualifying teams will proceed to the oral rounds and complete final registration. Precision in drafting, clarity in arguments, and adherence to formatting rules are essential. Students must comply with the comprehensive rulebook provided by the organisers and meet all deadlines to ensure eligibility.
Additional Highlights
- Prize Pool of ₹1,75,000
- Special Awards for
– Best Speaker
– Winner
– Runners-Up
– Best Memorial (Claimant & Respondent)
– Best Emerging Mooters
– Spirit of the Competition - Exposure to international arbitration practices
- Networking with top law firms and arbitration experts
- Exciting internship opportunities (to be announced)
- Engagement with sponsors like SIAC, LKS, SCC Online, PSL & MRP Advisory
FAQs about the International Arbitration Moot Court Competition
1. Who can apply for this International Arbitration Moot Court Competition?
Any recognised law university or college may nominate one team consisting of two speakers and one researcher. Participants are typically pursuing undergraduate law degrees and possess a keen interest in arbitration and dispute resolution. The competition encourages participation from institutions across India, giving students a chance to engage with complex arbitration issues.
2. Is the competition paid or unpaid?
There are registration fees for participation. Phase 1 Provisional Registration Fee is ₹2,000, and Phase 2 Final Registration Fee (for top 32 qualifying teams) is ₹8,000. There is no additional fee beyond this, and the prize pool and benefits significantly outweigh the nominal charges.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for Final Registration is 1 March 2026, while provisional registration closes on 30 January 2026.
4. What is the selection process?
The selection occurs in stages:
- Submit memorials for both sides
- Memorials undergo evaluation
- Top 32 teams qualify for the oral rounds
- Oral rounds determine quarter-finalists, semi-finalists, and finalists
5. Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. All teams participating in oral rounds receive participation certificates. Winners, runners-up, and special awardees receive separate distinctions and recognition.
Important Links
- Official Website: rmlnlumcc.com
- Registration Details: Available on the official website
- Rulebook & Proposition: Will be uploaded by the organisers
- Updates & Clarifications: Provided through official website and contact email
Contact Information
Email: rmlmootcourt@gmail.com
Phone:
- Dalima Pushkarna – +91 8130069755
- Anshika Parihar – +91 8923336594
Address:
Moot Court Committee
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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