The Presidency University Moot Court initiative returns with its most prestigious academic endeavour—the 1st International Moot Court Competition 2026, hosted by the Presidency School of Law (PSOL), Presidency University, Bengaluru. This international event is designed to strengthen global legal advocacy, sharpen courtroom skills, and offer a competitive platform for participants from universities around the world. As one of India’s rapidly emerging centres of legal excellence, Presidency University presents this competition as an essential opportunity for aspiring advocates seeking advanced exposure to research, drafting, and oral argumentation on an international stage.
This year, the Presidency University Moot Court competition focuses on a complex and intellectually stimulating problem rooted in public international law, involving issues of diplomatic protection, state responsibility, expropriation, consular access, and human rights under key treaties. With participation expected from leading law schools across jurisdictions, the event represents a powerful platform for academic growth, networking, and cross-border collaboration.
About the University
Presidency University, Bengaluru, a NAAC ‘A’ accredited institution, stands at the forefront of academic leadership, interdisciplinary research, and legal innovation. The Presidency University Moot Court competition aligns with the University’s vision of preparing students for global legal landscapes, promoting scholarly excellence and professional preparedness. As a young and dynamic university established by the Presidency Group of Institutions, it offers diverse programmes ranging from law, management, engineering, liberal arts and sciences, and allied health sciences.
The *Presidency School of Law (PSOL), established in 2015, is recognized as one of India’s leading emerging law schools. With focus areas including Constitutional Law, IPR, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, and International Law, PSOL combines rigorous academic training with robust clinical legal education. It houses advanced moot court halls, research centres, e-learning resources, and a dedicated *Moot Court Society comprising the Moot Court Association, Trial Advocacy Association, and Client Counselling Association.
Its commitment to experiential learning is evident in its consistent national recognition—such as the AAA+ rating by Careers360 (2025), Best Emerging Law College by India Today (2025), and top rankings across Karnataka and national indices. Through global collaborations, faculty expertise, and strong law firm partnerships, PSOL ensures that the Presidency University Moot Court competition is conducted with excellence, academic integrity, and international standards.
About the Competition / Opportunity
The 1st International Moot Court Competition 2026 by Presidency School of Law is a three-day event scheduled from 20th to 22nd February 2026, centred on a meticulously drafted International Court of Justice (ICJ) case. Participants will engage with issues relating to expropriation under BITs, Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, customary international law, human rights (ICCPR), and state sovereignty.
The competition features:
- One preliminary round
- Octa-finals
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
- Grand final round with a five-judge bench
Teams will prepare memorials for both the Applicant and the Respondent, participate in oral pleadings, and undertake a researcher’s test conducted physically on campus.
This competition enhances students’ advocacy skills, fosters critical legal thinking, and offers deep insight into the workings of international legal frameworks, making it ideal for participants looking to master public international law.
Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 12, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | December 19, 2025 |
| Acceptance of Registration | December 25, 2025 |
| Memorial Submission Deadline | January 10, 2026 (23:59 IST) |
| Inaugural Ceremony | February 20, 2026 |
| Researcher’s Test | February 20, 2026 |
| Preliminary, Octa & Quarter Rounds | February 21, 2026 |
| Semi-final & Final Rounds | February 22, 2026 |
| Valedictory Ceremony | February 22, 2026 |
Location and Mode
Mode: Offline
Location / Address: Presidency University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Accommodation for three days and two nights is available under the accommodation-inclusive registration option.
Format and Structure
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days (20–22 February 2026) |
| Oral Rounds | Preliminary, Octa, Quarter, Semi-final & Final |
| Working Hours | As per scheduled rounds and sessions |
| Supervising Body | Moot Court Society, Presidency School of Law |
| Judges | Two judges (Prelims–Semis), Five judges (Final) |
| Teams | 3 members (2 Speakers + 1 Researcher) |
| Memorials | Required for both sides (Applicant & Respondent) |
Eligibility & Requirements
Participation in the Presidency University Moot Court competition is open to students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate law programme, bar-qualifying course, or a first graduate degree in law at a recognized institution. Each team must consist of three members, all belonging to the same institution.
Participants must strictly follow anonymity rules for memorials and oral rounds. Teams are required to submit memorials in both PDF and Word formats, accompanied by a plagiarism report generated through standard tools such as Turnitin. Hard copies must be submitted before the oral rounds begin.
All participants must attend the valedictory ceremony to receive certificates. Adherence to formal dress code—black and white courtroom attire—is compulsory throughout the event. Non-compliance with competition rules may result in disqualification.
Additional Highlights
- Certificate of Participation for all attendees
- Awards worth ₹2,55,000
- Best Speaker, Best Researcher, Best Memorial awards
- Collaboration with Reddy & Reddy Law Private Limited
- Law firm-ready mentorship discounts
- International exposure and professional networking
- Opportunity to argue before distinguished academicians and practitioners
FAQs about Presidency University Moot Court
1. Who can apply for the Presidency University Moot Court competition?
Participation is open to individuals pursuing an undergraduate law degree, a bar-qualifying course, or a first graduate degree in law. All team members must be from the same institution and must not have been admitted as advocates or legal practitioners in any jurisdiction. The brochure requires teams of three—two speakers and one researcher.
2. Is the Presidency University Moot Court competition paid or unpaid?
Yes, there is a registration fee, with different slabs for Indian and international participants. Fees vary based on whether teams opt for accommodation and meals. Indian teams may register for ₹5310 (without accommodation) or ₹10,620 (with accommodation). International teams pay USD 125 + GST with accommodation included.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The final date for registration is December 19, 2025. Confirmation of acceptance will be emailed to registered teams on December 25, 2025.
4. What is the selection process?
All teams that complete registration and submit memorials by the deadline automatically qualify for oral rounds. Advancement from preliminary rounds to advanced stages is based on cumulative oral scores, with tie-breaking mechanisms involving memorial and researcher’s test scores.
5. Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who attend the valedictory ceremony on February 22, 2026 will receive a physical certificate of participation. Award winners will receive dedicated certificates along with monetary prizes.
Important Links
- Registration Form
- Payment Link
- Moot Court Society Email – mca@presidencyuniversity.in
Contact Information
Email: mca@presidencyuniversity.in
Phone: (+91) 8434682061 / 9886081189 / 9548881406
Address: Presidency University, Rajanukunte, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Also Read
Work From Home Does Not Give Parent an Edge in Child Custody Cases: Supreme Court