Call for Participation | IFIM Law School announces CONCORDAT 5.0 on the theme of Space & Aviation Law featuring C-Neg and Med-Arb formats

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION

IFIM: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1995 Founded by the DSIJ (Dalal Street Investment Journal) Group and promoted by the Centre for Developmental Education (CDE), IFIM has been a trailblazer in quality education in India, dedicated to nurturing holistic, socially responsible, and employable professionals.

Welcome to IFIM Law School Located in India’s vibrant Silicon Valley, IFIM Law School has been a premier legal institution since 2014, celebrated for: 2nd Most Outstanding Law School of Excellence (GHRDC survey, 2021), 7th Best Private Law School in Pan India (Outlook Magazine, 2023), Ranked 1st in the Category of Top Eminent Law School GHRDC Survey 2023. Our Mission We aim to deliver transformative legal education, fostering profound knowledge, critical thinking, and strong ethical values. Our goal is to shape future legal leaders who: Contribute to Society, Champion Justice, Inspire Positive Change.

ABOUT CONCORDAT 5.0

CONCORDAT is more than just an event; it is a celebration of the core values and principles that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) embodies. With the competition formats of C-Neg (Client Counselling and Negotiation) and Med-Arb (Mediation and Arbitration), Concordat is meticulously designed to test the skills and resolve of aspiring legal professionals from across India.

We are proud to introduce Space and Aviation Law as the theme for this year’s edition, offering participants a unique platform to engage with intricate, real-world legal issues in an industry that is evolving.

The competition aims to bring together some of the brightest legal minds from across the nation to engage in immersive ADR simulations. By fostering an environment that emphasises learning, growth, and healthy competition, we are confident that participation from your esteemed institution will greatly contribute to the success and intellectual depth of the event.

ELIGIBILITY

Law Students duly enrolled and representatives of any University, may that be State, Central, or any other department recognized/authorized may apply to participate in the Concordat 5.0 Med-Arb Competition. Cross-teaming between different institutions is strictly prohibited.

FORMAT OF THE COMPETITION

FORMATS

• Client Counselling — Negotiation (C-Neg)

• Mediation — Arbitration (Med-Arb)

ABOUT MEDIATION — ARBITRATION (MED-ARB)

The two Preliminary Rounds shall be Mediation sessions, wherein, the teams shall be allotted a total of 30 minutes collectively, including the Private Caucus session. Top 8 teams shall qualify for the Quarter-Final Round.

The Quarter-Final Rounds shall be Mediation sessions. The top 8 teams shall compete in this round, after which the top 4 teams in total shall proceed to the next round. Each round shall be of a total of 40 minutes, including the Private Caucus.

The Semi-Final round shall be an Arbitration round. A total of 50 minutes will be given to the teams to present their case (Each team- 25 mins inclusive of rebuttals and sur-rebuttals). The time frame of 50 minutes for this Round includes the questioning time allotted to the bench. However, the parties can request an extension of time to present their arguments which shall be granted at the discretion of the bench (not more than 2 minutes per speaker). This Round will be a knock-out round, from where 2 teams shall qualify for the Final round.

The Final Round will follow the Semi-Final Rounds, which would be an Arbitration round. A total of 60 minutes will be given to the teams to present their case (Each team- 30 mins inclusive of rebuttals and sur-rebuttals). The time frame of 60 minutes for this Round includes the questioning time allotted to the bench. However, the parties can request an extension of time to present their arguments which shall be granted at the discretion of the bench (not more than 3 minutes per speaker). The team with the highest cumulative score in this round will be declared the Winner.

ABOUT CLIENT COUNSELLING — NEGOTIATION (C-NEG)

The Preliminary Rounds shall be a Client Counselling Session, where the Counsels shall be allotted a total of 30 minutes, collectively for the observation and post consultation time; The Observation time of the teams cannot be more than 20 minutes in the preliminary rounds; The time frame of 30 minutes for this Round does not include the questioning time allotted to the bench; The top 8 high scoring teams shall qualify for the Quarter-Final Rounds.

The Quarter-Final Rounds shall also be a Client Counselling Session. The top 8 teams shall compete in this Round, out of which the Top 4 teams with the highest total scores in this round shall qualify for the Semi-Final Rounds. Teams shall get a total of 40 minutes, collectively for the observation and post consultation time, which shall exclude feedback and questioning by the bench. The Observation time of the teams cannot be more than 25 minutes in the Quarter-final rounds.

The Semi-Final Round shall assess your Negotiation Skills. Teams together shall get a total of 50 minutes to negotiate their case. The bench may, at their discretion permit an extension of 5 minutes only, any extension of time beyond the specified period shall not be allowed and shall result in a negative marking. The time frame of 50 minutes for this Round does not include the questioning time allotted to the bench. This Round will be a knock-out round, from where the 2 teams shall qualify for the Final Round.

The Final Round will follow the Semi-Final Rounds, which will also evaluate your Negotiation Skills. Teams shall get a total of 60 minutes to negotiate their case. The bench may, at their discretion permit an extension of 7 minutes only, any extension of time beyond the specified period shall not be allowed & and shall result in a negative marking. The time frame of 60 minutes for this Round does not include the questioning time allotted to the bench. However, the parties can request an extension of time to present their arguments which shall be granted at the discretion of the bench. The team with the highest cumulative score in this round will be declared the Winner.

REGISTRATION RULES

Participants will be selected on a first-come, first- served basis, with only the first 20 teams for each format, securing a spot in the competition. The Final Registration Deadline is 11:59 pm, 26 April 2026 (subject to the availability of slots).

Teams are required to complete the registration process through the official online form. Upon successful registration, the Organizing Committee will confirm the team’s participation via acknowledgement through an e-mail. Each institution may register a maximum of two teams per format.

Link for Registration:

For C-NEG Registrations: CLICK HERE.

For MED-ARB Registrations: CLICK HERE.

FEE DETAILS

The registration fee for the Competition is ₹3,000 per person (₹9,000 per team), payable in full to complete the registration process. In the event of withdrawal, no refund shall be provided.

The registration fee includes meals for the 08th, 9th & 10th May (until lunch on the 10th), accommodation for the duration of the event (8th-10th May 2026), and scheduled transportation for all participants between the accommodation and the college premises. Please note that no conveyance services will be provided for teams arriving at or departing from the bus station, train

station, or airport to the place of the event.

AWARDS/PRIZES

C-NEG

WINNER: Rs. 40,000/-

RUNNERS UP: Rs. 20,000/-

BEST COUNSEL: Rs. 7,500/-

BEST STRATEGY PAPER: Rs. 8,000/-

MED-ARB

WINNER: Rs. 50,000/-

RUNNERS UP: Rs. 25,000/-

BEST COUNSEL: Rs. 7,500/-

BEST CLIENT: Rs. 7,500/-

BEST MEDIATOR: Rs. 7,500/-

BEST ARBITRATION MEMORIAL: Rs. 12,000/-

IMPORTANT DATES

C-NEG

MED-ARB

VENUE/MODE

IFIM Law School, 8P & 9P, KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase 1, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560100.

The mode of the competition shall be offline and will be held in the aforementioned address from 8-10 May 2026.

CONTACT INFORMATION

FACULTY CO-ORDINATOR

Prof. Pooja Ogale

pooja.ogale@ifim.edu.in

Prof. Angarika Borah

angarika.b@ifim.edu.in

Student Coordinators

J M Riddhi (Convenor) 9347972005

Noel Elvis Xavier (Co-Convenor) 9790121140

Bryan Seram (Secretary) 9362109239

adr.centre@ifim.edu.in

concordat@ifim.edu.in