ANNOUNCEMENT:
The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi announces the NUALS National Trial Advocacy Competition (NTAC) 2026, a national-level platform designed to elevate students’ courtroom advocacy skills in a realistic trial environment.
Organised by the Centre for Law and Development (CLD – NUALS), the competition immerses students in trial strategy, witness examination, evidentiary challenges, and the practical application of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
ABOUT CLD:
The Centre for Law and Development at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi, is dedicated to advancing legal developments in our nation. Committed to policy formulation and socio-legal research, the Centre addresses key developmental issues and public welfare need while meeting international standards. Through initiatives like the Trial Advocacy Workshops, Mock Trials, the National Securities Law Moot, and series of Special Lectures covering topics like Insolvency and Bankruptcy, Mergers and Acquisitions etc, the Centre fosters a deeper understanding of critical legal subjects. Guided by its dedicated Director, it continues to advance its mission in the legal domain.
ABOUT NTAC 2026:
NUALS NTAC 2026 bridges academic knowledge with real-world litigation by offering an experience true to actual criminal trial proceedings. Participants navigate every stage of a trial, from opening statements to examination-in-chief, cross-examination, objections, and closing arguments.
The competition aims to:
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Strengthen trial advocacy and litigation skills
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Enhance understanding of criminal procedure and evidence
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Develop analytical thinking and courtroom presence
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Encourage adaptive reasoning through unpredictable trial dynamics
The Brochure, Rulebook and Registration form can be found here.
IMPORTANT DATES:
|
Event |
Date |
|
Registration Begins |
25 Nov 2025 |
|
Release of Trial Proposition |
10 Dec 2025 |
|
Last Date for Registration |
25 Dec 2025 |
|
Online Qualifier Rounds |
10 Jan 2026 |
|
Qualifier Results Announced |
12 Jan 2026 |
|
Clarification Window |
12—15 Jan 2026 |
|
Final Clarifications Released |
18 Jan 2026 |
|
Last Date for Advanced Round Fee |
20 Jan 2026 |
|
Advanced Rounds (Offline) |
30 Jan — 1 Feb 2026 |
COMPETITION STRUCTURE:
Phase I — Online Qualifier Rounds
⮚ Conducted via Google Meet
⮚ Only Researchers appear
⮚ 15-minute oral interview focusing on criminal procedure, evidence, hypotheticals
⮚ Panels evaluate understanding, application of law, clarity, and composure
⮚ Top 16 teams qualify for Phase II
⮚ Awards for Best Researcher and Best Researcher Runners Up are based solely on this round
Phase II — Advanced Rounds (Offline at NUALS)
⮚ Includes:
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Two Preliminary Rounds
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Quarter Finals
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Semi Finals
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Final Round
⮚ Teams argue on both Prosecution and Defence sides
⮚ Witnesses are provided and assigned by organisers
⮚ Participants conduct:
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Opening Statements
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Examination-in-Chief
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Cross-Examination
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Objections
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Closing Arguments
The advanced rounds simulate authentic courtroom trial flow under strict time limits and evaluation criteria.
ELIGIBILITY & TEAM COMPOSITION:
⮚ Open to all law schools/colleges recognised by the Bar Council of India
⮚ Only LL.B. students (3-year or 5-year programme) may participate
⮚ Each team:
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2—3 members (Two Speakers + One Researcher)
⮚ No changes in team composition after registration except with formal approval
⮚ Strict anonymity rule throughout the competition
REGISTRATION FEES:
⮚ ₹2,360 — Base fee for all registering teams
⮚ ₹3,540 — Additional fee for the 16 teams advancing to Phase II
⮚ Fees are non-refundable
AWARDS:
NUALS NTAC 2026 offers one of the highest prize pools among trial advocacy events in India:
⮚ Best Trial Advocacy Team — ₹36,000 + Trophy
⮚ Best Trial Advocacy Team Runners-Up — ₹24,000 + Trophy
⮚ Best Trial Advocate — ₹10,000 + Trophy
⮚ Best Trial Advocate Runner-Up — ₹7,500 + Trophy
⮚ Best Researcher — ₹7,500 + Trophy (Based on Online Qualifier Rounds)
⮚ Best Researcher Runners-Up — ₹5,000 + Trophy (Based on Online Qualifier Rounds)
Additionally:
⮚ Certificates of Merit for Top 16 teams
⮚ Digital Participation Certificates for all teams
CONTACT & OFFICIAL HANDLES:
Programme Convenor
⮚ Mr. Sidharth V: +91 85909 64340
Programme Co-Convenors
⮚ Ms. Anju S. Ghosh: +91 79945 35553
⮚ Ms. Shenaz Biju: +91 99457 45384
Registration (and Related Queries)
⮚ Ms. Kathu Jith P: +91 89210 80135
⮚ Ms. Navami K: +91 91880 65029
FOLLOW US ON:
⮚ Official Email: cldntac@nuals.ac.in
⮚ Instagram (Official Updates & Releases): Instagram