NLIU Bhopal Announces XIV International Mediation Tournament, 2026 – Mediation Plan Submission Stage Opens

About NLIU and CADR

Established in 1997, NLIU Bhopal is among India's premier national law universities. With the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh as its Chancellor, the university maintains strong institutional linkages with the High Court of Madhya Pradesh and the National Judicial Academy. Over the years, NLIU has cultivated enduring global collaborations with institutions such as Allen & Overy Shearman, Allen & Gledhill LLP, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, and several others through its flagship academic initiatives.

The Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution, NLIU's oldest student-led ADR body, was established in 2007 and elevated to a Centre in 2024. For nearly two decades, CADR has played a pivotal role in advancing dispute resolution education across mediation, negotiation, conciliation, and arbitration. Its initiatives include the internationally attended Lex Peritia workshop series, the NLIU International Negotiation Competition (organised in collaboration with leading law firms such as Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co., Wadia Ghandy & Co., and HSA Advocates), and large-scale mediation training programmes. CADR has also partnered with institutions such as the International Mediation Institute, the Young Mediators' Initiative, and the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, and hosted landmark events including the 10th INADR World Mediation Congress, 2021.

About NLIU International Mediation Tournament

Originally organised in collaboration with the International Academy of Dispute Resolution (INADR), Chicago, NLIU-IMT has evolved into an independent flagship event of NLIU. Over thirteen successful editions, including virtual and hybrid formats, the tournament has become a premier forum for competitive mediation, advanced learning, and cross-cultural exchange. Today, it is widely regarded as the largest and most prestigious mediation competition in India, known for its rigorous format and distinguished panel of ADR professionals.

Mediation Plan Submission Stage – XIV NLIU-IMT 2026

As part of the XIV edition, NLIU introduces the Mediation Plan Submission Stage, a paper-based academic round designed to assess participants' ability to conceptualise and structure a comprehensive mediation strategy in response to a simulated dispute. This stage is open to teams from all institutions, including multiple teams from the same institution and mixed teams comprising students from different colleges.

Participation in this stage is independent of the confirmed slots allotted to pre-invited institutions for the on-campus rounds and does not affect such participation. Selection is subject to limited slots and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to eligibility compliance.

Shortlisted teams from this stage will be invited for on-campus participation at NLIU-IMT 2026 in accordance with the Competition Rules.

Eligibility and Team Composition

Participation is open exclusively to undergraduate law students enrolled in a three-year or five-year LL.B. programme at a recognised institution. Each team must consist of three members. Mixed teams from different institutions are permitted.

Registration and Important Dates

Interested teams must register on or before 3rd February, 2026. The link for the registration form can be accessed here.

The Competition Brochure containing preliminary information about the tournament structure, schedule, format, and other essential details can be accessed here.

Contact Information

For any queries or clarifications, teams may contact the organising committee at imt@nliu.ac.in or adrc@nliu.ac.in.