1st NLUJ-CDSE Essay Writing Competition 2026 | Win ₹7,500 and Internship Opportunities
The Centre for Disability Studies and Empowerment (CDSE), National Law University, Jodhpur, announces the 1st NLUJ-CDSE Essay Writing Competition 2026, with SCC Online as the Media Partner and Mission Accessibility as the Internship Partner.
The competition focuses on the theme “Inclusion of People with Disabilities” and invites law students to examine disability rights, accessibility, inclusive policy and the role of law in promoting equal participation. Moreover, as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, marks ten years since its enactment, participants can explore the progress made and the challenges that remain.
The competition offers cash prizes of up to ₹7,500, internship opportunities at Mission Accessibility for the first- and second-place winners, and publication opportunities on the CDSE blog.
Registration closes on December 5, 2026, and the essay submission deadline is December 10, 2026.
About the Organisers
The Centre for Disability Studies and Empowerment (CDSE) at National Law University, Jodhpur, promotes academic engagement with disability rights and inclusion. Through this competition, the Centre encourages law students to examine the legal, social and policy dimensions of disability justice.
The competition also features SCC Online as its Media Partner and Mission Accessibility as its Internship Partner.
About the 1st NLUJ-CDSE Essay Writing Competition 2026
The competition provides a platform for law students to contribute research-based perspectives on disability rights, equality and accessibility. Participants should examine the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and consider how law and policy can support meaningful inclusion.
Additionally, the competition encourages engagement with contemporary issues, including accessible technology, participation in sports and the implementation of disability rights legislation.
Theme of the Competition
“Inclusion of People with Disabilities”
Themes for Essay Submission
Participants may write on any of the following three themes:
- Disability and Sports: Participation, Recognition and Equality
- Beyond Compliance: Reimagining Disability Rights Ten Years After the RPwD Act, 2016
- AI and Accessibility: Bridging Digital Divides and Ensuring Inclusive Technology for Persons with Disabilities
These themes offer opportunities to examine disability inclusion from legal, technological, social and policy perspectives.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to students pursuing:
- Three-year LL.B. programmes
- Five-year integrated law programmes
Students who meet these eligibility requirements may submit an individual essay or participate through co-authorship.
Word Limit and Co-Authorship
Participants must adhere to the following requirements:
- Word limit: 1,500–2,000 words
- Single-author entry fee: ₹150
- Co-authored entry fee: ₹200
- Maximum authors: Two per submission
Co-authorship is permitted, and both authors may belong to different institutions.
Registration Fees
| Entry Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-author entry | ₹150 |
| Co-authored entry | ₹200 |
Participants should complete registration and payment through the designated links.
Prizes and Recognition
The competition offers cash prizes, internship opportunities and publication opportunities for selected entries.
| Position | Cash Prize | Additional Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| First Position | ₹7,500 | Internship opportunity at Mission Accessibility and publication on the CDSE blog |
| Second Position | ₹5,000 | Internship opportunity at Mission Accessibility and publication on the CDSE blog |
| Third Position | ₹2,500 | Publication on the CDSE blog |
Therefore, the competition offers participants an opportunity to gain recognition for their research while engaging with disability rights and inclusive policy.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Papers and Registration Opens | October 12, 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | December 5, 2026 |
| Last Date for Essay Submission | December 10, 2026 |
| Declaration of Results | First week of February 2027 |
Participants should complete registration by December 5 and submit their essays by December 10, 2026. The results are scheduled for the first week of February 2027.
Registration and Submission Procedure
Interested students can register using the official registration link and complete the payment separately.
The detailed brochure is referenced in the original announcement. Participants should consult it for any additional rules or submission instructions before entering the competition.
Contact Details
For queries regarding the 1st NLUJ-CDSE Essay Writing Competition 2026, participants may contact:
- Taru Jhunjhunwala: +91 96438 02101
- Raghunandan N: +91 86188 01258
- Email: cdse@nlujodhpur.ac.in
