1st GNLU LSC National Essay Competition 2026

About the Organizer

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) is a premier statutory accredited national law university established under the Gujarat National Law University Act, 2003. GNLU is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and holistic legal education.

Competition Scope & Themes

The Legal Services Committee (LSC) at GNLU is organizing the 1st GNLU LSC National Essay Competition 2026 on the central theme: "Legal Aid and Access to Justice".

Sub-Themes include:

• Constitutional Foundations of Legal Aid in India
• Legal Aid as a Fundamental Component of the Right to Access Justice
• Role of NALSA and State Legal Services Authorities
• Legal Aid for Marginalised and Vulnerable Communities
• Access to Justice and Socio-Economic Inequality
• Legal Aid and the Criminal Justice System
• Women’s Access to Justice and Child Rights
• Role and Impact of Legal Aid Clinics
• Technology and the Future of Legal Aid
• Digital Divide as a Barrier to Access to Justice

Submission Guidelines:

• Word Limit: 1,300–1,500 words (excluding footnotes/references).
• Formatting: Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx), Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 line spacing, 1-inch margins, Justified alignment.
• Citations: Hyperlinks are mandatory for all citations, authorities, case laws, statutes, and references relied upon within the text.
• Anonymity: The manuscript must not disclose the author's identity or institutional affiliation.
• Plagiarism: Must be original and unpublished; similarity must not exceed 10%.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Open to all Undergraduate (UG) students enrolled in any recognized institution across India.
• Co-authorship is permitted for up to a maximum of two authors.

Prizes & Registration Fees

• 1st Position: ₹8,000 Cash Prize
• 2nd Position: ₹5,000 Cash Prize
• 3rd Position: ₹3,000 Cash Prize
• Registration Fee: ₹200 (Single Author) | ₹300 (Co-authorship)

How to Apply & Key Dates

• Payment Link: Candidates must first complete payment via the Razorpay Payment Portal.
• Submission Form: Register and submit your manuscript via the Google Form.
• Official Brochure: Access the official document here.
• Deadline for Registration & Submission: 25 September 2026
• Declaration of Results: 9 November 2026 (National Legal Services Day)