1st GNLU LSC National Essay Competition 2026

About the Organizer

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar, is a premier national law university in India, dedicated to imparting quality legal education and advancing legal research and awareness through various initiatives, including its Legal Services Committee (LSC).

Competition Scope & Themes

GNLU is organizing the 1st GNLU LSC National Essay Competition 2026 focused on the overarching 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
• 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
• Legal Aid Clinics: Role and Impact
• 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, Font Size 12, 1.5 line spacing, Justified alignment, 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Citations: Hyperlinks are mandatory for all citations, authorities, case laws, statutes, articles, and reports relied upon within the text.
• Plagiarism: Must be original, unpublished work; similarity index must not exceed 10%.
• Anonymity: The manuscript must not contain the author’s name, institutional affiliation, or any identifying details.

Eligibility & Criteria

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

Stipend, Perks & Awards

• 1st Position: ₹8,000
• 2nd Position: ₹5,000
• 3rd Position: ₹3,000
• Results Declaration: 9 November 2026 (on National Legal Services Day).

Registration Fees & Application Details

• Single-Author Registration Fee: ₹200
• Co-Authored Registration Fee: ₹300
• Deadline for Registration, Payment & Submission: 25 September 2026

Pay the fee via the Payment Link and submit your entry through the official form.