The School of Law, GD Goenka University, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) – India, the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) – Singapore, is inviting registrations for the VIII GD Goenka–CIArb (India) International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition 2026. The competition will be conducted offline from September 25 to 27, 2026, at the GD Goenka University campus in Sohna, Gurugram, Haryana.
About the Competition
The GD Goenka–CIArb (India) International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition is entering its eighth edition in 2026. The competition seeks to simulate authentic arbitral proceedings and provide law students with an opportunity to argue complex commercial disputes before experienced arbitrators, legal practitioners, and academicians.
The 2026 edition focuses on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in international commercial arbitration. The moot proposition explores issues concerning ESG compliance, technology governance, and international commercial arbitration.
The competition offers participants an opportunity to strengthen their legal research, written advocacy, oral argumentation, and arbitration skills. A prize pool exceeding INR 6,00,000 has been announced for the competition.
About GD Goenka University
Established in 2013, GD Goenka University is a multidisciplinary institution situated in the GD Goenka Education City on the Sohna–Gurugram corridor.
The University is recognised by the University Grants Commission and has been accredited with an A+ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. It focuses on teaching, research, innovation, and experiential learning.
About the School of Law
The School of Law, GD Goenka University, combines academic learning with practical legal training. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across different areas of law, including international commercial arbitration and investment arbitration.
The School of Law was recognised as the “No. 1 Promising Law School in India” in the Competition Success Review Law Schools Survey 2025.
Supporting Organisations
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) – India: CIArb is a globally recognised professional body dedicated to promoting excellence in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. It has more than 17,000 professionals across 149 countries.
Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF): SILF is the representative body of leading corporate law firms in India. It comprises more than 100 member firms committed to strengthening the legal profession.
International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) – Singapore: ICDR is the international division of the American Arbitration Association and is an institution engaged in international commercial dispute resolution.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate and postgraduate law students from recognised institutions are eligible to participate.
- Only one team from each institution will be permitted to participate.
Team Composition
Each participating team must consist of three members:
- Two Speakers
- One Researcher
Registration Fee
The registration fee is INR 12,000 or USD 125 per team. The fee is inclusive of food and accommodation.
Prize Pool
The competition has a prize pool exceeding INR 6,00,000.
Important Dates
- Deadline for Clarifications: 30 June 2026
- Release of Clarifications: 15 July 2026
- Deadline for Registrations: 10 August 2026
- Memorial Submission Deadline: 31 August 2026
- Oral Rounds (Offline, On-Campus): 25-27 September 2026
Venue
The oral rounds will be conducted offline at the GD Goenka University campus, Sohna, Gurugram, Haryana.
How to Register?
Interested teams may register for the competition through the registration form provided below.
Important Links
Contact
- Phenil Banerjee, MCC Convenor: +91 9953991783
- Yashi Bhardwaj, MCC Convenor: +91 7982134740
- Shreya Dhillon, MCC Secretary: +91 9811126006
Email: [email protected]