2nd NUALS Mediation Competition (NMC)
2nd NUALS Mediation Competition (NMC)
About the Organizer
The 2nd NUALS Mediation Competition is organised by the NUALS ADR Society (ADRS), established in 2024 as the official body overseeing Alternative Dispute Resolution activities at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi. NUALS is widely recognised for excellence in legal education and for fostering a practical, research-oriented learning environment.
Purpose of the Competition
The competition serves as a premier national platform for aspiring legal professionals to engage deeply with Alternative Dispute Resolution. It aims to bridge theory and practice by simulating real-world mediation and negotiation scenarios, enabling participants to develop skills in communication, facilitation, strategy, and collaborative problem-solving.
Competition Structure and Format
The competition is conducted in two phases, combining virtual and offline rounds.
Phase I: Preliminary and Quarter-Final Rounds (Virtual)
– Date: 18 January 2026
– Mode: Online
– Top 8 negotiating teams and mediators qualify for Quarter-Finals (held on the same day)
– Top 4 teams and mediators advance to the Semi-Finals
Phase II: Advanced Rounds (Offline)
– Date: 15 February 2026
– Venue: NUALS Campus, Kochi
– Rounds: Semi-Finals and Finals
Role-Specific Format
Negotiating Teams (Client and Counsel)
– Teams represent both requesting and responding parties alternately
– Two preliminary rounds are conducted
– Advancement is based on cumulative scores across rounds
Mediators
– Mediators are assessed on facilitation, neutrality, and negotiation management
– Each mediation involves two mediators working together
– Scores are influenced by coordination and effectiveness
Important Dates and Timeline
– Commencement of Provisional Registration: 5 December 2025
– Last Date for Provisional Registration: 21 December 2025
– Final Registration Period: 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026
– Release of General Information (Prelims & Quarters): 3 January 2026
– Clarifications Deadline: 8 January 2026
– Clarifications Release: 11 January 2026
– Preliminary & Quarter-Final Rounds (Virtual): 18 January 2026
– Advanced Rounds Registration Deadline: 25 January 2026
– Advanced Rounds (Offline): 15 February 2026
Registration Details
Phase I: General Registration
– Provisional registration by universities must be completed by 21 December 2025
– Final registration and fee payment deadline: 2 January 2026
– Registration fee: ₹4,500 per team
– Fees are non-refundable and non-payment may lead to forfeiture of slot
Phase II: Advanced Rounds (Qualifiers Only)
– Applicable only to top 4 qualifying teams and mediators
– Confirmation deadline: 25 January 2026
– Additional fee: ₹3,000 per team
Accommodation
– Available for teams participating in offline rounds
– Registration required before 25 January 2026
– Cost: ₹750 per person per night
Awards and Prizes
The competition carries a total prize pool of ₹55,000 along with internship opportunities.
– Winner (Negotiating Team): ₹25,000 + Trophy + Certificate
– Runner-Up (Negotiating Team): ₹15,000 + Trophy + Certificate
– Winner (Mediator): ₹10,000 + Trophy + Certificate
– Runner-Up (Mediator): ₹5,000 + Trophy + Certificate
Contact Information
For queries and further details, participants may contact:
– Email: nualsnmc@nuals.ac.in
– Sankeerthana PS (Convenor): +91 62387 14408
– Adrian Aju Thomas (Co-Convenor): +91 99595 09292
