RGNUL–SAM Legislative Drafting Challenge 2026 (Apply by 15 January 2026)
RGNUL–SAM Legislative Drafting Challenge 2026 (Apply by 15 January 2026)
The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab, through its specialised research body, the Centre for Advanced Studies in Cyber Law and Artificial Intelligence (CASCA), in collaboration with Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., is inviting student entries for the RGNUL–SAM Legislative Drafting Challenge 2026. This national competition revolves around the proposed Digital India Bill, a future-focused statute intended to govern India’s digital and technological ecosystem.
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About RGNUL
Founded in 2006 by an Act of the Punjab State Legislature, RGNUL is an autonomous National Law University that has earned national recognition for academic excellence and legal research. It was the first NLU to secure an ‘A’ grade from NAAC, later received autonomous status from the UGC, and is consistently placed among India’s top-ranked law schools under the NIRF rankings.
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About CASCA
The Centre for Advanced Studies in Cyber Law and Artificial Intelligence (CASCA) is RGNUL’s research and policy wing dedicated to exploring the legal dimensions of technology. The Centre focuses on digital governance, AI regulation, data protection, and emerging technologies, and brings together academics, practitioners, and students to develop research-backed solutions for modern regulatory challenges.
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About Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. (SAM) is a globally respected Indian law firm with a strong presence in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, technology law, data privacy, infrastructure, and regulatory advisory. The firm has been closely involved in major policy and legislative reforms and continues to contribute to shaping India’s evolving legal and business environment.
About the Competition
This competition is designed to give students hands-on experience in policy formulation and statutory drafting. Participants will draft legislative provisions relating to the Digital India Bill, focusing on issues such as digital platforms, cyber regulation, artificial intelligence, data governance, and connected technologies.
The programme encourages critical analysis, innovative thinking, and structured legal drafting, enabling participants to contribute meaningfully to India’s digital lawmaking process.
Competition Process
The contest will be conducted in two phases:
Phase One – Draft Evaluation
All submitted entries will first be assessed by CASCA. Selected drafts will then be reviewed by SAM & Co., after which seven teams will be shortlisted for the final round.
Phase Two – Campus Presentation
Shortlisted teams will be invited to RGNUL, Punjab, where they will present and justify their proposed legislative drafts before a panel of senior legal experts and SAM partners.
The best two teams will receive an opportunity to undertake a traineeship with the SAM Policy Team, which may be availed in later years as per the firm’s eligibility norms.
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Who Can Participate
The competition is open to undergraduate students from any recognised institution.
Students from any year of study may apply
Entries may be submitted individually or in teams of up to two
Interdisciplinary and inter-college teams are allowed
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Central Theme
The Digital India Bill (Proposed)
Suggested Focus Areas
Participants may choose to draft on any one of the following, or propose a related topic:
Regulation of online platforms and intermediaries
Protection against cyber offences
Legal oversight of artificial intelligence
Governance of non-personal data
Online consumer protection and digital trust
Security of Internet of Things (IoT) devices
These areas are indicative and participants are encouraged to explore new, original, and well-justified perspectives within the broader scope of the Digital India Bill.
Key Dates
Release of Competition Details – 18 December 2025
Registration Closes – 15 January 2026
Last Date for Submission – 05 February 2026 (11:59 PM)
Shortlisting Results – 15 February 2026
Final Presentations and Results – 05 March 2026
Registration and Fee
Participants must register using the official Google Form and upload proof of payment.
Fee: ₹500 per participant
Awards and Opportunities
Top Two Teams – Three-month traineeship with the SAM Policy Team (subject to eligibility)
Top Five Teams – Certificates of Merit
All Participants – Certificates of Participation
Best Three Drafts – Publication on the CASCA website
Participants invited to the final round will need to arrange their own travel and accommodation.
Contact Details
For queries or further information, write to:
casca@rgnul.ac.in
