NUALS National Trial Advocacy Competition 2026
About NUALS Kochi
NUALS Kochi is the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, a public law school in Kerala, India, established in 2005 by the Kerala State Legislature. It is a premier institution for legal education, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs, with admissions largely through the CLAT entrance exam. NUALS has a focus on research-driven learning and constitutional values and is recognised by the UGC and BCI.
About the Centre for Law and Development at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi
The Centre for Law and Development at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi, is dedicated to advancing legal developments in our nation. Committed to policy formulation and socio-legal research, the Centre addresses key developmental issues and public welfare needs while meeting international standards.
Through initiatives like the Trial Advocacy Workshops, Mock Trials, the National Securities Law Moot, and a series of Special Lectures covering topics like Insolvency and Bankruptcy, Mergers and Acquisitions, etc., the Centre fosters a deeper understanding of critical legal subjects. Guided by its dedicated Director, it continues to advance its mission in the legal domain.
About NTAC 2026
NUALS NTAC 2026 bridges academic knowledge with real-world litigation by offering an experience true to actual criminal trial proceedings. Participants navigate every stage of a trial, from opening statements to examination-in-chief, cross-examination, objections, and closing arguments.
The competition aims to:
- Strengthen trial advocacy and litigation skills
- Enhance understanding of criminal procedure and evidence
- Develop analytical thinking and courtroom presence
- Encourage adaptive reasoning through unpredictable trial dynamics
Theme And Competition Structure
Phase I – Online Qualifier Rounds
- Conducted via Google Meet
- Only Researchers appear
- 15-minute oral interview focusing on criminal procedure, evidence, and hypotheticals
- Panels evaluate understanding, application of law, clarity, and composure
- The top 16 teams qualify for Phase II
- Awards for Best Researcher and Best Researcher Runners Up are based solely on this round
Phase II – Advanced Rounds (Offline At NUALS)
- Includes:
- Two Preliminary Rounds
- Quarter Finals
- Semi Finals
- Final Round
- Teams argue on both the Prosecution and Defence sides
- Witnesses are provided and assigned by the organisers
- Participants conduct:
- Opening Statements
- Examination-in-Chief
- Cross-Examination
- Objections
- Closing Arguments
The advanced rounds simulate an authentic courtroom trial flow under strict time limits and evaluation criteria.
Eligibility & Team Composition
- Open to all law schools/colleges recognised by the Bar Council of India
- Only LL.B. students (3-year or 5-year programme) may participate
- Each team: 2–3 members (Two Speakers + One Researcher)
- No changes in team composition after registration, except with formal approval
- Strict anonymity rule throughout the competition
Registration Fees
- ₹2,360 — Base fee for all registering teams
- ₹3,540 — Additional fee for the 16 teams advancing to Phase II
- Fees are non-refundable.
Prizes
NUALS NTAC 2026 offers one of the highest prize pools among trial advocacy events in India:
- Best Trial Advocacy Team — ₹36,000 + Trophy
- Best Trial Advocacy Team Runners-Up — ₹24,000 + Trophy
- Best Trial Advocate — ₹10,000 + Trophy
- Best Trial Advocate Runner-Up — ₹7,500 + Trophy
- Best Researcher — ₹7,500 + Trophy (Based on Online Qualifier Rounds)
- Best Researcher Runners-Up — ₹5,000 + Trophy (Based on Online Qualifier Rounds)
Additionally:
- Certificates of Merit for Top 16 teams
- Digital Participation Certificates for all teams
Important Dates
| Event | Dates |
| Registration Begins | 25 Nov 2025 |
| Release of Trial Proposition | 10 Dec 2025 |
| Last Date for Registration | 25 Dec 2025 |
| Online Qualifier Rounds | 10 Jan 2026 |
| Qualifier Results Announced | 12 Jan 2026 |
| Clarification Window | 12–15 Jan 2026 |
| Final Clarifications Released | 18 Jan 2026 |
| Last Date for Advanced Round Fee | 20 Jan 2026 |
| Advanced Rounds (Offline) | 30 Jan – 1 Feb 2026 |
Contact & Official Handles
Programme Convenor
- Mr Sidharth V: +91 85909 64340
Programme Co-Convenors
- Ms Anju S. Ghosh: +91 79945 35553
- Ms Shenaz Biju: +91 99457 45384
Registration (and Related Queries)
- Ms Kathu Jith P: +91 89210 80135
- Ms Navami K: +91 91880 65029
Official Email: cldntac@nuals.ac.in
The brochure and registration form are here
The moot proposition is here
