
The Centre for Studies in International Trade and International Investment Laws (CITIL), Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur is organizing the CITIL Article Writing Competition, 2025 on the theme 'Dispute Resolution in International Investment Law: Innovations and Reforms.'
The competition aims to encourage critical scholarship and innovative thinking among law students and young researchers, focusing on the evolving landscape of investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS).
With global discussions on ISDS reforms, particularly under UNCITRAL Working Group III, the competition provides an avenue for participants to explore alternative mechanisms, transparency, and fairness in investment arbitration.
Indicative Sub-Themes
Reforming ISDS: Comparative Legal and Institutional Innovations
UNCITRAL Working Group III: Trends, Challenges, and State Practice
India’s Model BIT in Transition: Substantive Provisions and Investor Protections
Regional Approaches to Investment Dispute Resolution
Balancing Regulatory Autonomy with Investor Rights
Role of Appellate Mechanisms and Advisory Centres in ISDS Reform
The Impact of Technology on Investment Dispute Resolution
Note: The sub-themes are suggestive; participants may write on any topic within the main theme.
Eligibility
Undergraduate Law Students: Enrolled in a 3-year or 5-year LL.B. programme.
Postgraduate Law Students: Enrolled in LL.M. or equivalent postgraduate law programmes.
Submission Guidelines
Word Limit: 2,000–3,500 words (excluding footnotes)
Citation Style: Harvard Bluebook (21st Edition) or Manu Citation
Co-Authorship: Permitted (up to two authors)
Plagiarism: Papers exceeding 15% similarity will be disqualified
Use of AI tools: Strictly prohibited.
Note: Entries must adhere to Manupatra’s submission guidelines.
Important dates
Registration Opens: October 18, 2025
Last Date of Registration: November 30, 2025
Last Date for Submission: December 22, 2025
Declaration of Results: Last week of January 2026 (Tentative)
Awards and Publication Opportunities
1st Prize: Complimentary access to one Manupatra Academy course of the winner’s choice
2nd Prize: 75% discount on one Manupatra Academy course
3rd Prize: 50% discount on one Manupatra Academy course
All Participants: 15% discount on one Manupatra Academy course
The Top 10 articles will be published on the Manupatra Article Section, offering visibility to a national academic and professional audience.
Registration Details
Single Author Submission: ₹250 per article
Co-Authored Submission: ₹400 per article (maximum two authors)
Mode of Payment: Non-refundable; payable at registration
Link to make payment can be found here
For further details drop an email to citicourse@mpdnlu.ac.in or contact
Director, CITIL, Assistant Professor, Utkarsh K Mishra
utkarsh@mpdnlu.ac.in
Assistant Librarian, Dr Sheela Bhadra Yadav
asstlib@mpdnlu.ac.in
Convenor, CITIL, Suryansh Pandey
suryansh099-21@mpdnlu.ac.in | +91 6260995890
Co-Convenor, CITIL, Aditi Mishra
aditi007-22@mpdnlu.ac.in | +91 7999056841
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