The ADR Cell of the School of Law, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru is inviting law students to register for ACCORDO 2.0, the Intercollegiate Mediation Competition 2026, which has a total prize pool of ₹75,000 and is held in hybrid mode.

About the Organisers

Kristu Jayanti University was established in 1999, gained autonomous status in 2013 and was conferred the status of Deemed to be University by the Ministry of Education on 8 July 2025. It was reaccredited with an A++ grade by NAAC in 2021 and ranked 34th in NIRF 2025. Its School of Law was established in 2017 and offers the five-year integrated programmes B.A. LL.B. (H), B.Com. LL.B. (H) and B.B.A. LL.B. (H), along with an LL.M. programme. In the India Today-MDRA Survey of Best Colleges in India 2026, it was ranked 5th among law colleges in Bengaluru and 26th nationally. The ADR Cell of the School of Law promotes awareness and practical knowledge of alternative dispute resolution among students through mediation competitions, workshops, ADR summits and expert sessions with legal professionals, certified mediators and judges.

Eligibility

• Open to students enrolled in a 3-year or 5-year law programme at universities/colleges recognised by the Bar Council of India
• Each team must have three members from the same institution: one Mediator, one Client and one Counsel
• The Client and Counsel together form the Mediating Pair
• Cross-institutional teams are not permitted
• A maximum of two teams per college/institution may participate
• After final registration, no team may change its composition or assigned roles during any round
• Teams cannot be accompanied by a coach or instructor
• Any change to the eligibility criteria is at the discretion of the ADR Cell

Competition details

• Purpose: To help law students develop and demonstrate mediation, negotiation and dialogue skills while handling challenging dispute-resolution scenarios and competing with students from institutions across India
• Mode: Hybrid, with the preliminary rounds online and the advanced rounds offline at the School of Law, Kristu Jayanti, Bengaluru
• Preliminary rounds: All registered teams compete in two online rounds of 30 minutes each
• Pre-quarter finals: The top 20 teams advance, offline, for 30 minutes
• Quarter finals: The top 8 teams advance in a knock-out format, offline, for 30 minutes
• Semi-finals: 4 teams compete in a knock-out format, offline, for 45 minutes
• Final round: The final 2 teams compete offline for 60 minutes
• Confidential Information (CI) for the preliminary rounds is released by email 15 minutes before each round
• CI for the pre-quarter finals, quarter finals, semi-finals and final is released 30 minutes before each round
• Clarifications on the preliminary problem could be sought by email to adrcell@kristujayanti.com on or before 8 October 2026, and responses are sent to the primary contact person by 10 October 2026
• Participants must follow the competition rules, maintain professional decorum and must not directly approach or contact the judges
• Electronic devices are prohibited during rounds, and the judges’ decision is final and binding
• The official language is English, and the dress code is business formal with a black blazer
• Participants must carry their College ID Card and a Bonafide Certificate for verification
• Any attempt to approach the problem framers or judges before the competition may lead to immediate disqualification without appeal
• Grievances must be presented to the Grievance Committee or Organising Committee, whose decision is final and binding
• Teams are identified by their alphanumeric Team Codes throughout the competition
• Misconduct, rule violations or indiscipline towards judges, organisers, volunteers or staff may lead to disqualification
• Accommodation details and payment information are shared with teams qualifying for the advanced rounds
• Dormitory accommodation is available at ₹112 per participant per night, with separate arrangements for male and female participants, and is not provided to teams from within Bengaluru
• Venue: School of Law, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Central Campus, K. Narayanapura, Kothanur PO, Bengaluru – 560077, Karnataka
• The campus is about 25 km from Kempegowda International Airport, 11.2 km from K.R. Puram Railway Station and 10 km from Baiyappanahalli Metro Station

Prize and fee details

• Total prize pool: ₹75,000
• Best Mediating Pair: ₹30,000
• Best Mediator: ₹15,000
• Runners-Up Mediating Pair: ₹20,000
• Runners-Up Mediator: ₹10,000
• Participation certificates are issued to all participants
• Registration fee for the preliminary rounds: ₹2,000 per team, which is non-refundable once paid
• Additional fee for the advanced rounds: ₹3,000 per qualifying team
• Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and payment is by bank transfer/UPI, with details shared after provisional registration is confirmed
• After registration, teams receive a confirmation email from the ADR Cell and a unique Team Code
• Commencement of registrations: 10 September 2026
• Closure of registration: 12 October 2026 (extended from 7 October 2026)
• Release of preliminary problem: 8 October 2026
• Release of clarifications: 10 October 2026
• Inaugural and preliminary rounds (virtual): 15 October 2026
• Advanced rounds (offline): 27 and 28 October 2026
• Valedictory ceremony: 28 October 2026
• Email: adrcell@kristujayanti.com
• Faculty coordinators: Ms. Navya G, +91 94878 63037, and Ms. Binitha M Abi, +91 81369 32286
• Student coordinators: Ms. Neha B, +91 63699 04286, and Mr. Alok Kizekethil Gopinath, +91 80754 48347
• The official brochure is available by clicking here

How to apply

Interested candidates may apply by clicking here and registering through the official registration link provided in the competition brochure on or before 12 October 2026.

Brochure: Click Here