National Law School Debate | XXII Edition

The Literary and Debating Society of the National Law School of India University is organising the 22nd edition of the National Law School Debate from March 29 to 31, 2025 on the NLSIU Bengaluru campus.

Introduction and History

Started in 2002 with the aim of facilitating discourse on relevant topics amongst college students, the National Law School Debate (NLSD) quickly became one of the most prestigious debates in the country. The tournament has always drawn wide participation across South Asia, with previous participants including university teams from Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, etc. The 16th edition of the tournament saw a record 400 participants, making it the largest parliamentary debate in India. This rich legacy cements NLSD as one of the nation’s most coveted debating titles till date.

Event Details

The debate follows an Asian Parliamentary format, with two teams of three people each competing against each other. Students are required to formulate and deliver speeches on issues of contemporary relevance and social impact. Debate topics (‘motions’) are announced 30 minutes pre-debate, with the teams facing each other in duos: government vs. opposition.

The first two days will see approximately 40 teams compete in the preliminary rounds (known as in-rounds). Each team will participate in 5 in-rounds. On the basis of their performance in the in-rounds, the top 8 teams will qualify for the single elimination rounds (known as out-rounds). There is also a specific category of out-rounds for ‘Novice’ teams, giving speakers with less experience an additional opportunity to compete with teams at their own level. The best individual speakers (both in the ‘Open’ and the ‘Novice’ category), based on their performance in the in-rounds, will also get individual prizes.

Adjudicators

Previous editions of the NLSD have boasted decorated Core Adjudication Panels (CAPs), and the 22nd edition is no exception! The CAP comprises some of the most distinguished and experienced adjudicators, invited not only to judge debate rounds but also to craft the motions that teams will engage with.

Continuing our legacy, the 22nd edition of NLSD welcomes a stellar core panel consisting of Bea Legaspi (from Philippines), Raymond Kimura (from Malaysia) and Namita Pandey and Aniket Patra (from India). With this year’s panel featuring three WUDC-breaking speakers, one WUDC Finals Panelist, one ABP Grand Finals Panelist, two Australs CAP members, and two UADC CAP members, the tournament promises a level of adjudication excellence that few competitions can match.

Further, the in-rounds will also see the participation of Competing Adjudicators, who judge debates and receive feedback and scores from teams based on their oral adjudications. The best competing adjudicators will have the opportunity to judge out-rounds as well, with a prize for the Best Adjudicator.

Registration Details

Registrations for the 22nd NLSD are open here.