BHU Wins National Moot Court Competition 2026

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) secured first place at the Association of Indian Universities National Moot Court Competition 2026, held at Integral University, Lucknow. The event witnessed participation from law students across the country, highlighting the growing importance of practical legal training in academic institutions. BHU’s victory reflects its strong performance in advocacy, legal research and courtroom presentation skills.

Competition Overview and Participation

The three-day event, conducted from April 9 to 11, brought together around 40 teams representing universities from across India. The preliminary and quarter-final rounds were held on April 10, followed by subsequent elimination rounds leading to the final. The competition provided a simulated courtroom environment, allowing participants to argue cases and showcase their legal acumen.

Top Performers and Awards

BHU emerged as the winner, receiving a cash prize of Rs 25,000 along with trophies and medals. Chandigarh University secured the runner-up position and was awarded Rs 11,000. Several special awards were also presented, recognising excellence in specific categories such as research, memorial drafting and oral advocacy. These accolades highlighted the diverse skill sets required in the legal profession.

Recognition Across Institutions

Ram Manohar Lohia University received the Best Researcher award, while the Army Institute of Law was recognised for the Best Memorial. Mallika Chadha from Lovely Professional University won the Best Speaker award. Other institutions, including Aligarh Muslim University, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University and Lucknow University, were acknowledged for their performance, particularly at the regional level.

Important Facts for Exams

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• Moot court competitions simulate real court proceedings for law students.
• Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is a key body coordinating higher education institutions in India.
• Integral University, Lucknow hosted the 2026 national moot court competition.

Importance of Moot Court Competitions

Legal experts emphasised that moot court competitions play a vital role in shaping future lawyers. They help students develop critical skills such as legal reasoning, public speaking, research and confidence in courtroom settings. The event also included a cultural evening, fostering interaction and collaboration among participants, thereby enhancing the overall academic and professional experience.