1st Asian Parliamentary Debate | GD Goenka University, Sohna | Register Now!

About GD Goenka University

GD Goenka University is a premier multidisciplinary institution redefining education with a forward-looking approach. Offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, the university equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in a dynamic global economy. Committed to academic excellence, research, and holistic development, it fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and social responsibility. A leader in implementing NEP 2020, the university comprises 8 schools, hosting 6000+ students and 11,000+ alumni from over 45 countries. Recognized by UGC, BCI, and ICAR, and rated "Diamond" by QS I-GAUGE, it is a member of AIU, ACU, and IAU.

About the School of Law

The School of Law at GD Goenka University offers clinical legal education tailored to industry needs. Its innovative curriculum includes specializations in Cyber Law, Artificial Intelligence and Law, IPR, Arbitration and Mediation, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, and International Trade. Students can pursue dual specializations such as IPR with Corporate Law or Criminal Law with Cyber Law. Ranked among North India’s top law schools by Legal World and Outlook Rankings 2023, it was named India’s "Most Promising Law School" by Competition Success Review 2024.

About Pro Bono Club

The Pro Bono Club at the School of Law, GD Goenka University, is established under the Nyaya Bandhu initiative of the Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India. It promotes access to justice through legal awareness drives, community outreach, and legal aid activities. The Club empowers students to engage with underserved communities, fostering social responsibility and practical legal skills.

About The Legal Lock

The Legal Lock is a leading educational platform dedicated to empowering law students, academicians, and professionals through legal resources, competitions, and learning opportunities. It regularly organises national-level events, workshops, and publications to promote legal awareness and skill development. As a co‑organiser of APD 2025, The Legal Lock brings its expertise in event management, outreach, and academic excellence to enhance the quality and reach of the competition.

About the event

The Pro Bono Club at the School of Law, GD Goenka University, in collaboration with “The Ministry of Law & Justice”, with Knowledge partner “The Legal Lock” presents the “Asian Parliamentary Debate (APD) 2025”; an exciting and intellectually stimulating competition designed to encourage critical thinking, persuasive communication, and structured argumentation. The Asian Parliamentary (AP) debate format is one of the most popular debating styles in Indian universities. It follows a 3 vs 3 structure (Government vs Opposition) and is modeled on the British parliamentary tradition but simplified for accessibility. Each side presents constructive speeches, rebuttals, and points of information, focusing on logical reasoning, policy analysis, and persuasion.

PRIZES & CERTIFICATES 

• Best Adjudicator: Cash Prize Rs.10,000 with Trophy, Certificate and The Legal Lock Pro Subscription for two months.
• 1^st Best Speaker: Cash Prize Rs. 8,000 with Trophy, Certificate and The Legal Lock Pro Subscription for two months.
• Runner Up Best Speaker: Cash Prize Rs. 6,000 with Trophy, Certificate and The Legal Lock Pro Subscription for two months.

Note: 

1. All the participating team members shall be issued Certificate of Participation.

2. Evaluation of adjudicators is subjected to the discretion of organizers.

3. Certificate of participation will be provided to the adjudicators.

4. At any point of conflict, the decision of the administration will be final & binding. 

5. Any or all of the above rules, regulations, and guidelines are subject to change at the discretion of the organizers. 

DETAILS OF EVENT

Events
Event Name	Date
Inauguration Ceremony (Online)	19/09/2025
Adjudicator’s Test (Online)	19/09/2025
Preliminary I & Preliminary II (Online)	19/09/2025
Semi Final Round & Final Round (On Campus)	27/09/2025
Valedictory Ceremony (On Campus)	27/09/2025

REGISTRATION FEES 

Indian Participants
Date	Amount	Team Composition
Registrations will be closed on 18th September, 2025	1200/- Per Team	04 person per Team
Registrations of Independent Adjudicators will be closed on 18th September, 2025	300/-	Individual

DATE AND VENUE

The competition is planned to be conducted over two days, following a hybrid format with the preliminary rounds being held online and the semi-finals & finals will be conducted offline on campus.

PRELIMINARY ROUNDS (ONLINE)

Date: 19th September 2025

Mode: Virtual (Online Platform - details to be shared with registered participants)

Details: Two preliminary rounds will be conducted on this day. Participants must ensure stable internet connectivity and availability as per the schedule that will be shared in advance.

SEMI-FINALS & FINALS (OFFLINE)

Date: 27th September 2025

Venue: GRG Moot Court Hall, GD Goenka University, Gurugram

Timing: Semi-Finals- 09:30 AM- 11:00 AM, Finals- 11:30 PM-1:30 PM

Valedictory: 2:30 PM- 03:00 PM

Details: Shortlisted teams from the preliminary rounds will compete in the semi-final and final rounds on-campus. All participants qualifying for the offline stage are expected to be present physically at the venue on the scheduled date. The university campus will host and facilitate the offline proceedings.

Note: All dates are tentative and subject to change under exceptional circumstances. Any such changes will be communicated promptly to all concerned parties.

Click Here to Register Now!

ELIGIBILITY

The competition is open to all Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) students from recognised institutions, and each institution may register multiple teams subject to the availability of slots.

ORGANISING TEAM

Chairperson: Dr. Aneesha PR, Dean School of Law, GD Goenka University

Convenor: Dr. Kriti Kaushik, Assistant Professor, School of Law, GD Goenka University

Co-convenor: Ms. Heena Parveen, Assistant Professor, School of Law, GD Goenka University

For any clarifications, please write to us at: probonoclub@gdgu.org