For law students looking to strengthen their research profile, build a publication record, and engage with contemporary policy debates, the Kautilya Society at National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi has opened submissions for the second edition of its flagship policy blog, Kautilya’s Take. The initiative offers students, academicians, researchers, and professionals an opportunity to publish analytical pieces on pressing legal, social, and governance-related issues while gaining exposure to policy-oriented writing.
The Kautilya Society was established through a collaboration between NUSRL Ranchi and the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy with the objective of encouraging informed discussions on law, governance, and public policy. Through research initiatives, publications, workshops, and policy engagement activities, the Society seeks to bridge the gap between legal education and real-world policymaking.
The latest edition of Kautilya’s Take invites original submissions on a wide range of contemporary themes including constitutional law, criminal justice reforms, technology and artificial intelligence, digital privacy, environmental governance, climate change, labour rights, healthcare policy, electoral reforms, gender justice, international relations, public administration, and emerging regulatory challenges. The platform particularly encourages interdisciplinary perspectives that connect law with governance, economics, technology, and social policy.
For students aspiring to careers in litigation, academia, judicial clerkships, public policy, think tanks, corporate advisory, or research institutions, publication opportunities such as these can significantly strengthen professional profiles. Recruiters and institutions increasingly value candidates who demonstrate strong analytical writing skills and the ability to critically engage with contemporary legal developments. A well-researched policy article often reflects not only subject knowledge but also the ability to communicate complex ideas in a structured and accessible manner.
According to the submission guidelines, manuscripts should be original, unpublished, and fall within the word limit of 1,500 to 2,000 words. Co-authorship is permitted for up to two authors. Hyperlink citations are preferred, while OSCOLA 4th Edition citation style may be used wherever hyperlinks are not feasible. Submissions will undergo a review process involving preliminary screening and editorial assessment before publication.
One of the notable aspects of Kautilya’s Take is its emphasis on accessible policy discourse. Unlike highly technical academic journals, the platform encourages contributors to present rigorous analysis in a manner that remains engaging and understandable for a wider audience. This makes it particularly suitable for students who are beginning their journey in legal and policy writing and wish to develop their research skills without being restricted by conventional academic formats.
Students often focus heavily on moot court competitions, internships, and examination preparation while overlooking publication opportunities that can substantially improve their academic and professional standing. Policy blogs and research platforms provide an excellent avenue to develop expertise in a chosen area of law, build a writing portfolio, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing public debates.
The submission window for the second edition will remain open from 18 June 2026 to 31 August 2026. Interested contributors are encouraged to identify contemporary legal or policy issues, undertake focused research, and present practical, solution-oriented perspectives supported by credible sources and legal analysis.
For young legal scholars and aspiring policy professionals, Kautilya’s Take presents more than just a publication opportunity. It offers a platform to engage with questions that shape governance, law reform, and public policy while developing skills that are increasingly essential in the modern legal profession.
Key Details
- Organiser: Kautilya Society, NUSRL Ranchi
- Publication: Kautilya’s Take (Second Edition)
- Eligibility: Students, academicians, researchers, and professionals
- Word Limit: 1,500–2,000 words
- Co-authorship: Allowed (maximum two authors)
- Submission Period: 18 June 2026 – 31 August 2026
- Citation Style: Hyperlinks preferred; OSCOLA where necessary
- Themes: Law, governance, public policy, technology, constitutional issues, environment, healthcare, labour rights, AI regulation, and other contemporary subjects
Students interested in legal research, policy writing, and academic publication may find this an excellent opportunity to showcase their ideas and contribute to meaningful discussions on issues affecting law and governance in India.
