Annual Maroof Raza Memorial Essay Writing Competition 2026
Security & Geopolitical Affairs in a Fragmenting World Order.
A tribute to the enduring legacy of Maroof Raza — inviting young minds to think critically about the evolving security landscape and contribute fresh ideas on issues of national and global importance.
A tribute to an enduring legacy.
The Annual Maroof Raza Memorial Essay Writing Competition 2026, organised by the Maroof Raza Centre for Security Studies (MRCSS) & IIRIS Consulting, is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Maroof Raza — one of India's foremost strategic affairs experts, respected national security commentator, and a valued advisor to IIRIS Consulting.
The competition aims to encourage young minds to think critically about the evolving security landscape and contribute fresh ideas on issues of national and global importance. It provides a platform for participants to showcase their research, analytical thinking, and writing skills while engaging with contemporary challenges in security, geopolitics, defence, technology, and public policy.
Whether you aspire to build a career in strategic affairs, defence, diplomacy, intelligence, cybersecurity, law, public policy, or research — this competition offers an opportunity to share your perspectives and be recognised on a national platform.
Security & Geopolitical Affairs in a Fragmenting World Order
Recognition for exceptional writing.
The competition will recognise the following award categories:
The organisers reserve the right to determine the eligibility of submissions for the respective award categories.
Award Ceremony
The winners will receive their awards from the Chief Guest during the Times Secure India Summit 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
Open to young scholars across India.
Open to all backgrounds
The competition is open to Indian citizens from any educational or professional background — students, working professionals, researchers, and individuals from all disciplines.
Students
Undergraduate & postgraduate
Professionals
Working in any sector
Researchers
Academic & independent
Policy Enthusiasts
Public policy & governance
Strategic Affairs
Defence & security studies
Proof of age and enrolment required during the evaluation process.
Craft with rigour and originality.
Follow the submission requirements carefully. Entries that do not comply may be disqualified.
Word Count: 800–1,000 words
Entries exceeding 1,000 words may lead to automatic evaluation penalties or disqualification.
Language: English
The essay is to be written and submitted in English.
Original & Unpublished
Submissions must be the participant's original, unpublished work. Plagiarism or AI-generated text will be flagged. AI-assisted writing is permitted only up to 20% of content.
Format: .doc / .docx
Essays must be submitted in Microsoft Word format with a suitable title.
Credible References
Factual claims should be supported with credible references and citations.
One Entry Per Participant
Only one entry per participant will be accepted.
Deadline Strictly Enforced
Entries received after 30 September 2026 will not be considered.
Organisers' Rights
The organisers reserve the right to verify originality and amend competition rules if required.
Eligibility
- Open to Indian citizens only.
- No restrictions on educational qualification or institutional affiliation.
- Participants must meet the age criteria (18–35 years).
Essay Submission
- One original essay per participant on the prescribed theme.
- Submit in .doc / .docx format within the deadline.
- All data, statistics, and quotations must be supported by credible references.
- Participants are responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of their submissions.
Evaluation & Selection
- All essays reviewed by a Technical Committee for shortlisting.
- Shortlisted essays independently evaluated by the Assessment Board.
- Finalists may be required to present their essay and participate in a Q&A.
- Valid identification (Aadhaar, PAN) required for shortlisted participants.
Rights & Originality
- MRCSS may use submitted essays for publication, dissemination, or promotional use.
- Due credit will always be given to the writer.
- Plagiarism, fabricated information, or misrepresented sources will result in disqualification.
- Submission constitutes acceptance of all rules and decisions of MRCSS.
File Naming Convention:
Name your file exactly as:
WriterName_EssayName_DateOfSubmissionExample: RashmiManuja_SecurityInAFragmentingWorld_30Sep2026
Required Documents
Participants must submit the following documents along with their essay:
Assessed by distinguished experts.
All entries will be evaluated by an independent jury comprising distinguished experts from academia, strategic affairs, national security, defence, and allied fields.
Jury members will be announced shortly.
Essays will be assessed on:
Time is of the essence.
30 September 2026
Send your essay & required documents.
Email your completed essay
Submit your essay along with the required documents by email before the deadline.