Annual Maroof Raza Memorial Essay Writing Competition 2026
Security and Geopolitical Affairs in a Fragmenting World Order.
An invitation to India's next generation of strategic thinkers to examine the forces reshaping national security, alliances, and global order and to contribute an original voice to the discourse.
Legacy of Maroof Raza
A voice that shaped India's strategic conversation for a generation.
Maroof Raza was one of India's foremost strategic affairs experts, a respected national security commentator, and a valued advisor to IIRIS Consulting. Through his distinguished career, he made significant contributions to the discourse on defence, geopolitics, and national security while inspiring generations of students, professionals, and policymakers to think seriously about the world.
To honour his enduring legacy, this competition invites young minds to engage with the complex challenges shaping the future of global security.
A platform for informed dialogue on strategic affairs.
The Maroof Raza Centre for Security Studies (MRCSS), an initiative of IIRIS Consulting, announces the Annual Maroof Raza Memorial Essay Writing Competition 2026 aimed at encouraging critical thinking, research, and informed dialogue among students on issues that shape national and global security.
As geopolitical realities continue to evolve, understanding the intersection of security, diplomacy, technology, economics, and international relations has become increasingly important. Whether you aspire to build a career in defence, diplomacy, intelligence, cybersecurity, public policy, law, risk management, or academia this platform is designed to recognise original thought and encourage scholarly excellence.
MRCSS
Advancing knowledge in national security, strategic affairs, and risk management.
Global Discourse
A shared space for young scholars to contribute evidence-based arguments.
Original Thought
Recognising scholarly excellence and rigorous, well-researched perspectives.
Career Gateway
A step towards defence, diplomacy, policy, intelligence, and academia.
Security and Geopolitical Affairs in a Fragmenting World Order
Unprecedented shifts in power, emerging security threats, technological disruption, economic uncertainty, and changing alliances the international landscape is being redrawn in real time.
Open to students in India.
The competition is open to students currently enrolled in recognised programmes. Proof of enrolment may be requested during the evaluation process.
Undergraduate
Enrolled in a recognised bachelor's programme.
Postgraduate
Enrolled in a recognised master's programme.
Diploma
Enrolled in a recognised diploma programme.
Doctoral
Enrolled in a recognised research or PhD programme.
Fields of study we welcome
Students across these disciplines are encouraged to participate.
Craft with rigour and originality.
Follow the submission requirements carefully. Entries that do not comply may be disqualified.
Original & Unpublished
Essays must be entirely the participant's own work and must not have been published previously in any form.
Maximum 1,000 Words
Concise, well-argued essays are preferred. Word count includes body text; title and references are excluded.
DOC or DOCX Format
Submit only in Microsoft Word format. Include an appropriate title reflecting the argument of your essay.
AI Usage ≤ 20%
AI-assisted writing is permitted only up to 20% of the content. Exceeding this may lead to disqualification.
Credible References
Factual claims should be supported by credible references. Cite consistently in a recognised style.
Clarity & Coherence
Maintain clarity, objectivity, and logical flow. Language and presentation are part of the evaluation.
Recognition for exceptional writing.
Winners will be invited to the Times Secure India Summit 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre Auditorium, New Delhi, to receive their awards from the Chief Guest.
Time is of the essence.
21 August 2026 · 23:59 IST
Ready to contribute?
Send your essay by email
Please ensure your submission is sent before the deadline. Late entries will not be considered. Only one entry per participant is accepted.
Distinguished experts will evaluate.
Entries will be assessed by a jury comprising experts from academia, strategic affairs, security, and related domains. The decision of the jury shall be final and binding.