The Councils

Choose Your
Arena.

Each council covers a distinct domain of global affairs. All four run through the same five-round structure — what changes is the topic, the bloc dynamics, and the stakes. Study your council's background guide before you walk in.

ERT
ERT
Economic Round Table
International Economics & Trade Policy
Agenda / Topic
To Be Announced
Trade Policy Debt Crisis Climate Finance Global Markets
SHC
SHC
Social & Humanitarian Council
Human Rights & Humanitarian Affairs
Agenda / Topic
To Be Announced
Refugee Crisis Gender Equality Child Rights Humanitarian Law
TIF
TIF
Flagship Committee
Tech & Innovation Forum
Technology, AI & Digital Governance
Agenda / Topic
To Be Announced
AI Regulation Cybersecurity Digital Rights Tech Governance
PCC
PCC
Political & Cultural Council
Geopolitics & Cultural Diplomacy
Agenda / Topic
To Be Announced
Geopolitics Cultural Heritage Soft Power Diplomacy

Competition Structure

Five Rounds.
Two Days.

All four committees run through the same five-round progressive structure. Each round tests a distinct set of oratory, adaptability, and governance skills — growing in intensity from Oxford-style debate on Day 1 to a full Parliamentary Final on Day 2.

Day One
7 August 2026 — Rounds 1 & 2
Round 01
Oxford Style Debate
All teams · Qualifying round
Format 2 speakers + 1 interjector
Speech Duration 4 min / speaker
Rebuttal 1 min open rebuttal after each speech
Qualify Top 5 teams per council
Rules & Procedure
Two speakers per team — one arguing for the motion, one against.
One interjector per team, recognised from the open floor during rebuttal time after each speech.
Each speaker is allocated 4 minutes. A bell will signal the end of speaking time.
Following each speech, there is a 1-minute open rebuttal period where interjections are recognised.
Evaluation focus: argument clarity, responsiveness to opposition, speaker presence, and audience engagement.
Judgment: the top 5 teams per council, ranked by cumulative scores across both speakers, advance to Round 2.
Format 2 speakers per team
Speech Duration 6 min total (3+3)
Pool Structure 4 pools across all councils
Qualify Top 2 teams per pool
Rules & Procedure
Each team nominates 2 speakers for this round. The team decides internally which members participate.
All qualified teams from every council are distributed across 4 pools.
Each speaker speaks for 6 minutes total: 3 minutes for the motion — a bell is sounded — then the speaker must immediately switch to argue against the same motion for 3 minutes.
The "turncoat" switch is mandatory. Failure to switch sides upon the bell is a procedural violation.
Evaluation focus: argument clarity, adaptability, understanding of the topic, speaker presence, and engagement.
Judgment: the top 2 teams per pool, by cumulative score across both speakers, qualify for Round 3.
Day Two
8 August 2026 — Rounds 3, 4 & 5
The Two Forums
Forum I
U.S. Executive Leadership Debate
Forum II
British Governance Conclave
Format 4v4 · Government vs Opposition
Speakers per team 2 per forum
Speaking time 4 min 30 sec / speaker
Bench allocation Random draw of chits
Qualify Winner of each forum (2 teams)
Rules & Procedure
Eight teams are split across two parallel forums — 4 teams per forum, debating simultaneously.
Each forum features a 4v4 debate with teams divided into Government and Opposition benches. Allocation is by random draw of chits under the Organising Committee's supervision.
Each team is represented by 2 speakers in each forum. Speaking time is 4 minutes 30 seconds per speaker.
Standard rules of engagement, rebuttal, and decorum applicable to the competition remain in force.
The winning team from each forum advances to the Semi-Finals. Two teams qualify in total.
Format Parliamentary · 3v3
Venues 2 simultaneous debates
Allocation Coin toss
Rebuttal 2 min after each speaker
Speaking Order & Time
Speaker
Time
Notes
Principal Speaker
5 min
Opens the debate for their side
Second Speaker
4 min
Extends & supports arguments
Third Speaker
4 min
Rebuttal focus & consolidation
Principal Speaker (Summing Up)
4 min
Final summary — no new arguments
+ Rebuttal after each speaker
2 min
Open floor rebuttal
Rules & Procedure
Four teams are split across two venues, with two parallel head-to-head debates conducted simultaneously under identical rules, motions, and time limits.
Team allocation to venues is determined by a coin toss conducted under Organising Committee supervision.
Each team deploys 3 speakers: Principal, Second, and Third. The Principal Speaker also delivers a summing-up speech at the end.
After every speaker concludes their remarks, there is a 2-minute open rebuttal period.
The winner of each venue's debate is declared the pool winner for that venue and advances to the Final.
Format Parliamentary · 3v3
Teams 2 finalists
Venue Main Auditorium
Rebuttal 2 min after each speaker
Speaking Order & Time
Speaker
Time
Notes
Principal Speaker
5 min
Opens the debate for their side
Second Speaker
4 min
Extends & supports arguments
Third Speaker
4 min
Rebuttal focus & consolidation
Principal Speaker (Summing Up)
4 min
Final summary — no new arguments
+ Rebuttal after each speaker
2 min
Open floor rebuttal
Rules & Procedure
The two finalist teams compete in a single head-to-head debate at the final venue of the competition.
The debate is conducted under identical rules, motions, and time limits as the Semi-Finals to ensure complete parity.
Each team deploys 3 speakers: Principal, Second, and Third. The Principal Speaker also delivers the summing-up speech.
After every speaker concludes, there is a 2-minute open floor rebuttal period.
At the conclusion, the winning team — as determined by the judging panel — is declared the Winner of Jaipuria Symposium 2026.
Important Notes for Participants
  1. Use of AI will be strictly prohibited throughout the debate as well as the preparation time. Participants found using AI will be disqualified.
  2. Participants will not be allowed to use personal phones during the preparation time and during the debate.
  3. Teacher-escorts will not be allowed to meet the participants during the preparation time.
  4. Teacher-escorts will remain in the auditorium and will be allowed to witness the debate.

Ready to Compete?

Five Rounds Await.
Register Now.

Secure your school's spot at Jaipuria Symposium 2026. Registration closes 31 July 2026.

Register Your School Download Background Guides