Mediation Scholar Programme | The Mediation Society

Mediation Scholars Programme 2026

An initiative of The Mediation Society to identify, train and nurture promising law students with the aptitude, interest and potential to develop as mediation professionals.

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At A Glance

Up to 120 Full Mediation Training Scholarships | 60 hours of structured mediation education and practical training | Online and Offline Learning | 3 Regional Centres — Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam & Kozhikode | No application, tuition or training fee | Applications: 24 September – 15 October 2026 | Programme Period: October 2026 – January 2027

Investing in the Future of Mediation

Every profession invests in its future by investing in its young people. Mediation should be no different.

The Mediation Scholars Programme is an initiative of The Mediation Society to identify, train and nurture promising law students with the interest, aptitude and potential to develop as mediation professionals.

The idea is to reach students early in their legal education so that they can apply what they learn during the remainder of their law studies—in classrooms, competitions, internships, student activities and other professional settings—and eventually carry that understanding into the legal profession and the wider mediation ecosystem.

The inaugural Mediation Scholars Programme 2026 will offer up to 120 full Mediation Training Scholarships to eligible law students studying in Kerala.

The Mediation Scholars Programme is designed and administered by the Professional Development Division of The Mediation Society.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to students presently studying in a recognised law college or law school in Kerala who are:

in the Third or Fourth Year of a Five-Year LL.B. programme; or
in the Second Year of a Three-Year LL.B. programme.

There is no Kerala domicile requirement. Students from outside Kerala who are presently studying in an eligible law college or law school in the State may apply.

Previous mediation, negotiation or ADR training or competition experience is also not required.

Applicants must, however, be willing and able to complete the full 60-hour Programme, including its online learning, practical workshops, guided learning and assessment, professional interactions and other prescribed requirements.

Language of Instruction: The Programme will be conducted bilingually in English and Malayalam. While learning materials and parts of the instruction will be in English, Malayalam will also be used substantially during lectures, practical workshops and interactions. Applicants should therefore have a working understanding of both English and Malayalam to participate effectively in the Programme.

The Scholarship

The Society will offer up to 120 full Mediation Training Scholarships for the inaugural Programme.

There is no application fee, tuition fee or training fee payable by a selected Scholarship Recipient.

The Scholarship covers the prescribed 60-hour Programme, including training and academic components, faculty and trainer costs, programme learning activities, practical training and assessment.

Each Scholarship has an estimated training value of ₹22,500. This represents the value of the training and programme support being provided and is not a cash payment or stipend to the recipient.

Travel, accommodation, meals and other personal or incidental expenses associated with participation in the Programme are not covered and must be borne by participants.

The 60-hour Programme

The Mediation Scholars Programme is a structured 60-hour mediation education and practical training programme, designed to move from understanding mediation to applying its principles and skills in practice. The Programme will be conducted bilingually in English and Malayalam.

The Programme comprises five components:

Online Learning Sessions - 18 hours
Practical Workshops - 24 hours
Guided Learning, Exercises & Assessment - 9 hours
Interactions with Senior Mediation Professionals - 6 hours
Mediation in Action — Society Engagement - 3 hours

Online Learning

The online learning component will take participants through a structured progression covering: Orientation → Prelude to Mediation → Context of Mediation → Idea of Mediation → Choice of Mediation → Start of Mediation → Mediation Process (4 Sessions) → End of Mediation → After the End of Mediation → Mediation and the Lawyer.

Practical Workshops

Practical training is a substantial part of the Programme and will include exercises, simulations and applied learning. The workshop sequence will broadly address: Idea of Mediation → Choice of Mediation → Mediation Agreements → Mediation Process (2 Sessions) → Mediated Settlement Agreements.

The initial practical workshops will be conducted virtually in regional cohorts, followed by an intensive in-person regional workshop for each cohort. The in-person regional workshops are proposed to be conducted at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. The Society will designate the regional centre for each Scholarship Recipient, taking programme arrangements and the recipient's location into account.

Guided Learning, Exercises & Assessment

The Programme will include continuing learning activities and assessment, which may include exercises, quizzes, simulations, reflective work and other practical activities. Successful completion of the prescribed training and assessment requirements is necessary to earn recognition as a Mediation Scholar.

Interactions with Senior Mediation Professionals

Scholars will have opportunities to interact with senior mediation professionals from across India, providing exposure to mediation practice, professional perspectives and the developing mediation ecosystem.

Mediation in Action

The Programme will also provide structured exposure to The Mediation Society's work and mediation activities. Depending upon the nature and requirements of individual activities, this may include appropriate engagement with Society projects, research and knowledge initiatives, community activities and other mediation-related work.

What Do Scholars Receive?

The Mediation Scholars Programme incorporates the Foundational and Intermediate stages of The Mediation Society's Mediation Masterclass.

Subject to successful completion of the applicable requirements, participants will receive:

Mediation Masterclass — Foundational & Intermediate (Assessed) Certificate; and
Mediation Scholars Programme Certificate, recognising successful completion of the full Programme and conferring recognition as a Mediation Scholar of The Mediation Society.

Certified Mediation Scholars will also receive:

one year of complimentary Associate Membership of The Mediation Society;
continuing membership of the Mediation Scholars Network;
opportunities to participate in appropriate Society events, learning activities and projects;
eligibility, subject to applicable prerequisites, for specified advanced programmes of the Society at preferential rates; and
eligibility to participate in the proposed State Mediation Competition for certified Mediation Scholars, subject to the applicable competition rules.

Internships and Further Opportunities

The Society proposes a limited number of internship opportunities with The Mediation Society for top-performing Mediation Scholars during the succeeding academic year, subject to the Society's requirements and availability.

The Society may also recommend outstanding Scholars for internship opportunities with leading law firms, mediation institutions and other organisations. Any external internship will remain subject to the organisation's own requirements, selection process and availability.

Such opportunities may be selective and will depend upon performance, aptitude, availability and project requirements.

What Are We Looking For?

The Programme seeks students with the interest, aptitude, judgement, commitment and potential to develop in mediation. Applications will be considered holistically, with particular attention to:

Motivation and Commitment

The seriousness of the applicant's interest in mediation, reasons for seeking the Scholarship and willingness to engage fully with the Programme.

Aptitude for Mediation and Judgement

The ability to approach disagreements thoughtfully, recognise different perspectives and underlying concerns, avoid premature judgement and consider constructive ways of addressing conflict.

Reflective Ability and Maturity

The ability to reflect on experiences of disagreement or conflict, appreciate complexity and demonstrate considered judgement.

Communication and Interpersonal Orientation

Clarity and thoughtfulness of communication and indications of an ability to listen, engage with different perspectives and work constructively with others. Applicants are not being assessed on sophisticated language or stylistic polish. We are primarily interested in their thinking, judgement and potential.

Engagement, Initiative and Leadership Potential

Evidence of initiative, responsibility or meaningful participation in college, community, volunteering, legal aid, student activities, competitions, research, employment, sport, arts or other settings. Formal leadership positions or titles are not essential.

Potential for Continuing Engagement

The applicant's potential to use the learning meaningfully during the remainder of their law studies and to continue engaging with mediation thereafter.

Academic performance and previous ADR experience may form part of the applicant's overall profile and context, but neither is a prerequisite nor the sole basis of selection.

Statewide Selection

Selection will be competitive.

The Society will endeavour to secure broad representation across law colleges and law schools in Kerala while constituting the final cohort.

The number of Scholarship Recipients selected from individual institutions may therefore vary depending upon the applications received, the eligible student cohort, programme capacity and the overall composition of the statewide cohort.

The selection process is expected to include: Eligibility Screening → Evaluation of Applications → Provisional Cohort → Clarification/ Interaction where required → Institutional Consultation → Final Selection.

The Society may verify information contained in an application, contact an applicant for clarification or a brief interaction, and consult the applicant's law college or law school before finalising a Scholarship.

The Mediation Society makes the final decision on the award of Mediation Training Scholarships.

From Scholarship Recipient to Mediation Scholar

Selection for a Scholarship does not automatically confer the designation Mediation Scholar.

A selected applicant initially becomes a Scholarship Recipient.

The designation Mediation Scholar of The Mediation Society is earned upon successful completion of the prescribed Programme and assessment requirements.

Faculty

The Mediation Scholars Programme is designed and delivered by a core teaching team of mediation practitioners and trainers, supported by invited professionals with experience and expertise in different areas of mediation and dispute resolution.

[View the FACULTY] THIS LINK WILL BE UPDATED SOON

The Course Director and Principal Instructor provides academic leadership to the Programme and ensures continuity across the different stages of the 60-hour curriculum.

The Course Director is supported by Programme Faculty, who contribute to the online learning sessions, practical workshops, guided learning, exercises and assessment.

Workshop Facilitators support the practical components of the Programme, particularly simulations, role plays, small-group exercises and regional workshops. They will work alongside the Programme Faculty to facilitate participant engagement, observation, feedback and practice.

The core teaching team will be augmented by Guest Faculty with relevant subject and professional expertise. The Programme will also give Scholars opportunities to interact with senior mediators and mediation professionals from across India, bringing perspectives from mediation practice, institutions, and different areas of the developing mediation ecosystem.

Before You Apply

Please keep the following ready before beginning your online application:

College Student Identity Card
Latest available academic record/mark sheet
Curriculum Vitae — maximum two pages
Signed Faculty Endorsement
Sufficient time to complete the substantive application questions carefully.

Faculty Endorsement: Every application must carry an endorsement from a faculty member of the applicant's law college or law school confirming: “I know the applicant and consider them suitable for consideration for the Mediation Scholars Programme.” A detailed recommendation letter is not required. The applicant must provide the faculty member's name, designation, institution and official contact details and upload the signed endorsement with the application.

Your Voice: The application will also ask applicants to reflect on their interest in mediation, experiences of disagreement or conflict and their approach to conflict situations. We are interested in the applicant's own thinking, judgement and experience rather than polished language.

Commitment: Please apply only if you are prepared to commit to the full Programme. Selected Scholarship Recipients will be expected to attend the prescribed online and practical sessions, participate in the designated regional in-person workshop, complete learning activities and assessments within the prescribed timelines, and comply with the Programme requirements.

Important Dates

Applications Open: 24 September 2026
Applications Close: 15 October 2026
Selection Process: Mid-October 2026
Programme Commencement: Late October 2026
Training Period: Late October – December 2026
Assessment and Certification: January 2027

Detailed dates will be communicated to selected Scholarship Recipients.

Tentative Programme Schedule

The Programme is expected to begin in the last week of October 2026 and run through November and December, with assessment and certification in January 2027.

The schedule will combine statewide online learning, regional virtual practical workshops, an intensive regional in-person workshop, guided learning and assessment, professional interactions and Mediation in Action activities.

[View the TENTATIVE SCHEDULE]

The schedule is indicative and may be revised to accommodate programme, faculty and institutional requirements.

Ready to Apply?

Please read the Programme information and eligibility requirements carefully before submitting your application.

Applications close on 15 October 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there any application or programme fee, and what does the Scholarship cover? No. There is no application fee, tuition fee or training fee payable by a selected Scholarship Recipient.

The Scholarship covers the prescribed 60-hour Programme, including the training and academic components, faculty and trainer costs, programme learning activities, practical training and assessment.

Each Scholarship has an estimated training value of ₹22,500. This represents the value of the training and programme support being provided and is not a cash payment or stipend to the recipient.

Travel, accommodation, meals and other personal or incidental expenses are not covered and must be borne by participants.

2. Do I need previous mediation or ADR experience? No. Previous mediation, negotiation or ADR training or competition experience is not required.

3. I am not from Kerala. Can I apply? Yes. There is no Kerala domicile requirement. You must, however, presently be studying in an eligible year of an LL.B. programme at a recognised law college or law school in Kerala.

4. Which students of a Five-Year LL.B. programme are eligible? Students presently in the Third or Fourth Year may apply.

5. Which students of a Three-Year LL.B. programme are eligible? Students presently in the Second Year may apply.

6. Is academic performance the main basis of selection? No. Selection considers the applicant's overall suitability and potential for mediation. Academic information forms part of the applicant's profile, but selection is not based on academic performance alone.

7. Is the Faculty Endorsement a recommendation letter? No. A detailed recommendation letter is not required. The faculty member needs only to provide the prescribed endorsement confirming that they know the applicant and consider the student suitable for consideration.

8. Can more than one student from the same law college be selected? Yes. There is no fixed one-student-per-college restriction. The number selected from individual institutions may vary.

9. Are all 60 hours online? No. The Programme combines online learning, guided exercises and assessment, practical workshops, interactions with senior mediation professionals, and exposure to the Society's mediation activities. The practical component includes regional virtual workshops as well as an in-person regional intensive, proposed to be conducted through centres at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. The Society will communicate detailed schedules to selected Scholarship Recipients. [View the TENTATIVE SCHEDULE]

10. Can I choose my regional centre? The Society will designate the regional centre for each Scholarship Recipient, taking programme arrangements and the recipient's location into account.

11. Does selection automatically make me a Mediation Scholar? No. Selection makes you a Scholarship Recipient. The designation Mediation Scholar of The Mediation Society is earned only after successful completion of the prescribed training and assessment.

12. What do I receive on successful completion of the Programme? The Mediation Scholars Programme incorporates the Foundational and Intermediate stages of The Mediation Society's Mediation Masterclass.

Subject to successful completion of the applicable requirements, participants will receive:

Mediation Masterclass — Foundational & Intermediate (Assessed) Certificate; and
Mediation Scholars Programme Certificate, recognising successful completion of the full Programme and conferring recognition as a Mediation Scholar of The Mediation Society.

Certified Mediation Scholars will also receive one year of complimentary Associate Membership of The Mediation Society and become part of the continuing Mediation Scholars Network. They will have access to appropriate Society events, learning activities and projects and may, subject to applicable prerequisites, become eligible for specified advanced programmes of the Society at preferential rates.

13. Is attendance compulsory? Yes. Scholarship Recipients are expected to participate fully in the Programme, and attendance requirements will be strictly enforced. Attendance at the prescribed in-person practical workshop sessions is mandatory. Exceptional circumstances will be dealt with in accordance with the Programme Rules.

14. Will there be assessment? Yes. The Programme includes assessment and continuing learning activities, which may include exercises, quizzes, simulations, reflective work and other practical activities. Successful completion of the prescribed training and assessment requirements is necessary to earn recognition as a Mediation Scholar of The Mediation Society.

15. Will Scholars have opportunities to interact with experienced mediators? Yes. The Programme includes interactions with senior mediation professionals from across India, providing Scholars with exposure to mediation practice and professional perspectives.

16. Are internships and other opportunities available after the Programme? A limited number of internship opportunities with The Mediation Society are proposed for top-performing Mediation Scholars during the succeeding academic year, subject to the Society's requirements and availability.

Scholars may also be considered for suitable opportunities in Society initiatives, including the Mediation Knowledge Hub, research and publication activities, mediation projects and other professional-development programmes. Such opportunities may be selective and will depend on performance, aptitude and project requirements.

17. Where do I apply? Applications must be submitted online at:

https://forms.gle/g8wFkg814i2HNyse9. Applications close on 15 October 2026.

18. Who should I contact if I need more information? For programme-related enquiries, please contact Adv. Mehula Liza Pallathu (81388 67999) or Muneera Ali (97461 87693). Alternatively, you may message The Mediation Society's official WhatsApp number: 89219 22121 (no calls).