An intellectual platform encouraging young minds to examine India's strategic environment, national security, geopolitics and the challenges shaping our future.
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.
Analysing global geopolitical shifts, emerging security threats, technological disruption, economic uncertainty, and changing global alliances.
Celebrating ideas, perspectives and original thinking that contribute meaningfully to the conversation.
Awarded for an outstanding submission demonstrating strong research and insight.
The winning essay will be recognised for originality, depth of thought and strategic insight.
Recognising thoughtful perspectives with clarity, relevance and strong reasoning.
The winners will receive their awards from the Chief Guest during the Times Secure India Summit 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
The competition welcomes emerging thinkers with a curiosity for India's strategic, security and geopolitical environment.
Participants must fall within this age range at the time of submission.
Enrolled in a recognised undergraduate programme.
Enrolled in a recognised postgraduate programme.
Enrolled in a recognised diploma programme.
Enrolled in a recognised doctoral programme.
Working under faculty advisors.
Follow the submission requirements carefully. Entries that do not comply may be disqualified.
Entries exceeding 1,000 words may lead to automatic evaluation penalties or disqualification.
The essay is to be written and submitted in English.
Submissions must be the participant's original, unpublished work. Plagiarism or AI-generated text will be flagged and filtered out.
Essays must be submitted in Microsoft Word format with a suitable title.
Wherever applicable, factual claims should be supported with credible references.
Only one entry per participant will be accepted.
Entries received after the submission deadline will not be considered.
The organisers reserve the right to verify originality and amend competition rules if required.
Participants must submit the following documents along with their essay.
All entries will be evaluated by an independent jury comprising distinguished experts from academia, strategic affairs, national security, defence, and allied fields.
Alignment with the competition theme and strategic context.
Fresh thinking, distinctive perspectives and independent ideas.
Quality, relevance and depth of supporting research.
Strength of reasoning, interpretation and critical analysis.
Use of credible evidence to support key arguments and conclusions.
Relevance and usefulness of proposed recommendations.
Logical organisation and clarity of the overall narrative.
Clarity, precision and effectiveness of written communication.
Jury members will be announced shortly. The evaluation process will be conducted independently and with due consideration to the published assessment framework.
Keep track of the key milestones and make sure your entry reaches us on time.
Competition entries officially open.
Final date for submitting entries.
Entries are reviewed and evaluated by the jury.
Winners receive recognition at the award ceremony.
Complete your submission carefully and ensure that all required documents are included before the deadline.
Your completed essay and supporting documents should be submitted by email before the closing date.
FINAL SUBMISSION 21 August 2026Submit your essay along with the required documents using the details below. Please ensure the information is complete and accurate before sending.
Submission deadline: All entries must be received on or before 21 August 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.