CS Professional Paper 7.1 Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 – Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation

CS Professional Paper 7.1 Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 – Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation

CS Professional Paper 7.1  Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation is an Elective 2 paper under the CS Professional Programme. The paper is designed to provide students with understanding, application and expert knowledge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) systems. ICSI specifies Expert Knowledge as the level of knowledge for this paper.

FAQs 

1. What is the marks division of Paper 7.1?

Arbitration & Conciliation carries 70 marks, while Mediation carries 30 marks.

2. What is the level of knowledge for Paper 7.1?

ICSI specifies Expert Knowledge for Paper 7.1.

3. Is Paper 7.1 an elective paper?

Yes. It is Elective Paper 7.1 under Elective 2 of the Professional Programme.

4. Which part has the highest weightage?

Arbitration & Conciliation has the higher syllabus-level weightage of 70 marks.

5. Is drafting included in Paper 7.1?

Yes. The syllabus includes drafting of commercial contracts and other documents, pleadings, affidavits and other practical areas.

6. Are case-based questions important?

Yes. Students should prepare for practical and case-based questions. ICSI's official practice material contains case studies involving arbitration agreements, arbitrator appointments, pleadings and drafting.

7. Is there a Paper 7.1 supplement for December 2026?

Yes. ICSI has listed a dedicated Paper 7.1 – Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation supplement for the December 2026 examination.

8. What should students study about arbitration agreements for Paper 7.1?

Students should understand the scope of an arbitration clause, seat and venue, choice of arbitrator, language, applicable rules, fees, timelines, qualifications, choice of law and post-contract arbitration agreements. The syllabus also specifically includes Arb-Med-Arb clauses.

9. Does the Paper 7.1 syllabus cover appointment and challenge of arbitrators?

Yes. The syllabus includes the appointment of arbitrators, methods of appointment, institutional arbitration, challenging an arbitrator, selection of arbitrators, powers and duties of arbitrators, conflicts and jurisdictional issues. Students should also understand the practical application of these provisions.

10. Is there updated study material or a supplement for Paper 7.1 for the December 2026 examination?

Yes. ICSI's Academic Portal lists study material applicable for the December 2026 examination, and ICSI's December 2026 supplements page includes Paper 7.1 – Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation. Students preparing for December 2026 should check the latest applicable material and supplement before final revision.