The United Service Institution of India (USI) has been conducting the Gold Medal Essay Competition since 1870, making it one of the oldest and most respected intellectual traditions in the field of defence and security studies. Over the decades, the competition has served as a reliable barometer of informed opinion on security and defence matters, reflecting evolving strategic thought and professional military discourse.

This prestigious annual competition seeks to promote rigorous intellectual engagement and original thinking on issues of national security, defence policy, military strategy, and contemporary strategic challenges. It is open to serving and retired military personnel, Senior Division cadets of the National Cadet Corps, and gazetted civilian officers, including those retired from service.

Participants are invited to present original, analytically sound, and forward-looking essays that critically examine themes of strategic relevance. Submissions are assessed by a distinguished panel of experts on the basis of depth of research, originality, analytical clarity, coherence of argument, and strategic insight.

Through this long-standing initiative, USI reaffirms its commitment to nurturing thought leadership and advancing scholarly contributions to India’s defence and security discourse.

Awards

• Winner: Gold Medal, cash prize of ₹15,000, certificate, and USI Life Membership (gratis)

• Runner-up: Cash prize of ₹10,000, certificate, and USI Life Membership (gratis)

Winning essays are published in the USI Journal, thereby amplifying the voices of emerging and established strategic thinkers within the national and international strategic community.

Topic for 2025: ‘Cognitive Warfare: India's Approach to Influencing Perception and Behaviour’

Results 2025 : USI GOLD MEDAL ESSAY COMPETITON 2025

Sub:   -    ‘Cognitive Warfare: India's Approach to Influencing Perception and Behaviour’.