As per UNCITRAL Technical Notes, 2017, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is defined as a mechanism for resolving disputes through the use of electronic communications and other information and communication technology.

The ODR Professional Training Programme, ‘CIRC - WeVaad ODR Learning’, is a joint effort of the CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition (CIRC) (visit us at https://circ.in/who-we-are.php ) and WeVaad (visit us at http://www.wevaad.com/about-us/ ). CUTS International (https://cuts-international.org/ ) has been at the forefront of bringing policy change to “Promoting Fair Markets”. Through its offices in Jaipur, Delhi, Kolkata, Chittorgarh, Geneva, Washington DC, Accra, Nairobi, Lusaka, and Hanoi, it engages with industry, civil society, think tanks, intergovernmental organizations, and national governments. CUTS is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary https://cuts-international.org/40th-anniversary/ through high-level policy dialogues.

CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition (CIRC) (https://circ.in/ ) is a think-tank and capacity-building organisation in the area of law and economics. The institute operates in five thematic areas, namely: Competition Law and Policy, Digital Economy Regulation, Market/ Economic Regulation, Sustainability and Infrastructure Regulation/ PPPs, and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).

CIRC specialises in crafting fit-for-purpose policy and capacity-building solutions. Since 2008, CIRC’s extensive expertise and trusted advisory services have earned us a remarkable client portfolio, including multilateral and bilateral government, regulatory bodies, and PSUs & private agencies.

WeVaad (https://www.wevaad.com/) is a legal technology company that provides services, including online dispute resolution, legal marketplace etc. WeVaad is founded at the confluence of law and technology by individuals who are experienced in these two fields to ensure that we leverage technology to provide cost-efficient and time-bound dispute resolution to disputing parties.

The following person can enrol under ODR Professional Programme:

• Arbitrators, Mediators and Advocates
• National and International Students of Law, Commerce, Economics, CA, CS, CMA, CFA, MBA etc.
• Professionals like Counsels, Economists, Academicians, CA, CS, CMA, CFA, MBA, etc.
• Employees of Regulatory Authorities like SEBI, RBI, IBBI, ICAI, ICSI, etc.
• Personnel from Government Departments/ Ministries
• Executives of Public or Private Sector Enterprises
• Officers Handling Disputes in Banks
• Retired Government Officers interested in becoming ODR Professionals.
• Officers Handling Disputes in MSMEs.
• Officers Handling Disputes in Insurance Sector.
• Officers Handling Disputes in Public/Private Companies

The intended outcomes of the ODR learning Programme are as follows:

• Knowledge and professional skill enhancement of ODR professionals and ODR service providers.
• Development of ODR policy and institutional framework in tune with global standards.
• Inculcate process discipline in ODR to facilitate access to justice as a “convenient service”.
• Learn the antecedent of ODR from the experience of other jurisdictions around the world.
• Raising public awareness of online dispute resolution.

• World-class Programme: This programme is designed at par with the guidelines recommended by UNCITRAL Technical Notes, 2017, to train participants in ODR “Global Best Practices” at all three levels to deliver efficient service through ODR as the primary mode of dispute resolution.
• Comprehensive Course Design: The course structure of all three courses under this programme is tailor-made, well-researched, and supplemented with high-quality study material of international standard.
• Renowned Faculty: This programme will be conducted by experienced industry experts who have a differentiated knowledge base. They will be available throughout the programme to discuss any aspect of the course, including practical difficulties.
• Innovative Learning Techniques: This programme will provide knowledge and practical training with active simulation in online dispute resolution on the WeVaad digital platform.

• The CIRC - WeVaad ODR Learning Programme is comprised of 14 Learning Modules distributed over three certificate courses. The Certificate Courses are Level I, “Associate ODR Professional (ODR-Associate)”, for beginners; Level II “Certified ODR Professional (ODR-Pro)”, for trained professionals; and Level III “Fellow ODR Professional (ODR-Fellow)”, for the experts. The ODR Certifications are rigorous and challenging learning pathways. The overall learning pathway is designed as a 10-month comprised of 14 modules and more than 400 hours of learning. The learning pathway has been divided into three levels, on the lines suggested by the New Education Policy (NEP), with an option to enter and exit at any stage.

   

  The ODR Professional Certificate Courses at a Glance:

  Level	Courses	Learning Outcomes	Learning Modules
  I	Associate ODR Professional  (ODR-Associate) This 1-month course is designed for beginners who have an interest in having the knowledge and skills in online dispute resolution that is required for individuals at any level of an organisation and across a broad range of industries and business functions. The knowledge and practical skills learned would create a huge impact on your career ahead.   The participants may use post-certification letters “APODR” to build an image as Associate ODR  Practitioner.	§ Knowledge of Online Dispute Resolution. § Understanding of various methods of Online Dispute Resolution. § Roadmap of resolving a dispute through Online Dispute Resolution. § Adapting online process of case management through Online Dispute Resolution. § Familiarize yourself with Online Dispute Resolution happening around the world.	Module I Introduction to Online Dispute Resolution Module II Methods of Online Dispute Resolution Module III The Process of Online Dispute Resolution Module IV Online Dispute Resolution Around the World
  II	Certified ODR Professional   (ODR-Pro) This 3-month course builds on the Associate Level and is designed for professionals who with to practice ODR. The skills taught at this level apply to individuals who want to pursue their careers in ODR. The practical skills in ODR will be a great advantage to your career.   The participants may use post-certification letters “ODR-Pro” to build an image as Certified ODR  Practitioner.	§ Overview of stages of dispute resolution through Online Dispute Resolution. § Knowledge of communication through Online Dispute Resolution (both synchronous and asynchronous) § Understanding of psychology, diversity and online behaviours and cross-cultural communication. § Adapting offline Alternative Dispute Redressal Techniques with Information and communication technology in  Online Dispute Resolution. § Training in process discipline, time management and integrity in case management to build trust in Online Dispute Resolution.	Modules I to IV and add on modules as below:   Module V The Stages of Online Dispute Resolution Module VI Communication Skills in Online Dispute Resolution Module VII Mediation, Conciliation and Negotiation in Online Dispute Resolution Module VIII Arbitration in Online Dispute Resolution Module IX Case Management in Online Dispute Resolution
  III	Fellow ODR Professional  (ODR-Fellow) This 6-month course builds on the Certified Professional Level and is designed for those who wish to acquire advanced professional skills in ODR. The skills taught apply to individuals who want to deliver ODR service of Global Standards.   The participants may use post-certification letters “ODR-Fellow” to build an image as Fellow ODR Practitioner.	§ Knowledge of the development of Online Dispute Resolution by advancement in Information and Communication Technology or by Law in Changing Society. § Adapting standard best practices to prepare and conduct online mediation, negotiation, conciliation and arbitration. § The participants will be facilitated in building alliances and handling multinational mediation, negotiations and arbitration. · Ethical training of ODR providers to inculcate process discipline, including fairness, due process, transparency, accountability, neutral selection and appointment and the performance of their ODR platforms. § Understanding the status of Online Dispute Resolution in India as compared to Other Jurisdictions in light of “Global Best Practices”.	Modules I to IX and add on modules as below:   Module X The Future of Online Dispute Resolution Module XI Advanced Strategy for Mediation, Conciliation and Negotiation in Online Dispute Resolution Module XII Advanced Strategy for Online Arbitration in Online Dispute Resolution Module XIII Advanced Strategy for Case Management in Online Dispute Resolution Module XIV International Practice in Online Dispute Resolution

The programme will be delivered in an online learning format that minimises disruption at work.

• The key features/ pedagogy of the programme are:

  Live Face-to-Face Learning: The participants are required to attend assigned live face-to-face Learning Hours for each Course Module.
• Reading Materials: Participants are expected to spend required learning hours studying reading material before classes commence each term. The reading material specific to learning modules, along with academic papers, book chapters, teaching cases, media articles and videos, is made available to all participants in advance.
• Technology-Assisted ODR Simulations: The learners will have an opportunity to undergo active ODR simulations at the WeVaad ODR Platform. In addition, the technology-assisted component of the programme will be delivered via a combination of synchronous sessions, asynchronous modules, online quizzes, assignments and other tools depending on the needs of that particular course and the preference of the respective faculty. Online interactive sessions and active simulations on online dispute resolution will be conducted through digital platforms.

   

• Assignments: The assignments are divided into live sessions and practical sessions. Individual assignments take the form of online and in-class quizzes,online discussion forums, role play and case studies and may be in the form of presentations and ODR study reports.

Upon successful completion of each course, the e-learning platform will automatically generate a copy of the digital certificate and transcript for the participants.

Certificate for Associate ODR Professional (ODR-Associate)

Certificate for Certified ODR Professional (ODR-Pro)

Certificate for Fellow ODR Professional (ODR-Fellow)

These ODR Professional Certificates Course will confer the following:

• 1. Associate ODR Professional (ODR-Associate)

  This 1-month course is designed for beginners who have an interest in having the knowledge and skills in online dispute resolution that is required for individuals at any level of an organisation and across a broad range of industries and business functions. The knowledge and practical skills learned would create a huge impact on your career ahead.

   

  The participants may use the post-certification letters “ODR- Associate” to build an image as an Associate ODR Practitioner.

   

  1. Certified ODR Professional (ODR-Pro)

  This 3-month course builds on the Associate Level and is designed for professionals who with to practice ODR. The skills taught at this level apply to individuals who want to pursue their careers in ODR. The practical skills in ODR will be a great advantage to your career.

   

  The participants may use the post-certification letters “ODR-Pro” to build an image as a Certified ODR  Practitioner.

   

  • Fellow ODR Professional (ODR-Fellow)

  This 6-month course builds on the Certified Professional Level and is designed for those who wish to acquire advanced professional skills in ODR. The skills taught apply to individuals who want to deliver ODR service of Global Standards.

   

  The participants may use the post-certification letter “ODR-Fellow” to build an image as a Fellow ODR Practitioner.

The Lectures will be conducted once every week for the entire duration of the programme. Hyperlink of updated teaching calendar.

The CIRC - WeVaad ODR Learning Programme is comprised of 14 Learning Modules distributed over three certificate courses. The Certificate Courses are Level I, “Associate ODR Professional (ODR-Associate)”, for beginners; Level II “Certified ODR Professional (ODR-Pro)”, for trained professionals; and Level III “Fellow ODR Professional (ODR-Fellow)”, for the experts. The ODR Certifications are rigorous and challenging learning pathways. The overall learning pathway is designed as a 10-month (40 weeks) comprised of 14 modules and more than 400 hours of learning. The learning pathway has been divided into three levels, on the lines suggested by the New Education Policy (NEP), with an option to enter and exit at any stage.

Yes, the participants have the liberty to choose among three certificate courses subject to the pre-requisite equivalent credits of each course.

• There is no pre-requisite for the Level I Associate ODR Professional (ODR-Associate).
• There is a pre-requisite of having credits equivalent to the Level I Associate ODR Professional (ODR-Associate) offered under this Programme for enrolment in the Level II Certified ODR Professional (ODR-Pro).
• There is a pre-requisite of having credits equivalent to the Level II Certified ODR Professional (ODR-Pro) offered under this Programme for enrolment in the Level III Fellow ODR Professional (ODR-Fellow)

Yes, there is Credit(s) for the ODR Professional Certificate Courses under this Training Programme. The ODR Professional Training Programme follows the CIRC Credit Transfer and Accumulation System to ensure transparency and comparability. The CIRC Credit Transfer and Accumulation System aligns with the principles and guidelines of national and international credit systems.

Yes, it is compulsory for you to complete the Level I Associate ODR Professional to enrol themselves for the Level II Certified ODR Professional Course or Level III Fellow ODR Professional

However, you can directly enrol for Level II Certified ODR Professional if you have the credits equivalent to the Credits of the Level I Associate ODR Professional. And you can directly enrol for the Level III Fellow ODR Professional if you have the credits equivalent to the Credits of the Level II Certified ODR Professional.

Yes, This course will be held online, permitting you to take part from the comfort of your home or office or from anywhere around the world.

The participants can connect through any Laptop, Tablet or Smartphone for online live lectures, discussions with industry experts, interactive practical sessions and active simulation on online dispute resolution through digital platforms. It would be preferable to use a computer system having 2 GB Ram - 2 GB, Hard drive - 250 GB and Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processor.

Yes, each certificate course will be assessed by:

• Continuous evaluation by Experts to evaluate the knowledge appreciation of the participants. (weightage 30%)
• Practice sessions on an active simulation digital platform to appraise the performing ability of the participants. (weightage 30%)
• Online written assignment to be assessed by an independent assessor that allows us to evaluate your understanding of online dispute resolution from a more academic lens. (weightage 40%)
• The participants shall successfully pass the Course if they achieve 50 % or above in the overall assessment.

Grading Criteria:

O (Outstanding): 90%-100%
A+ (Excellent): 80%-90%
A (Very Good):70%-80%
B+ (Good): 60%-70%
B (Satisfactory): 50-60%
C (Fail): Below 50%

Tuition Fee includes:

• Live face-to-face Lectures
• Course Material
• Access to a digital platform for practical sessions and active simulations.
• Faculty Costs & Travel & Honorarium
• Guest Speakers
• IT & Infrastructure support
• Webinars & Social Events

Note:

• There is an early bird discount of 10 % on Subscription to 4 Months and 10 Months of ODR Learning on or before August 15’ 2023, over and above the Student Discount.
• There is a group discount of 10% on Subscriptions to ODR Learning. The group shall be of three and above participants.
• The participants may avail of payment of fees in two equal instalments. Applicable only for ODR pro and ODR Fellow courses.
• Cancellation & Refund Policy:

As you will be aware, the CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition's educational provision, products and services are scheduled months in advance and have, therefore, the following cancellation policy.

CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition does not accept cancellation and or refund requests for any of its provisions, products and services purchased online as follows:

• CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition student enrolment, examinations entry/registration become effective instantaneously as soon as a student has paid for, and as such, CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition does not refund once a student is enrolled.
• Examination and student membership fees are non-refundable once a student's account is activated.
• Because of the upfront investment in training materials and administrative details, workshop and services fees are non-refundable, and cancellations are not permitted. For more details, please visit https://elearn.circ.in/privacy-refund-policy/?c=ac1d3382ad90.

Yes, you may register for Level II ODR-Pro or Level III ODR-Fellow subsequently after registering for Level I ODR-Associate. However, you have to pay the full fee of Level II ODR-Pro, losing the benefit of direct registration of Rs. 2,500/- plus GST for the Students and Rs 5,000/- plus GST for Professionals. Similarly, you have to pay the full fee for Level III ODR- Fellow, losing the benefit of Rs. 7,000/- plus GST for students and Rs. 15000/- plus GST for professionals.

Note: Subsequent Entrants can register at any later date. Subsequent Entrants are those who have already subscribed to a 1-month/ 4-month of Training Programme or have been granted a special concession.

Step 1: Go to https://circ.in/odr.php

Step 2: Go to Apply Now and apply for course

Mr Amit Arora, Marketing Head , ODR Learning