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ADR Cost Calculator

Cost is usually one of the first questions people have. Adjust the assumptions below to see how mediation, arbitration and litigation compare for a dispute like yours.

Estimate your cost

Complexity

Estimated range by process

Mediation₹23,000 – ₹41,000
Litigation₹68,000 – ₹1,22,000
Arbitration₹1,20,000 – ₹2,16,000

Based on:

  • Claim value of ₹5,00,000
  • 2 parties to the dispute
  • 3 hearings or sessions
  • Moderate matter complexity
  • Figures are illustrative estimates based on these assumptions, not a quotation from any provider, institution or court.

How the calculator works

The calculator takes four inputs: the amount in dispute, the number of parties, the number of hearings or sessions you expect, and how complex the dispute is. For each process it adds a base fee, a per-hearing cost and, where relevant, a component linked to the claim value, then adjusts for extra parties and complexity. It shows a low-to-high range rather than a single number, because real fees depend on the neutral, the institution and how the case develops.

As a reference point, mediator fees commonly run ₹10,000–₹50,000 per day (₹5,000–₹15,000 at court-annexed centres), and most mediations settle in one to three sessions. A significant institutional arbitration can cost ₹5,00,000–₹50,00,000 or more once arbitrator fees, institution fees and lawyers are included. A Lok Adalat charges no filing fee. The cost of ADR explainer breaks these figures down process by process.

Cost is only half the decision

A cheaper process only helps if the outcome holds, so check whether an ADR outcome is binding before you choose. For costs in a specific situation, see recovering money owed in India, commercial and contract disputes or MSME payment recovery.

Questions about this tool

How much does mediation cost in India?

Mediator fees commonly run from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per day, or ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 at court-annexed centres, and most disputes settle in one to three sessions, so a straightforward commercial mediation typically costs ₹15,000 to ₹1,50,000 in total.

Is arbitration cheaper than going to court?

Not always on upfront cost: court fees are low, while institutional arbitration carries arbitrator and institution fees. But litigation runs for years with lawyer fees at every stage, whereas Section 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 sets a 12-month target for the award once the tribunal is constituted.

Does a Lok Adalat charge a fee?

No filing fee is charged at a Lok Adalat, and where a pending court case settles there, the court fee already paid is refunded, which makes it effectively free in direct fees.

Are the calculator's figures a quote?

No. The ranges are illustrative estimates built from stated assumptions; actual costs depend on the neutral, the institution, legal representation and how the proceedings develop.

General information only — not legal advice.

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