1. Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Full Refund: Available only if cancellation is requested in writing at least 15 days prior to the event. Required documentation must be submitted 10 days in advance
• Partial Refund: Cancellations made between 7 and 10 days before the event may be eligible for a partial refund, subject to administrative deductions
• No Refund: Cancellations requested within 7 days of the event are not eligible for a refund. Instead, a conference credit will be issued, valid for 12 months from the original event date.
• Late Registrations: Registrations made within 7 days of the conference are non-refundable but can be transferred to another upcoming NIER conference.
• Format Change Clause: NIER reserves the right to change the format (onsite/online) of the event. No refunds will be granted due to such changes.
• Transfer of Registration: Registrations can be transferred to a colleague from the same institution by sending a written request to info@nier.in at least 7 days prior to the event. Once transferred, the registration is non-refundable.
• Virtual Participation: Registrations for virtual mode are non-refundable, but credit may be applied to a future NIER conference.
• Invitation Letter Clause: If an official invitation letter has been issued, the registration becomes non-refundable.
• Visa Denial: No refund will be provided if the participant fails to attend due to visa denial or delay.

2. Communication & Registration Compliance

• Mandatory Follow-Up: After registration, it is the participant's responsibility to stay in touch with the NIER team for updates and instructions. Non-response will result in registration being marked as invalid.
• Form Submission: The registration form must be submitted within 7 days of payment. Failure to do so will lead to cancellation without refund.
• Unacknowledged Communication: If registrants do not respond to emails or updates within 15 days, registration will be canceled with no refund.

3. Participation & Registration Guidelines

• Valid Registration: Only individuals who have completed full registration are allowed to participate in NIER conferences.
• Conference Changes: NIER reserves the right to alter event format, venue, or schedule. Participants will be notified, but NIER will not be responsible for any associated financial loss.
• Author Substitution: If a registered author cannot attend, a co-author may present on their behalf. Refunds will not be issued in such cases.
• Concession Registrations: Any discounted or concession registration is strictly non-refundable.
• Late Registration: Late registrants may be limited to virtual participation depending on availability.

4. Paper Submission & Publication Policies

• Institutional Approval: Authors must ensure their submission is known and approved by their institution or department head.
• Review Process: All papers are subject to internal or external peer review prior to acceptance.
• Eligibility for Publication: Only papers linked to completed registrations will be considered for publication.
• Authorship Responsibility: The submitting author is regarded as the main author. NIER does not mediate authorship disputes.
• Rejection & Withdrawal: Withdrawn or rejected papers will not be reconsidered or republished under any circumstances.

5. Travel & Accommodation

• Participant Responsibility: All travel and lodging arrangements must be made by the participant.
• No Liability: NIER is not responsible for travel expenses or losses due to changes in conference dates, venue, or format.
• Fee Coverage: Registration fees do not include accommodation, travel, or personal expenses.

6. Visa & Invitation Letter Guidelines

• Visa Support: Invitation letters are issued only after full registration and payment.
• Self-Handled Visa: NIER does not intervene with embassies or consulates. The visa process is the sole responsibility of the participant.
• No Guarantee: Invitation letters do not guarantee visa approval.
• Document Misuse: Unauthorized use or alteration of the invitation letter will lead to disqualification and potential legal consequences.

7. Registration Transfers

• Eligibility: Transfers are allowed within the same institution.
• Process: Submit a written request to info@nier.in with supporting documents at least 14 days before the event.
• Non-Refundable: Once transferred, registrations are non-refundable.
• Timeline for Transfer After Invitation: If the invitation letter has been issued, the transfer must be completed within 7 days or at least 20 days prior to the event.

8. General Legal & Ethical Statements

• Independent Entity: NIER operates independently and is not affiliated with any government or educational institution unless officially declared.
• Right to Refuse: NIER reserves the right to deny participation or withdraw papers for ethical violations or non-compliance.
• Jurisdiction: All disputes or legal matters shall be subject to the courts located in Chennai, India.

Technical Setup Recommendations

• Device: Use a laptop, desktop, tablet, or mobile device with an integrated webcam and mic.
• Internet: A reliable broadband connection (minimum 5 Mbps suggested).
• Browser: Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari (latest versions preferred).
• Audio Gear: Use a headset or earphones for clearer sound quality.
• Camera: Enabled video helps create a more engaging virtual atmosphere