The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has officially published the results for the written portion of the Trade Marks Agent Examination and Patent Agent Examination 2026. This announcement is a major milestone for professionals aiming to specialise in the field of intellectual property. The release of the Trademark Agent Examination and Patent Agent Examination 2026 qualified candidates list confirms which applicants have successfully cleared the initial hurdles and are now eligible for the final stage of evaluation: the Viva-Voce.
These examinations are designed to identify individuals who possess the legal and technical acumen required to navigate the complexities of the Indian IPR framework. By qualifying, these individuals move one step closer to providing professional IP protection services to inventors, creators, and corporate entities.
Summary of the Results and Qualifying Standards
The written examinations were conducted on January 4, 2026, in thirteen cities across India. To ensure a high standard of professional competence, the CGPDTM set a strict qualifying benchmark. Candidates were required to secure a minimum of 50 percent marks in both Paper I and Paper II to be considered for the next round.
According to the official public notices:
- Patent Agent Examination 2026 (PAE): Out of the total applicants, 317 candidates successfully qualified for the interview stage.
- Trade Marks Agent Examination 2026 (TAE): A total of 60 candidates have been shortlisted to proceed to the Viva-Voce.
The successful candidates have demonstrated a strong grasp of the Patents Act and the Trade Marks Act, which are the primary pillars for ensuring robust IP protection in the national market.
For more details, you can also check these PDFs provided by IP India
Essential Guidelines for the Viva-Voce Stage
The Viva-Voce is a mandatory part of the examination process. It serves as a practical assessment where candidates are evaluated on their ability to apply legal principles to real-world scenarios. The CGPDTM has issued specific instructions that all shortlisted candidates must follow:
- Mandatory Participation: Any candidate who is listed on the Trade Marks Agent Examination and Patent Agent Examination 2026 qualified candidates list but fails to attend the Viva-Voce will be disqualified from the entire examination process.
- Documentation: Candidates must carry their original e-Admit Card (duly signed by the invigilator during the written exam) and a valid government photo identity card for verification.
- Interview Venues: The sessions will be held at the Patent Offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad, as well as the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Intellectual Property Management (RGNIIPM) in Nagpur.
- Communication: There will be no individual communication sent via post or email. Candidates are responsible for checking the official website for their specific date and time slots.
Confidentiality and Final Selection Process
The CGPDTM has clarified that the selection process is currently ongoing and highly confidential. To maintain the integrity of the interview round, the office will not disclose individual marks or provide copies of answer booklets at this time.
The final results will be compiled by combining the scores from the written examination and the Viva-Voce. This consolidated PAE & TAE 2026 qualified candidates list for final registration is expected to be announced by the end of March 2026. Aspiring agents are requested to be patient and avoid filing RTI requests or administrative queries until the final merit list is officially declared.
Read Also: Delhi High Court Issues Interim Injunction in Favor of Britannia’s ‘Little Hearts’ Trademark
The Vital Role of Registered Agents
Registered Patent and Trade Marks agents play an indispensable role in the growth of India’s innovation economy. They act as the bridge between the applicant and the government, ensuring that every filing meets the necessary legal standards for Trademark protection. Their expertise helps prevent procedural errors that could otherwise lead to the loss of valuable intellectual assets.
Qualifying for the Viva-Voce is an indication of a candidate’s readiness to enter this specialised profession. As they prepare for the final interview, candidates should focus on recent amendments to IPR laws and current judicial trends that influence how IP protection is enforced in India.
The release of this list is a positive step toward strengthening the network of qualified professionals who safeguard the country’s intellectual wealth. All shortlisted candidates should now prioritize their preparation for the oral examination to ensure they can effectively represent the interests of the creative community.