The 2026 Patent Agent Exam has finally been announced, and it’s a great opportunity for anyone looking to start a career in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). This announcement is made by the higher authority. As per the latest update, the Patent Agent Exam 2026 is tentatively scheduled for January 11, 2026, and the application process is expected to begin in the first week of July 2025. While the schedule is tentative, it is strongly recommended that all aspirants stay prepared and start filing their application forms as soon as the registration window opens.
Patent Agent Exam 2026, Official Date and Exam Centres
The tentative date for the examination is January 11, 2026, and the registration process will start from the first week of July.
The exam will be held at the following centres across India:
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram.Making it easier for candidates from different regions to attend without the hassle of long-distance travel.
Patent Agent Exam 2026 – Last Date of Registration Now 20 September 2025
The official authority (CGPDTM) has announced that the final day to submit the online form for the Patent Agent Exam 2026 is 20 September 2025, until 5:00 PM IST. Applicants are advised to complete the process early to avoid any last-minute issues.
Patent Agent Exam Syllabus – 2026
The first paper (Paper I) is an objective-type exam carrying 100 marks and is conducted over a duration of 2 hours.
- Patents Act, 1970
- Patent Rules, 2003 (with all recent amendments)
- Designs Act, 2000
The section also includes the formalities and documentation requirements, which refer to the essential paperwork, formats, and legal formalities that must be followed when submitting and maintaining a patent application. This ensures that the application complies with the standards set by the patent office and avoids unnecessary delays or rejections.
The second paper (Paper II) is a descriptive exam worth 100 marks and has a duration of 3 hours. It mainly tests your ability to draft and interpret patent specifications and your legal understanding of technical inventions.
The final stage is the viva-voce, worth 50 marks, which tests the candidate’s practical and technical knowledge of patent law and their ability to apply it in real scenarios.
Passing Criteria for Patent Agent Exam
To clear the exam, you must score at least 50% in each section—that means 50% in Paper I, 50% in Paper II, and 50% in the viva-voce. Passing marks in all three parts individually are required to qualify.
Patent Agent Exam: Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the Patent Agent Examination, you need to meet a few basic eligibility requirements, quite similar to most national-level exams:
- Citizenship: You must be an Indian citizen.
- Educational Qualification: You should have a graduate degree in Science, Engineering, or Technology from a recognized university.
- Age Limit: You must be at least 21 years old at the time of applying.
- Work Experience: No prior work experience is required—fresh graduates can apply too.
How to Register for the Patent Agent Exam 2026
- Visit the official IP India website and navigate to the Patent Agent Exam section.
- Create your account by signing up with a valid email address and a secure password.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload the required documents, including your photograph and signature, following the specified file formats and size limits.
- Pay the application fee.
- Review your application carefully and then submit the form.
Conclusion:
This exam opens the door to becoming a registered patent agent in India, which means you’ll be officially qualified to draft and file patent applications and work closely with inventors and companies to protect their innovations. If you have a background in science, engineering, or technology, this could be a turning point in your professional journey. With innovation growing across every industry, now is the perfect time to step into the world of patents. Make sure to stay updated on the official IP India website and start preparing early—the competition is tough, but the rewards are worth it.