It has been some time since the Patent Agent Exam 2026 was announced by the official authorities, yet confusion still lingers among students. Many aspirants remain uncertain about the exact exam dates, while others are still wondering how to apply and whether they meet the eligibility criteria. And it’s no surprise that many aspirants are also anxious about the exam centres, eager to know where the test will be conducted.
When is the Patent Agent Exam 2026? Official Date & Updates
The unconfirmed date for the Patent Agent Examination 2026 is January 11, 2026, with the registration window opening in the first week of July 2025. The exam centres include:
- Ahmedabad
- Bhopal
- Bengaluru
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Guwahati
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- Thiruvananthapuram
By providing centres in major metro cities as well as key regional hubs, the authorities aim to minimise long-distance travel and make it easier for aspirants from diverse locations to participate in the examination.
Read Also: Unlock New Revenue Stream: How to Monetize Your Patent and Earn Royalties
What’s Included in Patent Agent Exam 2026 Syllabus?
The Patent Agent Examination is divided into three stages—two written papers followed by a viva-voce. The written section evaluates both theoretical knowledge and practical drafting skills, while the viva focuses on the real-world application of patent law.
Paper I (Objective)
- Marks: 100
- Duration: 2 hours
Focus Areas:
- Patents Act, 1970
- Patent Rules, 2003 (with latest amendments)
- Designs Act, 2000
- Formalities and documentation requirements (formats, compliance, legal procedures)
Paper II (Descriptive)
- Marks: 100
- Duration: 3 hours
Focus Areas:
- Drafting patent specifications
- Interpreting legal and technical aspects of inventions
- Purpose: Assesses practical skills in drafting and interpreting patent-related documents
Viva-Voce:
- Marks: 50
Focus Areas:
- Practical application of patent law
- Technical understanding of real-world patent scenarios
- Purpose: Evaluates how candidates apply their knowledge in practical situations.
The passing criteria in the exam:
To clear the exam, candidates must secure at least 50% marks in each section.
This means:
- 50% in Paper I (Objective)
- 50% in Paper II (Descriptive)
- 50% in Viva-Voce
Patent Agent Exam: Eligibility Criteria
To sit for the Patent Agent Examination, candidates must fulfil certain minimum requirements, comparable to other national-level tests:
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of India.
- Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or Technology from a recognised university is mandatory.
- Age Requirement: The candidate should be 21 years or older on the date of application.
- Work Experience: Prior professional experience is not required—even recent graduates are eligible to apply.
Patent Agent Exam 2026: Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- Step 1: Visit the official IP India website.
- Step 2: Create an account.
- Step 3: Fill out the online application.
- Step 4: Upload documents
- Step 5: Pay the application fee
- Step 6: Review the form.
- Step 7: Apply and download the confirmation slip.
Patent Agent Exam 2026: Last Date for Registration
The registration process for the Patent Agent Examination 2026 began on July 21, 2025, at 11:30 AM and was initially set to close on August 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM. However, to give aspirants additional time, the authorities have extended the deadline. The final date to submit the online application form is now September 20, 2025, up to 5:00 PM. This extension ensures that more candidates can complete their applications without missing out on the opportunity.
Read Also: Trademark and Patent Agent Examination Date 2026: Eligibility Criteria, Process, and more
Conclusion
This exam paves the way to becoming a registered patent agent in India, qualifying you to draft and file patent applications while working with inventors and companies to safeguard innovations. For those with a background in science, engineering, or technology, it can be a career-defining step. With innovation booming across industries, now is the right time to enter the world of patents—so stay updated on the IP India website and begin preparing early to face the competition.
