Trade Marks Agent Examination 2026 Conducted with Participation of Over 800 Candidates; Patent Agent Examination 2026 Sees Over 5500 Registrations
Patent Agents and Trade Marks Agents play a critical role in India’s intellectual property ecosystem.
New Delhi: The Trade Marks Agent Examination (TAE) 2026 was conducted on January 10, with 819 candidates registering for the test. Of these, 388 candidates appeared for Paper I, while 362 candidates took Paper II. The examination is conducted by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) in accordance with Rule 144 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017.
The Patent Agent Examination (PAE) 2026 was held on January 11 and witnessed significantly higher participation. A total of 5,535 candidates registered for the examination, with 2,402 candidates appearing for Paper I and 2,315 candidates appearing for Paper II. The PAE is conducted by the CGPDTM under the provisions of Rule 110 of the Patents Rules, 2003 (as amended) and Section 126 of the Patents Act, 1970 (as amended).
Both examinations were conducted across 13 centres located in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur and Thiruvananthapuram.
The Trade Marks Agent Examination and the Patent Agent Examination follow a three-stage evaluation process. Paper I is a multiple-choice question-based examination carrying 100 marks, while Paper II is a subjective examination, also carrying 100 marks. These papers assess candidates’ understanding of the relevant Acts and Rules, application of legal principles, and analytical ability in interpreting statutory provisions. The final stage of both examinations comprises an interview (viva voce).
To qualify for registration, candidates must secure a minimum of 50 per cent marks in each of Paper I and Paper II, along with an overall aggregate of at least 60 per cent. Successful candidates are eligible for entry into the Register of Patent Agents or the Register of Trade Marks Agents, as applicable.
Patent Agents and Trade Marks Agents play a critical role in India’s intellectual property ecosystem. Patent Agents assist inventors and organisations in drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications, ensuring statutory compliance and navigating procedural requirements. Trade Marks Agents support businesses and individuals in registering distinctive brands and logos and in managing trade mark portfolios. Together, they provide essential technical, legal and procedural expertise to help innovators and creators protect and manage their intellectual property rights.
