Trade Marks Agent Examination 2026
The TAE 2026 took place on 10 January 2026 with 819 candidates registered. Out of these, 388 appeared for Paper I and 362 for Paper II. This examination, governed by Rule 144 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, evaluates candidates’ understanding of trade mark law, application processes, and analytical abilities necessary for effective IP management.
Patent Agent Examination 2026
The PAE 2026 was held on 11 January 2026, attracting 5,535 registered candidates. Paper I saw participation from 2,402 candidates, while 2,315 appeared for Paper II. Conducted under Rule 110 of the Patents Rules, 2003 (as amended) and Section 126 of the Patents Act, 1970 (as amended), the exam tests applicants’ knowledge of patent law, drafting skills, and procedural expertise essential for assisting inventors and organisations.
Exam Structure and Qualification Criteria
Both exams feature a three-stage assessment. Paper I consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), while Paper II is a subjective paper also worth 100 marks. The final stage is an interview (Viva Voce) assessing candidates’ practical understanding of IP laws.
To qualify, candidates must secure at least 50% marks in each paper, along with an overall score of 60% or higher. Successful candidates are registered in the respective official registers maintained by CGPDTM: the Register of Trade Marks Agents or the Register of Patent Agents.
Nationwide Examination Centres
Exams were conducted across 13 centres, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Thiruvananthapuram. This extensive coverage enabled candidates from various regions to participate conveniently, ensuring wider accessibility to the examinations.
Role of Patent and Trade Marks Agents
Patent and Trade Marks Agents serve as critical facilitators in India’s intellectual property ecosystem. Patent Agents assist in drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, guiding inventors through legal and procedural requirements. Similarly, Trade Marks Agents help businesses register and manage distinctive brands and logos, ensuring compliance with IP laws and maintaining robust trademark portfolios.
Both roles require a deep understanding of technical, legal, and procedural aspects of intellectual property, providing essential support to creators and innovators across the country.
