Frequently Asked Questions
It is an examination that is conducted (generally annually) by the Indian Intellectual Property Office. It is a prestigious examination that enables the qualifiers of this exam to not only get registered as Indian Patent Agent but also allows them to formally start helping innovators in India in having their innovations protected under the Indian Patents Act, 1970 and Indian Designs Act, 2000.
Eligible candidates are the ones who:
⦁ have completed 21 years of age
⦁ have an Indian citizenship
⦁ Have secured minimum of a bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, technology or equivalent degree (this could be a degree in BSc, MSc, PhD, MBBS, BDS, B Pharm, MPharm, PharmD, BE, BTec, MTec etc)
The final year students can also appear for the exam however they need to produce their secured degree once they have qualified the examination. Patent Office notification generally provides the timelines for such submission.
Watch this video for more details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpb0pIec8_0
Qualifying Patent Agent Exam is mandatory to practice in the capacity of an Indian Patent Agent
First of all it provides you an edge in the community to get registered as an Indian Patent Agent. It allows an individual to start his/her own business/career in this field and earn by facilitating innovators/creators in protecting their work. It’s a lucrative option that not only makes the Individual Atmanirbhar but also provides India with a skilled workforce.
It varies. Generally it may happen annually either in January or May. However one must keep a complete check on the patent office website to find out the announcement date. Exam for year 2024 took place on 7th January 2024 and the one for year 2025 has been announced for 5th January 2025.
It comprises of two papers and one viva voce
Paper I: Objective type, 100 marks
Paper 2: Subjective paper primarily covers hypothetical situations/case studies and drafting: 100 marks
Viva Voce: 50 marks
Qualifying marks: 150 with minimum 60% in Paper I and Paper II
There is no negative marking. However, where a questions commands selecting more than 2 correct options then marking of any additional option or selecting lesser correct options will fetch zero marks.
Watch this video to get more details: https://youtu.be/vxCe-WWgmRA
Once the Exam notification is made by the Indian Patent Office, the interested candidate can make an application in a prescribed proforma along with all the desired enclosures with the fee of Rs. 1600/- (Rupees One Thousand Six Hundred Only). Notification would carry all the necessary formalities to be complied with. This fee is to be paid online. https://ipindia.gov.in/
The exam is conducted Offline at the centers (Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata) listed by Indian Patent Office for both paper I and paper II including Viva Voce. Limited opportunities exist for online viva however that is decided by the Indian patent Office only. Centers are marked in the admit cards)
This certification allows you to practice this profession in India only.
That’s not mandatory
Yes, training classes are offered over the weekend and the trainer is Dr Sheetal Chopra (MSc, LLB, PhD, Author of the Book: Indian Patenting System & Patent Agent Examination).
Registrants get a unique dashboard where all the relevant study material, class presentations, video lectures are provided). All the details are available on website www.IIIPF.com
That is not mandatory to practice the profession. However, getting yourself registered as an Indian Patent Agent with the Indian Patent office provides you an edge and you can always choose to pursue this profession at any given time. Besides enhancing your resume and complementing your existing profession, it provides you with a good testimony of your know how about the Indian patenting field
Once the individual qualifies for the Patent Agent Exam, a notification via email or other is provided by the Indian Patent Office regarding all the formalities. Generally, one has to submit the following:
⦁ Duly filled in Form 22
⦁ Along with Form 22, courier character certificate from gazetted officer, hard copy of specimen signatures, two passport sized photographs, proof of age, courier all self attested copies of citizenship, degree certificates, age proof, etc.
⦁ Pay minimum 4000 INR (Rs 3200 + 800 is minimum to be paid). This fee is for one financial year from 1st April till 31st March.