Well, I am sure, this is what is crossing through the minds of the IP enthusiasts who have been waiting since long (2013-being specific) for their turn to appear for Patent Agent Examination (PAE). They were not able to do so for the want of examination taking place. November 27, 2016 has definitely brought sigh of relief for them.
Relief came for PAE aspirants when IPO official website announced on July 19, 2016 that PAE will be conducted before December, 2016. Then IPO released a tender on September 01 requesting quotation for supply of answer booklet and related works, supply of Optical Mater Recognition (OMR) sheets and printing of question papers for Patent Agent examination-2016. Tender can be accessed here. From tender it appears that paper one is likely to have question s. no. 1-40 with one option correct, whereas s. no. 41-50 with more than one option correct. IPO is expecting minimum 2000 applications and expects the figure to go high up to 6000.
In an interesting deviation from the examination pattern of the previous exam, this time Schedule for Viva-Voce examination will be announced after the completion of written examination. Only those candidates who have scored minimum of 50% marks in each paper will be allowed to appear for Viva-Voce. Separate list for same would be provided.
We wish all the best to all the PAE aspirants. May they all come up with flying colours!