In the fiscal year 2025-26, India recorded a 30.2% increase in patent applications, totaling 143,729 filings compared to 110,375 the previous year, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. This growth highlights India's status as the 6th largest patent filer in the world, with over 69% of applications coming from domestic innovators, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The surge in filings is attributed to various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the intellectual property rights ecosystem, particularly for startups, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and educational institutions. These initiatives include reduced fees for certain entities, expedited examination processes, and pro bono assistance for patent applications. Since 2016-17, when patent filings were only 45,444, there has been a steady increase, showcasing the growing innovation landscape in India. The patent examination process is rigorous, ensuring compliance with the requirements of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability as per the Patents Act, 1970.