Here are the schedule and subject coverage of the 2026 Bar Examinations
The Supreme Court has released the schedule of the 2026 Bar Exams, as well as the subject coverage for each day and complete syllabus.
On Oct. 16, Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, Bar chairperson for the 2026 Bar Exams, issued Bar Bulletin No. 1, Series of 2026 regarding the "Conduct of the 2026 Bar Examinations: Modality, Schedule, Coverage, and Syllabi."
The exams will take place over three days—Sept. 6, Sunday; Sept. 9, Wednesday; and Sept. 13, Sunday—from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 to 6 p.m.
Six core subjects will be covered in the exams; two per day.
On the morning of Day 1, Sept. 6, the exam will cover political and public international law (15% of the score). In the afternoon, commercial and taxation laws (20%).
On the morning of Day 2, Sept. 9, the exam will cover civil law and land titles and deeds (20%). In the afternoon, labor law and social legislation (10%).
On the morning of Day 3, Sept. 13, the exam will cover criminal law (10%). In the afternoon, remedial law, legal and jucicial ethics, with practical exercises (25%).
According to the bulletin, "all examination questions shall be sourced only from laws, rules, issuances, and jurisprudence as of June 30, 2025."
The 2026 Bar Exams will be localized and digitalized. Examinees will be going to local testing centers across the country to take the exams, which will be administered using a digital format.
Each subject will have 20 essay questions, with a single question for every number. Answers will receive a score ranging from 0% to 100%. Each question, which will focus on the exam taker's critical thinking skills, will "integrate contemporary issues and technology-related legal matters," according to the bulletin.
The exam, as stated in the bulletin, is "designed to test not only the examinees' fundamental knowledge of the law and its practical application, but also gauge their readiness to dispense justice, serve the people, and contribute to the nation."
To pass the 2026 Bar Exams, an examinee must get a general average of 75% in all subjects.
"This is not a test for the weak. Yet you are here, not by chance, but by choice, because you believe in the power of your purpose," wrote Gaerlan in his bulletin, welcoming the 2026 Bar aspirants.
The Office of the 2026 Bar Chairperson will provide subsequent bar bulletins to cover application requirements and procedures, software applications, venues of local testing centers, and other guidelines.
You can find the full syllabus here.
