The Supreme Court has announced the schedule for next year’s Bar Examination.
In Bar Bulletin No. 1 dated October 16, next year’s examination will be on September 6, 9, and 13, covering six core subjects.
On the morning of Sept. 6, Political and Public International Law (15%) and Commercial Law and Taxation (20%) will be offered in the afternoon.
The second day, Sept. 9, will be about Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds (20%) and Labor Law and Social Legislation (10%), while on the third day, Criminal Law (10%) in the morning and for the afternoon session is Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics, with Practical Exercises. The examinations will have 20 essay-type questions, with each question numbered separately. Answers shall be graded from zero percent to one hundred percent or five percent per question.
‘The examination questions shall focus on critical thinking skills essential to legal practice and responsive to the modern demands of the legal profession. The questions shall likewise integrate contemporary issues and technology-related matters,’ read the bulletin. As in previous Bar examinations since Bar 2020-21, the 2026 Bar examination will be localized and digitalized, with designated testing centers across the country.
Next year’s Bar Examination Chairperson, Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, reminded aspiring lawyers that ‘you are here, not by chance, but by choice, because you believe in the power of your purpose.
‘Let me be clear: success in the Bar Examinations is not handed out. It is forged. It is #SuccessAchievedthroughMerit -earned through hard work, dedication, unshakeable integrity, and a refusal to settle for anything less than excellence. No shortcuts. No substitutes. No free passes. Only merit,’ Gaerlan said.
‘From my end, I give you more than procedures and protocols. I offer you a process that honors your efforts and a level playing field where only your competence and character will determine the outcome. I am and will be with you every step in your journey,’ said Gaerlan who promised an #awesomebar2026.