2026 PH Bar exams kick off with over 12,000 examinees

The 2026 Bar Examinations officially kicked off on Sunday (September 6) with 12,029 examinees out of 13,441 registered applicants. According to data released by the Supreme Court (SC) Public Information Office, women comprise the majority of this year’s aspiring lawyers taking the tests across 15 local testing centers throughout the Philippines. SC data showed that out of the total attendees on the first day, 6,773 are female and 5,256 are male. SC official figures also highlight a wide demographic span among law graduates seeking admission to the Philippine Bar: the youngest examinee this year is 24 years old while the oldest candidate is 84 years old.

The High Tribunal also noted that assistance were provided across testing sites to ensure an inclusive examination process for 304 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and 285 senior citizens. The conduct of the digitalized Bar examinations are led by 2026 Bar Chairperson and Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan with San Beda College Alabang serving as the national headquarters. On the first day of the Bar exams, the candidates were tested on Political and Public International Law and Commercial and Taxation Laws. The three-day Bar exam will continue on Wednesday (September 9) and will conclude on Sunday (September 13).

-Paraluman News