Bar Bulletin No. 1 was released by the Supreme Court on Thursday, outlining the modality, schedule, coverage, and syllabi for the 2026 Bar Examinations, which will be held over three days in September next year.

The bulletin, issued by 2026 Bar Chairperson Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, stated that the exams will continue to be localized and digitalized, in line with reforms institutionalized under A.M. No. 24-10-05-SC, which amended Rule 138 of the Rules of Court. These reforms — first introduced between 2020 and 2025 — are now permanent features of the bar admission process.

The three-day examination will be conducted on 6, 9, and 13 September, with two subjects administered per day. The schedule is as follows:

The SC states, Day 1 (6 September): Political and Public International Law (15%) in the morning, and Commercial and Taxation Laws (20%) in the afternoon.

Day 2 (9 September): Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds (20%) in the morning, and Labor Law and Social Legislation (10%) in the afternoon.

Day 3 (13 September): Criminal Law (10%) in the morning, and Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises (25%) in the afternoon.

Each subject will consist of 20 essay-type questions, and examinees must obtain a general average of 75% to pass. Questions will focus on critical thinking and practical application of the law, integrating modern and technology-related issues.

Justice Gaerlan said the conduct of the examinations is guided by the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, which aims to enhance inclusivity, accessibility, and efficiency in the legal profession. “The Bar Examinations must evolve and stay relevant,” the bulletin stated, ensuring that “every qualified Filipino, regardless of location or circumstance, has equal opportunity to pursue their calling.”

The SC will assign four examiners per subject to ensure comprehensive evaluation and grading reliability. Only laws, rules, and jurisprudence as of June 30, 2025, will be included in the coverage, and repealed or superseded laws will be excluded.

The high bench also reminded applicants to rely solely on official communication channels, including its website and verified social media pages, to avoid misinformation.

In a message to 2026 Bar examinees, Justice Gaerlan urged them to approach the challenge with integrity and perseverance.

“Success in the Bar Examinations is not handed out. It is forged. It is #SuccessAchievedthroughMerit — earned through hard work, dedication, and unshakeable integrity,” he wrote.

Gaerlan ended his message with encouragement:

Gaerlan stated, “Your time is now. I promise you an #AweSAMbar2026 — a crucible worthy of your sacrifice, a proving ground to reveal the best of who you are.”