Format Changes
The Supreme Court Bar Examination Committee has announced several changes to the 2026 Bar Examination format. The examination will continue to be administered digitally, building on the successful computerized format introduced in 2022.
The 2026 Bar Examination will be held across multiple regional testing centers to accommodate examinees nationwide, reducing the need for travel to Metro Manila.
Subject Coverage Updates
The 2026 Bar Examination will feature updated subject coverage:
- •Commercial Law now includes the Personal Property Security Act (R.A. 11057) and the Financial Institutions Act (F.A. 11765).
- •Civil Law has been expanded to include the New Civil Code provisions on digital transactions and electronic commerce.
- •Remedial Law now covers the amended Rules on Summary Procedure and the expanded e-filing rules.
- •Legal and Judicial Ethics includes new provisions on digital ethics, social media conduct for lawyers, and AI-assisted legal research guidelines.
The Supreme Court has published the detailed Bar Examination syllabus on sc.judiciary.gov.ph. Review centers have updated their materials accordingly.
Passing Criteria
The passing criteria for the 2026 Bar Examination remain at a general average of 75% across all subjects, with no grade below 50% in any subject. However, the Supreme Court has clarified that the disqualification threshold may be adjusted based on overall examination difficulty.
The Court has emphasized that the 75% passing grade is a minimum standard and that the actual passing rate is determined by the Court after evaluating examination results and the overall performance of examinees.
Preparation Tips for Bar Takers
For those preparing for the 2026 Bar Examination:
- •Review the updated syllabus carefully, particularly the new laws added to Commercial Law and Civil Law.
- •Familiarize yourself with the digital examination platform — the Supreme Court provides practice tests and tutorials.
- •Pay special attention to Legal and Judicial Ethics, as the new digital ethics provisions are likely to be tested.
- •Attend review sessions at accredited review centers that have updated their materials for the 2026 format.
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