2026 Bar Examination Calendar
- Day 1 (Sunday, September 6, 2026): Political and Public International Law (15%) & Commercial and Taxation Laws (20%).
- Day 2 (Wednesday, September 9, 2026): Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds (20%) & Labor Law and Social Legislation (10%).
- Day 3 (Sunday, September 13, 2026): Criminal Law (10%) & Remedial Law, Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises (25%).
1. Statutory Passing Standard (Rule 138, Section 14)
Under Section 14, Rule 138 of the Rules of Court, a bar candidate must attain a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 75.0000% with no rating below 50.0000% in any individual subject cluster. All clusters must be passed in a single examination sitting, as the Supreme Court does not recognize conditional passes or subject removals. You can compute your weighted standing using our Philippine Bar Exam Rating Calculator.
2. Modern 6-Cluster Subject Schedule & Weight Distribution
| Examination Day | Subject Cluster Name | Official Weight | Time Slot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Sept 6) | Political and Public International Law | 15.00% | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Commercial and Taxation Laws | 20.00% | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | |
| Day 2 (Sept 9) | Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds | 20.00% | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Labor Law and Social Legislation | 10.00% | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | |
| Day 3 (Sept 13) | Criminal Law | 10.00% | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Remedial Law, Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises | 25.00% | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
3. 14 Designated Local Testing Centers (LTCs)
The Supreme Court operates 14 designated Local Testing Centers across four regional zones:
- National Capital Region (NCR - 5 LTCs): San Beda University (Mendiola), University of Santo Tomas (España), University of the Philippines Diliman (Quezon City), Ateneo de Manila University (Loyola Heights), and Manila Adventist College (Pasay City).
- Luzon (2 LTCs): Saint Louis University (Baguio City) and University of Nueva Caceres (Naga City).
- Visayas (3 LTCs): University of San Carlos (Cebu City), University of San Jose-Recoletos (Cebu City), and Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation (Tacloban City).
- Mindanao (2 LTCs): Ateneo de Davao University (Davao City) and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (Cagayan de Oro City).
4. Exam-Week Protocols & Examplify Software Guidelines
The digital examination runs via the Examplify testing software on candidate laptops under a closed local network. Examinees must follow strict operational guidelines during examination week:
- Software Preparation: Examinees must install the official Examplify build, complete mandatory sample tests, and download encrypted examination files before the specified deadline.
- Gate Arrival & Cutoff Times: Morning gates close strictly at 7:00 AM for the 8:00 AM session. Afternoon gates close at 1:00 PM for the 2:00 PM session. Late arrivals cannot enter the testing premises.
- Mandatory Identification: Examinees must present their printed Supreme Court Notice of Admission (NOA) with official QR code and two valid government photo IDs.
- Transparent Container Policy: All snacks, medicines, pens, and personal items must be placed in clear, transparent bags or pouches. Water tumblers must be transparent with commercial labels removed.
- Prohibited Items: Smartwatches, smartphones, tablets, bluetooth devices, loose notes, books, codals, and unauthorized electronic hardware are strictly prohibited inside examination buildings.
5. The Three-Failure Rule (Rule 138 Section 16)
Candidates who fail three (3) complete bar examinations cannot take subsequent examinations without completing a one-year law review or refresher course in an accredited law school recognized by the Legal Education Board (LEB) and the Supreme Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the September 2026 Philippine Bar Examination? ▼
The 2026 Digitalized Bar Exam is scheduled across three days: Sunday, September 6, 2026; Wednesday, September 9, 2026; and Sunday, September 13, 2026.
What is the statutory passing score for the Philippine Bar Exam? ▼
Under Rule 138, Section 14 of the Rules of Court, a candidate must obtain a General Weighted Average of at least 75.0000% with no rating below 50.0000% in any subject.
What are the subject weights for the 2026 Bar Exam? ▼
The statutory weights are: Political and Public International Law (15%), Commercial and Taxation Laws (20%), Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds (20%), Labor Law and Social Legislation (10%), Criminal Law (10%), and Remedial Law, Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises (25%).
How many Local Testing Centers (LTCs) are designated for 2026? ▼
The Supreme Court has designated 14 Local Testing Centers across Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
What software platform is used for the digitalized Bar Exam? ▼
The Supreme Court utilizes the Examplify computer-based testing software operating under a local closed-network environment within each testing center.
What are the rules for prohibited and permitted items during exam week? ▼
Examinees must present their Notice of Admission (NOA) with official QR code and two valid government photo IDs. All personal items, snacks, and medications must be contained in clear, transparent bags. Smartwatches, smartphones, digital devices, printed notes, and books are strictly prohibited inside examination buildings.