Record-high 12,010 test takers complete 2026 Bar exams

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A total of 12,010 examinees out of 12,029 test takers completed the three-day 2025 Bar Examinations, setting a new record for the highest number of finishers in Bar history, according to the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday.

The exams were held in 15 local testing centers in the country on September 6, 9, and 13.

"The difficult days and the sleepless nights, they were all worth it. They were worth it knowing we did our best to honor the dreams and sacrifices of the Bar examinees," Bar Chairperson and Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan said in a statement.

"They were worth it knowing that we upheld the integrity of the Bar Examinations and the dignity of the Court and of the legal profession. And they were worth it knowing that we served the nation well,” he added.

According to the High Court, Day 1 covered Political and Public International Law and Commercial and Taxation Laws, Day 2 covered Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds and Labor Law and Social Legislation, and Day 3 covered Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics.

Meanwhile, during a turnover ceremony, Gaerlan officially handed over the administration of the Bar exams to Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario, who will serve as the next chairperson.

Rosario said next year's exams will be built on three core pillars: regional, responsive, and relevant.

"We will have a Bar exam that rewards analytical thinking and sound legal judgment over the mechanical recall of isolated rules, and shall reflect the legal problems encountered in contemporary Philippine society," he said. — VDV, GMA News