The 2026 Bar Examinations officially kicked off on Sunday, September 6, with thousands of aspiring lawyers across the country beginning the first of three examination days.

The Supreme Court has designated 15 local testing centers nationwide to accommodate this year’s examinees. The examination is chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, while San Beda College Alabang in Muntinlupa City serves as the headquarters of the 2026 Bar Examinations.

For the opening day on September 6, examinees are scheduled to take Political and Public International Law during the morning session, followed by Commercial and Taxation Laws in the afternoon.

The second day of the examinations is set for Wednesday, September 9, while the final day will be held on Sunday, September 13.

The Supreme Court cleared 13,441 applicants to take the 2026 Bar Examinations out of 14,291 registered candidates.

The number of examinees comes as aspiring lawyers seek to surpass the results of last year’s Bar Examinations, where 5,594 examinees passed, producing a 48.98% passing rate.

Meanwhile, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) extended its support and best wishes to the examinees as they faced the first day of the rigorous examination.

In a message posted on Sunday, the IBP encouraged the candidates to remain composed and focused, emphasizing their preparation and perseverance throughout the examination period.

“Stay calm, stay focused, and give it your best. The legal profession awaits you,” the organization said, as it wished the examinees success in their journey toward becoming lawyers.

With the 2026 Bar Examinations now underway, thousands of candidates are putting years of legal education, preparation, and hard work to the test as they pursue admission to the Philippine legal profession.