The short answer
The 2027 Philippine Bar Examinations are held on 5, 8 and 12 September 2027, with two subjects each day: one from 8 AM to 12 noon and one from 2 to 6 PM. There are six subjects, each weighted, and examinees pass with a weighted general average of 75%. Each subject has 20 essay problems worth 5% each, answered on a computer, and the law examined is the law in force as of 30 June 2026.
Key points
- Exam days: Sunday 5, Wednesday 8 and Sunday 12 September 2027.
- Two subjects a day: 8 AM to 12 noon, then 2 to 6 PM.
- Remedial Law carries the most weight at 25%; Labor and Criminal Law the least at 10% each.
- Pass with a weighted general average of 75%.
- 20 essay problems per subject, 5% each, answered on a computer.
The three exam days
The Supreme Court's Bar Bulletin No. 1-2027, dated 16 September 2026, sets the 2027 Bar Examinations on three days in September 2027. Each day has a morning and an afternoon subject.
| Day | Morning, 8 AM to 12 noon | Afternoon, 2 to 6 PM |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, 5 September 2027 | Political and Public International Law (15%) | Commercial and Taxation Laws (20%) |
| Wednesday, 8 September 2027 | Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds (20%) | Labor Law and Social Legislation (10%) |
| Sunday, 12 September 2027 | Criminal Law (10%) | Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics, with Practical Exercises (25%) |
The gaps between the exam days matter for planning. There are two rest days between the first and second day, and three between the second and third. Many reviewees use them for a last pass through the next day's subjects.
The six subjects and their weights
Each subject counts toward your general average by its weight. The six weights add up to 100%.
- Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics, with Practical Exercises: 25%
- Commercial and Taxation Laws: 20%
- Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds: 20%
- Political and Public International Law: 15%
- Labor Law and Social Legislation: 10%
- Criminal Law: 10%
Because the weights differ, an hour of review is not worth the same in every subject. A point gained in Remedial Law moves your average two and a half times as much as a point gained in Criminal Law. A sound plan gives each subject roughly the share of your time that the Bar gives it, then adjusts for your own weak spots.
The passing grade
To pass, you need a weighted general average of 75%. Your grade in each subject is multiplied by that subject's weight, and the results are added together.
That means a strong score in a heavily weighted subject can carry a weaker one, and the reverse is also true. A low grade in Remedial Law costs more than the same grade in Labor Law.
The format: essay problems, on a computer
Every subject has 20 essay problems, so the whole examination has 120. Each problem is worth 5% of that subject's grade. Answers are written on a computer.
Each session runs four hours. With 20 problems in 240 minutes, that is an average of 12 minutes per problem, including reading time. Practising under that clock is one of the most useful things you can do in the final months.
What the questions test
The bulletin describes what the questions are meant to test: whether you understand the governing principle, can apply it to the facts, and can state the reasoning that connects the two. In practice that rewards answers that name the rule, apply it to the facts given, and conclude. Our guide to answering Bar essay questions goes through that structure.
Which law is examinable
The examinable law is the law in force as of 30 June 2026. For decisions of the Supreme Court, only the main opinion is examinable, not separate or dissenting opinions.
If you are using older reviewers, check them against that cut-off date. Anything enacted or decided after 30 June 2026 is outside the coverage.
Applying
The application for the 2027 Bar has its own bulletin, which has not been issued yet. Our guide to applying for the Bar covers who may apply, how the online application works and what to prepare now.
Where these facts come from
Everything on this page is taken from Bar Bulletin No. 1-2027. The Supreme Court can issue further bulletins, and the Court's official Bar microsite always controls. Check it for requirements, deadlines, venues and any changes before you rely on a date.
Lagda is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Questions
When is the 2027 Philippine Bar Exam?
On 5, 8 and 12 September 2027, according to Bar Bulletin No. 1-2027. Each day has two subjects: one from 8 AM to 12 noon and one from 2 to 6 PM.
What is the passing grade for the 2027 Bar?
A weighted general average of 75%. Each subject grade is multiplied by its weight, and the results are added together.
Which subject has the highest weight in the 2027 Bar?
Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics, with Practical Exercises, at 25%. Commercial and Taxation Laws and Civil Law are next at 20% each.
How many questions are in each subject?
Twenty essay problems per subject, each worth 5%, for 120 problems across the whole examination.
Up to what date is the law examinable?
The law in force as of 30 June 2026. For Supreme Court decisions, only the main opinion is examinable.
Published 13 November 2026, updated 14 November 2026. Read how we write and check our guides in our editorial standards. The Supreme Court's bulletins and announcements always control. Lagda is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the Supreme Court of the Philippines.