The earlier 2026 announcement
On May 1, the State Bar reported a 30.8% passing rate for the February 2026 General Bar Exam and 57.0% for the Attorneys’ Exam. Its release explained that February 2025 involved unusual remedial measures and scoring adjustments, making a simple year-to-year comparison particularly limited.
Different administrations are different groups
A February passing percentage should not be treated as a controlled experiment against a July percentage. Changes in who sits for an exam, prior attempts, and other circumstances can affect the group result. A higher aggregate rate does not prove that an administration was easier, and a lower one does not establish a specific cause.
Use comparisons for questions, not predictions
For your own preparation, a comparison is useful when it prompts a better question: Am I reviewing the correct administration? Am I comparing first attempts with all attempts? Is the source reporting preliminary or final data? Then return to personal evidence: recent practice, completion under time, and patterns in feedback. Keep an error log specific enough to guide the next assignment. This article revisits a May announcement as background to the current results cycle; it is not presenting the February figures as newly released November news.
Official source
Read the official announcement or guidance →
News facts are attributed to the linked source; preparation suggestions are Bar Exam Doctor commentary. Dates and requirements may change. Use current official instructions for your administration.