A TOTAL of 11,437 aspiring lawyers sat for the first day of the 2025 Bar Examinations on Sunday (07 Sept 2025), the Supreme Court  announced.

The figure, equivalent to 86.7 percent of the 13,193 admitted examinees, marks an increase from last year’s 10,483 first-day takers.

Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, chairperson of the 2025 Bar Examinations, said the rise reflects a continuing upward trend.

“The trend is going up. Whenever we have a big casualty rate, the tendency is for these people to repeat the following year,” she explained, adding that mortality and attrition rates contribute to the growth in numbers.

Of the total examinees this year, 5,215 are first-time takers, 4,239 are repeaters, and 1,984 are refresher examinees.

The SC also noted the diverse profile of this year’s candidates, which includes 241 persons with disabilities, 206 senior citizens, 41 pregnant women, and 139 individuals with medical conditions. Women make up the majority with 6,673 examinees, compared to 4,764 men.

Bar takers were spread across 14 testing centers nationwide, with New Era University in Quezon City registering the highest number at 1,698. Other testing venues included the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City (1,264), Saint Louis University in Baguio (1,253), and Ateneo de Davao University (1,099), among others.

Lazaro-Javier reminded candidates to persevere throughout the three-day exams scheduled on September 7, 10, and 14.

“Keep going; success is not a product of just one decision or action. It’s a series of decisions to show up and do your best,” she said.

The SC reported no incidents of violence or major disturbances during Sunday’s exams, describing the conduct as “absolutely peaceful.” Lazaro-Javier assured that contingency measures are in place to address possible weather disruptions in the coming days.