Applications open for 2026 Shari’ah Special Bar Exams

MANILA, Philippines — Applications for the 2026 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations opened on Monday, Dec. 1, the Supreme Court announced.

The filing period will run until Dec. 12 at 5 p.m.

Required documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• PSA birth certificate
• College transcript of records
• Training or academic requirement:
  • Shari’ah Training Seminar (STS) Certificate of Completion, or
  • PHILJA Certificate of Exemption
• Government-issued ID
• Unretouched photo
• Three testimonials of good moral character
• BARISTA-generated application form
• PSA marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Case documents (if applicable)

Fees and payment options

The application fee is P12,800.

The Supreme Court may reduce the fee to P2,000 for indigent applicants with income not exceeding P24,000.

Those who do not qualify for the indigency provision may pay in installments, with four equal payments of P3,200.

Passing rate in 2025

In July 2025, a total of 154 examinees passed the Shari’ah Bar, posting a 24.48% passing rate.

Related Stories

154 examinees pass 2025 Shari’ah Bar examinations — Supreme Court