2026 Bar Exam Dates and Deadlines: A Comprehensive Guide

Aspiring legal professionals, mark your calendars. The path to becoming a licensed attorney in California involves navigating key dates and deadlines for the bar exam. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the 2026 California Bar Exam schedule, including application timelines and exam dates, as well as information on the upcoming NextGen Bar Exam.

California Bar Exam Dates – 2026

The State Bar of California administers the bar exam twice a year. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates for 2026:

• February 2026 Bar Exam: February 24–25, 2026
• July 2026 Bar Exam: July 28–29, 2026

Application Deadlines

Planning is crucial. Here are the application deadlines for each exam date:

• February 2026 Bar Exam:
  • Application Availability: October 1, 2025
  • Timely Filing Deadline: November 3, 2025
  • Final Filing Deadline: January 2, 2026
• July 2026 Bar Exam:
  • Application Availability: March 1, 2026
  • Timely Filing Deadline: April 1, 2026
  • Final Filing Deadline: June 1, 2026

You can find more detailed information on the State Bar of California website.

First-Year Law Students’ Examination (FYLSE)

The First-Year Law Students’ Examination (FYLSE) is also administered in June 2026.

• June 2026 FYLSE: June 23, 2026
• Application Availability: March 1, 2026
• Timely Filing Deadline: April 1, 2026
• Final Filing Deadline: May 15, 2026

The NextGen Bar Exam

The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) is introducing the NextGen UBE, debuting in July 2026. The NextGen Bar Exam will test a broader range of foundational lawyering skills and legal concepts. BARBRI is preparing students for the UBE, NextGen, or jurisdiction-specific exams. Learn more about preparing for the 2026 exam with BARBRI.

Resources

• California Bar Exam Dates and Deadlines – The State Bar of California
• NextGen Bar Exam – NCBE
• Bar Exam Dates 2026: Schedule and Filing Deadlines

Staying informed and organized is key to success on the bar exam. Be sure to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information and plan your preparation accordingly.