The first comprehensive data on the July 2026 bar exam is now available. The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) has released the national mean for the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), providing a crucial snapshot of candidate performance across the country.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the July 2026 bar exam scores, including the national MBE average, state-by-state results, and an explanation of what these numbers mean for law graduates awaiting their results.
| July 2026 Bar Exam Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| MBE National Mean | 140.7 |
| July 2025 MBE Mean | 142.4 |
| Year-over-Year Change | -1.7 points |
| July 2026 MBE Examinees | 44,472 |
| MBE Questions | 200 |
| MBE Testing Time | 6 hours |
| MBE Subjects | 7 |
| MBE Score Range | Approximately 40–200 |
The national mean scaled score for the July 2026 MBE was 140.7. This represents a decline of 1.7 points from the July 2025 average of 142.4, which had reached a 12-year high.
The 1.7-point drop marks the first decline in the average MBE score since 2022. While a 1.7-point change may appear modest, it is the largest year-over-year decline since 2018 (excluding pandemic-affected 2020). However, the NCBE noted that “this July’s MBE mean is consistent with performance over the past five years,” suggesting that the 2025 score may have been an outlier peak rather than a new norm.
Yes, scores declined compared to July 2025. The data confirms:
| Metric | July 2025 | July 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBE National Mean | 142.4 | 140.7 | -1.7 points |
| MBE Examinees | 46,959 | 44,472 | -5% |
Examinee numbers fell by approximately 5%, driven partly by the transition to the new NextGen Uniform Bar Examination. Ten jurisdictions administered the inaugural NextGen UBE in July 2026 instead of the traditional MBE, and their scores are not included in the 140.7 national mean.
The 2026 results represent a reversal of recent trends. The July 2025 MBE mean of 142.4 was the highest July average since 2013 (excluding pandemic administrations). The 2026 results, while lower, bring the national average back in line with scores from before the 2025 surge.
While the national MBE average provides a broad indicator, individual jurisdictions’ pass rates offer a clearer picture of candidate performance. Early data from the first three states to report their results shows a concerning trend.
Arkansas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin each reported a pass rate decline of 5 percentage points or more. This suggests that the lower MBE scores are translating into lower pass rates in at least some states.
However, the NCBE has stated that the lower MBE mean does not automatically guarantee a national decline, as each jurisdiction has its own scoring rules and passing standards.
There is no single nationwide release date for individual bar results. Each jurisdiction controls its own schedule. The earliest large states typically release results around five weeks after the exam.
| Jurisdiction | Expected Release Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Approximately 5 weeks after exam (Early Sept.) | Board policy |
| Wisconsin | September 2, 2026 | Tentative |
| Florida | Friday, September 18, 2026 | Announced |
| Georgia | September 18, 2026 | Tentative |
| Colorado | September 17, 2026 | Announced |
| California | November 6, 2026 | Announced |
| New York | Last week of October | Historical pattern |
| Ohio | October 23, 2026 | Announced |
Note: Many jurisdictions base release dates on historical patterns. Candidates are advised to check their jurisdiction’s official bar admissions website for the most current information.
The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) is a 200-question multiple-choice test covering seven subjects: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, Torts, and Civil Procedure. It is one component of the bar exam in most U.S. jurisdictions.
The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is a more comprehensive test that includes the MBE, the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). The UBE yields a portable score that can be transferred to other UBE jurisdictions. The legacy UBE is being phased out in favor of the NextGen UBE.
1. What is the July 2026 bar exam average score?
The national average scaled score for the July 2026 Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) was 140.7.
2. What was the July 2026 MBE mean?
The NCBE reported the July 2026 MBE national mean as 140.7.
3. Did July 2026 MBE scores go down?
Yes. The MBE average fell by 1.7 points from the July 2025 average of 142.4.
4. What was the July 2025 MBE average?
The July 2025 MBE mean was 142.4, which was a 12-year high for the July administration.
5. When are July 2026 bar exam results released?
Release dates vary by jurisdiction. Some states began releasing results in early September, while others, such as New York and California, release them in late October and November, respectively.
6. Is 140.7 a passing bar exam score?
No. 140.7 is the national average MBE score, not a passing score. Passing scores are set by individual jurisdictions and vary by state. A candidate must meet their specific jurisdiction’s requirements to pass.
7. How do I check my July 2026 bar results?
Candidates should check their jurisdiction’s official bar admissions website and their applicant portal for results and score reports.
8. What is a good MBE score?
A good MBE score depends on the passing requirement of the state where you are taking the bar exam. Most states require a UBE total score between 260 and 280, with the MBE contributing 50% of the total. The national average of 140.7 provides a general benchmark.
9. Is the NextGen UBE included in the July 2026 MBE average?
No. The 10 jurisdictions that administered the inaugural NextGen UBE in July 2026 are not included in the 140.7 MBE mean. NCBE expects to release a national average for the NextGen exam in October.
10. How many people took the July 2026 MBE?
Approximately 44,472 candidates took the July 2026 MBE.
11. What happens if you fail the July 2026 bar exam?
Candidates who fail are advised to review their score report (if available), identify weaker subject areas, and consider their next steps, including registering for the next administration and adjusting their study strategies. Candidates should also check their jurisdiction’s policy on score appeals or regrades.
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