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Bar Exam Scores Plummet: National Average Declines
3 Sep
Summary
- National average score on the Multistate Bar Exam dropped significantly.
- Three states reported declines of 5 percentage points or more.
- AI and increased law school accommodations are potential factors.
The average score on the July 2026 Multistate Bar Exam has declined, signaling a trend of lower pass rates for the attorney licensing exam. The national average score fell 1.7 points to 140.7, the first decrease since 2022. This drop follows a 12-year high in 2025 and brings the average more in line with recent years.
Initial reports from Arkansas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin indicate pass rate decreases of 5 percentage points or more. These are the only states to have released their pass rates thus far. The National Conference of Bar Examiners has not yet provided a reason for the score decline.
Speculation from legal experts points to potential factors such as increased reliance on artificial intelligence for studying, which may hinder foundational knowledge acquisition. Additionally, law schools' more frequent use of accommodations, like extra time on tests, could leave students unprepared for the strict time constraints of the bar exam.
