MANILA — The Supreme Court has issued an advisory stating the deadline for filing applications for the 2024 Bar Examinations is set for April 5.
According to Philippines News Agency, individuals aiming to take the Bar exam must engage with the Bar Applicant Registration System and Tech Assistance (BARISTA) platform by either creating a new account or updating an existing one. Applicants are then required to complete the necessary online forms, upload the required documents, and process payments via the BARISTA system.
Furthermore, the advisory detailed that following the submission of the online application, candidates are to print and sign the BARISTA-generated form and submit it along with the requisite documents to the Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC) within a ten-day period from receiving the approval notice. The processing of applications will proceed only if all documents are successfully uploaded and the application fee is paid in full.
For those yet to have an account on the Supreme Court's BARISTA platform, including new applicants, previous takers, and those needing to refresh their application, the creation of individual accounts is necessary via the provided online portal. The application process requires completing or updating profiles, filling out application forms, uploading necessary documents, and paying the application fee of PHP12,800 through designated payment methods.
Upon approval of their applications, candidates are expected to submit printed and signed versions of their forms, along with hard copies of essential documents, to the OBC within 10 calendar days. Additionally, applicants must ensure digital copies and physical copies of deferred documents are uploaded to BARISTA and submitted to OBC, respectively, by October 15, 2024.
For new applicants who have not completed their law degree and refreshers who have not finished their refresher or pre-bar review course, a request for an application fee refund can be made until September 6, 2024, via the OBC Help Desk.
The Supreme Court also plans to establish Local Testing Centers (LTCs) in major cities throughout the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to accommodate the examinees. Applicants are required to select three cities of preference for their venue, which will be taken into consideration after the application period concludes. Venue assignments will be accessible through the BARISTA platform.