Bar Association Exam Data Shows Who Passes, and How to Survive the Wait

As candidates leave the Israeli Bar Association exam, the article says the immediate aftermath is marked by social-media speculation, arguments over difficult evidence-law questions, and anxiety about reaching the passing grade of 65. It advises graduates to stop following hallway rumors and focus instead on managing the stressful weeks before results are published.

The national average score is presented as a key marker of difficulty. In fall 2024 it was 63.4, and in summer 2025 it dropped further to 59.6, suggesting a hard exam. The article notes that appeal committees almost always review problematic questions and sometimes approve alternative correct answers, so candidates who scored between 60 and 64 are not necessarily out of the running.

Historical data show a sharp gap by attempt number. First-time test takers pass at the highest rates, usually 75% to 83%. Second-time takers fall to 29% to 31.5%, though fall 2024 was unusually strong at 48.3%. Those taking the exam for a third time or more pass at only 6% to 14%.

By institution, Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University lead with 97% to 98.5% first-time passes and a weighted average of 74.69. Bar-Ilan University and the University of Haifa follow with 84% to 94%, while the College of Management had 93.33% in fall 2024 and 89.90% in summer 2025. Sapir College and Reichman University also posted strong results. Ono Academic College, which sends the largest number of students, had about 66.5% first-time passes but a much lower overall average of 46.3. The article also says prosecutors’ offices perform best among internship placements, while military reservists who received exam accommodations reached an 80.70% pass rate in fall 2024.