The sorrowful story of the bar internship exam.

The announcement of November 5, 2026 as the date for the bar internship exam needs to be examined and evaluated from various perspectives.

This date is not in accordance with the resolution of the Executive Council of the Bar Association (Esda) dated June 17, 2026, which set the exam time as the "second half of autumn." Many candidates have organized their study and personal schedules based on this official announcement, and changing the time without providing clear and documented explanations could undermine their legitimate trust and create ambiguity about the commitment of decision-making bodies to their announced resolutions.

Considering that over 98,000 candidates registered for the exam last year, the bar exam is one of the most important professional exams in the country, and the decisions of the National Organization for Educational Testing (Sanjesh) and the Bar Association have a direct impact on the career paths of tens of thousands of law graduates. Therefore, it seems that determining the exam date, in addition to administrative considerations, should take into account social conditions, psychological factors, and the current realities of the country.

Last year, under relatively more stable conditions, the exam was held on November 5. Now that the country is facing the consequences of war, security tensions, and a situation known as "neither war nor peace," the question arises: based on what expert assessment has the exam date not only not been postponed but also set earlier than the period announced in the Bar Association's resolution?

Furthermore, a number of candidates reside in the southern provinces of the country—areas that have been more affected than many other regions by the consequences of conflicts and insecurity in recent months. These candidates, in addition to the pressures of preparing for the exam, are facing security concerns, disruptions in their normal lives, and additional psychological stress. Expecting all candidates to have the same level of preparation and focus, without considering their differing living conditions, is not comparable to normal past situations.

Preparing for the bar exam requires peace of mind, concentration, and the ability to plan regularly and consistently. When such conditions are not available for a portion of the candidates, holding the exam earlier than the announced period, without taking these considerations into account, may not align with the principle of equal access to opportunities.

From this perspective, setting the date for November 5, 2026 is not merely an administrative decision; it raises the concern that administrative considerations have been prioritized over social requirements and human responsibilities.

Such a decision may be perceived by some candidates as a sign of the dominance of an administrative approach over social considerations, insufficient attention to the general conditions of the country, and shortcomings in the decision-making and information processes of the National Organization for Educational Testing and the Bar Association. Institutions that emphasize the rule of law and justice need to make their decisions based on an accurate understanding of society's conditions, maintaining public trust, and upholding accountability.

Public trust is not built solely through the implementation of administrative processes; it also requires transparent, fair, and reasonable decisions that are proportionate to the conditions of society. The candidates' demand is not for special privileges; it is the expectation that the same principles always emphasized by the exam organizers be observed. It is hoped that the National Organization for Educational Testing and the Bar Association, by reviewing the announced date, while respecting the previous resolution and the prevailing conditions of the country, will help reduce concerns and strengthen candidates' trust.