Illinois Sees Drop in February Bar Exam Pass Rate Amid National Declines

CHICAGO – Illinois recorded a 40% overall pass rate for the February 2025 bar exam, down from 44% the previous year, according to data released April 4 by the state’s board of admissions. Of the 754 examinees, 53% of first-time test takers passed, while repeat takers saw a lower success rate at 36%. The decline in Illinois mirrors a broader national trend, as 24 of 43 states reporting scores saw lower pass rates.