UCAT (UKCAT): Universal Clinical Aptitude Test

The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test), previously known as UKCAT, is a mandatory admissions test for students aiming to study medicine or dentistry at many leading universities in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It evaluates essential skills like logical reasoning, decision-making, and situational judgement—skills critical for success in the medical field. In 2024, over 38,000 candidates registered for the UCAT in the UK alone, highlighting the growing competition. The 2025 UCAT cycle brings notable updates, including a refined Decision Making section, extended testing window (from July to September 2025), and improved accessibility tools for neurodiverse candidates. With medical school places remaining limited and demand rising, achieving a high UCAT score—typically above 2700+ for top universities—is more important than ever for securing interview calls and offers.

Feature	Details
Name of the Test	Universal Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT, formerly UKCAT)
Frequency	Once per admission cycle (held annually between July – September 2025)
Type of Exam	Computer-based, conducted at Pearson VUE test centres or online for specific locations
Exam Duration	2 hours (excluding short tutorial, instructions, and optional survey)
Sections (2025)	1. Verbal Reasoning (VR) 2. Decision Making (DM) 3. Quantitative Reasoning (QR) 4. Situational Judgement (SJT)
Number of Questions	VR: 44 DM: 35 QR: 36 SJT: 69
Scoring System	• VR, DM, QR: Each scored from 300–900 (total 900–2700) • SJT: Band 1–4
UCAT Fee (2025)	• UK: £70 • Outside UK (incl. India): £115 (approx. ₹12,000)
Accepted In	Accepted by 46 universities across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand
Top Participating Universities	• University of Oxford (UK) • University of Edinburgh (UK) • Monash University (Australia) • University of Auckland (New Zealand)
Official Website	https://www.ucat.ac.uk
Result Availability	Immediate after test completion; results sent directly to universities
Special Testing	UCATSEN version available for students with approved access arrangements (up to 25% extra time)

What is The UCAT?

The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a computer-based admissions test required for entry into medical and dental degree programs at many universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Formerly known as the UKCAT, the UCAT is designed to assess a candidate’s mental abilities, problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and ethical judgement—rather than academic knowledge.

It is typically taken by students in Year 12 (or equivalent), prior to applying to universities through UCAS or other systems. The test is divided into four sections in 2025: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Situational Judgement. Each section evaluates different cognitive and professional attributes considered essential for success in healthcare fields.

The UCAT score, combined with academic qualifications and interviews, plays a crucial role in a university’s selection process for competitive medical and dental courses.

UCAT 2025 Sections

The UCAT 2025 is divided into four key sections, each designed to test different cognitive skills essential for a career in medicine or dentistry. With recent changes—including the removal of the Abstract Reasoning section—candidates must now focus on mastering the following updated components:

Section	Number of Questions	Time Limit	Instruction Time	Scoring
Verbal Reasoning (VR)	44	22 minutes	1 minute 30 seconds	300–900
Decision Making (DM)	35	37 minutes	1 minute 30 seconds	300–900
Quantitative Reasoning (QR)	36	26 minutes	2 minutes	300–900
Situational Judgement (SJT)	69	26 minutes	1 minute 30 seconds	Band 1–4

Criteria for Testing in UCAT 

To be eligible to sit the UCAT 2025, candidates must meet certain academic, regional, and program-specific requirements. These criteria ensure the test is only taken by students applying to relevant healthcare programs in participating universities.

Criteria	Details
Course Relevance	You must be applying to undergraduate medicine, dentistry, or relevant health science degrees at universities that require the UCAT.
Year of Study	Typically taken by students in their final year of secondary school (e.g., Year 12 or equivalent) or those applying for 2026 university entry.
University Application	You should be applying to at least one UCAT-participating university in the UK, Australia, or New Zealand.
Test Cycle Registration	You must register and book your test within the official 2025 UCAT window (typically early June to late September 2025).
Valid ID Requirement	A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driving license, Aadhaar with photo, etc.) is required on the test day.
One Test Per Year Rule	Candidates can only sit the UCAT once per testing cycle. Multiple attempts in the same year are not allowed.
Payment of Fees	Full test fee payment must be made at the time of booking. Bursaries or fee reductions are available for eligible UK candidates.
Accessibility Needs	Special testing accommodations (like UCATSEN) are available for candidates with approved medical or educational evidence.

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UKCAT Score Range

The UCAT 2025 is scored across four sections, each measuring different cognitive abilities vital for medical and dental careers. Understanding the score range and what counts as a strong performance can help candidates set realistic targets for top universities.

Section	Score Range
Verbal Reasoning (VR)	300 – 900
Decision Making (DM)	300 – 900
Quantitative Reasoning (QR)	300 – 900
Total Cognitive Score	900 – 2700 (sum of VR, DM, and QR)
Situational Judgement (SJT)	Band 1 – 4 (qualitative bands)

The average UCAT score (2024 adjusted) ranges between 1860 and 1900, while a good score, placing you in the top 30%, is typically 2000 or above. A competitive score falls between 2100 and 2200, placing you in the top 20% of candidates. For those aiming at top-tier universities, a highly competitive score of 2400+ (top 10%) significantly boosts your chances. In the Situational Judgement Test (SJT), candidates should aim for Band 1 or 2, as many universities may not consider applications from those scoring Band 4.

Important Dates for UCAT Test

Planning ahead is crucial for UCAT success, and knowing the key dates ensures you don’t miss out on registration, booking, or testing opportunities. Below are the official timelines for UCAT 2025 in both the UK and ANZ (Australia & New Zealand) test cycles:

UCAT UK 2025 (for UK & International Applicants)

Event	Date & Time (BST)
Account creation & bursary applications open	13 May 2025 – 09:30
Test booking opens	17 June 2025 – 06:00
Testing begins	7 July 2025
Access arrangements application deadline	16 September 2025 – 12:00
Booking & account creation deadline	19 September 2025 – 12:00
Last test date	26 September 2025
Bursary scheme closes	26 September 2025 – 16:00
UCAS deadline (for medicine/dentistry courses)	15 October 2025
Results sent to universities	Early November 2025

UCAT ANZ 2025 (Australia & New Zealand)

Event	Date
Test booking opens	4 March 2025
Concession application deadline	9 May 2025
Access arrangements application deadline	16 May 2025
Booking deadline	16 May 2025
Late booking closes	30 May 2025
Final late booking deadline	6 June 2025
Testing window	1 July – 5 August 2025
Results delivered to universities	Early September 2025

The UCAT test has to be booked within a limited time so for a particular date and time. UCAT will allot you exam centres according to your country. 

UCAT Universities in the UK

Here’s the list of universities in the UK that accept the UCAT exam for medical courses:-

• University of Aberdeen
• Anglia Ruskin University 
• Aston University 
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• Cardiff University 
• Dundee University 
• University of East Anglia
• Edge Hill University 
• Edinburgh University 
• University of Exeter 
• University of Glasgow 
• Hull York Medical School
• Keele University 
• Kent and Medway Medical School
• King’s College London 
• University of Leicester
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Newcastle 
• Nottingham University 
• Plymouth University 
• Queen Mary, University of London 
• Queen’s University Belfast 
• Sheffield University 
• Southampton University 
• University of St. Andrews
• St. George’s, University of London 
• Warwick University 
• University of Sunderland 

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Eligibility Requirements for UCAT

The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is required for entry into many undergraduate medicine and dentistry courses in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. To sit for the UCAT in 2025, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be applying to an undergraduate course in medicine, dentistry, or health sciences that requires the UCAT.
• You should be in your final year of secondary education (e.g., Year 12 in the UK/Australia or Class 12 in India) or planning to start university in 2026.
• There is no age restriction, but most candidates are 17 years or older at the time of testing.
• You can only sit the UCAT once per calendar year—no retakes are allowed in the same cycle.
• The test is open to both domestic and international students (including Indian applicants).
• Your chosen universities must be UCAT-participating institutions in the UK, Australia, or New Zealand.
• You must register for the test within the official window (typically May to September 2025).
• On test day, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence, Aadhaar card with photo).
• If you have a disability or learning difficulty, you may apply for access arrangements (like UCATSEN) with proper medical/educational documentation.
• UCAT is not required for graduate-entry medicine programs (those typically requiring the GAMSAT instead).

Application Process for UCAT

Here’s your step-by-step guide that will help you prepare and give your UCAT exam easily:-

• Create your UCAT account on the Pearson VUE website from 13 May 2025 (09:30 BST).
• Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your photo ID.
• Apply for a bursary or access arrangements (e.g., extra time) if eligible, from 13 May 2025.
• Book your test slot between 17 June 2025 (06:00 BST) and 19 September 2025 (12:00 BST).
• Choose your test centre or online testing option, depending on your location and availability.
• Select your test date between 7 July – 26 September 2025 (UK) or 1 July – 5 August 2025 (ANZ).
• Pay the test fee:
• £70 (UK students)
• £115 (international students, including India)
• AU$305 (for ANZ students)
• Receive a booking confirmation email with your test details.
• Reschedule or cancel your test (if needed) at least 24 hours before your booked slot.
• Prepare your ID for test day – valid passport, driver’s licence, or Aadhaar with photo.
• Attend your test at the chosen centre or online location on your booked date.
• Get your results immediately after the test; they are automatically sent to your chosen universities in early November 2025.

UCAT Preparation Tips: A Step-By-Step Guide

Preparing for the UCAT can be challenging, but with the right plan and consistent effort, you can maximise your score. Follow this step-by-step guide to stay on track:

Step 1: Understand the UCAT Format

• Familiarise yourself with the 2025 test structure, which includes four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Situational Judgement.
• Note that Abstract Reasoning has been removed in 2025.

Step 2: Start Early (3–4 Months in Advance)

• Begin your preparation by April or May 2025 to avoid last-minute pressure.
• Starting early gives you time to master each section and improve speed and accuracy.

Step 3: Create a Study Plan

• Set a weekly timetable covering all sections with time for review and practice tests.
• Include short daily sessions (30–60 mins) and longer sessions (2–3 hours) weekly.

Step 4: Use Official UCAT Resources

• Practice with official UCAT question banks and the UCAT Practice App from ucat.ac.uk.
• Use free sample questions, tutorials, and mini mock exams.

Step 5: Invest in Mock Tests

• Take full-length timed mock tests under exam conditions at least once a week.
• Focus on building speed, stamina, and time management.

Step 6: Analyse Your Mistakes

• After each practice test, review your errors and understand why you got them wrong.
• Keep a mistake journal to track patterns and target weak areas.

Step 7: Improve Section-Specific Skills

• Verbal Reasoning: Practice reading comprehension and managing time.
• Decision Making: Work on logic puzzles, Venn diagrams, and interpreting data.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Sharpen basic maths and calculator skills.
• Situational Judgement: Read GMC’s Good Medical Practice and understand professional ethics.

Step 8: Build Exam-Day Strategy

• Learn keyboard shortcuts and how to use the on-screen calculator efficiently.
• Develop a time plan per section, and don’t get stuck on difficult questions.

Step 9: Take Care of Yourself

• Get adequate sleep, eat healthily, and take breaks during study sessions.
• Managing stress and mental health is key to performing well.

Step 10: Stay Updated & Stay Confident

• Keep track of official UCAT updates on the website.
• Trust your preparation, stay positive, and focus on progress—not perfection.

Cost of UKCAT 

Before booking your UCAT, it’s important to know the fee based on your location. The test fee varies for UK and international candidates, and financial support is available for eligible UK students.

Candidate Location	Test Fee	Approximate INR (2025 Rate)	Remarks
Within the UK	£70	₹7,000 – ₹7,500	UK students may apply for a bursary to take the test for free.
Outside the UK (International)	£115	₹12,000 – ₹13,500	No bursary available for international candidates. Full payment required.

UCAT 2025 Test Result

The UCAT 2025 test results are available immediately after your test, with a printed score report provided at the test centre and a digital copy uploaded to your UCAT account within 24 hours. Your cognitive score (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning) is reported on a scale of 300–900 per section (total 900–2700), and the Situational Judgement Test is graded in Bands 1–4. Preliminary average scores and percentile rankings are released in mid-September 2025, helping you assess competitiveness before final university submissions. Final results are automatically sent to your chosen UK universities in early November 2025, with no additional steps required. If you take the UCAT ANZ and apply to UK institutions, you must submit the Results Collection Form by 23 October 2025 to ensure your scores are forwarded.

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