What is the Physics Aptitude Test for Oxford?

The Physics Aptitude Test for Oxford University (PAT) is one of the popular entrance exams you need to take for admission to certain science and engineering courses. The examination tests your aptitude for studying physics and other related subjects.  Oxford University had made this examination mandatory to choose high-achieving students from a pool of applicants. You only need to take this test if you are interested in studying at Oxford. No other UK university requires you to take PAT. The PAT exam is a complete MCQ paper that is free of cost. This blog covers everything you need to know about the PAT test for Oxford.

Physics Aptitude Test: An Overview 

The Physics aptitude test is an entrance examination you need to clear if you are seeking admission to selected science courses at the university. This is a subject-specific test that is held for 2 hours. The examination format changes frequently, and for 2025, Oxford has clearly stated that all questions will be in MCQ format. The examination is meant for candidates who have studied the first year of A-level (or equivalent) Maths and Physics. You need to take this examination if you are seeking admission to any of the undergraduate courses:

1. Physics 
2. Engineering Science 
3. Materials Science
4. Physics and Philosophy.

What is the Format of the PAT Test?

The PAT test for Oxford is a complete MCQ paper. This is a two-hour computer-based test that you can take at a Pearson test centre. The questions from the paper are from the A-level content and the GCSE syllabus. There is no negative marking. Moreover, you are given a digital calculator while you take the examination.

Exam Name	Number of Questions	Exam Format	Total Score
Physics Aptitude Test	40	MCQ	100 marks (each question with 2-4 marks)

Also Read: What is the Mathematics Admissions Test for Oxford?

PAT Test Oxford Syllabus for 2025

The latest Physics Aptitude Test syllabus is available for the year 2018. The same syllabus is used even today for the 2025 exam. The core topics covered in the examination are physics and mathematics. The examination topics are given below:

S.No.	Topic	Key Concepts
1	Arithmetic & Geometry	Basic arithmetic, coordinate geometry, probability, and algebraic manipulation.
2	Algebra	Quadratics, inequalities, graph sketching (via differentiation), trig identities, logs/exponentials, series, binomial expansion.
3	Calculus	Differentiation/integration of polynomials, finding slopes/extrema, area under curves, even/odd functions.
4	Mechanics	Motion equations, Newton’s laws, vectors, circular motion, friction, pulleys/levers, springs, energy, conservation laws, work, power.
5	Waves & Optics	Wave types, properties, EM spectrum, reflection/refraction, Snell’s law, total internal reflection, interference, diffraction, standing waves.
6	Electricity & Magnetism	Current, voltage, resistance, energy/power, circuit rules, transformers, electric fields, Coulomb’s law, photoelectric effect, electron energy.
7	Natural World	Atomic structure (Bohr model), Solar System, moon phases, eclipses, orbits, gravitational force, satellite motion.
8	Problem-Solving	Application-focused questions using provided data; multi-step reasoning across topics.

What is a Good Score in PAT?

There is no negative marking for the PAT examination. Generally, a score of 60 or higher is considered to be a good score. A score of 70 or 80 is considered to be excellent and would increase your chances for admission. There are no fixed passing marks. However, securing 60 or above means you have a chance of being called for an interview. 

S.No	Score Range	Interpretation
1	60 and above	Strongly increases the likelihood of being shortlisted for an interview
2	70–80+	Considered very competitive; greatly improves chances of receiving an offer
3	50–60	Around average; above this range is preferable to stand out
4	Below 50	Below average; less likely to be shortlisted without exceptional circumstances

How Much Does It Cost to Register for the PAT at Oxford?

Oxford University charges no fees from students who want to sit for the Physics Aptitude Test. This means you will not be asked for a registration fee. However, it is advisable to contact the test centre and learn beforehand if they have any additional charges (before choosing a test centre). Most likely, it should be free of cost.

Exam	Exam Fee
PAT test Oxford	Free

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK

What is the PAT Exam Registration Date for 2025?

Those who are sitting for the PAT examination must know about the registration dates, dates for the exam, and test slot booking. Therefore, the following information is provided below:

Particulars	Important Dates
PAT exam registration	18th June to 19th September
Test slot booking	18th August to 26th September
Exam dates	22nd and 23rd October

How to Apply for PAT Oxford?

Pearson VUE conducts the PAT test for Oxford. Therefore, you need to take the PAT examination at the Pearson Test Centre. The registration process for the examination is as follows:

1. First, get your UCAS ID. You need your UCAS ID and the email address you have used for registration for the PAT registration as well.
2. Next, visit the Oxford admissions test registration portal and register as a new applicant. 
3. Fill out the registration form when the registration portal opens and provide the necessary information.
4. Once you complete the registration form and submit it, you will be automatically registered for the PAT examination. You will receive a confirmation email of the same.
5. When the test slot booking opens, you can log in again and choose your test centre and exam date. 
6. Registration is complete, take a printout of the same, and show up on the day of your exam.

The PAT test Oxford registration is similar to the MAT exam registration. To read about the MAT exam registration, visit this page.

How to Check PAT Oxford Test Results?

The Physics Aptitude Test (PAT)  results are not publicly released. The faculty would receive the examination papers right on time, and the results would be out by January. By mid-January, you can be sure that the test results have been released. However, to know the results, you have to directly mail the respective college. You will receive a response within 20 days. The feedback must be requested, as the university will never publish the results.

How Hard is the PAT Test for Oxford?

The PAT Oxford test is a difficult paper. It is intentionally designed to be a difficult examination so that Oxford University can choose the top students out of the pool of applicants. The examination is competitive because many students want to be admitted to Oxford. The test format is challenging because the university itself has a high standard for courses. It is rare for students to score 80s or 90s. If you score even 6,0, you have a high chance of being called for an interview. The PAT exam is considered difficult for the following reasons:

1. The examination has a time constraint. You need to solve complex MCQ questions (40) within 2 hours! This requires solid time management skills.
2. Your problem-solving skills (A-level standard) are tested.
3. The questions involve applying your knowledge to unfamiliar situations.
4. There will be a mix of A-level math and physics questions, unusual math problems, geometric problems, and unusual physics problems.

5 Tips to Prepare for Physics Aptitude Test

The following are some of the tips to prepare for the Physics Aptitude Test for Oxford.  Keep these tips in mind while you prepare for the examination.

1. The Oxford University page for PAT consists of previous year papers. Download them and practise to get an understanding of the kind of questions being asked.
2. Polish your understanding of the foundational concepts. Oxford University has a history of asking questions to test your problem-solving skills. Rot learning is not helpful. You must learn how to apply your knowledge in unfamiliar situations.
3. Get proper guidebooks from Amazon or Flipkart and practice more problems.
4. Practice in the timed conditions. Time management is one of the key skills tested.
5. Learn how to think critically and avoid silly mistakes. Most students do not read the questions carefully, as less time is given for the paper.

To learn how you can ace the Oxford PAT exam, watch this video:

The PAT exam is for students who want to take admission to a physics or any other science subject at Oxford. The examination is MCQ-based and tests your A-level understanding of the subject. It is considered to be a challenging paper because you have to solve complex problems in just 2 hours. 40 questions are given, and most students find time management to be challenging. However, unlike other exams, you are allowed to take a calculator. Moreover, if you score above 60, you have a high chance of being called for an interview.

FAQs

Related Articles:

From Humble Beginnings: The Story of Oxford University	Oxford University Tops THE Rankings 2025: Why It’s the Dream Destination for Students?
Oxford University Scholarships for Indian Students	Oxford University Indian Alumni: Famous Indian People who Graduated from Oxford
What is Quantum Physics?	MSc Physics in Germany: Top Universities, Courses, Eligibility Criteria, and Scholarships

Want to know more about the study abroad entrance exams? Connect with the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu. You can also call us at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session. We can help you with everything from choosing the perfect university to guiding you through the application process.