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Do you want to enrol in an undergraduate program in Germany? You might be asked to take the Test for Academic Studies (TestAs) as part of the university admission process. TestAs is an aptitude test designed for international students who wish to study at German universities. The exam would test whether you have the necessary skills and abilities to study in Germany. Those who score well on the exam can significantly increase their chances of getting admission to a university. You can take this exam from anywhere in the world. In this article, you will get to know about the importance of the test, the difference between TestAs online and paper-based formats, the digital TestAs exam structure, fees, registration process, exam centres, difficulty level, and more.
This Blog Includes:
- Importance of TestAS
- Types of TestAS in Germany
- Difference Between Paper-Based and Digital TestAs
- TestAS Online Exam Structure
- Upcoming TestAs Dates 2025 & 2026
- TestAS Scoring System
- TestAs Fees in India and Abroad
- 8 Steps To Register for TestAs Online
- TestAs Universities Germany
- TestAS Results
- Exam Centres in India
- Is the TestAS Difficult?
- 5 Tips to Prepare for the TestAs Online
- FAQs
Importance of TestAS
The TestAs is considered an important entrance exam in Germany because its scores significantly affect your ability to be admitted to a German university. Most universities may require you to present the test scores as part of their admission process. The exam allows these universities to make a fair decision. The exam results may be required for the student visa if your university requires them.
Types of TestAS in Germany
TestAs is an aptitude test (general and subject-specific) for undergraduate admissions. While the general test is common for everyone. The subject-specific test is where you have to choose among the module options. The exam is available in two formats:
- Paper-based format
- Online formats (also known as Digital TestAs)
The digital paper typically has more module options and can be completed in less time. Testas online results are often faster, which is why many students prefer it over the paper-based format. Moreover, specific subjects like medicine and life sciences can only be taken in the digital format.
| Did You Know? The test can be taken in English or German. |
Difference Between Paper-Based and Digital TestAs
TestAs are conducted in two formats: paper-based and online. Depending on the format you choose, you will find that the exam structure, duration, and even results time are completely different. The key differences are provided in the table below:
| S.No | Feature | Paper-Based TestAs | Digital TestAS |
| 1 | Test Duration | Around 4.5 hours | Around 3.5 hours |
| 2 | Available Modules | 4 options: Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Math/Natural Sciences, and Economics | 6 options: Same four as paper version, plus Medicine and Life Sciences |
| 3 | Note-Taking Policy | Permitted to use official concept sheets | Not permitted |
| 4 | Scoring System | Uses a scale from 70 to 130 | Uses a revised scale from 0 to 200 (“TestAS Score”) |
| 5 | Result Timeline | Results may take up to 4 weeks to be issued | Results are typically available within 2 to 3 weeks |
| 6 | Exam Method | Conducted with pen and paper | Delivered digitally at authorised test centres |
| 7 | Computer Proficiency | Not needed | Requires basic ability to navigate computer-based test software |
TestAS Online Exam Structure
The digital TestAs is available in German and English. This exam can be completed in 3.5 hours. This includes a 30-minute break between modules. It is important to note that you cannot take notes with the online paper. Moreover, once you finish a subtest (core subject area), you cannot return to it afterwards. The core and subject modules are scored separately. The exam structure includes core modules and subject-specific modules.
Core Modules
The core modules are common for everyone. The test is conducted for 90 minutes. It covers the following topics:
| S.No. | Section | Explaination |
| 1 | Figure Sequences | Complete visual patterns by identifying logical changes in shape, position, or colour. |
| 2 | Math Equations | Solve equation sets by assigning values (1–20) to variables that meet all constraints. |
| 3 | Latin Squares | Fill 5×5 grids with A–E without repetition in rows or columns; similar to letter-based Sudoku. |
Subject-Specific Modules & Topics Covered Under Them
In the subject-specific test, you can choose the subject you want to take. The choice essentially depends on the type of undergraduate program you want to enrol in. TestAs online gives you the option to choose any one of the following subjects. The duration for this paper is also 90 minutes.
| S.No | Module | Topics | Requirements |
| 1 | Humanities & Social Sciences | Philosophy, History, Linguistics, Literature, Politics, Sociology, Research Methods | Interpret academic texts; no prior technical terms needed |
| 2 | Life Sciences | Biology, (Bio)chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Psychology, Math, Statistics | Use formulas/diagrams; general science and math knowledge |
| 3 | Engineering | Math, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electrical Engg., CS, Materials, Design | Understand technical diagrams and STEM basics |
| 4 | Math, CS & Natural Sciences | Math, CS, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Scientific Work | Work with data, formulas, and apply STEM fundamentals |
| 5 | Economics | Business, Economics, Math, Stats, Law, IT | Apply quantitative skills; understand graphs and tables |
| 6 | Medicine | Anatomy, Physiology, Biology, (Bio)chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Physics | Read medical/scientific texts; basic science knowledge |
Upcoming TestAs Dates 2025 & 2026
The available TestAs dates (paper-based and online) are provided below. These are the upcoming test dates this year that you can book. The test registration dates, exam dates, and results dates are provided below:
| S.No | Registration Start | Registration Deadline | Format | Exam Date |
| 1 | 06.01.2025 | 15.09.2025 | Paper-Based | 25 October 2025 |
| 2 | 06.01.2025 | 10.11.2025 | Digital | 20 November 2025 |
| 3 | 01.09.2025 | 19.01.2026 | Paper-Based | 24 February 2026 |
| 4 | 02.11.2025 | 07.03.2026 | Digital | 19 March 2026 |
| 5 | 05.01.2026 | 13.03.2026 | Paper-Based | 25 April 2026 |
| 6 | 05.01.2026 | 29.05.2026 | Digital | 9 June 2026 |
| 7 | 05.01.2026 | 18.09.2026 | Paper-Based | 24 October 2026 |
| 8 | 05.01.2026 | 16.11.2026 | Digital | 26 November 2026 |
Also Read: What is the TSA Exam for Oxford?
TestAS Scoring System
TestAs online and paper-based scoring is a bit different. However, the percentile rank given is the same (0-100). To help you understand, we have provided a comparison table below.
What is a good score? Well, an average score is what ranges between 50 and 150. Scoring above 100 means that you have performed above average, and a score below means below average performance. A good score is above 150. Only the top 2% students can secure 200.
| S.No. | Feature | Paper-Based Exam | Digital TestAS |
| 1 | Score Scale | 70–130 (Standard Score) | 0–200 (TestAS Score) |
| 2 | Overall Score | Scores given separately for Core and Subject modules | Combined score out of 400 (Core + Subject), plus individual scores |
| 3 | Percentile Rank | 1–100 | 1–100 |
| 4 | Interpretation | 100 = average; 70–130 = typical range | 100 = average; 50–150 = average range; 200 = top 2% |
| 5 | Comparability | Results can be converted using an official comparison table | Aligned with paper-based scores via the same conversion table |
| Did You Know? The TestAs score will show a percentile rank (1-100). This is the most important metric. For example, if you score 80, it means you scored better than 80% of the candidates. German universities use the percentile rank to create a list of applicants. Hence, a higher percentile means a higher chance of admission! |
TestAs Fees in India and Abroad
The Test for Academic Studies fees are standard worldwide. Moreover, the fees for the paper-based exam and TestAs digital are the same. The fee details are provided below:
| S.No. | Exam Format | Fee (EUR) | Approximate Fee (INR) |
| 1 | Paper-Based | 150 | 13,500 – 14,000 |
| 2 | Digital | 150 | 13,500 – 14,000 |
8 Steps To Register for TestAs Online
The registration process is completely online. You can register for the exam by visiting the official TestAs website. The registration process is as follows.
- First, create a personal user account. You will have to provide personal details such as your email address.
- Choose the testing format: Choose whether you want to take the paper-based or online exam
- Select the language: Choose between German and English
- Choose the test centre and location: Thereafter, select the exam date and a test centre near your location. Options would be provided.
- Choose the subject-specific module: Select one of the subjects for the subject-specific test. (For example, medicine, engineering, economics, etc)
- Upload the necessary documents: Upload your photo and a valid government ID (Aadhar card or passport)
- Pay exam fee: Pay EUR 150 as the testing charge
- Receive confirmation email: At this stage, you will receive a confirmation email of registration. This will include important information such as your participant number and instructions for the test day. Print out the same (if you are a paper-based applicant), keep the email if you are taking the digital route.
The registration deadline for the online test is only one week from the exam date. For paper-based applicants, it’s 5 weeks.
To learn more about the TestAs exam, watch this video:
TestAs Universities Germany
Indian nationals only have to take the Test for Academic Studies if the university they are applying to requires it. This means taking the test is not mandatory. However, if you take the exam and score well, it will give you a competitive edge. The exam is only mandatory for a few universities if you are enrolling in a medicine or dentistry course. Nevertheless, most of the universities in Germany accept the scores. Here is a list of the top universities in Germany accepting the exam results.
| S.No. | University | TestAS Requirement | QS Ranking 2025 |
| 1 | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Not Mandatory (Can provide a bonus) | 28 |
| 2 | Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) | Not Mandatory (Can be used to improve your grade) | 59 |
| 3 | Heidelberg University | Mandatory for some programs (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry) | 87 |
| 4 | Freie Universität Berlin | Not Mandatory (Can be used to improve your grade) | 97 |
| 5 | RWTH Aachen University | Mandatory for some programs (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry) | 99 |
| 6 | Humboldt University of Berlin | Not Mandatory (Can be used to improve your grade) | 120 |
| 7 | Technical University of Berlin | Not Mandatory (Can be used to improve your grade) | 128 |
| 8 | University of Freiburg | Mandatory for some programs (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry) | 163 |
| 9 | University of Hamburg | Not Mandatory (Can be used to improve your NC score) | 191 |
| 10 | University of Göttingen | Not Mandatory | 215 |
| 11 | Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | Not Mandatory (Can be used for some master’s programs) | 119 |
| 12 | University of Bonn | Not Mandatory (May be requested for specific cases) | 215 |
| 13 | University of Cologne | Mandatory for some undergraduate programs | 265 |
| 14 | University of Tübingen | Not Mandatory | 224 |
| 15 | Goethe University Frankfurt | Mandatory for some programs (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry) | – |
TestAS Results
The Test for Academic Studies results vary depending on whether you have taken a paper-based exam or an online exam. The results can be viewed from your participant portal. You can simply log in to your account and download the results.
- Paper-Based: Results are available 4 weeks after the exam date
- Digital TestAs: Results can be available within 3 weeks after the exam date.
The results would contain the following information;
| S.No. | Feature | Paper-Based TestAS | Digital TestAS |
| 1 | Score Scale | 70–130 (Standard Score) | 0–200 (TestAS Score) |
| 2 | Overall Score | Separate core and Subject scores | Combined score (0–400) + individual module scores |
| 3 | Percentile Rank | 1–100 | 1–100 |
Exam Centres in India
The TestAs exam is conducted in ‘g.a.s.t’ test centres worldwide. You cannot take the exam at home. Whether you are choosing the paper-based or the online format, the exam has to be taken at a verified centre. The test centre options will be available to you during the registration process. In India, there are several licensed centres located in cities like Delhi, Mumbai
Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad. Popular test centres in India are:
- Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan
- British Council
- Other licensed partner organisations
The TestAS exam is a challenging but manageable aptitude test for international students who want to study in Germany. Its difficulty level is subjective and depends heavily on your academic background and preparation. It doesn’t test specific subject knowledge in the same way a traditional exam does, but rather assesses the cognitive abilities and subject-specific thinking skills crucial for success in German universities.
Also Read: What is GAMSAT? Exam Format, Scoring, Registration, and Top Universities Explained
Is the TestAS Difficult?
The exam is considered a manageable exam with adequate preparation. No prior knowledge is required. Your general academic skills and logical reasoning are tested. Using the official practice materials, the preparations become easy.
However, the time pressure and the emphasis on abstract thinking and logic can make this a challenging paper. Certain subject modules can be difficult. For example, if you have selected engineering as your subject module, it may be more difficult for you to clear the paper compared to a person choosing humanities subjects.
In short, the difficulty level depends on your exam depends on your academic background and skills.
5 Tips to Prepare for the TestAs Online
TestAs can become a challenging paper if you don’t prepare well. Preparation is the key to acing any examination. Here are some useful tips to prepare for this online entrance test.
- Understand the exam format, syllabus, and choose the right subject module
- Make use of the official practice test materials available on the main test website
- Improve your analytical skills, and logical thinking skills of the subject you have chosen.
- First practice without a timer, and later use a mock test and take the test under timed conditions.
- Eat nutritious food, take regular breaks, and sleep well before the exam date.
FAQs
Yes. You can give the TestAs exam in India. There are many authorised centres in India where you can take the test. For example, you can take the test at the British Council India.
No. As per the German Embassy, you will require a TestAs certificate for the APS procedure in India. You need the test results for document verification if you are applying for admission to a university that requires TestAS. Otherwise, you do not need it.
No. This is an undergraduate admissions test. Even for undergraduate students, in most cases, it is an optional test. You do not need to clear this test for postgraduate studies.
This totally depends on the language you are comfortable with. If you are comfortable in English, you can take the test in English. During the registration process, just mention that you are taking the test in English.
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