The main change in UCAT 2025 is that the Abstract Reasoning subtest has been removed from the test. Now there are only three cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning) and the Situational Judgement Test. This leads to lower total scores, which is now 2700, and some other adjustments in other subtests.
There are some significant changes in UCAT 2025. These are in the number of questions, time limit, subtests, and scoring. The following are some UCAT updates that you should be aware of;
Change | 2025 UCAT Updates |
Abstract Reasoning (AR) removed | From 2025, UCAT will have only three cognitive sections – Verbal Reasoning (VR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Reasoning (QR) – plus the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). |
Exam duration | Overall length is still just under 2 hours, but timing has been adjusted to suit the remaining subtests. |
Instruction time | Now 1 minute 30 seconds for all subtests, except QR, which gets 2 minutes. |
Decision-making changes | The number of questions increased to 35 (previously 29), and the time was extended to 37 minutes (previously 31). |
Scoring system | New total score range: 900–2700 (each cognitive section scored 300–900). SJT remains scored in Bands 1–4. |
Why Was Abstract Reasoning Removed from UCAT 2025?
Abstract Reasoning was removed due to its low productivity in calculating students’ cognitive abilities. The management said Abstract Reasoning has “lower predictive validity than the other sections.” Here are some other reasons:
- Abstract Reasoning (AR) was removed because it showed low effectiveness in measuring true cognitive skills.
- UCAT stated that AR was too “coachable”, meaning students could be trained to score higher without reflecting actual ability.
- Average AR scores have been rising steadily over the years due to these teachable strategies.
- Response times for AR questions have also increased over the last decade.
- UCAT concluded that AR had lower predictive validity compared to the other subtests.
How Is the UCAT 2025 Test Structured Now?
UCAT now has 3 sub-tests, and the total score has also decreased to 2700. For other subtests, the timing has been adjusted, though total time remained under 2 hours. Here is the updated structure;
- Verbal Reasoning time increased by 1 minute, giving slightly more time per question.
- Decision Making has 6 more questions and 6 extra minutes compared to last year.
- Quantitative Reasoning time increased by 1 minute, but the number of questions stays the same.
- The situational Judgement section remains exactly the same in both timing and questions.
Here is the complete breakdown of the new 2025 UCAT structure, including the total number of questions and the time limit.
| Subtest | Number of Questions | Instruction Time | Test Time | Total Scoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning (VR) | 44 | 1 min 30 sec | 22 min | 300–900 |
| Decision Making (DM) | 35 | 1 min 30 sec | 37 min | 300–900 |
| Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 36 | 2 min | 26 min | 300–900 |
| Situational Judgement Test (SJT) | 69 | 1 min 30 sec | 26 min | Band 1–4 |
What’s the New Timing for Each UCAT Section?
The overall new timing remained under two hours, but there have been some adjustments as per the number of questions in each section.
- Verbal Reasoning has 22 minutes total, with 1 and a half minutes for instructions. Time per question is 30 seconds.
- Decision Making has 37 minutes total, with 1 and a half minutes for instruction time. Time per question is 63 seconds.
- Quantitative Reasoning has 36 minutes total, with 2 minutes for instructions. Time per question is 41 seconds.
- SJT has 26 minutes total, with one and a half minutes of instructions. Time per question is 22 second
How Does Scoring Work in UCAT 2025?
The total score for each subsection has remained the same. 300-900 is the previous and current score structure for each sub-test. However, due to three subtests now, unlike four previously, the total UCAT score is 2700, which was 3600 previously.
How Many Questions in Ucat in Each Section?
Keep in mind while preparaing for UCAT keep in mind that some sections have minor changes in the number of questions, but mostly it remains the same. The following are the total number of questions in each section.
- Verbal Reasoning: 44 questions
- Decision Making: 35 questions
- Quantitative Reasoning: 36 questions
- Situational Judgement: 69 questions
- Abstract Reasoning: removed from 2025 onwards
How Will Universities Use UCAT 2025 Scores?
Universities use UCAT scores as an initial scrutiny weapon. Students with not enough threshold can’t register for medical or dental admissions. Some other use cases of UCAT 2025 scores are below;
- Interview Invitations: Universities release the interview invitations after the UCAT score. It is a deciding factor that will move to the interview phase, and which will be dropped.
- Final Selection: Some universities might use UCAT scores in the merit calculation for final admission. Along with high school grades, interviews, and other processes, they use UCAT as a deciding factor for the final merit list.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare After UCAT Changes 2025?
The best way to prepare for UCAT 2025 is by practicing the questions within a time limit. Mock tests are the best way to evaluate your performance and prepare you for the real test day. At DreamMedic, our experienced staff have prepared thousands of students with their proven techniques and expert strategies.
Identify your weak areas in each subtest, and give more time to those types of questions. Once you are familiar with the type of questions, you will not feel pressure or get confused on the test day.
The candidate is judged on their problem-solving and critical analysis skills. Give the most appropriate and workable solution. Most role-play scenarios involve conflict resolution, ethical dilemmas, addressing patient concerns, and delivering difficult news.
Who Can Take UCATSEN and What Is It?
UCATSEN is the extended version of the UCAT for candidates who face specific learning difficulties, medical conditions, or disabilities that require extra time. It provides fair access while keeping the test format the same.
- Designed for students with conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, visual impairments, or other disabilities affecting test speed.
- Gives 25% extra time compared to the standard UCAT.
- Includes the same sections, question types, and scoring as the regular UCAT.
- Requires valid medical or educational evidence to apply.
- Must be requested during the UCAT registration process, not on the test day.
How Can You Make the Most of UCAT New Format Practice ?
You can make the most of UCAT resources by following the right strategy. At DreamMedic, we analyse the practice questions solved by the students in one-to-one coaching. Analyse the mistakes and work on weak concepts.
- Start practising untimed to understand the question formats before adding time pressure.
- Gradually move to full-time mock tests to build speed and stamina.
- Use official UCAT question banks and reliable prep tools for accurate practice.
- Review every wrong answer to understand your mistakes and avoid repeating them.
- Track your progress over time to see which areas need more attention.
- Simulate real exam conditions to feel confident on test day.
What Counts as a Strong UCAT 2025 Score?
A strong score of UCAT 2025 Format is typically one that puts you in the top 20% of all candidates, which is around the 80th percentile. Against the final 2026 figures that is the 8th decile, which started at 2140.
If you’re aiming for the best of the best, the 9th decile is where you want to be — in 2026 that started at 2250. These scores give you a competitive edge for medical and dental school applications.
What Are the Top Tips for UCAT Test Day?
The following are some tips that you can follow to get through the UCAT test day smoothly;
Sleep well the night before: Your brain performs best when rested, so aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep.
Eat a balanced breakfast: Go for something light but filling, like oats, eggs, or fruit, to keep your energy steady.
Arrive early at the test centre: This avoids rushing and gives you time to settle your nerves before the exam starts.
Bring valid ID and required documents: Double-check the UCAT guidelines so you don’t risk being turned away.
Use the instruction time wisely: Mentally prepare for each section instead of sitting idly during the countdown.
Stay calm under pressure: If anxiety kicks in, take a deep breath and refocus on the current question.
Make use of the on-screen tools: Use the flag feature to mark tough questions for review if you have time left.
FAQS
A good UCAT score in 2025 is one that puts you in the top 20% of all test-takers, which is about the 80th percentile. On UCAT’s final 2026 figures that is 2140 or higher; in 2025 it was 2100.
From 2025, the Abstract Reasoning (AR) section has been removed completely.
Yes. Abstract Reasoning has been removed from 2025 onwards because UCAT found it less effective at measuring real cognitive skills compared to other sections.
The main changes are: AR removed, adjusted timings for remaining sections, more decision-making questions, and a new scoring total of 900–2700 instead of 3600.
The 9th decile — the top 10% of candidates — started at 2220 in 2025 and at 2250 in 2026.
A score of 2100 sits just below the 8th decile, which started at 2140 in 2026. It is above average, but short of the top 20%.
