The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions is administered by UAT-UK (Universities Admissions Tests UK) and is currently required by the University of Oxford and UCL for a range of undergraduate courses. Unlike subject-specific tests such as the TMUA or ESAT, the TARA does not test academic content knowledge. Instead, it assesses generic thinking skills that are fundamental to success in higher education.
If you are applying to Oxford or UCL, you must check your specific course page to confirm whether the TARA is required. Failure to register for your required admissions test may invalidate your application — so knowing your test requirements early is non-negotiable.
Who Should Take the TARA Test?
The TARA is for applicants to the University of Oxford and UCL for courses that list it as part of the admissions requirements. It covers a non-subject-specific range of disciplines, which means students from science, humanities, and social science backgrounds may all be required to sit it. Always verify requirements directly on the university's undergraduate admissions pages.
The TARA consists of three compulsory modules, each lasting 40 minutes, for a total of 2 hours of testing. All three modules are pre-selected for every candidate at the point of booking. You cannot opt out of any module.
| Module | Who Takes It? | Content | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | All candidates | 22 multiple-choice questions | 40 minutes |
| Problem Solving | All candidates | 22 multiple-choice questions | 40 minutes |
| The Writing Task | All candidates | 1 essay-style question (choice of 3); 750-word limit | 40 minutes |
Critical Thinking Module
This module tests your ability to identify arguments, evaluate reasoning, detect flaws, and draw logical inferences. No prior subject knowledge is required — this is a test of how well you think, not what you know. 22 multiple-choice questions must be answered in 40 minutes.
Problem Solving Module
This module assesses your capacity to understand problems, identify relevant information, and select the most effective solutions. It demands systematic thinking and the ability to work accurately under time pressure. 22 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes.
The Writing Task
This is an essay-style module where you select one question from a choice of three and write a response within a 750-word limit. The Writing Task is not scored by UAT-UK; instead, your response is sent directly to the universities you have applied to. It is their opportunity to assess your ability to construct and express an argument in writing.
Your results for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving are scored separately on a scale from 1 to 9, with scores reported to one decimal place. A higher score reflects stronger performance relative to the cohort of all candidates sitting the test.
The Writing Task carries no numerical score from UAT-UK. Instead, the full text of your essay is sent to Oxford and UCL so that their admissions tutors can assess it as part of your application.
Results are typically released approximately four weeks after your test sitting and will be available through your UAT-UK account. They are automatically shared with the institutions you applied to for courses requiring the TARA.
The TARA is currently used by:
Always verify whether your specific course requires the TARA directly on the Oxford or UCL undergraduate admissions pages. Course requirements can and do change — do not rely on informal sources or previous years' information.
Before the Test
Create a UAT-UK account and enter your personal details. From your dashboard, you can apply for a bursary (for eligible UK candidates) or request access arrangements if needed. Make sure to do this before booking your test — UAT-UK cannot reimburse fees or make adjustments after you have booked. Then follow the official instructions to select a Pearson VUE Test Centre and book your slot. The earlier you book, the more choice you will have for your preferred test centre location.
On the Day
Read the official Test Day information carefully before your sitting. Bring photographic ID that complies with UAT-UK's ID Policy. Arrive early to allow time for check-in. Calculators and dictionaries are not permitted.
After the Test
Results are released approximately four weeks after your test sitting via your UAT-UK account. Your Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving scores are sent automatically to the universities you applied to for courses requiring the TARA. Your Writing Task response is sent separately to those institutions for their own evaluation.
Adithyan Diwakar
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Aksh Agarwal
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Kriti Bhabu
ACT: 36 / 36
Ria Chopra
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Ananya Bansal
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Nischay Singh
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AP Statistics: 5 / 5
AP Calculus BC: 5 / 5
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Akrit Agarwal
AP Statistics: 5 / 5
AP Calculus BC: 5 / 5
ACT: 36 / 36
| Sitting | Test Dates | Who Can Sit? | Registration Opens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Sitting 1 | 12–16 October 2026 | All candidates (including Oxford & UCL) | From 1 June 2026 |
| Test Sitting 2 | 4–8 January 2027 | UCL applicants & Oxford Foundation Year / mature college (January deadline) applicants only | From 1 June 2026 |
Most Oxford applicants are required to sit the TARA in October (Test Sitting 1). UCL and Oxford Foundation Year applicants can sit either the October or January sitting.
Important: Registration must be completed through the Pearson VUE portal. The cost of the TARA is £78 for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and £133 for candidates sitting elsewhere. A bursary scheme is available for eligible UK candidates.
The TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is a UK university admissions test administered by UAT-UK. It is required by the University of Oxford and UCL for specific undergraduate courses. It tests Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and written argumentation — no subject-specific knowledge is required.
The TARA has three 40-minute modules: Critical Thinking (22 MCQs), Problem Solving (22 MCQs), and a Writing Task (one essay from a choice of three, up to 750 words). Critical Thinking and Problem Solving are each scored on a scale of 1 to 9. The Writing Task is not scored by UAT-UK but is forwarded directly to your chosen universities.
For courses that require it, a strong TARA performance demonstrates advanced reasoning ability, critical thinking, and written communication — all qualities that Oxford and UCL prioritise. Your TARA scores are assessed as part of a holistic admissions review alongside your personal statement, predicted grades, and interview performance.
The TARA is held twice per year — Test Sitting 1 in October (for all Oxford and UCL applicants) and Test Sitting 2 in January (for UCL applicants and Oxford Foundation Year / mature college applicants only). For the 2026–27 cycle, the October sitting runs 12–16 October 2026 and the January sitting runs 4–8 January 2027.
Start at least 8–12 weeks before the test with a focus on argument analysis, logical reasoning, and structured written expression. Practise with timed drills across all three modules, complete full-length mock tests under exam conditions, and work with expert feedback on your Writing Task. Tutela's TARA preparation programme covers all of these areas with personalised coaching and 50,000+ practice questions on Tutela Connect.
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