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
SAT: 1600 / 1600
Aarav Goel
SAT: 1600 / 1600
AP Physics C: Mechanics: 5 / 5
AP Computer Science A: 5 / 5
Pranet Khetan
SAT: 1600 / 1600
AP Physics C: E&M: 5 / 5
AP Physics C: Mechanics: 5 / 5
AP Calculus BC: 5 / 5
AP Chemistry: 5 / 5
AP Computer Science A: 5 / 5
Romir Kumar
SAT: 1600 / 1600
AP Calculus BC: 5 / 5
Aksh Agarwal
SAT: 1590 / 1600
Kriti Bhabu
ACT: 36 / 36
Ria Chopra
Physics HL: 7 / 7
Ananya Bansal
AP Physics C: Mechanics: 5 / 5
AP Calculus BC: 5 / 5
AP Chemistry: 5 / 5
AP Microeconomics: 5 / 5
Nischay Singh
AP Physics C: Mechanics: 5 / 5
AP Statistics: 5 / 5
AP Calculus BC: 5 / 5
AP Macroeconomics : 5 / 5
AP Microeconomics: 5 / 5
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.
Turning journeys into stories that inspire us every day
I had a fantastic experience with Tutela. They were extremely supportive with regards to resources and teaching materials, tailoring the program to my specific needs. Par specific needs. Particularly, they were also extremely encouraging in the days leading up to the exam, which helped me gain a good score. I am very grateful to them. Read More
Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai, India
Tutela’s online classroom facilities are fantastic! I had been taking online classes for more than 3 months, but it never slowed down my progress in any way. The number any way. The number and pace of the classes were set according to my strengths and weaknesses, which made the learning process extremely efficient. The faculty is extremely resourceful when it comes to providing a variety of practise material and mock tests. But above all, their selfless commitment is what I appreciate the most. The teachers never hesitated to provide me with practise material even if I had not enrolled for a particular subject test. Indeed, Tutela has played a pivotal role in my success. Thank you Mukul, Ashish and Tutela for your support! Read More
La Martiniere Schoool, Kolkata, India
I joined Tutela for ACT prep and it helped increase my score by a lot. The teachers are very helpful and supportive and make sure that every student gets individual attenets individual attention in order to help them improve on the sections they are weak in. The sectional practice and FLTs along with their OLP tremendously increased my score. Thank you so much to every single teacher who taught me! Read More
The Shri Ram School, Aravali, Haryana, India
The rigorous academics, strenuous testing and hours of practice often associated with preparatory centres are immediately forgotten when stepping foot into Tutela. Each d into Tutela. Each day spent here only further validates my belief that every aspect of your performance will be addressed and improved upon: from the moment you plan on taking a test to, finally, the day of your exam. Testing aside, Tutela goes above and beyond to create the most conducive environment for your success - one cup of coffee, food as incentive, and a host of the most supportive teachers that will make the entire process enjoyable and worth the effort. Read More
The Shri Ram School, Aravali, Haryana, India
Tutela really personalised my test review which i didn't find anywhere else. The realistic yet challenging practice tests helped boost up my score significantly. Reviewinnificantly. Reviewing the answers i got wrong one on one prevented me from making similar mistakes in the future. Read More
American Embassy School, New Delhi, India
The environment at Tutela is very conducive to learning. I also had personal connections with my teachers who consistently motivated me towards increasing my scores. I alsing my scores. I also think the practice tests were very important as it helped my score 36. Read More
Pathways School, Aravali, Haryana, India
I had an amazing experience with Tutela! My teachers were incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in my progress. What stood out the most was how fruitf most was how fruitful the review sessions were with every session being instrumental in recognising patterns in my approach and working towards them. Thank you for all the help! Read More
Pathways School, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
The teachers really helped me understand the concepts in depth and helped me throughout. The resources used are also very effective as they helped me increase my score, aincrease my score, and achieve a high SAT score. Thanks a lot for your support and help Read More
Nord Anglia International School, Dubai, UAE
Tutela was a great help during my AP prep. My mentors were very helpful in scheduling extra classes and practice sessions according to my requirements. They ensured that . They ensured that I was well-prepared by test day. Even though all my APs went well, Tutela made Calculus and Stats a far better learning experience compared to the ones I self-prepared for! Read More
The Shri Ram School, Aravali, Haryana, India
Learning at Tutela was a great experience! With their help I was able to learn everything in a simple and organized manner and with the use of their resources such as praesources such as practice tests I was able to get the score I wanted in my ACT. Their teachers know exactly how to help and support you throughout the learning process. Overall Tutela is a great centre. Read More
The Shri Ram School, Aravali, Haryana, India
Tutela is the best place to prepare for AP’s as well as standardised tests. Their exceptional faculty along with their thorough study plans ensure results. While practiesults. While practicing for my SAT with Tutela, I came across some questions which were asked verbatim on the actual SAT! Read More
The Shri Ram School, Aravali, Haryana, India
Understanding a few sections in Science was very challenging initially. But with classroom practice, I was able to overcome those challenges. Tutela's Online Practice Tes Online Practice Tests were very helpful as I took 15-20 tests before my exam as the software was very similar to the actual ACT. This made sure I was not flustered during the test. Read More
The Shri Ram School, Aravali, Haryana, India
info@tutelaprep.com
+91 88263 45541