UCAT 2025 Changes
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is undergoing significant changes in 2025. The Abstract Reasoning (AR) section will be removed, resulting in a revised test structure and timing. Here’s what you need to know about these 2025 UCAT changes and how Medic Mind can support your preparation.
What are the UCAT Changes for 2025?
- Removal of Abstract Reasoning (AR): The UCAT will now consist of three cognitive subtestsโVerbal Reasoning (VR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Reasoning (QR)โalongside the Situational Judgement Test (SJT).
- Adjusted Timings and Structure: The total exam duration remains just under two hours, with time reallocated to the remaining sections. Notably, the Decision Making section will feature more questions and extended time.
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||
| Subtest | Number of Questions | Time Allocated (m) | Time per Question (s) | Number of Questions | Time Allocated (m) | Time per Question (s) |
| Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 21 | 28 | 44 (+0) | 22 (+1) | 30 (+2) |
| Decision Making | 29 | 31 | 64 | 35 (+6) | 37 (+6) | 63 (-1) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 25 | 41 | 36 (+0) | 26 (+1) | 300-900 |
| Abstract Reasoning | 50 | 12 | 14 | Removed (-50) | Removed (-12) | Removed (-14) |
| Situational Judgement | 69 | 26 | 22 | 69 (+0) | 26 (+0) | 22 (+0) |
- New Scoring Structure: The cumulative score for the cognitive subtests will now range from 900 to 2700, with each subtest scored between 300 and 900. The Situational Judgement Test will continue to be scored in Bands 1 to 4.
Why the UCAT Changes for 2025?
Research has indicated that the Abstract Reasoning section has lower predictive validity for university performance and is more susceptible to coaching compared to other sections. Removing it allows for a more efficient and fair test structure.
How the 2025 UCAT Changes Affect You?
- More Time per Question: The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections have slight increases in time allocation, allowing for more thoughtful responses.
- Increased Decision Making Focus: With additional questions and extended time, the Decision Making section will require enhanced critical thinking and endurance.
- Revised Scoring Structure: While the total score now ranges up to 2700, individual subtest scores remain comparable to previous years, ensuring consistency in assessment standards.
How Medic Mind can Help
At Medic Mind, we are dedicated to aligning our resources with the latest UCAT 2025 changes to ensure your preparation is comprehensive and effective.
- Updated Practice Materials: Our platform has been revised to reflect the new test structure, providing you with up-to-date practice questions and mock exams tailored to reflect the changes to UCAT 2025.
- Expert Guidance: Our team of experienced tutors offers personalised support to help you navigate the changes and excel in each section of the UCAT.
- Targeted Tutoring: We offer specialised UCAT tutoring services to enhance your skills, improve your test-taking strategies, and boost your confidence.
For more information on our UCAT tutoring services, visit our UCAT Tutoring page.
Stay informed and adapt your preparation strategies to align with the UCAT changes 2025. With Medic Mind’s support, you can approach the 2025 UCAT with confidence and achieve your best possible score.
FAQs
What are the key changes in the UCAT 2025 exam?
The key changes to UCAT 2025 are the removal of the Abstract Reasoning subtest. The UCAT consortium have also made slight changes to the number of questions and timing in some subsections. You can consult our table above to see how this affects you.
Why was the Abstract Reasoning section removed?
The UCAT Consortium took the decision to remove the Abstract Reasoning section of the test because it was not as accurate at predicting university performance than the other sections. It was also quite repetitive, meaning that students could be coached on how to answer the questions, further reducing its validity.
How will the removal of Abstract Reasoning impact my UCAT score?
The removal of AR will not affect your score. However, it will mean that you will need to adjust how you compare your scores to previous results. VR, DM and QR will still be scored between 300-900, meaning that you can compare individual subsections. The overall score is now out of 2700, rather than 3600 in 2024.
Has the time allocation for any UCAT sections changed?
Some of the timing for the subsections has changed. For VR, students will now be given 22 minutes rather than 21 minutes. In DM, candidates will be given 37 minutes instead of the previous 31 minutes. Students will also be given 26 minutes for QR instead of 25 minutes. This sounds great in theory, but remember that they have also increased the number of questions. While this means that candidates are given an extra 2 seconds to answer questions in VR and QR, they will also have 1 second less to answer questions in DM.
Are there new official UCAT practice materials for 2025?
The UCAT Consortium will be publishing new practice materials in May 2025. It is best to use these to gain an understanding of the test format on the day as they provide students with mocks that mimic the actual test.
Can I use old UCAT practice questions for 2025 preparation?
You can use old practice questions to familiarise yourself with the types of questions you will be asked. Just remember that the format of the UCAT has changed and there are more questions in each subsections, with varying timings for each.
Loading...