UCAT
UCAT Decision Making 2026
The latest UCAT decision making tips, tricks & techniques to help you master the section in 2026.
Find out about scoring, question types, and have a go at a Decision Making Practice Question.
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What Is UCAT Decision Making?
UCAT Decision Making assesses your ability to apply logic, reach sound conclusions and judgments, evaluate the strength of arguments and interpret statistical data. It is one of the three scored cognitive subtests in the UCAT (alongside Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning), each marked from 300 to 900 and combined into your total out of 2700. The Situational Judgement Test is reported separately as a band.
You have 37 minutes (and 1.5 minutes of instructions) to complete 35 questions. The items are ordered from easiest to hardest.
From the 2025 test cycle, Decision Making was expanded to 35 questions in 37 minutes (up from 29 questions in 31 minutes). This was part of the wider 2025 changes that also removed Abstract Reasoning and rescaled the cognitive total to 2700. The questions are still ordered roughly from easiest to hardest, so do not get stuck early.
👉🏻 Read more: UCAT Preparation 2026 - The Ultimate Guide
Why Include UCAT Decision Making?
Many clinical situations require doctors and dentists to make complex decisions and interpret information daily. This needs to happen in a wide range of scenarios and situations. Clinicians require good problem-solving ability and need to have the ability to assess and manage risk, whilst dealing with uncertainty.
Decision Making was introduced in 2017, replacing the old Decision Analysis subtest. Decision Analysis required candidates to interpret a coded language using a key, whereas Decision Making is broader and more clinically relevant, testing logical reasoning, argument evaluation and the interpretation of data, all skills doctors and dentists use every day.
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What are the UCAT Decision Making Question Types?
Items in the UCAT exam are typically presented as brief passages or figures that describe a situation. You must select an answer choice from among five options to each question. Items vary in difficulty and some require you to demonstrate stronger abilities than others. This is one of five sections within the UCAT test.
Decision Making is one of the four UCAT subtests and one of the three scored cognitive subtests that feed into your total out of 2700. It assesses your ability to make sound decisions and judgments using complex information. There are six different question types, and any of them can appear in your exam.
- Logical Puzzles: These questions require you to use deductive reasoning and logic to solve puzzles or problems. You may need to identify patterns, relationships, or rules to determine the correct answer.
- Venn Diagrams: You will be presented with sets of data represented using Venn diagrams, and you will need to interpret the diagrams to answer questions related to the data.
- Probabilistic Reasoning: These questions involve using probabilities and statistical information to make decisions. You may be required to calculate or compare probabilities to determine the most likely outcome or the best course of action.
- Interpretation of Information: You will be given text, charts, graphs, or tables containing information and asked to draw conclusions based on that information. This may involve identifying trends, making comparisons, or evaluating data.
- Recognising Assumptions: In these decision-making questions, you will need to identify underlying assumptions or premises in arguments or statements. You may be asked to evaluate the validity of these assumptions or determine the impact of these assumptions on the conclusions drawn.
- Evaluating Arguments: You will be presented with arguments and asked to assess the strength, validity, or relevance of those arguments. This may involve identifying flaws or weaknesses, determining the relative importance of different factors, or comparing and contrasting different arguments.
We cover all of these questions in our UCAT Courses and 1-1 UCAT Tutoring.
For a question-by-question breakdown, see our deep-dive UCAT Decision Making complete guide, plus focused walkthroughs on syllogisms with worked examples, strongest argument questions and logical puzzles.
It is paramount that you practice all of these types of questions as all of them are likely to come up in your exam. Often, some students find that the Yes/No questions are more difficult, therefore, requiring more practice before their UKCAT exam.
Either there will be four answer options and you must seek only one correct answer. Other answers may require you to respond to five statements with a “yes” or “no” next to each statement. In this section, you may use an on-screen calculator or the whiteboard and pen provided.
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Decision Making UCAT Timing & Questions
You have 37 minutes (plus a 1 minute 30 second instruction section that is not counted) to answer 35 questions in the UCAT Decision Making subtest. That works out at roughly 63 seconds per question, so a clear timing plan is essential.
We would recommend having an idea before you begin how you will approach the timing of this section. We recommend having different milestones that you can use as a guide to help you through the passage.
👉🏻 Read more: UCAT Test Day Tips
👉🏻 Read more:UCAT Verbal Reasoning
👉🏻 Read more:UCAT Quantitative Reasoning
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👉🏻 Read more:UCAT Situational Judgement
Maximum UCAT Decision Making Score
- Maximum UCAT Decision Making score: 900 (each cognitive subtest is scored from 300 to 900)
- Minimum UCAT Decision Making Score: 300
Remember to contact our UCAT Tutors to find out more about how we can boost this score.
👉🏻 Read more: Top Tips For UCAT Verbal Reasoning
👉🏻 Read more: Top Tips For UCAT Abstract Reasoning
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Average UCAT Decision Making Score
The mean UCAT Decision Making score for the 2025 test cycle was 628, sitting close to the overall cognitive average. Historically the section has averaged in the low-to-mid 600s, which means a focused effort here can lift your total out of 2700 above the average applicant.
- 2017 UCAT Decision Making Average Score - 647
- 2018 UCAT Decision Making Average Score - 624
- 2019 UCAT Decision Making Average Score - 618
- 2020 UCAT Decision Making Average Score - 625
- 2021 UCAT Decision Making Average Score - 610
- 2022 UCAT Decision Making Average Score - 616
- 2023 UCAT Decision Making Average Score - 623
- 2024 UCAT Decision Making Average Score - 620 (2025 mean: 628)
This is around the average score of the UKCAT, which means that this is a section you can use to try to boost your overall score.
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Example UCAT Decision Making Question
My friend is a palaeontologist and is sorting through his archives. He notices some extinct animals that he needs to categorise. Some spironetals are arachinoleda.
All crimeritonia are spironetals. No spironetals are piloredonters. Some crimeritonia are rektilioni. Some piloredonters are arachinoleda.
Which of these statements are true?
A. Some rektilioni are spironetals.
B. No crimeritonia are arachinoleda.
C. Some arachinoleda are both piloredonters and crimeritonia.
D. All spironetals are piloredonters.
ANSWER A
A. This Is definitely true since some crimeritonia are rektilioni and all crimeritonia are spironetals, then all the rektilioni that are crimeritonia are also spironetals.
B. May or may not be true since although we know that some arachinoleda are spironetals, they may not intersect with the subgroup of crimeritonia.
C. Although some arachinoleda are piloredonters and some arachinoleda are crimeritonia, no thupp is both a groshter and a snargle, since all crimeritonia are spironetals and no spironetals are piloredonters.
D. The same explanation as C can be applied here.
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UCAT Decision Making Tips and Tricks
How to improve decision making UCAT
It is paramount that you focus on learning key decision-making ucat strategies for the decision making subsection of the UKCAT.
These are all covered in our UCAT 1 day course and our 1-1 UCAT Tutoring.
Decision Making UCAT Tips
- Do not draw on existing knowledge to answer questions, you must assume that you are unfamiliar with the content of the text shown to you.
- Some questions may be best suited to making some notes or drawing an aide-memoire out onto the board and pen.
- Think about how you will time yourself during this section. To succeed, you must devise a strategy that works for you and plays to your strengths.
- You might want to consider allocating a certain amount of time to each question, which will help prevent you from getting stuck and running out of time.
- Some questions will require you to “drag and drop”, make sure that you practice this beforehand.
- Some of the most common questions that come up about decision making include probability and Venn diagrams.
- Use the flag option if you need to, especially in the practice tests.
- Make sure that you do enough decision making UCAT practice and re-read these tips for UKCAT decision making.
- Most people who do not do well in their DM have not done enough decision making ukcat practice.
The best way to build accuracy and speed is timed practice under exam conditions. Drill all six question types on our free UCAT online trainer, then review your weak spots with the wider UCAT revision hub. For 17 detailed strategies, read Top 17 UCAT Decision Making Tips.
Remember to contact our UCAT Tutors to find out more about how we can boost this score.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Decision Making in the UCAT?
Decision Making is one of the four UCAT subtests and one of the three scored cognitive subtests. It assesses your ability to apply logic, reach sound conclusions, evaluate arguments and interpret statistical data using complex information. These are skills doctors and dentists use daily. Your score, between 300 and 900, contributes to your overall cognitive total out of 2700.
How many questions are in UCAT Decision Making and how long do you get?
There are 35 questions in UCAT Decision Making and you have 37 minutes to answer them, plus a separate 1 minute 30 second instruction section that is not counted. That gives you roughly 63 seconds per question. From the 2025 cycle the section grew from 29 questions in 31 minutes to its current format.
What are the six UCAT Decision Making question types?
The six question types are logical puzzles, syllogisms, interpreting information, recognising assumptions, Venn diagrams and probabilistic reasoning. Some are standard multiple choice with one correct answer from a set of options, while others ask you to respond yes or no to five separate statements. All six can appear in your exam, so practise every type.
How is UCAT Decision Making scored?
Decision Making is scored on a scale from 300 to 900, like the other cognitive subtests. There is no negative marking, so a wrong answer and a blank answer both score zero and you should never leave a question unanswered. Your three cognitive subtest scores (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning) combine into a total out of 2700.
What is the average UCAT Decision Making score?
The mean UCAT Decision Making score for the 2025 test cycle was 628. Historically the section has averaged in the low-to-mid 600s. Because this sits close to the overall cognitive average, Decision Making is a strong section to target for improvement, as gains here can meaningfully lift your total out of 2700.
What is a good UCAT Decision Making score?
A score above the annual mean (628 in 2025) puts you ahead of the average applicant, while around 700 or higher is genuinely competitive. Because the cognitive subtests are combined into a total out of 2700, what counts as good also depends on your other sections and the universities you target. Check decile data and university cut-offs when setting your goal.
What is the maximum UCAT Decision Making score?
The maximum UCAT Decision Making score is 900 and the minimum is 300, the same scale used for every cognitive subtest. Reaching 900 requires near-perfect accuracy across all six question types under tight time pressure. The three cognitive subtests each score out of 900, giving a maximum cognitive total of 2700.
How much time should you spend per Decision Making question?
With 35 questions in 37 minutes you have roughly 63 seconds per question on average, more generous than other UCAT sections. Even so, some questions, such as detailed logical puzzles or probability problems, take longer than others. Set milestones, flag and move on from anything that stalls you, and return to flagged items if time allows.
What replaced Decision Analysis in the UCAT?
Decision Making replaced the old Decision Analysis subtest in 2017. Decision Analysis required candidates to decode a coded language using a key. Decision Making is broader and more clinically relevant, testing logical reasoning, argument evaluation and interpretation of data. If you see references to UKCAT Decision Analysis, they relate to the discontinued format, not the current exam.
What are the best Decision Making strategies?
Key strategies include: do not rely on outside knowledge, treat each passage as self-contained, make quick notes or diagrams on the whiteboard for puzzles and syllogisms, practise the drag-and-drop and yes/no formats in advance, allocate a rough time per question, and flag anything that stalls you. Above all, do plenty of timed practice and review your errors using reflective practice.
Are syllogisms hard in UCAT Decision Making?
Syllogisms test whether a conclusion logically follows from given statements. They can feel tricky because the statements often use abstract or invented terms, but the skill is consistent: treat the words as symbols, ignore real-world knowledge and work strictly from what the premises state. With a clear method and enough practice, syllogisms become one of the most reliable Decision Making question types to score on.
Is there negative marking in UCAT Decision Making?
No, there is no negative marking anywhere in the UCAT, including Decision Making. An incorrect answer scores the same as a blank one, so you should always make an educated guess on every question rather than leave any unanswered. On yes/no statement questions, some questions award partial marks for getting several statements correct.
How do you prepare for UCAT Decision Making?
Start by learning the logic behind each of the six question types, then move to timed practice that mirrors exam conditions. Drill questions on a UCAT trainer, review every mistake to understand why you went wrong, and build a timing plan with milestones. Focus extra effort on the types you find hardest, often probability, Venn diagrams or yes/no statement questions.
Did the 2025 changes affect Decision Making?
Yes. The 2025 UCAT changes expanded Decision Making from 29 questions in 31 minutes to 35 questions in 37 minutes. The same overhaul removed Abstract Reasoning entirely and rescaled the cognitive total to 2700 across three subtests. Situational Judgement remains banded separately. These changes apply to all current applicants, so always prepare with up-to-date materials.
How do universities use your Decision Making score?
Most universities combine your three cognitive subtest scores into a single total out of 2700 and assess you on that total rather than on Decision Making alone. A small number weight or set thresholds for individual sections. Because approaches vary, check each university's UCAT policy and use decile and cut-off data to decide where to apply with your scores.
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