UCAT 2025 Changes: Abstract Reasoning Removed, New Scoring Out of 2700, and Updated Timings Explained for 2026 Entry Onwards
Dr Akash Gandhi·NHS GP and Medicine Admissions ExpertPublished 12 December 2024Updated 3 July 2026 9 min read
Introduction
Big changes came to the UCAT in 2025, and every aspiring medical or dental student needs to know what’s new for 2026 entry onwards.
With the UCAT Abstract Reasoning (AR) removed, updated subtest timings, and a new scoring structure, the UCAT has been redesigned to better evaluate key skills for university admissions.
These changes will impact how candidates prepare and perform, making it more important than ever to stay informed and adapt your UCAT preparation strategy.
Achieving a top UCAT score is often daunting, despite the hours of diligent practice many candidates put in after completing their UCAT registration in 2025. Many students struggle with low scores, despite doing lots of questions and wondering what they are missing.
At TheUKCATPeople, our UCAT Tutors have been helping students score top marks in the UCAT for over 12 years.
In this article, we’ll break down all the major updates for UCAT 2025, explain why these changes are happening, and offer guidance on how to excel under the new format.
UCAT 2025 Changes At A Glance
Abstract Reasoning Removed: The test no longer includes the Abstract Reasoning (AR) subtest due to its lower predictive validity and high coachability.
New Test Structure: The exam now comprises three cognitive subtests—Verbal Reasoning (VR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Reasoning (QR)—alongside the Situational Judgement Test (SJT).
Updated Timings:
Decision Making: Increased to 37 minutes (up from 31 minutes) with 35 questions (up from 29 questions)
Quantitative Reasoning: Extended to 26 minutes (previously 24 minutes) with 36 questions (same as before).
Revised Scoring System: The total score for cognitive subtests is now out of 2700 (900 per subtest), while the SJT retains its Band 1–4 scoring.
Increased Instruction Times: VR, DM and SJT will now have 1.5 minutes of instruction time before each section, and QR will have 2 minutes, this is up from 1 minute for all of them before 2025.
NEW: Abstract Reasoning Removed from the UCAT 2025
Is Abstract Reasoning still in the UCAT?
No. Abstract Reasoning is no longer in the UCAT and has not been since the 2025 redesign. If you are revising from an older book, course or website that still lists AR or pattern-recognition questions as a current section, that material is out of date. You only need to prepare for Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and the Situational Judgement Test.
The most significant update for UCAT 2025 is the removal of the Abstract Reasoning (AR) subtest from the UCAT.
Why was AR removed from the UCAT?
Abstract Reasoning has been a key part of the UCAT for years, but research has shown it has lower predictive validity compared to other subtests like Verbal Reasoning and Decision Making.
Studies (Bala et al., 2022; Paton et al., 2022) have also highlighted its high coachability, making it less effective in differentiating candidates’ natural aptitude.
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How Could Removing UCAT Abstract Reasoning Affect UCAT Scores in 2025?
Historically, AR has shown a consistent increase in average scores over the years, reflecting its unique position among the subtests.
For instance, the average AR score rose from 629 in 2015 to 653 in 2024, showing steady improvement over nearly a decade.
This increase, significantly higher than the trends seen in other subtests, highlights how candidates have been able to refine their performance in AR, often through focused UCAT tutoring and practice.
The rising average scores in AR, while positive for well-prepared UCAT candidates, were also a reason for its removal. Research showed that AR’s high coachability diluted its ability to assess innate aptitude, as performance improvements were less reflective of natural ability and more influenced by preparation strategies.
Its removal simplifies the UCAT scoring system and reduces the impact of external preparation on overall test outcomes.
With AR no longer included, candidates and universities will see a shift in total scores, which now range from 900 to 2700 instead of the previous maximum of 3600 in UCAT scoring.
NEW: UCAT Decision Making - Increased Time & Questions In 2025
In UCAT 2025, Decision Making (DM) receives a significant update with more time and additional questions, making it a more prominent part of the UCAT DM Section.
What’s Changing?
Number of Questions: Increased to 35, up from 29 in previous years.
Subtest Time: Extended to 37 minutes, giving candidates more time to tackle the complex scenarios presented in this section.
Why This Matters
Decision Making evaluates your ability to interpret data, identify patterns, and make logical conclusions—skills critical for medical and dental professionals.
With more time and questions, this section provides an enhanced opportunity to demonstrate these abilities.
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NEW: UCAT Quantitative Reasoning - Increased Time In 2025
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) has also been updated in UCAT 2025, with an increase in subtest time to allow candidates more room to navigate numerical problems.
What’s Changing?
Subtest Time: Now 26 minutes, up from 24 minutes in previous years.
Number of Questions: Remains at 36.
Why This is Important
QR tests your ability to work with numbers, solve problems, and interpret quantitative data—essential skills for diagnosing and treating patients. The extra time gives candidates a better chance to fully analyse each question and improve their accuracy.
Preparation Tips for QR
Practise using online question banks to improve familiarity with common question types.
Focus on mental arithmetic and using a virtual calculator efficiently.
On the new 2700 scale, a total around 2400 (about 800 per subtest) is broadly competitive for most courses, and above 2500 is strong, while above 2600 is exceptional. Because the UCAT is equated each year and universities set their own thresholds, the score you need varies by where you apply, so always check each medical or dental school's stated cut-off for the current cycle rather than relying on a single national figure.
Remember the Situational Judgement Test is reported separately as a Band from 1 to 4 and is not added to this 2700 total. Many selective schools prefer Band 1 or Band 2, so a high cognitive score alongside a weak SJT band can still hold an application back.
Situational Judgement: Scored separately into Bands 1–4.
Why This Change?
The revised scoring ensures a fairer distribution of marks across the three cognitive subtests. Candidates can still compare their performance year-on-year due to standard equating methods.
What You Need to Know
Your total cognitive score (out of 2700) will now determine your ranking, alongside your Situational Judgement Band, which measures your professional judgement and ethical decision-making.
A notable change in UCAT 2025 is the increase in the duration of the instruction sections for each subtest. Previously, candidates were given a standard 1 minute to review instructions before starting each section.
However, in the updated format, the instruction times have been extended: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Situational Judgement each allow 1 minute 30 seconds, while Quantitative Reasoning includes 2 minutes.
This extension provides candidates with additional time to familiarise themselves with the structure and requirements of each subtest. While these instruction times do not affect the overall test time of just under two hours, they help reduce stress and ensure candidates are fully prepared to begin each section.
These changes are particularly beneficial for first-time test-takers who may need more time to adjust to the UCAT’s fast-paced nature.
By extending the instruction times, the UCAT Consortium aims to enhance the candidate experience and ensure everyone starts each subtest on equal footing, fully understanding the instructions.
When was the last time a big change was made to the UCAT?
The last significant change to the UCAT occurred when Decision Analysis was removed and replaced with Decision Making in 2016.
This update shifted the focus from interpreting coded information to assessing candidates’ ability to make sound decisions using complex scenarios.
Decision Making introduced a broader range of question types, including logical puzzles, probability, and data interpretation, making it a more comprehensive measure of critical thinking and judgement—key skills for medical and dental professionals.
This change paved the way for the modern UCAT format, which continues to evolve with the 2025 updates.
Overall, it still means you need to work hard in the UCAT. It does mean you need to spend longer on the three main sections and the SJT (VR, DM, QR & SJT) as there will be added pressure on these to score better.
Remember this will benefit everyone uniformly - so there is no inherent advantage to this for some. To do well in the UCAT (and then at university and beyond) you need to be a fast reader (VR), be logical (DM), good at basic maths (QR) and be grounded in the ethical principles (SJT).
With these changes, preparation strategies need to be updated to match the new format.
The UCAT 2025 changes are significant, with Abstract Reasoning removed, scoring now out of 2700, and revised timings for Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning.
While these updates may seem daunting, they present an opportunity for candidates to focus on skills that truly matter for medical and dental school success.
By understanding the changes and preparing effectively using the latest materials, you can approach the UCAT with confidence and perform at your best.
Stay ahead by adapting your preparation strategy to the new format and making the most of the time available.
From 1-1 tutoring and personal statement editing to interview coaching and our all-in-one Ultimate Package, we support every stage. Tell us what you are working towards and we will recommend the right option.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is Abstract Reasoning removed from the UCAT?
Yes. Abstract Reasoning (AR) was removed from 2025 and is no longer part of the UCAT. The test now has three cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning) plus the Situational Judgement Test. AR was dropped because of its lower predictive validity and high coachability, so any guide still listing AR as current is out of date.
Why was Abstract Reasoning removed from the UCAT?
Abstract Reasoning was removed because evidence suggested it had lower predictive validity and was highly coachable, with scores improving mainly through practice rather than innate aptitude. Dropping it lets the test focus on the skills that better predict success at medical and dental school, and shortened the exam from five sections to four.
What is the new UCAT structure from 2025?
The UCAT now has four sections: three cognitive subtests, Verbal Reasoning (VR), Decision Making (DM) and Quantitative Reasoning (QR), plus the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). Abstract Reasoning has gone. The three cognitive subtests are scored 300 to 900 each, while the SJT is reported as a Band from 1 (best) to 4.
What is the UCAT scored out of now?
The cognitive section is now scored out of 2700. Each of the three cognitive subtests (VR, DM, QR) is scored from 300 to 900, giving a total range of 900 to 2700. This replaced the old maximum of 3600 from five sections before 2025. The SJT is separate and reported as a Band from 1 to 4, not added to your numerical score.
What is a good UCAT score out of 2700?
As a rough guide, a total around 2400 or above (averaging roughly 800 per subtest) is competitive for most courses, while above 2500 is strong. Because scores are equated each year, cut-offs shift, so always check each university's stated thresholds. For the SJT, most selective schools prefer Band 1 or Band 2.
Why is the UCAT now out of 2700 instead of 3600?
Removing Abstract Reasoning reduced the cognitive subtests from four to three. As each subtest is scored from 300 to 900, three subtests give a maximum of 2700 instead of the previous 3600. The change reflects fewer sections, not a harder or easier test, and the SJT continues to be reported separately as a Band.
Are UCAT scores from 2025 comparable to previous years?
Total scores are not directly comparable, because the cognitive total is now out of 2700 rather than 3600. However, individual subtest scores still run from 300 to 900 and are equated year on year, so subtest performance can be compared. When researching cut-offs, make sure any figures you use are quoted on the new 2700 scale.
Has the timing of the UCAT subtests changed?
Yes. From 2025, Decision Making gained more time and more questions, and Quantitative Reasoning gained more time. Instruction time before each subtest was also extended. Exact minute and question counts can change between cycles, so always confirm the current timings on ucat.ac.uk before test day rather than relying on figures from older guides.
How long is the UCAT exam now?
The UCAT still runs to roughly two hours, including short instruction screens before each subtest. With Abstract Reasoning removed there is one fewer section, but extra time was added to other subtests, so overall length is broadly similar. For the precise total and per-section timings in your cycle, check the official figures on ucat.ac.uk.
Is there negative marking in the UCAT?
No. The UCAT has no negative marking, so you are never penalised for a wrong answer. This means you should never leave a question blank, always make your best attempt and flag it for review if unsure. With no penalty for guessing, answering everything before time runs out is the safest strategy in every subtest.
Can I use a calculator in the UCAT?
Yes. An on-screen calculator is available, opened with Alt+C, and you can type into it using the keyboard number pad to save time. You also get a laminated whiteboard at the test centre for working out. The calculator is most useful in Quantitative Reasoning and Decision Making; practise with it so it feels familiar on the day.
How should I prepare for the UCAT after the 2025 changes?
Focus your preparation on the three cognitive subtests (VR, DM, QR) and the SJT, since Abstract Reasoning is gone. Use official practice tests to get used to the current timings and question styles, build speed and accuracy, and rehearse keyboard shortcuts. Strong readers, logical thinkers and confident mental-maths students tend to do best under the new format.
What changed for UCAT Decision Making in 2025?
Decision Making became more prominent, gaining additional questions and more time. It tests your ability to interpret data, weigh arguments, work with probability and reach logical conclusions. Because the section is now larger, it is worth dedicating more practice to it. For the exact current question count and time limit, check ucat.ac.uk before your test.
What changed for UCAT Quantitative Reasoning in 2025?
Quantitative Reasoning was given more time, allowing a little longer per numerical problem. The skills tested, interpreting data, percentages, ratios and rates, are unchanged. Use the on-screen calculator efficiently and sharpen your mental arithmetic. As timings can be adjusted between cycles, confirm the current minutes and question count on ucat.ac.uk before relying on older figures.
When was the last major change to the UCAT before 2025?
The previous major change came in 2016, when Decision Analysis was replaced by Decision Making. That shifted the focus from decoding information to evaluating scenarios, probability and logical reasoning. The 2025 update, removing Abstract Reasoning and rescoring the cognitive total to 2700, is the most significant overhaul since then.
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