TARA

Structure

Overview

TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is a new exam launched by UAT-UK (jointly run by Cambridge and Imperial College); from 2027 admissions it is used by Oxford for social science subjects such as Economics and Management, PPE, Human Sciences, Experimental Psychology and History, and by UCL for subjects such as Computer Science. It replaces the former Oxford TSA; it does not test any subject-specific knowledge, only general critical thinking, problem solving and written expression.

Format

Published format

Three modules, 40 minutes each: critical thinking 22 multiple-choice questions + problem solving 22 multiple-choice questions + writing task (choose one of three, ≤750 words). Computer-based test; calculators/dictionaries not permitted.

Format guidance

Three modules, 40 minutes each: Critical Thinking (22 multiple-choice questions) + Problem Solving (22 multiple-choice questions) + Writing Task (choose 1 from 3 questions, no more than 750 words). Computer-based, no calculators or dictionaries allowed.

Structure

Structure Details

Critical Thinking (22 questions): evaluating arguments in everyday language — finding the main conclusion, drawing conclusions, identifying assumptions, assessing the impact of new evidence, finding reasoning errors, matching arguments, applying principles (seven question types in total). Problem Solving (22 questions): numerical reasoning — relevant selection, finding procedures, identifying similarity; only basic mathematics is required, no calculators allowed. Writing Task: a statement is given, and a three-step answer is required — explain its meaning, give a counter-argument, and discuss the extent to which you agree; limited to 40 minutes, 750 words.

Scoring

Critical thinking and problem solving each score 1.0–9.0 points (reported to one decimal place); the writing task is not scored by UAT-UK, and the answer script is sent directly to the applying institution for its own reference. Wrong answers incur no penalty.

Preparation tips

Key Tips

▸TARA does not test subject knowledge but ways of thinking — be sure to complete both official sample papers on the UAT-UK website (with worked solutions).
▸Critical-thinking question: find the "conclusion" first and then the "premises"; this quickly locates assumptions and reasoning errors.
▸The writing task is not a free essay: all three parts — 'explain the meaning, give counter-arguments, discuss the extent of agreement' — must be addressed.
▸Problem solving without a calculator: practise mental arithmetic and estimation; eliminating obviously wrong options first saves time.
▸Each of the three modules lasts 40 minutes, and time cannot be transferred between them; time saved by finishing a module early cannot be used for the next module.

Registration and results

Registration & Results

Registration windowRegistration for the first exam (10) usually opens at the end of 7 and closes at the end of 9; registration for the second (1 of the following year) runs from about the end of 10 to mid-12. Oxford applicants must choose the 10 session.

How to registerFirst create an account on UAT-UK, then book online through an authorised Pearson VUE test centre (computer-based testing worldwide).

Test datesTwo exam sessions: mid-10 and mid-1 of the following year (Oxford applicants must choose 10).

Results datesUsually published via the UAT-UK account about 4 weeks after the exam.

How to access resultsCritical thinking and problem solving scores (each 1–9) are viewed via the UAT-UK account and sent automatically to institutions; the writing task answer script is forwarded directly to institutions.

Official registration ↗Official results information ↗

Dates and arrangements change. Check the current official information before registering.

Official registration ↗Official sample questions ↗