Introduction to the UCAT exam 2026

If you want to study medicine or dentistry in the UK, there’s a very good chance you’ll need to sit the UCAT exam. The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a two-hour computer-based admissions test used by most UK medical and dental schools, as well as by some universities in Australia and New Zealand.  Each year, tens of thousands of applicants take the UCAT to demonstrate the reasoning, decision-making and professional judgement skills needed for a demanding clinical career. 

From 2025 onwards, the UCAT test format is changing, with updates to the subtests to better reflect the skills medical and dental schools want to assess.  That means understanding UCAT 2026 – not last year’s version – is essential if you wish to achieve a competitive score. Knowing how the sections work, how UCAT scoring is calculated, and how different universities use your UCAT result can make the difference between getting an interview and being rejected. 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the UCAT test so you can plan your preparation with confidence. We’ll explain what the UCAT exam is, who has to take it, how the latest format works, and what actually counts as a “good” UCAT score. You’ll also get a clear overview of key UCAT dates, practical revision strategies, and common mistakes that stop otherwise strong applicants from achieving their target band. 

Whether you’re in Year 12 starting UCAT prep for the first time, or retaking the exam to improve your application, this article will show you how to approach UCAT 2026 strategically – so you’re not just practising questions, but preparing in a way that maximises your score and strengthens your overall medical or dental school application.