UCAT 2026 Section Guide: VR, DM, QR & SJT Strategies in One Place
Overview of UCAT 2026
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a two-hour computer-based exam used by most UK medical and dental schools as part of their selection process. It assesses a range of cognitive skills, logical reasoning abilities, and behavioural attributes that are considered essential for success in healthcare training. In 2025, the UCAT exam was restructured – the Abstract Reasoning subtest was removed due to its relatively lower predictive value for future performance. This means the UCAT 2026 and onwards consists of four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). These three cognitive subtests, plus the SJT, make up the entire exam, which is just under two hours in standard timing.
Each section is separately timed and contains a set number of multiple-choice questions. For example, Verbal Reasoning has 44 questions in 22 minutes, Decision Making has 35 questions in 37 minutes, Quantitative Reasoning has 36 questions in 26 minutes, and SJT has 69 questions in 26 minutes. Scores for the cognitive subtests are summed (each scored between 300 and 900, giving a total between 900 and 2700), while SJT results are reported in Bands 1–4(with Band 1 being the highest). The removal of Abstract Reasoning led to a slight redistribution of time and questions – notably, the Decision Making section now has more time and questions than in previous years. The exam remains highly time-pressured, so thoughtful preparation is key to doing well.
The UCAT is typically taken in the summer before Year 13 (around July to early autumn) by sixth-form students applying to medicine or dentistry. Performance in the UCAT can significantly influence interview invitations and offers, as universities use the scores in various ways as part of their admissions criteria. It’s therefore crucial to approach your UCAT preparation strategically. In this guide, we’ll provide a friendly but detailed walkthrough of strategies for each UCAT section (VR, DM, QR, and SJT) – all in one place – along with general preparation tips. Let’s start with some overall strategies before diving into section-specific techniques.
General UCAT Preparation Strategies
Preparing effectively for the UCAT requires a combination of smart planning, consistent practice, and good exam technique. Here are some general tips to set you up for success:
⏰ Start Early & Plan: Begin your UCAT preparation 2–3 months in advance if possible. This gives you time to develop skills gradually rather than cramming at the last minute. Create a study plan that covers all subtests, allocating more time to areas you find challenging. Starting early also lets you fit in regular practice without overwhelming your school work.
📚 Use Official Resources First: Make the official UCAT question banks and practice tests your go-to resources. They closely simulate the real exam format and difficulty. The UCAT Consortium provides free practice tools – use them extensively, as they are “the most realistic resources by far,” according to past high scorers. (Be cautious with third-party materials; the exam changed in 2025, and some external advice may be outdated.)
⏱️ Practice Under Timed Conditions: The UCAT’s biggest challenge is time pressure. Train yourself by doing practice questions and full mocks under timed conditions once you have a handle on question types. Work up to doing full-length mocks and try to simulate exam conditions (sit them at the same time of day as your actual test, no distractions) to build stamina. Getting used to the ticking clock will help you stay calm and efficient during the real exam.
🎯 Focus on Weak Areas: As you practice, identify which sections or question types are your weak spots. Devote extra practice to those areas while maintaining your strengths. For example, if decision-making puzzles trip you up, spend more time reviewing those logic problems. Regularly review your performance (many students do a weekly progress check) and adjust your prep plan accordingly. Small, consistent improvements are more effective than last-minute cramming.
😌 Look After Yourself: UCAT prep can be intense, so avoid burnout. Schedule breaks and rest days – don’t force yourself to do UCAT prep when you’re exhausted. Keep a healthy balance with other activities over the summer. Prioritising your mental health and maintaining a positive mindset will actually improve your performance. Many successful candidates insist that taking time to relax (spending time with friends, family, hobbies) helped them stay focused during study sessions.
💻 Master the Test Tools: Become familiar with the on-screen tools before test day. Practise using the UCAT calculator with keyboard shortcuts (for operations like addition, subtraction, etc.) to save time. Learn how to use the flag and review function to mark questions you want to revisit. You can practice these in the official tutorial and practice tests. Knowing the test interface well means you won’t waste precious seconds figuring out buttons or losing your place.
By following these general strategies – starting early, practising smart, and taking care of yourself – you’ll build a strong foundation for each section of the UCAT. Now, let’s delve into specific tips for each UCAT section, one by one.
📖 Verbal Reasoning (VR) Strategies
The Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to read and critically evaluate written information under severe time constraints. You’ll face 11 passages of text (ranging from short paragraphs to more extended excerpts), each followed by four questions, totalling 44 questions in 22 minutes. That’s an average of only about 30 seconds per question – making VR arguably the most time-pressured part of the exam. Here’s how to tackle it:
🔍 Skim and Scan: Don’t try to read passages word-for-word in detail – there’s no time. Instead, skim the passage to grasp its overall topic and structure, then scan for keywords when answering the questions. Often the question stem will contain a name, date, or specific term – jump back to the passage and find that keyword (or a synonym). This targeted reading helps locate the relevant info fast. For example, if a question asks about “Dr Smith’s research in 2010,” scan the text for “2010” or “Smith”.
📑 Identify the Question Type: VR questions come in two main formats – (1) standard comprehension questions with four answer options, or (2) True/False/Can’t Tell statements where you must decide if a statement is true, false, or not determinable from the passage. Recognise which type you’re answering. For the True/False/Can’t Tell questions, base your decision solely on the passage – ignore any outside knowledge. If the passage doesn’t explicitly confirm a statement, the answer is “Can’t Tell.” Practising these will train you to spot whether a conclusion is supported by the text quickly.
⏭️ Don’t Get Bogged Down: Some passages or questions will inevitably be more complex than others – maybe a very technical passage or a tricky inference question. If you find yourself stuck or reading the same lines repeatedly, make an educated guess and move on. It’s better to skip a time-draining question than to lose time and potentially miss easier questions later. You can flag the question and come back if time allows. Remember, all questions in VR are worth the same marks, so prioritise your time.
📈 Practise Speed Reading (with Comprehension): Work on gently increasing your reading speed. You can do this by practising with newspaper articles or Wikipedia pages – skim them and see if you can summarise the key point after one quick read. The goal isn’t to rush blindly, but to get comfortable extracting meaning from a text quickly. With practice, you’ll learn to quickly pick out the keywords, topic sentences, and overall tone of a passage. This will help you answer questions faster without misinterpreting information.
VR Summary: Approach each passage with a strategy – skim for gist, then scan for specifics. Stay strict with your time: if a question is taking too long, guess and flag it. With practice, you’ll get better at distinguishing which parts of the text contain the answers and which can be ignored. Strong verbal reasoning is about efficient reading and precise referencing of the provided text.
🧩 Decision Making (DM) Strategies
Decision Making questions assess logical reasoning and your ability to handle complex information and uncertainty. In UCAT 2026, you have 35 questions to answer in 37 minutes. This section features a variety of question styles – you might need to evaluate arguments, interpret data, or solve logical puzzles. The content may include text, charts, graphs, or diagrams, and may include additional information provided in the question stem. Here’s how to conquer the DM section:
🗂️ Learn the Question Types: Familiarise yourself with the different DM question formats and have a game-plan for each. The UCAT Consortium specifies several types: syllogisms (logical statements in which you deduce conclusions), logical puzzles, recognising assumptions, interpreting information (often numerical or graphical data), Venn diagram problems, and probabilistic reasoning. Each of these has a slightly different approach. For example, for syllogisms, you might draw quick Venn diagrams or shorthand notes to test the logic. For logical puzzles (like seating arrangements or scheduling problems), sketch a quick diagram or table to keep track of conditions. Knowing the question types in advance means you won’t be thrown off by the format on test day.
🔗 Use Diagrams and Visual Aids: Many decision-making problems become much easier when you translate them into a visual form. If a question describes relationships or categories (e.g. “All X are Y; some Y are Z…”), drawing a Venn diagram can help you see the logical intersections. If it’s a puzzle about who sits where or who did what, jot down a quick table, flowchart or doodle representing the scenario. Using the laminated noteboard provided, you can sketch these out. It doesn’t have to be neat – just enough to help you avoid holding too much info in your head. Visualising the logic can prevent confusion and mistakes.
🔎 Identify Key Information: Decision Making questions often include extraneous details. Train yourself to filter out irrelevant information quickly and zero in on what actually matters for the decision. For instance, if a question presents a chart or several statements, read the question prompt first to know what you’re looking for. Then extract the data points or statements that directly impact the answer. This skill of identifying the “key clue” in a puzzle or the critical data in a graph will save you time. Practice by working through practice questions and reflecting: what was the crucial step or piece of data needed to answer this?
🤔 Apply Logical Principles: Strengthen your foundation in basic logical reasoning. For assumption and argument-type questions, review common logical fallacies or patterns of reasoning – e.g. correlation vs causation, circular reasoning, etc. If the question asks whether a conclusion follows, recall the rules of syllogisms (e.g. if all A are B and all B are C, then all A are C). You don’t need formal training in logic, but a straightforward, methodical thinking process helps. One tactic is to paraphrase the logic in simple terms: for example, “If statement 1 is true, does it force statement 2 to be true?” This approach can clarify complex wording.
✅ Use the Tools for Efficiency: Remember that a basic on-screen calculator is available in DM (for probabilities or numeric reasoning). Use it when needed, but don’t over-rely on slow calculations if an estimate would work. You also have a noteboard – great for jotting down bits of work (like sums or elimination of options). And don’t forget the flag function: if a particular problem (like a complex puzzle) is eating too much time, flag it and move forward. You might find a fresh perspective if you return to it later. Also, some DM questions have multiple parts (e.g., five statements to answer True/False) – aim to answer the easy statements first, eliminate obvious wrong ones, and come back to the trickier ones if needed.
DM Summary: Success in Decision Making comes from familiarity and strategy. Know the types of challenges you face and have a systematic approach for each. Translate words into diagrams or tables to lighten your mental load. Stay calm and methodical – this section rewards careful reasoning. With practice, you’ll learn to spot the logic (or illogic) in each question quickly and answer with confidence.
📊 Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Strategies
Quantitative Reasoning assesses your ability to solve problems using numerical data. You’ll face 36 questions in 26 minutes, often presented in sets associated with tables, charts, or graphs. Strong QR performance isn’t about advanced maths – it’s about basic math skills applied efficiently under time pressure. You’ll need to interpret data and do calculations quickly and accurately. Key areas include arithmetic, percentages, ratios, unit conversions, and basic algebra. Here’s how to handle QR:
🔢 Refresh Core Maths Skills: Make sure you’re comfortable with mental math and basic calculations. Review your times tables, common fractions-to-per cent conversions, ratios, and simple equations. Being confident with these fundamentals will significantly speed you up. For example, you should instantly recognise that 3/8 = 37.5%, or that if a journey of 120 km takes 2 hours, the average speed is 60 km/h. Quick recall of formulas for things like percentage change, speed = distance/time, or currency conversions will also be very useful.
⏳ Prioritise and Plan: Not all QR questions are equal – some can be solved in 10 seconds with a clever shortcut, others might require four steps of calculation. A vital strategy is to identify the easier questions and do them first. If a question looks very calculation-heavy or confusing, consider skipping it initially. The UCAT doesn’t force you to do questions in order – you can flag a tough one and move on, ensuring you pick up as many marks as possible on simpler questions. Aim to maximise the number of questions you answer correctly within the time.
💡 Use Estimation & Shortcuts: Often, you don’t need the exact precise calculation – an estimate can eliminate wrong options. Practice estimating to a reasonable degree: e.g. if a calculation comes out roughly 120 and the answer options are 50, 100, 150, 200, you know 120 is closest to 100. Also, learn common shortcuts for efficiency: cancel down fractions before multiplying, round numbers for a quick approximate check, or use known percentages (10%, 5%) to build other percentages. For multi-step problems, see if there’s a way to simplify the process (sometimes the question might have irrelevant data you can ignore). Developing a repertoire of quick math tricks will save precious seconds.
⌨️ Master the Calculator (but don’t overuse it): The on-screen calculator in QR is a basic one, and relying on it for every single operation can slow you down. Practice doing as much as you comfortably can with mental math or rough paper calculations, and use the calculator for things that would be error-prone or time-consuming otherwise (e.g. multiplying large numbers or dividing non-neat numbers). Importantly, learn the keyboard shortcuts for the calculator – e.g. use the number pad and keyboard to speed up entry. This is much faster than clicking the on-screen buttons with the mouse. With practice, using the calculator by touch can become second nature.
🗒️ Keep Work Neat & Tidy: Jotting down intermediate steps on your noteboard can help prevent mistakes, especially for multi-step calculations. Write down key figures (like totals or differences), so you don’t have to recalculate them if you need them again for a follow-up question. Suppose a question has multiple parts using the same data (common in sets of 4 questions per data set). In that case, it’s worth taking a few seconds upfront to understand the data presentation (e.g. what each column in a table means) and to write any necessary notes. A clear mind (or a clear note) prevents re-reading the chart for each question.
QR Summary: Quantitative Reasoning is about speed and accuracy with basic math. Strengthen your mental arithmetic and practice recognising what a question is really asking for. Use estimation and logic to avoid over-calculating. And importantly, make the UCAT calculator your ally – practise with it so that it helps rather than hinders you. By training these skills, you’ll become much faster at processing the numbers and picking out the right answers.
⚖️ Situational Judgement (SJT) Strategies
The Situational Judgement Test is a bit different from the other sections – it examines your ability to understand real-world scenarios and decide on the most appropriate responses. There are 69 SJT questions in 26 minutes, all based on hypothetical scenarios you might encounter in a clinical or professional environment. This section doesn’t contribute to your numerical UCAT score. Still, it is given as a Band 1–4 result, and many universities do pay close attention to it (often preferring candidates with Band 1 or 2). SJT scenarios test attributes like integrity, teamwork, empathy, resilience, and ethics. Here’s how to excel in SJT:
📖 Know Your Professional Guidelines: The moral and ethical compass for SJT answers often comes from established professional standards. A top tip is to read the GMC’s Good Medical Practice and familiarise yourself with NHS core values. You don’t need to memorise every line, but understand the key principles: patient welfare is paramount; honesty and integrity at all times; respect for colleagues and patients; maintaining confidentiality; knowing your limitations (when to seek help), etc. When a scenario is presented, ask yourself: which action aligns best with professional guidance and the role of a responsible medical student or doctor? Having this framework in mind will guide you toward the most appropriate responses.
🔍 Consider Multiple Perspectives: In each scenario, put yourself in the shoes of all parties involved – the patient, the doctor, the nurse, your fellow student, the public, etc. Good judgment requires empathy and understanding of how decisions impact others. For example, if a question scenario involves a mistake on the ward, consider the patient’s perspective (they deserve honesty and a remedy), your colleague’s perspective, and the hospital’s perspective (safety and learning from errors). This will help you judge the importance or appropriateness of actions more holistically. If an action seriously harms trust or safety, it’s likely “very inappropriate”; if it shows honesty and learning, it’s expected to be “very appropriate.”
⚖️ Use a Balanced, Professional Mindset: Many SJT questions ask you to rate the appropriateness of a single action or the importance of a consideration in a given situation. When rating, think in terms of best practice: Is this action ideal, acceptable, or poor? A very appropriate action is one you’d expect a good professional to take; a very inappropriate one breaches ethical principles or is clearly unprofessional. Avoid extreme reactions unless clearly warranted – for example, angrily confronting a colleague is usually inappropriate, whereas calmly discussing an issue or seeking senior help is more appropriate. Keep the tone professional and err on the side of patient safety and integrity.
📝 Practice Both Question Formats: The SJT will have you either rank responses or choose the best and worst option. For ranking questions (e.g., 1 = most appropriate to 4 = least appropriate), it can help first to identify the most and least appropriate actions, then sort the middle two. For the ‘most/least’ questions where you pick one of each from three options, remember that you must select the single best action and the single worst action out of the provided choices. Get used to these formats by practising official SJT questions. After answering, always read the explanations: they will often refer to the ethical principles or reasoning behind why an action is right or wrong. This feedback is gold for improving your judgment.
🤗 Be Honest and Realistic: In tricky situations, the honest, accountable approach is usually the correct one. Don’t cover up errors; don’t ignore misconduct. Likewise, recognise your limitations – if you’re unsure, seeking help from a senior is often the best course (and not a sign of weakness). If a patient is upset or a colleague is struggling, showing empathy and offering support is usually appropriate. Essentially, imagine yourself as a responsible medical professional in that scenario and ask, “What would the best doctor or student do here?” – that often leads you to the correct answer.
SJT Summary: The key to SJT is aligning your decisions with professional values and ethics. Always keep in mind principles like patient safety, honesty, and teamwork. Use common sense – extreme or rash actions are rarely the best choice. With practice, you’ll start to instinctively feel which responses reflect good judgment and which don’t. Scoring highly (Band 1) not only boosts your UCAT profile but also means you’re thinking in the right way about real-world responsibilities in medicine.
Test Day Tips 📝
When the big day finally arrives, a few last-minute strategies can help you perform at your best:
Arrive Early & Prepared: Make sure you know where your test centre is and arrive with plenty of time to spare (and with the required ID!). Rushing at the last minute will only increase anxiety. Getting there early means you can check in calmly, use the bathroom, and settle your nerves before the test begins.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep: The night before, prioritise rest. Being well-rested will help you maintain focus and think clearly during the exam. Also, have a healthy meal beforehand so you’re not distracted by hunger (but avoid too much caffeine if it makes you jittery). Feeling physically settled will support your mental performance.
Stay Calm & Confident: It’s normal to feel nervous, but try some simple relaxation techniques. While waiting to begin, take a few deep breaths or practice a quick mindfulness exercise (for example, calmly count to five while breathing in, and five while breathing out). Remind yourself that you’ve prepared for this – confidence can improve your performance. A positive mindset (“I can do this!”) really does help.
Time Management During the Test: Keep an eye on the section timer, but don’t obsess over it every second. The UCAT interface lets you hide the timer if it's distracting (you can check it intermittently). Aim for a steady pace. If a question is too complicated or time-consuming, flag it and move on – as mentioned in our section tips. It’s better to answer all the questions you can and then use any remaining time to return to flagged items. Remember that there’s no negative marking, so never leave a question blank – if time is nearly up, make sure you have some answer selected for everything. An educated guess is better than no answer at all.
Use Breaks if Needed: The UCAT is intense, but you do have a one-minute instruction screen before each subtest – use this time to reset. Take a few deep breaths, roll your shoulders, relax your hands. This mini-break can help you switch gears between sections. For instance, after QR’s frantic calculations, take the moment before SJT to calm down and prepare to read scenarios. Staying mentally fresh throughout the test will improve your concentration.
After the Test: Once you’ve finished, give yourself credit – the UCAT is a challenging exam, and completing it is an accomplishment in itself! You’ll receive your results immediately. No matter the outcome, remember that the UCAT is just one part of your application. Take a moment to relax and do something you enjoy after the test to decompress.
Finally, keep in mind that thousands of students like you sit the UCAT each year, and with proper preparation and the right mindset, you can do it. This guide has gathered the key strategies for each section to help boost your performance. Good luck with your UCAT 2026 – stay calm, stay focused, and believe in yourself. You’ve got all the strategies “in one place” – now it’s time to put them into practice!
For those looking for additional support: While self-study with official materials is most important, you may also consider a UCAT preparation course for extra guidance. The Blue Peanut UCAT Course (available online or in person) is one example of a program run by NHS doctors that covers all four sections, with proven strategies and personalised feedback. Blue Peanut’s course has a strong track record (students achieving 8th decile ≈ 2100+ scores and high SJT bands), and it focuses on efficient techniques, time management and common pitfalls. A course can provide structure and expert coaching if you feel you need a boost beyond your independent preparation.
Stay determined and consistent in your studies, and you’ll give yourself the best chance to ace the UCAT. Happy preparing, and all the best on test day! 🎉
References:
UCAT Consortium – UCAT 2025 Announcement. Describes the 2025 changes to UCAT (removal of Abstract Reasoning, new structure and timings) and the rationale behind them ucat.ac.uk
UCAT Consortium – Test Format. Official overview of the UCAT subtests, question types, and skills assessed ucat.ac.uk
UCAT Consortium – Candidate Advice. Tips from high-scoring candidates on preparation and subtest strategies ucat.ac.uk
British Medical Association – Applying to medical school. Explains the role of the UCAT in UK medical school admissions and notes the phasing out of the BMAT in favour of UCAT bma.org.uk
UCAT Consortium – Official Preparation Materials. Emphasises using the free official question banks, tutorials, and practice tests for UCAT preparation. ucat.ac.uk.
UCAT Consortium – Test Statistics 2025. Provides the section timings, question counts, and scoring ranges for the updated UCAT (as of 2025) at ucat.ac.uk.
Blue Peanut Medical Education – UCAT Course 2026. Information on the Blue Peanut UCAT preparation course, including format and outcomes, can be found at bluepeanut.com.
