TARA Assessments

Updated 25 July 2026

What is the TARA test?

The TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is the admissions test used by the University of Oxford and UCL to assess applicants to a range of arts, social science and computing courses. It is set by UAT-UK, a collaboration between Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge, and sat on computer at Pearson VUE test centres.

TARA replaced Oxford’s long-running Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), whose final sitting was in October 2025. From the 2026/27 admissions cycle (2027 entry), Oxford applicants to the affected courses sit the TARA instead, and UCL adopted it a year earlier for 2025/26 entry.

The test measures the reasoning these degrees demand: the ability to think critically, solve unfamiliar problems and build a clear written argument. No subject knowledge is tested, so there is nothing to revise in the usual sense, but you can prepare well by practising the question styles under timed conditions.

TARA test format

The TARA is made up of three 40-minute modules, taken in a single sitting of around two hours:

Critical Thinking: 22 multiple-choice questions that test how well you analyse arguments, weigh evidence and spot flaws in reasoning.

Problem Solving: 22 multiple-choice questions that test how you work with numerical and logical information to reach a solution.

Writing Task: one essay, chosen from three prompts, of up to 750 words, in which you develop and communicate a reasoned argument.

Calculators and dictionaries are not allowed, and there is no negative marking, so it is always worth attempting every question.

How the TARA is scored

There is no pass or fail. The Critical Thinking and Problem Solving modules are each scored on a scale from 1.0 (low) to 9.0 (high), reported to one decimal place and based only on correct answers. The Writing Task is not scored by UAT-UK; instead it is sent directly to the universities you have applied to, who assess it as part of your wider application.

Which universities and courses use the TARA

At Oxford (from 2027 entry), the TARA is required for Economics and Management, History and Economics, History and Politics, Human Sciences, Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), Psychology (Experimental), and Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics (PPL).

At UCL, it is required for a growing list of courses including Computer Science, Management Science, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, the European and International Social and Political Studies degrees, Social Sciences and Sociology.

Entry requirements can change and joint courses may carry extra tests, so always confirm on the official Oxford, UCL and UAT-UK pages before you register.

When the TARA is sat and how to register

The TARA runs in two windows each year. For 2026/27 entry the sittings are 12 to 16 October 2026 and 4 to 8 January 2027. Most Oxford applicants sit in October, while UCL applicants and Oxford Foundation Year applicants can use either window.

To take the test you first create a UAT-UK account, then book a slot at a Pearson VUE test centre. Booking early gives you the best choice of date and location. The fee is £78 for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland and £133 elsewhere, with a bursary available for eligible UK students.

Practise TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) style tests

TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) assessments draw on the test types below. Each link takes you to free practice questions in the same format, so you can get comfortable before the real thing:

• Critical Thinking Tests
• Logical Reasoning Tests
• Verbal Reasoning Tests
• Numerical Reasoning Tests