TARA: Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions
Who needs to take it?
The TARA is required for entry to a variety of courses at Oxford and UCL.
Specifically:
University of Oxford
Economics and Management
History and Economics
History and Politics
Human Sciences
Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Politics, Philosophy and Economics (with a Foundation Year)
Psychology (Experimental)
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
University College London (UCL)
Computer Science
Mathematical Computation
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Management Science
European Social and Political Studies (inc. Dual Degrees)
International Social and Political Studies
Social Sciences
Social Sciences with Data Science
Sociology
Key dates
1 June 2026: Account setup opens
Test sitting 1
20 July 2026: Test booking opens
28 September 2026: Test booking deadline
12-16 October 2026: Test sitting 1
16 November: Results available
Test sitting 2
26 October 2026: Test booking opens
21 December 2026: Test booking deadline
4-8 January 2026: Test sitting 2
8 February: Results available
Check the UAT-UK website for a more detailed schedule, in particular the earlier dates for requesting access arrangements and requesting a bursary, plus more restricted dates for China, Hong Kong and Macau.
University-specific deadlines
Oxford applicants: Must register for sitting 1 (with the exception of applicants to an Oxford foundation programme).
Format
It is run by University Admissions Tests (UAT-UK), and delivered in Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and worldwide.
There are three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and The Writing Task.
Each lasts 40 minutes.
The first two consist of 22 multiple choice questions, while the final module will be answered from a choice of essay questions with a word limit of 750 words.
Results
Results for each module of the TARA are reported on a scale that runs from 1 (low) to 9 (high) with scores being reported to one decimal place. There is no pass or fail.
Results will be available approximately four weeks after the test date. There are accessible to candidates via their UAT-UK account and are automatically sent to any relevant universities included in your UCAS application.
Cost
The cost is £78 if taken in the UK and Republic of Ireland, or £133 if taken elsewhere. UK students in financial need will be able to apply for a bursary to pay for the test.
Preparation
Preparation materials, including notes, past questions, sample tests and more are available on the UAT-UK website.
Further information
You can find out everything you need to know about the TARA at:
