​​​​

Section 1: Verbal Reasoning (VR)​

​

Number of Questions: 44

Time (UCAT): 1min (instruction), 21min (test time)

Time (UCATSEN): 1min 15s (instruction), 26min 15s (test time)

​

VR questions present you with a written passage and test the ability to find relevant and analyse statements within the passage. VR is generally considered the hardest section of the UCAT and tends to score the lowest. VR questions fall into two main categories: either identifying a given statement as ‘True / False / Can’t tell’ based on the passage, or evaluating four individual statements and selecting one based on what the question is asking. 

​

​

Section 2: Decision Making (DM)

 

Number of Questions: 29

Time (UCAT): 1min (instruction), 31min (test time)

Time (UCATSEN): 1min 15s (instruction), 38min 45s (test time)

​

DM questions test the ability to make logical connections, deductions and inferences from data. 

DM questions fall into two main categories. Firstly, data synthesis which involves calculations, application of rules and pattern recognition. Secondly,  data extraction, which involves analysis & evaluation of data than can be presented in a textual / numerical / visual format

 

​

Section 3: Qualitative Reasoning (QR)​

​

Number of Questions: 36

Time (UCAT): 1min (instruction), 24min (test time)

Time (UCATSEN): 1min 15s (instruction), 30min (test time)

​

QR questions require you to choose the relevant data from charts / graphs / tables, and to set up and solve calculations. They test numeracy skills appropriate to GCSE level Maths, hence the challenge comes not so much from the Maths content, but rather the time pressure and ability to identify relevant data and perform a series of quick calculations, often by estimating rather than working out precise answers.

 

​

Section 4: Abstract Reasoning (AR)​

 

Number of Questions: 55

Time (UCAT): 1min (instruction), 13min (test time)

Time (UCATSEN): 1min 15s (instruction), 16min 15s (test time)

​

AR tests your ability to find patterns in shapes. It is the most time pressured section of the UCAT, and being able to tell apart relevant information from ‘clutter’ is crucial. There are four subtypes of questions, but they all centre around the concept of a set / series of shapes, and identifying whether a test shape belongs to either set or completes a series.

​

​

Section 5: Situational Judgement (SJ)​

​

Number of Questions: 69

Time (UCAT): 1min (instruction), 26min (test time)

Time (UCATSEN): 1min 15s (instruction), 32min 30s (test time)

​

The SJT is different from the other four sections of the UCAT. It tests your ability to discern what factors are important and what behaviours are appropriate to maintain a high degree of professionalism applied to real-life medical / educational scenarios. In some ways, this is the section of the UCAT with the most direct applicability, and the SJT is a type of exam that recurs at various stages of medical training. For example, all medical students in their final year are required to sit a SJT, which contributes to their overall score when applying for foundation doctor jobs. The content of the SJT closely follows guidelines around good medical practice laid out by the General Medical Council - subjects covered include safety, communication, trust, honesty and teamwork.

 

For more material on questions types within each section, guidance on recognising and tackling questions subtypes, and one-on-one personalised mentoring and access to practice questions, please sign up to the In2MedSchool Mentorship Programme.

​