What is TARA?
TARA is a UAT-UK admissions test for selected Oxford and UCL courses.
Two reasoning modules and an essay.
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and a Writing Task.
The current format
| Module | What it tests | Format |
|---|---|---|
| ModuleCritical Thinking | What it testsArguments, evidence and conclusions. | Format22 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes. |
| ModuleProblem Solving | What it testsReasoning through numerical and practical problems. | Format22 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes. |
| ModuleWriting Task | What it testsClear, structured written argument. | FormatChoose one of three prompts in 40 minutes. Maximum 750 words. |
Where does it fit?
Oxford 2027 entry
Economics and Management, Human Sciences, PPE and some Psychology courses.
If you were told to sit the TSA
TARA replaced it. TSA Section 1 papers are still good practice.
Check the dates
January booking opens 26 October. Only UCL and Oxford's PPE Foundation Year accept January.
Questions applicants ask
What does TARA stand for?
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions: two scored reasoning modules and an unscored Writing Task.
Who needs to take TARA?
Your course decides. At Oxford that includes Economics and Management, Human Sciences, PPE and some Psychology courses.
Is TARA the same as ESAT or TMUA?
No. ESAT tests subject modules and TMUA is two maths papers. Your course decides which you need.
When are the TARA sittings for 2027 entry?
UAT-UK's October sitting runs from 12 to 16 October 2026 (14 October at centres in China, Hong Kong and Macau). October booking closed on 28 September 2026 at 18:00 UK time, and results come on 16 November. The January sitting runs from 4 to 8 January 2027 (7 January in China, Hong Kong and Macau): booking opens on 26 October 2026 at 15:00 and closes on 21 December at 18:00 UK time, and results come on 8 February 2027. Oxford applicants must sit in October unless they are applying for the PPE Foundation Year; UCL accepts either. You can sit TARA once per cycle, and you book it with UAT-UK.