University College London (UCL) has announced that a new exam, the TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions), will be mandatory for university admissions starting from the 2026 application cycle.

This change will directly affect all students planning to apply to UCL. Submitting a UCAS application alone will no longer be sufficient — candidates will also be required to take the TARA exam.

What Is TARA and Why Is It Important?

TARA is an exam designed to assess academic reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, rather than rote memorization. Unlike traditional, knowledge-based tests, it focuses on evaluating students’ critical thinking skills.

Similar University Admission Exams

TARA introduces a system similar to exams used by other prestigious universities around the world:

• University of Cambridge – TMUA and ENGAA (for mathematical reasoning and engineering programs)
• University of Oxford – TSA and PAT (for critical thinking, physics, and mathematics)
• Imperial College London – MAT (for mathematics-based subjects)

Like these exams, TARA aims to measure students' potential for academic success at the university level.

Conclusion

For anyone applying to UCL, the TARA will become a crucial part of the admissions process starting in 2026. Therefore, it's important to understand the exam's format, content, and preparation requirements. You can find the most up-to-date information by following official announcements from University Admissions Tests UK and UCL.