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The number of UCAT test-takers in 2025 was 41,354 – nearly 3,500 more than in 2024 (when it was 37,913) and more than 2023 as well. That is not only more people sitting the UCAT than in previous years, but also the biggest percentage increase in several years.
The number of places should remain roughly consistent with the number of places available last year. Therefore, you will be facing a more competitive landscape for your application.
While year-on-year comparisons are going to be difficult because of the removal of the Abstract Reasoning (AR) section of the test, UCAT removed the AR score from previous years to make some comparisons.
Doing so gives us a 2024 mean score of 1,870, compared to this year’s mean score of 1,891.
We can also see that SJT scores were higher this year. Last year 13% of test takers received a Band 1 in the SJT, whereas this year that number rose to 21%. Fewer people also got a Band 4: 10% this year versus 13% last year. Therefore, fewer people will be ruled out of universities that do not allow a Band 4 in the SJT.
Just as there was an increase in the average UCAT score, so there was an increase in the percentile thresholds. Last year, to be among the top-scoring applicants (top 20%) you would have needed to score above 2,060; this year you would require a score of 2,100.
This applies throughout the decile rankings, with the median 50% in 2024 scoring 1,860. In 2025, the median score is 1,880.
All in all, this means that to be considered a top performer in the UCAT, you would need to have a slightly higher score this year than last year. You can see all of this year’s deciles in our UCAT Scores guide.
Now that the final UCAT results have been released, it’s important to understand how your UCAT score compares and which decile you are in.
You then need to use this information to select your UCAS choices and make sure you’re applying to Medical Schools where you stand a chance of being shortlisted for interview.
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