100+ Free ESAT Practice Questions
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Key Facts: ESAT Exam
5 modules
Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, all multiple choice
UAT-UK - About the ESAT
27 questions / 40 min
Each ESAT module contains 27 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes
UAT-UK - ESAT test format
120 minutes
Typical ESAT length for the three modules most candidates take
UAT-UK - About the ESAT
No negative marking
Scores count correct answers only; no marks are lost for wrong answers
UAT-UK - ESAT test format
1.0-9.0 scale
Each module is reported from 1.0 (low) to 9.0 (high) with no pass/fail
UAT-UK - Test scores
GBP 78 / GBP 133
ESAT fee for UK and Republic of Ireland centres versus elsewhere
UAT-UK - About the ESAT
Introduced 2024
ESAT replaced the NSAA and ENGAA admissions tests
UAT-UK / university admissions
No calculator
Calculators, dictionaries and formula sheets are not permitted
UAT-UK - ESAT content specification
The ESAT is a computer-based admissions test from UAT-UK, delivered by Pearson VUE, used by Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and other institutions to assess applicants for engineering and science degrees. It has five modules - Mathematics 1 (compulsory), Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology - each with 27 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes; most candidates sit three modules for about 120 minutes total. No calculator is allowed and there is no negative marking, so every question is worth attempting. Each module is scored from correct answers on a 1.0-9.0 scale with no fixed pass mark, and about 7.0+ is typically competitive at the most selective courses. This 100-question bank gives original ESAT-level practice weighted toward Mathematics with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Sample ESAT Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your ESAT exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Expand and simplify (2x - 3)(x + 5).
2Solve for x: 3(x - 2) = 2x + 7.
3Simplify the surd expression sqrt(50) + sqrt(8).
4Evaluate 27^(2/3) without a calculator.
5A line has equation 2y = 6x - 4. What is its gradient?
6Differentiate y = 4x^3 - 5x + 7 with respect to x.
7Find the value of the integral of (6x + 2) dx evaluated from x = 0 to x = 2.
8The quadratic x^2 - 6x + 8 = 0 has roots. What is the sum of its roots?
9Solve log_2(x) = 5.
10Without a calculator, what is the exact value of sin(30 degrees) + cos(60 degrees)?
About the ESAT Exam
The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based admissions test produced by UAT-UK, the not-for-profit body established by the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, and delivered through Pearson VUE test centres worldwide. Introduced in 2024 to replace the NSAA and ENGAA, it is used to shortlist applicants for demanding engineering and science undergraduate courses at institutions including Cambridge, Imperial and UCL. The ESAT has five modules - Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology - each containing 27 multiple-choice questions answered in 40 minutes. All candidates take Mathematics 1 and most take two further modules required by their course. Calculators and dictionaries are not allowed, there is no formula sheet and there is no negative marking, so candidates should attempt every question. Scores are reported per module on a 1.0-9.0 scale and used alongside the rest of the application.
Assessment
Five modules: Mathematics 1 (compulsory), Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Each module has 27 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions. Most candidates take Mathematics 1 plus two further modules (81 questions), choosing the modules required by their course.
Time Limit
Each module is separately timed at 40 minutes; for the usual three modules the ESAT runs about 120 minutes. Time not used in a finished module does not carry over.
Passing Score
No pass or fail mark. Each module score is based on the number of correct answers and reported on a 1.0-9.0 scale to one decimal place; there is no negative marking. Universities weigh scores alongside grades and interview, with roughly 7.0+ considered competitive at the most selective courses.
Exam Fee
About GBP 78 for candidates sitting in the UK and Republic of Ireland and about GBP 133 elsewhere (fees depend on the test-centre location). UK candidates in financial need can apply for a UAT-UK bursary to sit free of charge. (UAT-UK (University Admissions Tests UK), delivered by Pearson VUE)
ESAT Exam Content Outline
Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2
Mathematics 1 is compulsory and covers algebra and manipulation, functions and graphs, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, sequences and series, surds, indices, exponentials and logarithms, basic differentiation and integration, and probability and statistics. Mathematics 2 extends to further algebra, calculus, sequences and proof. Practice here is calculator-free and emphasises fast, accurate working.
Physics
Covers kinematics and motion graphs, Newton's laws, forces and moments, momentum, work, energy and power, density and pressure, electric circuits (Ohm's law, resistance, power), waves, matter and thermal physics, radioactivity and magnetism. Questions are quantitative and assume Mathematics 1 knowledge.
Chemistry
Covers atomic structure and isotopes, the periodic table and trends, ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, the mole and stoichiometry, formulae and equations, energetics, rates of reaction, dynamic equilibria, acids, bases and salts, redox, and introductory organic chemistry.
Biology
Covers cell structure and transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport), biological molecules and enzymes, DNA, genetics and inheritance, human physiology including the circulatory and respiratory systems, ecology and nutrient cycles, and disease and the immune response.
How to Pass the ESAT Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: No pass or fail mark. Each module score is based on the number of correct answers and reported on a 1.0-9.0 scale to one decimal place; there is no negative marking. Universities weigh scores alongside grades and interview, with roughly 7.0+ considered competitive at the most selective courses.
- Assessment: Five modules: Mathematics 1 (compulsory), Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Each module has 27 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions. Most candidates take Mathematics 1 plus two further modules (81 questions), choosing the modules required by their course.
- Time limit: Each module is separately timed at 40 minutes; for the usual three modules the ESAT runs about 120 minutes. Time not used in a finished module does not carry over.
- Exam fee: About GBP 78 for candidates sitting in the UK and Republic of Ireland and about GBP 133 elsewhere (fees depend on the test-centre location). UK candidates in financial need can apply for a UAT-UK bursary to sit free of charge.
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
ESAT Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many modules are on the ESAT and which do I take?
The ESAT has five modules: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Mathematics 1 is compulsory for everyone and most candidates take two further modules required by their chosen course, so check the university course pages before you register.
How long is each ESAT module and how many questions does it have?
Each module contains 27 multiple-choice questions and is separately timed at 40 minutes, giving about 1.5 minutes per question. For the usual three modules the test runs about 120 minutes, and unused time does not carry over between modules.
Is there negative marking on the ESAT?
No. Your score is based only on the number of correct answers and you do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it is worth attempting every question even if you have to guess on the ones you cannot finish.
Can I use a calculator in the ESAT?
No. Calculators and dictionaries are not allowed and there is no formula sheet. You are given an erasable booklet for working, so practising fast mental and written arithmetic is an important part of preparation.
Is there a pass mark for the ESAT?
No. Each module is reported on a 1.0 to 9.0 scale rather than as a pass or fail, and universities use the scores alongside grades and interviews. A score around 7.0 or above is generally considered competitive at the most selective courses.
Are these official ESAT or UAT-UK questions?
No. These are original OpenExamPrep questions modelled on the official ESAT content specification and module skills. UAT-UK provides separate official practice papers and a content specification on the esat-tmua.ac.uk website.