📋 Comprehensive Update Guide · May 2026
Changes to Scoring Systems
2025–2026
Every major exam format and scoring change in 2025–2026 — explained clearly. ACT Enhanced, Digital SAT adaptive, UCAT Abstract Reasoning removed, GMAT Focus Edition, shorter GRE, GATE 2026 updates, NEET changes, CAT restructure, IELTS computer-based expansion, and more.
Critical: If You Are Taking an Exam in 2026 — Read This First
ACT (April 2025+): Science is now OPTIONAL. Only 3 sections count toward composite. Old study materials are partially outdated. |
UCAT: Abstract Reasoning has been permanently removed. Do NOT practice AR for 2026 UCAT. |
GMAT: The old GMAT format is retired. Only Focus Edition (205–805) is administered as of 2024. |
BMAT: Fully retired 2024. Most UK medical schools now use UCAT. |
GRE: Now significantly shorter (~1h 58min). Analytical Writing is 1 essay, not 2.
🔴 Biggest Change of 2025 · US Exams
Enhanced ACT Format
Launched April 2025
The most significant change to the ACT in decades. The Enhanced ACT reduced core sections from 4 to 3 — English (40Q), Math (41Q), Reading (27Q). Science is now optional. Composite is the average of 3 sections only. Test duration dropped from ~3h to 125 minutes. Writing remains optional. Students who prepared under the old 4-section format must update their strategy immediately.
🧮 Use Updated ACT Calculator →4→3
Core Sections
Optional
Science Now
125min
New Duration
1–36
Scale Unchanged
Apr 2025
Launch Date
3-section
Composite Formula
🇺🇸 US Exam Scoring Changes 2025–2026
ACT Enhanced Format — What Changed (April 2025)
The Enhanced ACT, launched April 2025, is the most significant structural overhaul of the exam since its launch. Science moved from required to optional. The composite score now averages only 3 sections. Duration cut by ~45 minutes. College Readiness Benchmarks updated for the new format.
❌ Old Format (pre-Apr 2025)
- 4 required sections
- English (75Q), Math (60Q)
- Reading (40Q), Science (40Q)
- Composite = avg of all 4
- Duration: ~2h 55min
✅ New Format (Apr 2025+)
- 3 required sections
- English (40Q), Math (41Q)
- Reading (27Q), Sci optional (34Q)
- Composite = avg of 3 sections
- Duration: 125 min
- Science no longer required for composite score
- English reduced from 75 to 40 questions
- Math reduced from 60 to 41 questions
- Reading reduced from 40 to 27 questions
- STEM score still available using optional Science section
- Composite scale 1–36 remains unchanged
- Writing (optional) still scored 2–12, unchanged
- Superscore still applies across all attempts
Student Action: If preparing for ACT, use only 2025+ official prep materials. Do NOT skip Science practice entirely — many universities still request it, and the STEM score uses it. New raw-to-scale lookup tables are different from pre-2025 tables.
Digital SAT — Adaptive Format Now Fully Live (2024–2026)
The paper SAT is fully retired for all US domestic students as of 2024. The Digital SAT uses a 2-module adaptive format — performance in Module 1 determines the difficulty level of Module 2. Duration reduced from 3h to 2h 14min. Score range 400–1600 unchanged.
❌ Old Paper SAT
- Paper-and-pencil format
- EBRW (96Q) + Math (58Q)
- Linear — same Q difficulty
- Duration: ~3 hours
- No calculator on Math 1
✅ Digital SAT (2024+)
- Computer / tablet format
- R&W (54Q) + Math (44Q)
- Adaptive 2-module design
- Duration: 2h 14min
- Calculator allowed throughout
- Paper format completely retired for US students
- EBRW section renamed to Reading & Writing (R&W)
- No-calculator Math section eliminated
- 2-module adaptive scoring: Module 1 difficulty sets Module 2
- Calculator permitted for entire Math section
- Shorter passages, more focused questions in R&W
- Score scale 400–1600 unchanged
- No wrong-answer penalty unchanged
Student Action: Practice only on digital platforms (Khan Academy, College Board's Bluebook app). Paper practice is not equivalent. Calculator strategy completely changes — all Math is now calculator-permitted.
GRE Shorter Format — 1h 58min & One AWA Essay (2023–2026)
ETS launched a significantly shorter GRE in September 2023, cutting the test from ~3h 45min to ~1h 58min. The Analytical Writing section now has only 1 essay (Analyze an Issue), down from 2. Score scale 130–170 for Verbal and Quant remains unchanged. This shorter GRE continues through 2026.
❌ Old GRE (pre-Sep 2023)
- ~3h 45min duration
- AWA: 2 essays (Issue + Argument)
- Verbal: 40Q across 2 sections
- Quant: 40Q across 2 sections
- Experimental unscored section
✅ New GRE (Sep 2023+)
- ~1h 58min duration
- AWA: 1 essay (Issue only)
- Verbal: 27Q (2 sections)
- Quant: 27Q (2 sections)
- No experimental section
- Analytical Writing reduced from 2 essays to 1 (Issue only)
- "Analyze an Argument" essay permanently removed
- Experimental unscored section eliminated
- Test duration cut by ~1h 47min
- Shorter test makes same-day retake more viable
- Score scale 130–170 (Verbal & Quant) unchanged
- AWA score 0–6 unchanged — based on 1 essay now
- Section-adaptive scoring model unchanged
Student Action: Only practice "Analyze an Issue" essay — "Analyze an Argument" is gone. Prep books published before September 2023 contain outdated AWA sections. Use ETS PowerPrep Plus for accurate timing practice.
GMAT Focus Edition — Old GMAT Retired (2024–2026)
The classic GMAT was fully retired in February 2024. All test-takers now take the GMAT Focus Edition only. New scale: 205–805. Three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights. Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning are completely removed. Duration: 2h 15min.
❌ Old GMAT (Retired Feb 2024)
- Scale: 200–800
- AWA essay (0–6)
- Integrated Reasoning (1–8)
- Quant + Verbal (CAT)
- Duration: ~3h 30min
✅ GMAT Focus Edition (2024+)
- Scale: 205–805
- No AWA, No IR
- Data Insights (new section)
- QR + VR + DI (all CAT)
- Duration: 2h 15min
- Old 200–800 scale fully retired
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) removed
- Integrated Reasoning section eliminated
- Classic GMAT no longer administered anywhere
- Data Insights: new section combining IR-type + data analysis
- New 205–805 total scale (60–90 per section)
- Can review and change answers within a section
- Select which scores to send to schools (Score Select 2.0)
Student Action: If you have old GMAT prep materials (pre-2024), they are significantly outdated. No AWA practice needed. Focus on Data Insights — it is the new differentiator. Check if your target MBA programs accept GRE or have gone test-optional.
LSAT — Key Scoring Facts for 2026 Test-Takers
No major structural changes to LSAT scoring for 2026, but key facts students must know: wrong-answer penalty was removed in 2019 — answer every question. The LSAT-Flex (shorter digital format) became the standard. Logic Games section faces a 2025 US court-ordered modification.
🎯 120–180 scale
✅ No wrong-answer penalty
⚖️ Logic Games modified
💻 Digital only
- Logic Games section being phased out / replaced by Logical Reasoning following ADA litigation (2025)
- Wrong-answer penalty removed (since 2019) — always answer all questions
- Scale 120–180 unchanged
- Digital format (at-home and test center) — no paper version
- LSAC Score Preview allows cancellation before schools see score
- Score valid 5 years; schools see all scores within that period
Student Action: With Logic Games being modified for accessibility compliance (2025 ruling), shift prep emphasis to Logical Reasoning sections — these are increasing in weight. Confirm with LSAC the exact format of your specific test date.
🇬🇧 UK Exam Scoring Changes 2025–2026
UCAT — Abstract Reasoning Permanently Removed (2025+)
Abstract Reasoning (AR) was permanently removed from the UCAT from 2025. The 2026 UCAT (used for 2027 medical entry) has only 3 cognitive subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning. Cognitive total is now 900–2700 (was 1200–3600). SJT remains Band 1–4.
❌ UCAT pre-2025
- 4 cognitive subtests
- VR, DM, QR, AR (all scored)
- Cognitive total 1200–3600
- Each subtest: 300–900
- AR: 55 questions
✅ UCAT 2025+ (2026 test)
- 3 cognitive subtests only
- VR (44Q), DM (29Q), QR (36Q)
- Cognitive total 900–2700
- Each subtest: 300–900
- AR: completely removed
- Abstract Reasoning (AR) section permanently eliminated
- Maximum cognitive total reduced from 3600 to 2700
- AR-specific pattern recognition no longer tested
- VR, DM, QR retained — same question formats as before
- SJT Band 1–4 system unchanged
- IRT-based adaptive scoring within each subtest unchanged
- University UCAT cutoffs updated for new 3-subtest total
Student Action: Do NOT spend time practicing Abstract Reasoning for 2026 UCAT — it is gone. Redirect that prep time to Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning. University cut-offs have been re-benchmarked for the new 900–2700 scale — do not compare to pre-2025 cutoffs directly.
BMAT — Fully Retired October 2024
The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) was permanently retired after October 2024. Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, UCL, and Leeds — all former BMAT users — have switched to UCAT, interview-based assessment, or their own institution-specific tests for 2025–2026 medical admissions. No replacement test carries the BMAT name.
📅 Retired: Oct 2024
🏛️ Cambridge → own test
🏛️ Oxford → UCAT
🏛️ Imperial → UCAT
- BMAT fully retired — no longer administered anywhere
- BMAT score no longer accepted by any UK university
- Oxford Medicine: now uses UCAT + interview (no BMAT)
- Cambridge Medicine: now uses UCAT + interview
- Imperial Medicine: switched to UCAT-only shortlisting
- UCL Medicine: UCAT + interview process
- Leeds used BMAT — check their 2026 entry requirements directly
Student Action: If you find any BMAT prep material, ignore it — the exam is gone. Focus entirely on UCAT (now 3-section, AR removed). Check each target university's 2026 admissions page for their specific post-BMAT selection process.
🇮🇳 India Exam Scoring Changes 2025–2026
GATE 2026 — Key Scoring & Format Updates
GATE 2026 continues with 30 subject papers. Key updates: score validity extended to 3 years (previously 2 years) from 2023 onward — GATE 2024 scores are still valid for 2026 admissions. Multi-shift normalization formula remains standard. NAT questions: no negative marking. MCQ: −1/3 for 1-mark, −2/3 for 2-mark.
📋 30 subject papers
🗓️ Score valid 3 years
🎯 0–1000 scale
⚖️ −1/3 MCQ penalty
- Score validity extended from 2 to 3 years (GATE 2024 score valid through 2027)
- 30 subject papers — no new papers added for 2026
- Multi-shift normalization formula unchanged
- MCQ: −1/3 (1-mark) and −2/3 (2-mark) negative marking unchanged
- NAT (Numerical Answer Type): no negative marking unchanged
- PSU recruitment cutoffs updated for 2026 — BHEL, NTPC, ONGC
- AIR-based IIT/NIT M.Tech seat matrix updated for 2026–27
Student Action: GATE 2024 score holders — your score is still valid for 2026 admissions. Check PSU 2026 recruitment notifications which are using GATE scores from 2024, 2025, and 2026. No need to retake if your score meets eligibility.
NEET 2026 — Post-2024 Controversy Reforms & Scoring Rules
Following the NEET 2024 paper leak controversy and Supreme Court investigation, NTA implemented significant reforms for NEET 2025 and 2026. Grace marks policy eliminated. Stricter exam center protocols. City-specific result analysis published. OMR sheet digitization enhanced. NMC seat matrix revised.
📝 720 marks total
⚖️ −1 per wrong
🏥 MBBS / BDS / AYUSH
❌ Grace marks removed
- Grace marks policy completely eliminated after 2024 controversy
- City-wise exam on same day — different shifts eliminated
- Enhanced CCTV and biometric verification at all exam centers
- City-level result analytics published for transparency
- OMR sheets digitized and made available to candidates within 48h
- Marks: +4 per correct, −1 per wrong (unchanged)
- Maximum marks 720 (180Q × 4 marks) unchanged
- Category-wise cutoffs updated by NMC for 2026 MBBS allotment
Student Action: Do not rely on grace marks — they are gone. For NEET 2026, every mark is strictly based on OMR accuracy. Check the official NTA NEET 2026 information brochure for the latest exam day procedures and biometric requirements.
CAT 2026 — Format Stable, Sectional Time Limits Updated
CAT 2026 maintains its 3-section structure: VARC (24Q), DILR (20Q), QA (22Q). No major structural changes. Key update: section-wise time allocation revised slightly for DILR. IIM composite score formulas updated with refreshed academic weightings for 2026 admissions. Negative marking: −1 per wrong MCQ answer.
📖 VARC: 24 Qs
🧩 DILR: 20 Qs
🔢 QA: 22 Qs
⚖️ −1 wrong MCQ
- IIM A/B/C composite score formula refreshed for 2026 cycle
- Work experience weightings updated at IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore
- 3-section format unchanged: VARC, DILR, QA
- 2-hour total duration unchanged
- Negative marking −1 per wrong MCQ unchanged
- TITA (non-MCQ) questions: no negative marking unchanged
- 3-slot exam administration continues
Student Action: No major format changes to prepare for. Focus on updated IIM composite score models — work experience and academic background weightings have shifted. Use our updated CAT Percentile Predictor which reflects 2026 IIM shortlisting formulas.
JEE Main 2026 — Two-Session Format Continues
JEE Main 2026 continues the two-session format (January and April). No structural changes to the Paper 1 (B.Tech) question pattern. 90 questions total: 30 per subject (Physics, Chemistry, Math), each with 20 MCQ + 10 Numerical Answer (attempt any 5). NTA normalization across shifts continues.
📝 90 Qs (75 attempted)
🎯 300 marks max
⚖️ −1 per wrong MCQ
🗓️ 2 sessions
- Two-session format: January 2026 + April 2026 (unchanged)
- Best-of-two-session percentile used for NIT/IIIT admissions
- 90Q total (75 attempted) × 4 marks = 300 max (unchanged)
- NTA normalization across all shifts (unchanged)
- JEE Advanced eligibility: top 2.5 lakh from JEE Main (threshold may shift)
- JOSAA counselling seat matrix updated for 2026–27 academic year
Student Action: No prep strategy changes needed from 2025. Focus on NTA normalization understanding — Session 1 performance affects Session 2 strategy. Note that the top 2.5 lakh cutoff for JEE Advanced eligibility may shift based on total applicant count.
🌍 International Exam Scoring Changes 2025–2026
IELTS — Computer-Based Expansion & Faster Results (2025–2026)
No change to the IELTS 0–9 band scoring system for 2025–2026. Key updates: computer-based IELTS now available at 200+ centers globally with results in 3–5 days (vs 13 days for paper). IELTS One Skill Retake available at more centers. Band descriptors for Writing re-clarified. IELTS Online (at-home) expanding.
📅 Results in 3–5 days (CBT)
🔄 One Skill Retake
🏠 IELTS Online expanding
0–9 Band unchanged
- Computer-based IELTS results in 3–5 days (expanded globally)
- IELTS One Skill Retake: retake just 1 section within 60 days
- IELTS Online (at-home proctored) expanding to more countries 2026
- Band scoring 0–9 in 0.5 increments unchanged
- Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking structure unchanged
- Academic vs General Training distinction unchanged
- IELTS for UKVI (visa) remains a distinct product
Student Action: Book computer-based IELTS if you need fast results (3–5 days) for a visa or university deadline. Use One Skill Retake if you achieved the required overall band but one section is just below the minimum — avoids retaking the full exam.
TOEFL iBT — Shorter Format Since July 2023 (Active 2026)
ETS significantly shortened the TOEFL iBT in July 2023 — from ~3 hours to ~2 hours. The Independent Writing task was replaced by a new Academic Discussion task. Reading reduced from 3–4 passages to 2. Listening reduced from 4–6 lectures to 3–4. Score range 0–120 unchanged. This shorter TOEFL continues through 2026.
❌ Old TOEFL (pre-Jul 2023)
- ~3 hours duration
- Reading: 3–4 passages
- Listening: 4–6 lectures
- Writing: Integrated + Independent
- Unscored research section
✅ New TOEFL (Jul 2023+)
- ~2 hours duration
- Reading: 2 passages
- Listening: 3–4 lectures
- Writing: Integrated + Academic Discussion
- No research section
- Independent Writing task replaced by Academic Discussion
- Unscored research section eliminated
- Reading reduced from 3–4 to 2 passages
- Academic Discussion Writing: respond to professor's online discussion prompt
- Score range 0–120 total (0–30 per section) unchanged
- MyBest Scores (SuperScore) policy unchanged
- TOEFL Home Edition (at-home) continues as standard option
Student Action: Practice the Academic Discussion Writing task — it is significantly different from the old Independent Essay. Prep books published before July 2023 have outdated Writing sections. Use official ETS materials from 2023 or later.
IB Diploma — Grade Boundary Recalibration & TOK Updates 2026
No structural change to IB Diploma scoring (24–45 points). Annual grade boundary recalibration for May 2026 session. Theory of Knowledge (TOK) assessment format updated: new Exhibition and Essay themes released annually. Extended Essay (EE) marking criteria clarified. Core component (EE + TOK) max 3 bonus points unchanged.
🎯 24–45 points total
📚 6 subjects × 7 points
➕ Max 3 bonus points
📝 New TOK themes 2026
- New TOK Exhibition and Essay prescribed titles released for May 2026
- Grade boundaries recalibrated annually — check IBO for May 2026 boundaries
- 24–45 total point scale unchanged
- 6 subjects × max 7 points each = 42 max subject points
- EE + TOK core: max 3 additional points unchanged
- Minimum 24 points + conditions for award of Diploma unchanged
Student Action: Check the IB website for May 2026 TOK Essay prescribed titles — they change every year. Grade boundaries are published after each May/November session — use them to understand score distribution for your subjects.
MCAT 2026 — Format Stable, New AAMC Practice Materials
No structural changes to the MCAT for 2026. Format and scoring identical to 2025. Four sections: CARS (53Q), C/P (59Q), B/B (59Q), P/S (59Q). Scale 472–528 total (118–132 per section). AAMC released updated Sample Test and additional Section Bank materials for 2026 prep.
🎯 472–528 total
📖 4 sections unchanged
⏱️ 7h 30min unchanged
📚 New AAMC materials
- AAMC 2026 Sample Test and Section Bank updated
- AAMC Full Length 5 and 6 released for 2026 test-takers
- 472–528 total scale unchanged
- 118–132 per section (CARS, C/P, B/B, P/S) unchanged
- 7 hours 30 minutes total duration unchanged
- No wrong-answer penalty unchanged
- Score valid for 3 years for most medical school applications
Student Action: Use the new AAMC Full Length 5 and 6 practice exams — these are the most predictive materials for 2026 MCAT performance. No strategy changes from 2025 are needed. Focus on CARS as the highest-stakes section for MD programme differentiation.
Complete Timeline of Scoring System Changes 2022–2026
A chronological history of every major exam format and scoring change that affects students testing in 2025–2026 — so you know exactly which changes are still in effect and which materials are now outdated.
2019
LSAT — Wrong-Answer Penalty Removed
LSAC eliminated the wrong-answer penalty on all LSAT administrations. Students should answer every question — there is no penalty for guessing. This remains in effect for 2026.
Mar 2023
Digital SAT — International Launch
College Board launched the Digital SAT for international students in March 2023. 2-module adaptive format, shorter duration, calculator throughout Math section.
Jul 2023
TOEFL iBT — Shorter Format Launched (~2 Hours)
ETS reduced TOEFL duration from ~3h to ~2h. Reading reduced to 2 passages. Independent Writing replaced by Academic Discussion task. Research section eliminated.
Sep 2023
GRE — Shorter Format Launched (~1h 58min)
ETS shortened the GRE from ~3h 45min to ~1h 58min. AWA reduced to 1 essay (Issue only). Argument essay removed. Experimental section eliminated.
Mar 2024
Digital SAT — US Domestic Launch
Paper SAT fully retired for US domestic students. All SAT administrations now digital. Score scale 400–1600 unchanged.
Jan 2024
GMAT — Focus Edition Only; Classic GMAT Retired
GMAC retired the classic GMAT (200–800). All test-takers now take GMAT Focus Edition only (205–805). AWA and IR removed. Data Insights section added.
Oct 2024
BMAT — Fully Retired
The BioMedical Admissions Test was permanently retired. Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL all moved to UCAT or institutional tests for medical admissions.
2025
UCAT — Abstract Reasoning Permanently Removed
UCAT Consortium permanently removed the Abstract Reasoning subtest. UCAT now has 3 cognitive subtests (VR, DM, QR). Cognitive total changed from 1200–3600 to 900–2700.
Apr 2025
ACT — Enhanced Format Launched (3 Core Sections)
ACT's biggest overhaul in decades. Science optional. Composite averages 3 sections. Questions reduced significantly. Duration 125 minutes. Scale 1–36 unchanged.
2026
GATE 2026 — 3-Year Score Validity; 30 Papers
GATE score validity extended to 3 years (GATE 2024 still valid). 30 subject papers. Normalization formula unchanged. PSU cutoffs updated for 2026 recruitment cycle.
Why Do Scoring Systems Change? — How Exam Bodies Decide & What It Means for Students
Scoring system changes are rarely arbitrary. Understanding why testing organizations make changes helps students anticipate future updates and adapt their preparation strategy more intelligently.
1
Validity Research & Fairness
Testing bodies commission ongoing research into whether each section actually predicts academic performance. If a section's predictive validity weakens — like ACT Science for non-STEM programs — it may be made optional or removed. This is the primary driver of format changes like UCAT's AR removal and ACT's Science reclassification.
2
Technology & Digital Transition
The shift from paper to computer-based testing enables adaptive testing (questions that adjust to your ability level) and faster result delivery. Digital SAT and GRE's shorter formats were made possible by computer-adaptive algorithms that reduce the number of questions needed for reliable measurement without sacrificing accuracy.
3
Market Competition & Student Preferences
Tests compete for students' time and money. The GMAT shortened dramatically and removed AWA largely in response to competition from GRE (which many MBA programs now accept). ACT shortened to compete with the shorter Digital SAT. Shorter, more focused tests that still predict performance accurately are increasingly preferred by both students and institutions.
4
Legal & Accessibility Requirements
Legal challenges can force changes. LSAC removed the wrong-answer penalty following analysis of bias research. LSAC's Logic Games modification is driven by an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance case. Accessibility requirements also drove UCAT's transition to computer-based testing to better support accommodations.
5
University Admission Requirements Evolving
Test format changes often follow shifts in what universities want to measure. The rise of test-optional policies reduced the pressure on tests to be comprehensive — allowing ACT to shorten and GMAT to remove components universities rarely evaluated. When universities signal they care more about certain skills (like data literacy), exams add new sections accordingly (GMAT's Data Insights).
6
Integrity & Security Concerns
India's NEET 2024 controversy demonstrates how paper-leak incidents can force rapid procedural reforms. Grace marks elimination, biometric verification, and enhanced OMR digitization all followed the Supreme Court investigation. Security concerns also drove many exams toward digital delivery with randomized question pools, making paper leaks technically impossible.
Master Comparison — Old vs New Scoring Systems 2025–2026
Side-by-side comparison of every major format change for quick reference. Red = what was removed or changed. Green = what is current in 2026.
| Exam | Score Scale | Sections (Old) | Sections (2026) | Duration Change | Key Removal | Status 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Enhanced | 1–36 (unchanged) | 4 required (Eng+Math+Read+Sci) | 3 required (Eng+Math+Read) | ~3h → 125min | Science made optional | ✅ Active (Apr 2025+) |
| Digital SAT | 400–1600 (unchanged) | Paper, linear, EBRW(96Q)+Math(58Q) | Digital, adaptive, R&W(54Q)+Math(44Q) | ~3h → 2h 14min | Paper format, no-calc Math | ✅ Active (2024+) |
| GRE | 130–170 V+Q (unchanged) | 2 AWA essays + Experimental section | 1 AWA essay (Issue only) | ~3h45 → ~1h58min | Argument essay, unscored section | ✅ Active (Sep 2023+) |
| GMAT Focus | 200–800 → 205–805 | Quant+Verbal+IR+AWA | QR+VR+Data Insights | ~3h30 → 2h15min | AWA + Integrated Reasoning removed | ✅ Active (Jan 2024+) |
| UCAT | 1200–3600 → 900–2700 | VR + DM + QR + AR | VR + DM + QR (only) | ~2h (similar) | Abstract Reasoning (AR) removed | ✅ Active (2025+) |
| TOEFL iBT | 0–120 (unchanged) | Reading(3–4 pass)+Independent Essay | Reading(2 pass)+Academic Discussion | ~3h → ~2h | Independent Essay, Research section | ✅ Active (Jul 2023+) |
| BMAT | 1–9 per section | Apt+Sci Reasoning+Writing | N/A — Retired | N/A | Entire exam retired | ⚫ Retired (Oct 2024) |
| GATE | 0–1000 (unchanged) | 65Q (MCQ+MSQ+NAT) | 65Q (MCQ+MSQ+NAT) | 3h (unchanged) | Score validity: 2yr → 3yr | ✅ Active 2026 |
| NEET | 0–720 (unchanged) | 180Q (Phy+Chem+Bio) | 180Q (unchanged) | 3h 20min (unchanged) | Grace marks policy removed | ✅ Active 2026 (reformed) |
| MCAT | 472–528 (unchanged) | CARS+C/P+B/B+P/S | CARS+C/P+B/B+P/S | 7h30min (unchanged) | No changes 2026 | ✅ Stable 2026 |
| CAT | Percentile (unchanged) | VARC+DILR+QA | VARC+DILR+QA | 2h (unchanged) | IIM composite score formula refreshed | ✅ Stable 2026 |
| IELTS | 0–9 bands (unchanged) | L+R+W+S | L+R+W+S | ~2h45 (unchanged) | CBT results in 3–5 days; One Skill Retake | ✅ Expanded 2026 |
Changes to Scoring Systems — Frequently Asked Questions 2026
The most searched questions about exam format and scoring changes for 2025–2026 — answered clearly.
What is the biggest change to the ACT in 2025–2026?
The Enhanced ACT launched in April 2025 is the biggest ACT overhaul in decades. Science is now OPTIONAL — it no longer counts toward the composite score. The composite is now the average of only 3 sections: English (40Q), Math (41Q), and Reading (27Q). Each section has significantly fewer questions than before (English was 75Q, Math was 60Q, Reading was 40Q). Duration reduced from ~3 hours to 125 minutes. The score scale (1–36) and the Writing section (optional, 2–12) remain unchanged. Any prep material published before April 2025 contains the old question counts and composite formula — update your materials immediately.
Has Abstract Reasoning really been permanently removed from UCAT?
Yes — permanently. The UCAT Consortium officially and permanently removed the Abstract Reasoning (AR) subtest from all UCAT administrations starting from 2025 onwards. The 2025 UCAT (for 2026 medical entry) and the 2026 UCAT (for 2027 entry) both have only 3 cognitive subtests: Verbal Reasoning (44Q), Decision Making (29Q), and Quantitative Reasoning (36Q). The cognitive total changed from 1200–3600 to 900–2700. SJT (Band 1–4) remains unchanged. Do not spend any time practicing Abstract Reasoning for your 2026 UCAT preparation — it will not appear on the exam and is a waste of prep time.
What happened to the BMAT? Can I still take it?
No. The BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) was permanently retired in October 2024. It is no longer administered anywhere in the world, and no UK university accepts BMAT scores for 2025 or 2026 entry. All formerly BMAT-using universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Leeds) have switched to UCAT, their own internal assessments, or interview-heavy processes for medical admissions. If you find any BMAT prep books or practice papers, do not use them for current admissions — the exam is gone. Focus your preparation entirely on UCAT (now 3-subtest format).
What is the GMAT Focus Edition and is the old GMAT still available?
The GMAT Focus Edition is the only version of the GMAT available since February 2024. The classic GMAT (200–800 scale, with AWA and Integrated Reasoning) was fully retired. The Focus Edition has a new 205–805 scale. It has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning (21Q), Verbal Reasoning (23Q), and Data Insights (20Q — a new section replacing IR). Both AWA and IR are gone. Duration is 2h 15min vs the old 3h 30min. Students can review and change answers within a section, which was not possible on the classic GMAT. Score Select 2.0 allows you to choose which scores to send to schools. All GMAT prep materials published before 2024 are significantly outdated.
How did the GRE change in 2023 and is this still the format in 2026?
Yes — the shorter GRE format launched in September 2023 is still the current format in 2026. Key changes that remain in effect: (1) Duration reduced from ~3h 45min to ~1h 58min. (2) Analytical Writing reduced from 2 essays to 1 essay — only "Analyze an Issue" remains, the "Analyze an Argument" essay is permanently gone. (3) The unscored experimental section is eliminated. (4) Verbal and Quantitative questions are slightly reduced. The score scale (130–170 for Verbal and Quant, 0–6 for AWA) is unchanged. Section-adaptive scoring model is unchanged. If you are using any GRE prep book or course published before September 2023, the AWA section is outdated — only practice Issue essays.
What are the NEET 2026 scoring changes after the 2024 controversy?
Following the NEET 2024 paper leak investigation by the Supreme Court of India, NTA implemented significant reforms for 2025 and 2026. Most critically: grace marks are completely eliminated — every mark awarded must be strictly based on OMR answer accuracy. Other reforms include enhanced CCTV and biometric verification at all exam centers, OMR sheet digitization with copies provided to candidates within 48 hours, city-level result analytics published for public transparency, and stricter exam center approval processes. The scoring formula (+4 per correct, −1 per wrong answer) and maximum marks (720) remain unchanged. Category-wise cutoffs are updated by NMC annually for MBBS seat allotment.
Is the GATE 2024 score still valid in 2026?
Yes. GATE score validity was extended from 2 to 3 years starting from GATE 2023 onwards. This means: GATE 2024 score is valid through 2027 admissions. GATE 2025 score is valid through 2028. GATE 2026 score is valid through 2029. For practical purposes in 2026: if you scored well in GATE 2024, you do not need to reappear — use your existing score for IIT/NIT M.Tech admissions and PSU recruitment for 2026. PSU recruitment notifications (BHEL, NTPC, ONGC, IOCL) in 2026 accept GATE scores from 2024, 2025, and 2026. Always check the specific recruitment notification to confirm the acceptable GATE year.
What is the new TOEFL Academic Discussion task?
The Academic Discussion task replaced the Independent Writing task in July 2023 and continues in 2026. In this task, you are shown a professor's post and two student responses in a simulated online class discussion. You must contribute to the discussion by writing a response (~150+ words in 10 minutes) that adds a new perspective, supports or challenges what was said, and uses specific examples or reasoning. It is fundamentally different from the old Independent Essay (which asked you to write 300+ words on a given position in 30 minutes). Students who practiced only the Independent Essay format must completely revise their Writing preparation. Use ETS's official TOEFL Writing Practice materials from 2023 or later which include Academic Discussion tasks.