ESAT past papers and resources
Past papers, specimen and sample tests, historic ENGAA and NSAA papers, and other resources for the ESAT. Required for Natural Sciences and Engineering at Cambridge, Oxford, and other leading universities.
Official specimen and sample tests (computer-based)
The ESAT is now delivered as a computer-based test. UAT-UK and Pearson provide official specimen and sample tests so you can become familiar with the test interface before your exam.
Which ESAT past papers should you use?
The ESAT only began in 2024, so there is no deep archive of ESAT papers. The most useful practice material comes from the two Cambridge tests it replaced: the NSAA (Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment) and the ENGAA (Engineering Admissions Assessment), both used from 2016 to 2023. They are not equally relevant, and which one matters depends on the modules you are sitting.
| Your ESAT module | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics 1 (compulsory) | NSAA Section 1 | Closest match to the current specification |
| Mathematics 2 | NSAA Section 1 and ENGAA Section 1 | Both tests covered mathematics at this level |
| Physics | NSAA Section 1 and ENGAA Section 1 | ENGAA physics is well matched to ESAT physics |
| Chemistry | NSAA Section 1 | The ENGAA did not test chemistry |
| Biology | NSAA Section 1 | The ENGAA did not test biology |
The order we suggest
- Sit one specimen test first, untimed. The point is to learn the computer-based format before you spend a real paper on it.
- Work through NSAA Section 1 from the earliest year forward. This is the closest thing to a genuine ESAT past paper archive that exists.
- If you are taking Mathematics 2 or Physics, add the ENGAA Section 1 paper from the same year, but work the NSAA paper first. The two papers share questions, and in the 2016 to 2019 papers most of the ENGAA questions are repeats.
- Keep the sample tests back for your final few weeks, and sit them under strict timed conditions with no calculator.
- Review with the mark schemes, and close any content gaps using the official ESAT guide below.
What to be aware of
Only Section 1 maps cleanly onto today's ESAT. Both older tests had a second section with no ESAT equivalent, which is why the archive below is Section 1 throughout.
Some questions fall outside the current specification. Where that happens it is marked in the paper itself. Those questions are still worth attempting for problem solving practice, but do not treat them as a guide to what is examinable.
The NSAA and ENGAA repeat each other within the same year. We compared every Section 1 paper from 2016 to 2023. In the earlier papers, from 2016 to 2019, the great majority of the ENGAA questions also appear word for word in that year’s NSAA paper. From 2020 onwards the two drift apart, but a substantial share still overlaps. Work the NSAA paper first, treat the ENGAA paper of that year as a top up rather than a fresh paper, and expect more genuinely new material in the later years.
The old papers were sat on paper and the ESAT is on screen. The content transfers, the experience does not, which is what the specimen tests and our free timed simulator are for.
NSAA past papers (2016 to 2023)
The NSAA was Cambridge’s Natural Sciences admissions test from 2016 to 2023, covering biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. These are the most relevant past papers available for ESAT preparation, whichever modules you are taking. Every paper below is Section 1, with its official mark scheme (answer key).
2023 NSAA Question Paper
2023 NSAA Mark scheme
2022 NSAA Question Paper
2022 NSAA Mark scheme
2021 NSAA Question Paper
2021 NSAA Mark scheme
2020 NSAA Question Paper
2020 NSAA Mark scheme
2019 NSAA Question Paper
2019 NSAA Mark scheme
2018 NSAA Question Paper
2018 NSAA Mark scheme
ENGAA past papers (2016 to 2023)
The ENGAA was Cambridge’s Engineering admissions test over the same period, covering mathematics and physics only. It is most useful if you are sitting Mathematics 2 or Physics, and adds little if you are taking Chemistry or Biology. Every paper below is Section 1, with its official mark scheme.
2023 ENGAA Question Paper
2023 ENGAA Mark scheme
2022 ENGAA Question Paper
2022 ENGAA Mark scheme
2021 ENGAA Question Paper
2021 ENGAA Mark scheme
2020 ENGAA Question Paper
2020 ENGAA Mark scheme
2019 ENGAA Question Paper
2019 ENGAA Mark scheme
2018 ENGAA Question Paper
2018 ENGAA Mark scheme
ESAT guide
The ESAT guide contains the science and mathematics candidates should know to sit the ESAT.
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics 1
Mathematics 2
Physics
We have our own guide to help you prepare for the ESAT, breaking down format, scoring, and exam technique. For a deep dive into what counts as a good score on the ESAT using real data from Cambridge and Imperial, refer to our ‘What is a good ESAT score?’ guide.
Key dates for 2027 entry
Verified 10 August 2026 against UAT-UK. Sources at the foot of the page.
Other resources
Frequently asked questions
You can register and book the ESAT through the official UAT-UK website. You will need to create a UAT-UK account before booking, and the test is sat at an authorised Pearson VUE test centre. Registration windows open ahead of each test sitting, so it is worth registering early to secure your preferred time and location.
The ESAT assesses scientific and mathematical reasoning for applicants to Engineering, Natural Sciences, and related subjects. It is used by Cambridge, Imperial College London, and other universities to help identify students with strong problem-solving ability in their chosen field, alongside their academic record, personal statement, and interview performance.
The ESAT consists of up to three modules, depending on the course you are applying for: Mathematics 1, which is compulsory, plus a combination of Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. Each module is scored separately on a scale from 1.0 (lowest) to 9.0 (highest), to one decimal place. There is no single overall ESAT score, and no pass or fail mark.
Each ESAT module lasts 40 minutes and contains 27 multiple-choice questions. Most candidates sit three modules, making the total test 120 minutes.
Since the ESAT tests scientific and mathematical content largely at GCSE and AS-level, alongside problem-solving under significant time pressure, most students benefit from starting preparation several months in advance, building subject fluency first before moving on to timed practice closer to the test date.
The ESAT does not require knowledge beyond GCSE or AS-level. However, many students find it more demanding than their A Level exams because of the strict time pressure, the no-calculator requirement, and the need to apply familiar content to unfamiliar problems quickly and accurately.
No. Calculators and dictionaries are not permitted in the ESAT. You will be provided with an erasable working booklet for any rough working during the test.
No. Your score is based on the number of correct answers you give, with no penalty for incorrect ones, so it is worth attempting every question.
No. You may only sit the ESAT once per admissions cycle. The test runs in two sittings each year, in October and January, but Oxford and Cambridge applicants must sit in the October window, with limited exceptions for mature applicants or Oxford’s Astrophoria Foundation Year.
NSAA Section 1 papers from 2016 to 2023 are the most relevant, because the NSAA specification was closest to the current ESAT. If you are sitting Mathematics 2 or Physics, add the ENGAA Section 1 papers from the same years. Both archives are free to download on this page, with mark schemes.
Not yet. The ESAT began in 2024, and UAT-UK has released specimen and sample tests rather than past papers. The specimen and sample tests are the only official current-format material. The NSAA and ENGAA papers are where the volume of practice comes from.
Yes. Every NSAA and ENGAA paper on this page has its official mark scheme, published by UAT-UK as an answer key. Section 1 is multiple choice, so the mark scheme gives the correct option for each question.
Sources
Key dates on this page are taken from the following official sources and were verified on 10 August 2026.
- UAT-UK, Deadlines, for all registration, booking, access arrangement, bursary, test window and results dates.
- University of Cambridge, Engineering and Science Admissions Test, for which sitting Cambridge applicants must take.
- Imperial College London, ESAT, for Imperial sitting choice and departmental requirements.
Dates can change. Always confirm against the official UAT-UK deadlines page before booking.
Disclaimer: All links on this page direct to official ESAT materials provided by UAT-UK and Pearson VUE. These materials are the property of their respective owners. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by UAT-UK, Pearson, or any university. Please verify all information with the official UAT-UK website.
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