ESAT Past Papers & Preparation
Free preparation resources for the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT). Access official subject guides, specimen papers, and 8 years of NSAA and ENGAA past papers with answer keys — the best practice material for ESAT.
ESAT at a Glance
ESAT Subtests
You take Mathematics 1 (compulsory) plus two of the following. Your course determines which subtests to choose.
Mathematics 1
27 questions, 40 minutes. Covers GCSE and AS-Level Maths content.
Mathematics 2
27 questions, 40 minutes. Advanced Maths — required for Engineering at Cambridge.
Physics
27 questions, 40 minutes. Mechanics, electricity, waves, materials, and more.
Chemistry
27 questions, 40 minutes. Atomic structure, bonding, organic chemistry, energetics.
Biology
27 questions, 40 minutes. Cell biology, genetics, physiology, ecology.
Official ESAT Resources
Full syllabus and topic list for all five ESAT subtests.
Official specimen and practice tests in the real test interface.
Official preparation page with all guides, past papers, and resources.
ESAT Subject Guides
Official guides covering the content you need to know for each ESAT subtest. Free from UAT-UK.
NSAA Past Papers
Best ESAT PracticeThe Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) was the predecessor to ESAT for Natural Sciences at Cambridge. The ESAT specification is nearly identical to NSAA Section 1 — many ESAT specimen questions came directly from these papers.
| Year | Question Paper | Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2022 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2021 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2020 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2019 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2018 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2017 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2016 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
ENGAA Past Papers
Engineering FocusThe Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA) was used for Engineering at Cambridge until 2023. Section 1 questions are directly relevant to ESAT — especially for Mathematics and Physics subtests.
| Year | Question Paper | Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2022 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2021 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2020 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2019 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2018 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2017 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2016 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
How to Prepare for ESAT
1. Know the specification
Download the ESAT Content Specification and subject guides. Check which subtests your course requires — don't waste time studying subjects you won't be tested on.
2. Practice with NSAA & ENGAA papers
These are the closest match to ESAT questions. Start with the most recent years (2023, 2022) and work backwards. Time yourself — 40 minutes per subtest.
3. Use the Pearson VUE practice
The real ESAT is computer-based. Practice on the Pearson VUE platform to get comfortable with the interface before test day.
4. Review without a calculator
Calculators are not allowed. Practice mental arithmetic and estimation. Learn to spot quick calculation shortcuts in MCQ answer choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses require the ESAT?
At Cambridge: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, and Veterinary Medicine. At Imperial: most Engineering and Science courses. At Oxford (from 2026): Physics, Engineering Science, Materials Science, and related courses. Always check the specific university's admissions page for the latest requirements.
Which subtests should I choose?
Mathematics 1 is compulsory for all. For Engineering at Cambridge, you must also take Mathematics 2 and Physics. For Natural Sciences, choose the two subtests that match your intended subjects. For Veterinary Medicine, Biology is required. Check your course's specific requirements.
Are NSAA and ENGAA papers still relevant for ESAT?
Yes — they are the single best practice resource for ESAT. The ESAT specification is nearly identical to NSAA Section 1. UAT-UK themselves host these papers as official ESAT preparation material, and note where individual questions fall outside the current ESAT specification. Many ESAT specimen questions were taken directly from NSAA papers.
What is a good ESAT score?
Each subtest is scored 1–9. Cambridge and Imperial don't publish minimum score requirements, but competitive applicants typically score 5+ on each subtest. The ESAT is one component of your application — it's considered alongside predicted grades, personal statement, and interview performance.
Can I sit the ESAT twice?
Yes. The ESAT is offered in October and January. Some universities accept the better of your two scores, while others may have specific requirements about which sitting to use. Check with your target universities. The October sitting is recommended if applying to Cambridge.