ESAT Preparation Resources
The ESAT is a new admissions test introduced in 2024, and official preparation materials are currently limited. Students are encouraged to take the ESAT practice tests to familiarize themselves with the test interface. However, these are not sufficient for comprehensive preparation. Fortunately, the ESAT is nearly identical in style to the NSAA (Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment) and ENGAA (Engineering Admissions Assessment). Therefore, NSAA and ENGAA past papers are the most valuable resources for ESAT preparation. For more details on how to use these resources, check out our article titled "Which Past Papers Should I Use for ESAT?" The ESAT Past Paper Guidance, document explains the best strategies for utilizing these resources. Since there is some overlap between NSAA and ENGAA questions in certain years, this guide will help you avoid unnecessary repetition.
NSAA Section 1
NSAA Section 1 is a multiple-choice test. Mathematics (Part A) is mandatory for all candidates, and we recommend completing all other sections relevant to your ESAT subject choices. The exam format and timing were revised in 2020, so it is essential to carefully read the instructions and adhere to the specified timing.
| Past Paper | Answer Key | Explained Answers | Score Conversion Table |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Section 1 | Answer Key |
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| 2022 Section 1 | Answer Key |
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| 2021 Section 1 | Answer Key |
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| 2020 Section 1 | Answer Key |
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| 2020 Spec Section 1 | Answer Key | Explained Answers |
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| 2019 Section 1 | Answer Key |
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| 2018 Section 1 | Answer Key |
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| 2017 Section 1 | Answer Key |
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| 2016 Section 1 | Answer Key |
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| 2016 Spec Section 1 | Answer Key | Explained Answers |
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NSAA Section 2
The format of NSAA Section 2 has undergone several changes over the years. Since 2020, it has been a multiple-choice test with sections in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, making it an excellent resource for ESAT preparation. However, from 2016-2019, Section 2 required long-form answers and does not align with the ESAT style. Dedicated students may still consider attempting NSAA 2016-2019 Section 2 to practice applying knowledge in unfamiliar contexts.
| Past Paper | Answer Key | Explained Answers | Score Conversion Table |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Section 2 | Answer Key |
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Conversion Table |
| 2022 Section 2 | Answer Key |
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Conversion Table |
| 2022 Spec Section 2 | Answer Key | Explained Answers |
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| 2021 Section 2 | Answer Key |
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Conversion Table |
| 2020 Section 2 | Answer Key |
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Conversion Table |
| 2020 Spec Section 2 | Answer Key | Explained Answers |
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| 2019 Section 2 |
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Explained Answers |
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| 2018 Section 2 |
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Explained Answers |
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| 2017 Section 2 |
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Explained Answers |
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| 2016 Section 2 |
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Explained Answers |
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| 2016 Spec Section 2 |
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ENGAA Past Papers
ENGAA was taken by Cambridge engineering applicants between 2016 and 2023. Many questions are directly taken from the NSAA paper of the same year, so only some ENGAA questions provide additional value. For guidance on how to use ENGAA past papers, refer to the ESAT Past Paper Guidance document.