Your Ultimate USTET Subject Guide to Ace the Exam
The USTET (University of Santo Tomas Entrance Test) is back and whether you're aiming for the 2026 or 2027 application cycle, knowing what to prioritize is key. Based on extensive feedback from past takers on Reddit and other student forums from 2023 to 2025, we've compiled a difficulty ranking of the main subjects to help you focus your review.
Remember: the "hardest" subject often just means the one that requires the most practice and focus due to time pressure and depth of topics.
4. Mental Ability / Logical Reasoning
The Consensus: Easiest (But Crucial!)
Across the board, most recent USTET takers found the Mental Ability (sometimes called Abstract Reasoning or Logical Reasoning) subtest to be the most manageable.
• Why it's "Easiest": It relies less on memorized formulas or complex theories and more on innate problem-solving and logic. Many test-takers finished this section quickly, saving valuable time for others.
• What to Watch Out For: Despite being the easiest in terms of content, several students from the 2024 and 2025 batches noted that a low score in this section could still significantly hurt your overall chance of admission, sometimes even necessitating a reconsideration process. Do not skip the review! Practice is still essential for speed.
3. English
The Consensus: Mostly Easy to Moderate (Time-Consuming)
The English subtest is generally considered the second most accessible part of the exam, though it comes with a major con which is the time constraint.
• Why it's Moderate: The questions primarily cover concepts from your Senior High School English subjects. Takers recall seeing questions on grammar, terminology, identifying main ideas/thesis statements and many more.
• What to Watch Out For: Long reading comprehension passages are the primary enemy here. Takers emphasized the need to read fast and skim effectively to find the specific answer the question asks for. If you struggle with reading lengthy texts under pressure, this section can quickly become a time-suck.
2. Science
The Consensus: Harder, Varies by Program and Background
The difficulty of the Science subtest is often split, making it a challenging area for many applicants.
• Why it's Difficult: The content is extensive, covering General Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. Non-STEM students consistently report this as one of their hardest subjects because of the sheer breadth and depth of the topics (especially Chemistry and Physics).
• Pro-Tip: If you're applying for a science-heavy program (like Nursing or Engineering), this section's score will carry more weight, so prioritize your review accordingly.
1. Mathematics
The Consensus: The Hardest Subject (Time is the Enemy)
The most consistent feedback from 2023, 2024, and 2025 USTET takers is that Mathematics is the reigning champion of difficulty.
• Why it's the Hardest: The coverage is broad because the topics are from Junior High School Algebra basics to Senior High School General Mathematics, Statistics and Probability, and even Basic Calculus (like derivatives). Furthermore, no calculator is allowed forcing test-takers to perform complex computations manually.
• The Biggest Challenge: Time Constraint. With a challenging question set and a limited time allowance, this section is where most students report running out of time. The questions are often described as "tricky" and requiring significant solving time.
Final Takeaway: The Hardest is the One You Don't Practice. While Math and Science consistently top the "hardest" list, your personal experience will depend entirely on your SHS strand and your unique strengths. The most common pitfall, however, is time pressure in every section.
The key to a high USTET score isn't just knowing the answers—it's knowing them fast.
Ready to Master the USTET's Hardest Subjects?
If you're looking for targeted review that focuses on the exact concepts that trip up most test-takers—check out our premium online reviewers. Inclusions are notes of all types, mock tests, tips, and full breakdown of coverage from successful past takers . All subjects are included!
Our focused USTET practice tests are also designed to simulate the exam's time pressure and question format, giving you the critical advantage you need.
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