In an important update for prospective university students in Indonesia, Eduart Wolok, chairman of the National Selection Team for New Students (SNPMB), announced that the sub-tests for the 2025 Computer-Based Written Test (UTBK) will mirror those from 2024. This announcement indicates that students preparing for the UTBK can expect familiar content, as the seven sub-tests will remain unchanged, emphasizing critical assessment areas.
These seven sub-tests include General Reasoning (Penalaran Umum), General Knowledge and Understanding (Pengetahuan dan Pemahaman Umum), Reading Comprehension and Writing (Pemahaman Bacaan dan Menulis), Quantitative Knowledge (Pengetahuan Kuantitatif), Literacy in Bahasa Indonesia, Literacy in English, and Mathematical Reasoning (Penalaran Matematika). Wolok emphasized that while the format of the tests will remain consistent, there will be updates to the questions to ensure relevance and to avoid any duplicative content from the previous year.
“It is ensured that the questions will not be identical to those from 2024,” Wolok stated, highlighting the importance of keeping the assessments pertinent and dynamic. This update aligns with educational measures aiming to provide a relevant evaluation of students' abilities entering higher education.
Moreover, the UTBK-SNBT 2024 comprises three significant core materials, namely the Scholastic Potential Test (Tes Potensi Skolastik), Literacy in both Bahasa Indonesia and English, and Mathematical Reasoning. Each of these materials is designed to evaluate essential skills necessary for success in higher education.
The Scholastic Potential Test, or TPS, assesses cognitive abilities considered crucial for achieving success in formal education, particularly at the higher education level. It covers general reasoning, quantitative skills, general knowledge, comprehension reading, and writing. Students' quantitative abilities will also be evaluated, including their understanding of basic mathematics.
Literacy in both Bahasa Indonesia and English aims to measure students' capacity to comprehend, use, evaluate, and reflect on various text types to develop individuals' capabilities as productive members of both Indonesian and global societies. The Mathematical Reasoning component is designed to measure students' thinking ability using mathematical concepts and tools to solve everyday problems in relevant contexts.
Apart from reiterating the examination structure, the SNPMB also announced an opportunity for aspiring students to participate in a simulation of the UTBK-SNBT 2025. This simulation aims to familiarize students with the interface and types of questions they will face during the actual UTBK. “This provides a valuable opportunity for students to experience the test environment beforehand,” noted Wolok.
The SNPMB has made this simulation easily accessible through their official website at https://simulasi-tes.bppp.kemdikbud.go.id/. Students only need to enter their name and school details to join the simulation and gain a better insight into what to expect on test day. This initiative is a key step in ensuring that students are well-prepared and can perform to the best of their abilities during the important assessment.
As the registration deadline approaches, students are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to enhance their preparation for the UTBK 2025. With the right guidance and tools, they can better position themselves for success in their academic journeys.
