Bocconi Test 2026: Structure and Scoring

The Bocconi admission test is an online exam of 50 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes, divided into four areas: mathematics, reading comprehension, numerical reasoning and critical thinking. The scoring assigns +1 for a correct answer and -0.2 for an error. In 2026 critical thinking rises from 4 to 9 questions, while mathematics drops from 28 to 24.

In this article:

• Overview: 50 questions, 75 minutes
• The four sections in detail
• Scoring system and penalties
• 2026 updates: what changes
• Bocconi Test vs Bocconi-Law Test
• Time management
• FAQ

Overview: 50 questions, 75 minutes

The Bocconi test is an online exam of 50 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes (1.5 minutes per question), taken from home with active proctoring. You can choose between Italian and English regardless of the programme language. The format aligns with the SAT: it tests reasoning and problem solving, not formula memorisation.

The Bocconi test is designed in line with the SAT — it tests reasoning and problem solving, not memorisation. For a complete overview of the selection process, sessions and study plan: Bocconi Test Preparation: Complete Guide. It takes place online, from home, on a webtesting platform managed by Giunti Psychometrics with active proctoring (webcam + second device) — you can find all the specifics in the online test details on the Bocconi website.

Format: 50 multiple-choice questions. Time: 75 minutes. Language: your choice of Italian or English, regardless of the language of the programme you're applying to. In the Italian version, some logic questions may still be presented in English.

The average time per question is 1 minute and 30 seconds. It sounds generous, but the questions are not all equal: some are solved in 30 seconds, others require 3 minutes of reasoning. Time management is a skill to train as much as the content.

The four sections in detail

The 50 questions are divided into four areas: Mathematics and Problem Solving (approximately 24 questions in the 2026 format), Reading Comprehension (approximately 11), Numerical Reasoning (approximately 6) and Critical Thinking (approximately 9 — up from 4 in previous years). Mathematics and critical thinking together account for approximately 66% of the test.

Mathematics and Problem Solving

The largest section of the test. In the 2026 format it comprises approximately 24 questions, nearly 50% of the exam (down from 28 in previous years, but it remains the dominant component).

Topics:

• Algebra — expressions with polynomials, powers and radicals; first- and second-degree equations and inequalities; systems of equations; absolute values
• Functions — notation and manipulation; graphs of elementary functions; domain and range
• Analytical geometry — line, parabola, intersections; distance between points; Cartesian plane
• Probability and statistics — probability of events, combinations, mean, median, percentiles
• Logarithms and exponentials — properties, logarithmic equations and inequalities
• Proportions and percentages — percentage changes, direct and inverse proportions

The level required corresponds to a liceo scientifico programme up to the fourth year. Those coming from a liceo classico, linguistico or other tracks need to fill any gaps in advanced algebra, logarithms and analytical geometry — a course of targeted mathematics tutoring can significantly accelerate the catch-up.

Strategy: don't dwell on questions you can't solve within the first 30 seconds. Mark and move on — easy questions are worth the same as hard ones, and the penalty for errors makes getting it wrong more costly than omitting.

For the MACSAI programme (Mathematical and Computing Sciences for AI), a minimum score of 11 points in the mathematics section is required — a specific requirement that does not apply to other programmes.

Reading Comprehension

Approximately 11 questions based on passages of various kinds, accounting for about 22% of the test. It's not simple reading: the questions test the ability to make inferences, that is, to extract information from the text that is not explicitly stated.

Question types:

• Meaning of words or phrases in the specific context of the passage
• Conclusions that can be logically drawn from the text
• Author's purpose or function of a passage
• Relationship between different parts of the text

Strategy: read the question before the passage when possible — knowing what you're looking for makes you read more purposefully. The answer options are often very similar to each other: look for the one supported directly by the text, not the one that seems most reasonable in general.

Numerical Reasoning

Approximately 6 questions based on graphs, tables and sets of numerical data. The shortest section but potentially the most tricky.

The point is not doing complex calculations — it's selecting the right data. A graph may contain ten variables, but the answer depends on two. The candidate who reads everything without first understanding what's being asked wastes precious time.

Question types:

• Reading and comparing data from bar, pie and line charts
• Calculating percentage changes from tables
• Interpreting trends and patterns
• Selecting the correct datum from many

Strategy: always read the question before analysing the graph. Identify the relevant variables. For tables, use mental sorting — often the answer depends on comparing just 2-3 values out of dozens presented.

Critical Thinking

The section that grows the most in the 2026 format: from 4 to 9 questions, approximately 18% of the exam. This is the most significant change and the section on which fewest candidates prepare adequately.

The questions present arguments — a reasoning with premises and a conclusion — and ask you to:

Question types:

• Identify the implicit assumption of an argument
• Evaluate which information strengthens or weakens a conclusion
• Distinguish between correlation and causation
• Recognise logical fallacies
• Determine which conclusion logically follows from the premises

Some critical thinking questions have 3 options instead of 5, with a higher penalty (-0.33 instead of -0.2). This makes it even more important to answer only when you're reasonably sure.

Strategy: break every argument down into premises and conclusion. The implicit assumption is the undeclared "bridge" connecting the premises to the conclusion — find it and you have the answer. Practice with GMAT material (Critical Reasoning section) which uses the same logic — our GMAT preparation guide covers these techniques in depth.

Scoring system and penalties

Scoring assigns +1 for correct answers, 0 for omitted, -0.2 for incorrect (5 options) and -0.33 for incorrect on critical thinking questions (3 options). Tests below 17/50 are not considered valid. To be competitive you need a score of 35+/50, while above 40 admission chances increase significantly.

The scoring is designed to discourage random answers:

The mathematical analysis of the penalty: with 5 options, guessing randomly gives you a 1/5 chance of getting +1 and 4/5 of getting -0.2. The expected value is: (0.2 x 1) + (0.8 x -0.2) = +0.2 - 0.16 = +0.04. Technically, guessing randomly has a slightly positive expected value. But if you can eliminate even one option, the expected value rises to +0.15 — and it becomes worth answering.

The practical rule: if you can eliminate at least one option with reasonable certainty, answer. If you're completely in the dark on all 5 options, the benefit is so marginal that the risk isn't worth the score volatility. The Bocconi preparation path includes dedicated sessions on answer strategy with your tutor.

For 3-option questions (critical thinking): the random expected value is (0.33 x 1) + (0.67 x -0.33) = +0.33 - 0.22 = +0.11. The margin is slightly more favourable here, but the penalty when you're wrong is heavier.

Reference thresholds:

Bocconi does not publish official admission thresholds — the minimum score varies by session, programme and candidate pool. With an estimated admission rate of around 25% (candidates are approximately 4 times the available places), the ranges above are indicative and based on aggregated data from previous years.

2026 updates: what changes

The 2026-27 format introduces three changes: question redistribution (mathematics drops from 28 to 24, critical thinking rises from 4 to 9), four attempts instead of three, and the option to submit both Bocconi Test and SAT with the university automatically considering the better score through internal conversion tables.

The 2026-27 format introduces three changes that affect preparation:

1. Redistribution of questions. Mathematics drops from 28 to 24. Critical thinking rises from 4 to 9. The total remains 50. The practical effect: the test rewards analytical reasoning more and pure calculation less, moving closer to the SAT model. For those coming from a non-scientific high school, this is good news — the mathematics gap is less penalizing.

2. Four attempts. Until 2025 there were three. The fourth attempt provides more room for a progressive strategy: first attempt diagnostic, targeted preparation, second serious attempt, third/fourth for optimisation. The 3 application sessions — Early (July-September), Winter (November-February) and Spring (March-April) — have precise deadlines available on the Bocconi admission sessions and deadlines page.

3. Dual test submission. You can submit both the Bocconi Test and the SAT. Bocconi uses internal conversion tables based on percentiles to equate the scores and automatically considers the better one. For more details: SAT for Bocconi: Required Score and How to Prepare.

Bocconi Test vs Bocconi-Law Test

The standard Bocconi Test grants access to all programmes (economics, management, AI and also law), while the Bocconi-Law Test grants access only to Law and Global Law. Both have 50 questions in 75 minutes, but the Bocconi-Law has less weight on mathematics and more on verbal reasoning. The four attempts are separate by type.

Bocconi has two distinct tests:

With the Bocconi Test you can apply to any programme, including Law. The Bocconi-Law Test, on the other hand, gives access only to Law and Global Law. If you're undecided about the programme, choose the Bocconi Test — it keeps all options open. To understand how to best structure your study, read about our approach in the Up to Ten method.

The four attempts are separate by type: you can take up to 4 attempts of the Bocconi Test AND up to 4 of the Bocconi-Law Test in the same academic year.

Time management: the 75-minute strategy

With 1 minute and 30 seconds per question, the optimal strategy involves two passes: first pass (50-55 minutes) to answer confident questions and flag uncertain ones, second pass (15-20 minutes) to return to flagged questions. The final 5 minutes are for review, without changing answers unless certain of errors.

With 50 questions in 75 minutes, the ideal breakdown is not linear. Here's an approach based on the 2026 structure:

First pass (50-55 minutes): go through all 50 questions. Answer immediately those you can solve in under 1 minute. Mark those that need more time. Skip those you can't tackle.

Second pass (15-20 minutes): return to the marked questions. Dedicate up to 2-3 minutes to each. If after 2 minutes you don't have a clear direction, omit.

Last 5 minutes: review the answers given. Check for careless mistakes. Don't change answers unless you're certain you made an error — the first instinct is statistically more reliable.

Allocation by section (indicative):

These times are guidelines — speed depends on your preparation. The important thing is not to get stuck: a question on which you spend 4 minutes only to get it wrong has a double cost (time + penalty).

Training with timed simulations is the best way to build the right rhythm. On the Up to Ten platform, simulations track time per question and per section, allowing you to identify where you lose precious minutes.

The technical environment: what you need on test day

The test requires a computer with Chrome and Safe Exam Browser, stable connection, second device (smartphone) for proctoring, quiet environment with no other people, and valid ID. The platform opens from July 14, each attempt costs 60 euros, and at least 48 hours are needed between booking and activation.

The test takes place on the Bocconi Webtesting platform with proctoring. Requirements:

• Computer with updated Google Chrome and Safe Exam Browser installed
• Second device (smartphone) positioned to capture you and the computer screen
• Internet connection stable (the test pauses if the connection drops)
• Environment quiet, well-lit, with no other people in the room
• Valid ID document within reach
• Desk clear — no notes, books, calculator, paper

The platform is available for registration from July 14. The cost per attempt is approximately 60 euros, plus 100 euros for the admission application. After choosing a date, it takes about 48 hours before the test is actually activatable. Don't book at the last minute — dates close to session deadlines fill up quickly.

FAQ

Is the Bocconi test adaptive?

No. Unlike the GMAT or the TOLC-I, the Bocconi test does not adapt difficulty to your responses. All candidates receive the same set of questions (with possible variations between different sessions). This means preparation must cover all difficulty levels.

Can I use a calculator?

No. Neither physical nor digital calculators are permitted. The mathematics questions are designed to be solvable by hand — complex calculations aren't needed, reasoning is.

What happens if the connection drops during the test?

If a disconnection occurs, the test can be resumed if time hasn't expired. However, serious technical problems may invalidate the attempt. This is why it's essential to test the environment beforehand and have a reliable connection.

How much does each attempt cost?

60 euros per test attempt. 100 euros for the admission application. These are separate costs: you can take multiple test attempts (paying 60 euros each) and then submit a single admission application (100 euros).

Are results from previous years valid?

No. For 2026-27 admission, only attempts taken between July 2025 and April 2026 can be used. Scores from previous academic years and scores obtained from the online simulation are not valid.

How long between the test and the result?

The certificate with the score is available on the webtesting platform shortly after completing the test. It contains the total score, the breakdown by area and a unique reference number that you'll use in the admission application.

Want to learn the test structure in detail and train with realistic simulations? Our simulation platform replicates the Bocconi test conditions with detailed analysis by section. Discover the Bocconi preparation path →