2026 DAT Organic Chemistry Update: What’s Changing, What’s Not, and How to Study

Key Takeaway

In April 2026, the ADA is updating the category names and topic weighting on the DAT organic chemistry section.
The ADA states that these updates “do not represent major changes to the content that will appear on the examination.” The total number of questions and content remain the same.
We’re applying these updates to your account automatically. If you’re using DAT Bootcamp, you have everything you need to be successful. We’ve got your back.

Table of Contents

What’s Changing

The ADA is updating the organic chemistry section at two levels: the main category level and the subtopic level.

Category-Level Changes

The ADA adjusted question counts, renamed some categories, and combined others. The overall change is slightly less focus on reactions and structural topics, and slightly more focus on acid-base chemistry and mechanisms.

*These are *proposed targets from the ADA, individual tests may vary in their exact question count*

Subtopic-Level Changes

Within each category, the ADA also reorganized the list of subtopics that appear on the exam. The biggest shift is in Chemical Synthesis, which moved from being organized by functional group (carboxylic acids, aldehydes/ketones, etc.) to being organized by synthesis type (one-step, two-step, multi-step). The Mechanisms category now distinguishes between single-mechanism and combined mechanism questions, and lists reaction coordinate diagrams as their own subtopic.

You can review the full updated subtopic breakdown in the new organic chemistry examination specifications (PDF).

Key Takeaway: The ADA is placing more value on your ability to reason through mechanisms and acid-base problems and less value on memorizing individual reactions. If you understand the “why” behind reactions (like Dr. Mike teaches), you’re in good shape to ace the exam.

What’s Not Changing

No new topics were added to the exam. The ADA expanded its subtopic lists to be more specific, but the underlying material is unchanged.

The organic chemistry section is still 30 questions.
The content is the same: mechanisms, synthesis, acid-base chemistry, spectroscopy, lab techniques, stereochemistry, nomenclature, and bonding.

What This Means for Your Prep

The content has not changed. They simply reorganized how they label and weight topics, but the knowledge you need is the same. If you're building a strong foundation in organic chemistry with Dr. Mike’s videos and DAT Bootcamp practice questions, you're studying the right material to ace the organic chemistry section.

Why Use DAT Bootcamp

We've extensively reviewed the new ADA specifications and mapped them against our materials. DAT Bootcamp covers everything you need to know, whether you’re testing before or after the update.
Our practice tests continue to be consistently updated to reflect the latest trends in the DAT.
More students use DAT Bootcamp than any other platform. We talk to students every day and make updates to our content weekly to keep our materials aligned with what's actually showing up on the exam.
If you study with DAT Bootcamp, you’re in good shape to ace the exam.

FAQ

Q: Is the DAT organic chemistry section harder now?

A: No. The content scope and number of questions are the same. The ADA slightly emphasized acid-base chemistry and mechanisms questions, and slightly reduced reaction and structural topic questions.

Q: Should I delay my exam because of this? Or should I move my exam up to take it before the changes?

A: No. The underlying content is the same before and after the update. Take the exam when you feel prepared.

Q: When exactly do these changes take effect?

A: The ADA says the updates are anticipated in April 2026 but has not announced a specific date. If you're testing in April 2026 or later, check the ADA DAT page for the latest information, as you may be tested under either the current or updated specs depending on your test date.

Direct from the ADA:

“In April 2026, updates to the DAT Organic Chemistry Test Specifications are expected to occur. Students planning to take the DAT in May 2026 or beyond are encouraged to review the NEW Organic Chemistry Examination Specifications (PDF) and check back regularly for updates.”

Bottom line: The 2026 organic chemistry update is mostly about renaming the question categories and a slight rebalancing of topic emphasis. The content, difficulty, and chemistry are the same. DAT Bootcamp is updated to reflect all the new changes and help you ace the DAT.

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