All you need to know about the SAT in 2025 for Indian students

Educational institutions often make use of entrance tests to evaluate applicants and ensure that they are qualified to be enrolled in their programs. The SAT is a term that you will have come across in discussions about college or university in the USA. It is a standardised test that many institutions use for their college admissions decisions, using data from the test’s outcomes. We take you through the most critical elements of the SAT, including test information, formats, eligibility, registration and even preparation.

What does SAT stand for and what is it used for?

SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test or Scholastic Aptitude Test. It is a test that standardises the complex university admissions process to make higher education admission equitable based on ability and merit. The goal of the test is to evaluate how ready a high school student or candidate is to enter college.  While the SAT exam scores may not be the only data used for admission to a U.S. university programme, it is an important element. A high SAT exam score means that you have access to more university programmes. While the SAT exam is often associated with study abroad options in the USA, the exam is accepted in other countries, such as:

• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Netherlands
• Australia
• Singapore
• New Zealand

What is the digital SAT?

The SATs are administered in digital format, which has replaced the traditional pen and paper format for the test.  Students can take the test at designated centres, which ensures proper connectivity and good video quality for a disruption-free test. Paper-based tests are still allowed for those with special requirements. The scoring scale for the digital test remains the same as it was for the original paper format. The main things to know about the digital SAT exam are:

• You take the whole test on an electronic device, and it makes sense for you to get in as much practice as you can with sample papers that you can also find on the College Board resources. This helps you familiarise yourself with how to navigate the test quickly and efficiently on test day.
• The test comes with a built-in calculator for use in the mathematics section. You can also bring a calculator.
• The test adapts itself to the student’s ability levels. That is, the difficulty of questions is altered based on your performance in previous questions. The digital SAT is customised to measure individual capabilities more closely and accurately.
• Features like the countdown clock appearing on the screen let you pace yourself through the test correctly.
• There are no more essay-type questions in the digital SAT format, and the subject tests have also been removed since the test moved entirely to the digital format.
• The digital test is held on seven dates during the year, which fall on a weekend to make it easy for students to attend.
• Several centres are designated for SAT exams across the world. In India, you have centres in every major city. You can choose your centre provided you are registering enough in advance to ensure that it has openings for you on your chosen date.

What is the eligibility for the SAT?

If you have plans to study abroad, especially in the USA, undertaking the SAT is a great idea. The College Board does not provide specific eligibility criteria for registering for the SAT exam. There is no age band defined for registration.  However, the students taking the test are typically between 17 and 19 years of age. Proficiency in English is necessary since the test is entirely in English. Indian students who have completed their 10th and those who have completed 12th generally write this exam. High school-level knowledge is deemed sufficient to sit for the SAT. 

What are the upcoming SAT exam dates?

The exam is held throughout the year, making it easy for you to write it when it is most convenient and when you have had enough time to prepare. The upcoming SAT exam dates announced are as follows:

• Aug 23, 2025
• Oct 4, 2025
• Nov 8, 2025
• Dec 6, 2025
• Mar 14, 2026
• May 2, 2026
• June 6, 2026

How do you register for the SAT exam?

You must register in advance to take the SAT exam on the date that is convenient for you at the centre of your choice. SAT Registration is done via the College Board website with regular registration deadlines available. Typically, registration opens four to five weeks before the test date. You can register later than this, but you will pay extra. Do not take the risk of slots not being available by registering late. Watch out for test dates on the site so that you can quickly register before the openings fill up.

What are the fees for the SAT exam?

The SAT exam fee is a base of USD 68 plus USD 43 for international students. Some test centres may charge a fee in addition to this, although at present no Indian centres do so. There is a late registration fee if you register after the deadline, which is an additional USD 34. If you cannot make it to your chosen test centre and want to change it, you can do so with an extra payment of USD 29.

What is the format of the SAT exam?

The current iteration of the SAT, which is the digital version, is a two-hour and 14-minute test. It covers reading, writing and mathematical skills, including advanced math. 

There are two main segments in your SAT. Reading and writing are the first, and SAT math section is the other.  Both segments have two modules. You have 32 minutes to complete each module of reading and writing, and 35 minutes for each module of mathematics. Both modules are of equal length, and you have a 10-minute break between your reading-writing and math sections. The evidence-based reading and writing section have a total of 54 multiple-choice type questions, which may be short reading passages with the following themes:

• Crafting and structure
• English conventions
• Information and ideas
• Expressing ideas

Expect multiple-choice questions with some ‘enter the answer’ in the math section. This section has a total of 44 questions covering:

• Advanced mathematics
• Problem-solving
• Data analysis
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry

You can flag questions, return later, edit answers, and preview other questions, all within the same module. You can also use a College Board-approved calculator for both sections of the mathematics portion, or you can use the built-in calculator during the test. When the time is up for the first module, the second module begins. The questions and exam pattern are customised for you based on your performance with the first module questions, since SAT is designed to carry out adaptive testing.

How does SAT scoring work?

The SAT score range is between 400 and 1,600. When you look at your score report, the number at the very top is your score, which will be somewhere within this given range. After this come your section scores for reading, writing and mathematics.

The average SAT score is 1,050, and a score of 1,350 gives you a great shot at being accepted by top universities. You can sign in to your College Board account, where you will see your score report once you have taken the test. You can take the SAT multiple times until you achieve the score you want, and the scores are valid for life.

The first four SAT test score reports are free, but you must order them within nine days after the test. If you order your SAT results later than this or if you order more than four score reports, you must pay USD 14 per report. You can also request a rush report by paying USD 31.

How do you prepare for the SAT?

Your first step for SAT prep should be to find out what SAT scores are required by your preferred university so that you have a goal to aim for. Next, download the Bluebook app which powers the SAT and start practising with full-length SAT practice tests. You will use the same app to take your SAT test. Good SAT preparation is key, so you avoid a test retake. Some universities may ask for all your SAT scores when you apply and this may not work in your favour if you follow the latter approach.  Start your prep three to five months before your test date. Get through around 10 practice tests to completely familiarise yourself with what you will face on test day.

Where are the SAT exam centres in India?

There are around 126 test centres where test-takers can sit for the SAT in India. All of them may not be available to you on your chosen test date. You can check availability on the College Board site and decide which centre would be the most appropriate. Some of the test centres are:

• Aditya Birla World Acad, Tardeo, Mumbai
• Ahmedabad International School, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Allenhouse Public School Khalasi, Kanpur, UP
• American International School, Taramani, Chennai
• Assembly of God Church School, Kolkata, WB
• Delhi Public School, Srinagar, J&K
• Delhi Public School, Hyderabad, Telangana

SAT exam FAQs

Q: Is it possible for Indian students to score well on the SAT?

A: Yes, the questions are based on U.S. high school-level knowledge and with preparation, Indian students can handle the test and score well.

Q: Can I take the SAT twice?

A: While you can take the SAT as many times as you wish, the best thing to do is to take it twice so that you have a fair chance of improving your score. Repeatedly taking the test can distract you from other necessary studies.

Q: Does Harvard ask for SAT scores?

A: Harvard does factor in SAT scores.

Q: What is a good SAT score for Indian students to get into a good American university?

A: 1,200- 1,400 is a good score for Indian students to get into a well-reputed American university.  

The SAT is a great way for you to prove your skills in a format designed to be easy for university admission officials to determine if you are a good fit for them. It is universally accepted abroad, with 1.5 million students taking the exam each year, and around 25,000 students taking the test annually in India. The SAT could be your ticket to getting into a prestigious university in some of the leading educational destinations across the world.