SAT Exam 2026: Dates, Fees, Eligibility, Pattern, Scores & Registration Details
SAT Exam 2026 is a digital, adaptive test for undergraduate admissions globally. It assesses verbal, analytical, and mathematical skills. The exam is divided into Reading & Writing and Math sections, lasting 2 hours 14 minutes. Scores range from 400 to 1600. Strong scores aid admission to top universities and secure scholarships.
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SAT Exam 2026 is a digital, adaptive standardized test conducted by the College Board for undergraduate admissions abroad. It evaluates students’ Reading, Writing, and Math skills in a 2-hour 14-minute format, with scores ranging from 400 to 1600. The exam is held multiple times a year and requires online registration.
Indian students must pay $111 as the base fee, with fee waivers available under the India Scholars Program. Strong SAT scores improve chances of admission to top universities like MIT and Harvard and can also help secure merit-based scholarships at leading international institutions.
What is SAT Exam?
The SAT is a standardized examination for students seeking undergraduate admission to universities abroad, primarily in the US, Canada, and the UK. This test evaluates a student's readiness for college-level work through sections on reading, writing, and math. Understanding the structure and requirements for the SAT Exam 2026 is crucial for successful preparation.
SAT Exam 2026 Overview
The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is conducted by the College Board. It is a computer-based, adaptive exam designed for undergraduate courses abroad. The SAT Exam 2026 is designed to assess analytical and problem-solving skills developed in school. It plays an important role in undergraduate admissions abroad.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | SAT Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Body | College Board |
| Mode | Digital (Computer-Based) |
| Duration | 2 hours 14 minutes |
| Sections | Reading & Writing, Mathematics |
| Score Range | 400–1600 |
| Registration Mode | Online via sat registration |
| Frequency | Multiple times a year |
SAT Exam 2026 Important Dates
The College Board offers eight SAT test dates annually. Candidates should note these deadlines for registration, changes, and rescheduling.
| SAT Exam Date | SAT Registration Deadline | Change Deadline (Cancel, Test Center Change, Reschedule) |
|---|---|---|
| March 14, 2026 | February 27, 2026 | March 3, 2026 |
| May 2, 2026 | April 17, 2026 | April 21, 2026 |
| June 6, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | May 26, 2026 |
SAT Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria
There are no strict eligibility criteria for the SAT Exam 2026. However:
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Students usually take the sat exam in Class 11 or 12.
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There is no minimum or maximum age limit.
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Students planning undergraduate studies abroad can apply.
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A valid passport is required for Indian students.
The SAT Exam 2026 does not have subject stream restrictions, so students from Science, Commerce, or Arts can appear.
SAT Exam 2026 Registration Process
SAT registration is available online or via mail. Students must create a College Board profile and fill out the application with personal and academic details.
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Online Registration: Create a College Board profile, fill the application form, select test date and center, upload a photograph, and pay using PayPal or credit card.
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Mail Registration: Obtain a SAT Student Registration Booklet, fill out the form, and mail it with payment to the College Board SAT Program.
SAT Exam Fees 2026
Understanding the SAT Fees 2026 is important for students planning to appear for the SAT exam. The table below clearly explains all service charges, approximate cost in Indian Rupees, and important notes to help you plan your budget properly.
SAT Exam Service Charges 2026
| SAT Exam Service | Fee in India (USD) | Approximate Fee in Indian Rupees | Notes |
| Registration | $111 | INR 10,000 | Includes $68 registration fee + $43 international fee. |
| Change Test Center | $34 | INR 3,050 | Can be done within the change deadline. |
| Cancel Fee | $34 | INR 3,050 | Applicable if cancelled before the change deadline (9 PM IST). |
| Late Cancel Fee | $44 | INR 3,950 | Applicable if cancelled after the change deadline (9 PM IST). |
| Late Registration | $38 | INR 3,410 | Charged if registration is done after the regular deadline but before the change deadline. |
| Additional Score Report | $15 per report | INR 1,350 per report | First 4 reports are free if sent within 9 days to universities. |
| Rush Report | $31 | INR 2,800 | Sends scores faster (1–4 business days). Additional score report fee applies. |
| Get Scores by Phone | $15 per call | INR 1,350 per call | Call +1-212-713-7789. Credit card payment only. Scores available same time as online reports. Additional report fee applies. |
| Send Archived Scores | $35 | INR 3,141 | Applies if scores were not sent within one year and need retrieval. |
| Rechecking (Score Verification) | $55 | INR 4,940 | Request by phone only at +1-212-713-7789. |
SAT Fee Waiver
The College Board India Scholars Program provides fee waivers based on family income. This program helps Indian students reduce their SAT Exam 2026 expenses.
| Annual Family Income | Discount on SAT Fee |
|---|---|
| Below 8 Lakhs INR | 90% |
| Between 8 Lakhs - 15 Lakhs INR | 50% |
SAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The SAT exam pattern has two main sections: Evidence-based Reading & Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each section has two modules, making the test adaptive.
|
Sections |
Duration |
Number of Questions |
Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Evidence-based Reading & Writing |
64 minutes (2 modules of 32 min each) |
54 questions |
Inferences, contextual meaning, grammar, punctuation. |
|
Math |
70 minutes (2 modules of 35 min each) |
44 questions |
Linear equations, inequalities, ratios, proportions, geometry. |
SAT Scoring and Results
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600 points. Each section contributes 800 points to the total score. Results are typically available within two weeks.
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Checking Scores: Log in to your College Board account, navigate to "Student Score Reports," and click "See Score Details."
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Sending Scores: Universities receive scores electronically. The first four score reports are free if sent within the specified timeframe.
Top Universities and SAT Scores
Many international universities, especially in the USA, consider SAT scores for admission. Target scores vary by institution.
| University | Test-Optional? | Total Score | EBRW Score | Math Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton University | Yes | 1530-1560 | 760-780 | 790-800 |
| Harvard University | No | 1550-1580 | 760-780 | 790-800 |
| MIT | No | 1550-1570 | 760-780 | 800 |
| Stanford University | Yes | 1540-1570 | 760-780 | 790-800 |
SAT Scholarships for Indian Students 2026
Scoring well in the SAT can open doors to financial aid opportunities at top international universities. Many institutions consider SAT scores while awarding merit-based scholarships to Indian students for the 2026 intake.
Universities Offering SAT-Based Scholarships (2026)
| University Name | SAT Score Required | Award Amount (USD) | Approximate Award (INR) |
| University of Missouri | 1200–1390 | $10,000 – $20,000 | ₹9 – ₹18 lakhs |
| Baylor University | No fixed minimum; SAT considered in evaluation | $1,000 up to full cost of attendance | ₹90,000 up to full tuition cost |
| University of Mississippi | 1200–1450+ | $3,500 – $30,150 | ₹3.2 – ₹27 lakhs |
| Texas Tech University | 1100–1500+ | $1,000 – $9,000 per year | ₹90,000 – ₹9 lakhs per year |
SAT Preparation Tips
Effective SAT prep involves consistent effort across all sections. Developing strong fundamental skills and practicing regularly are key to success.
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Reading and Vocabulary: Build a strong vocabulary and improve reading comprehension.
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Math Preparation: Practice problem-solving and memorize essential formulas. Utilize sat practice test materials.
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Time Management: Develop efficient time management strategies for the digital, adaptive format.
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Study Resources: Use official SAT prep books and resources. Consider sat prep classes for structured guidance.