What Do You Need for the ACT?
The ACT at a Glance
A college admission test used mainly by US universities. Outside the USA it is taken on a computer at a test centre.
No age limit or minimum qualification; most students take it in Class 11 or 12. Fees are in US dollars — check global.act.org.
Enhanced ACT Format
The shorter “enhanced” ACT is now the only version. International testing moved to it in 2026.
| Section | Qs | Time |
|---|---|---|
| English | 50 | 35 min |
| Math | 45 | 50 min |
| Reading | 36 | 40 min |
| Science Optional | 40 | 40 min |
| Writing (essay) Optional | 1 | 40 min |
| Required total | 131 | 2 h 5 min |
With Science: about 2 h 45 min; with Science and Writing: about 3 h 25 min, plus breaks. Math questions have four answer choices. The test is not adaptive.
How the ACT Is Scored
Section scores
Each section is scored from 1 to 36.
Composite
The average of English, Math and Reading, from 1 to 36.
STEM score
Combines Math and Science, if you take Science.
Writing score
Reported separately, if you take the essay.
No penalty
Wrong answers do not lose marks.
Fast results
International scores are released within about a week.
International ACT Dates 2026–27
Test centres choose which of these dates and sessions they offer. A late fee applies after the regular deadline.
| Test dates | Register by | Late deadline | Scores from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23–24 Oct 2026 | 25 Sep | 9 Oct | 29 Oct 2026 |
| 11–12 Dec 2026 | 13 Nov | 27 Nov | 17 Dec 2026 |
| 12–13 Feb 2027 | 15 Jan | 29 Jan | 18 Feb 2027 |
| 2–3 Apr 2027 | 5 Mar | 19 Mar | 8 Apr 2027 |
| 11–12 Jun 2027 | 14 May | 28 May | 17 Jun 2027 |
| 9–10 Jul 2027 | 11 Jun | 25 Jun | 15 Jul 2027 |
Source: ACT. Your photo must be uploaded by the late deadline. The 5 September 2026 test has already been held.
ACT or SAT?
Most universities accept either. Choose the one that suits your strengths.
Science
ACT offers an optional Science section; the SAT has none.
Adaptive
The SAT adapts between modules; the ACT does not.
Pace
The ACT has more questions per minute in English and Reading.
Try both
Take a practice test of each and compare. See our SAT page →
What the ACT Tests
Tap a section to see what it covers.
English50 questions
- Production of writing — topic development, organisation
- Knowledge of language — word choice, style, tone
- Conventions of standard English — grammar, punctuation, sentence structure
Math45 questions
- Number and quantity
- Algebra and functions
- Geometry and trigonometry
- Statistics and probability
- Integrating essential skills — rates, percentages, proportional reasoning
- Modelling
Reading36 questions
- Key ideas and details
- Craft and structure — word meaning, purpose, point of view
- Integration of knowledge — arguments, paired passages, visuals
Science (optional)40 questions
- Interpretation of data — tables and graphs
- Scientific investigation — experiments and design
- Evaluation of models, inferences and results
Writing (optional)1 essay
- Analyse a debatable issue and several perspectives
- Develop and support your own position
- Organise ideas clearly with strong language
Free ACT Study Material
Notes and practice for every section.
These resources are being added section by section. Pages marked “Coming soon” are not published yet.
ACT Practice
Start with ACT’s official practice materials, then use our timed sets.
Under development. The practice sets below are planned and will open here when ready.
Full Practice Test
English Section
Math Section
Science Section
How to Prepare for the ACT
A focused 2–3 month plan works for most students.
Take a diagnostic
Sit a full official practice test to find your starting score.
Decide on Science
Check whether your target universities want the Science section.
Build speed
English and Reading are fast-paced — practise with a timer from day one.
Learn grammar rules
A small set of punctuation and usage rules covers most English questions.
Revise Class 9–11 maths
Algebra, geometry and trigonometry dominate the Math section.
Practise on a computer
International testing is computer-based — practise in the same format.
Next International ACT: 11–12 December 2026
Register by 13 November 2026 (late fee until 27 November). Later dates: February, April, June and July 2027. Always check ACT’s website.
ACT FAQs
What is the ACT?
The ACT is a college admission test used mainly by universities in the USA, and accepted by some universities in other countries. Information for students outside the USA is on global.act.org.
How is the ACT taken in India?
On a computer at an authorised test centre. Each centre runs the test on selected dates and sessions.
Should I take the Science section?
Science is optional and not part of the composite score. Take it if the universities or programmes you are applying to — especially STEM courses — ask for it or recommend it.
Is there negative marking?
No. Wrong answers do not lose marks, so answer every question.
Can I use a calculator?
Yes, on the Math section, as long as it is a permitted model. Check ACT’s calculator policy before test day.
SAT or ACT — which should I take?
Most universities that accept one accept the other. Try a practice test of each and choose the one that suits you better. Compare them on our SAT page.