What Do You Need for the SAT?
The SAT at a Glance
A digital admission test for undergraduate study, used by universities in the USA and many other countries.
No age limit or minimum qualification; most students take it in Class 11 or 12. Always confirm on satsuite.collegeboard.org.
Digital SAT Format
Each section has two modules. Your score in Module 1 sets the difficulty of Module 2 (section-adaptive).
| Section | Modules | Qs | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 2 × 27 Qs | 54 | 64 min |
| Break | — | — | 10 min |
| Math | 2 × 22 Qs | 44 | 70 min |
| Total (testing time) | 4 | 98 | 2 h 14 min |
Short passages with one question each in Reading & Writing. Math has multiple-choice and student-produced answers; a Desmos calculator is built in.
How the SAT Is Scored
Total score
400 to 1600 — the sum of the two section scores.
Section scores
200 to 800 each for Reading & Writing and for Math.
No penalty
Wrong or blank answers score zero — always answer every question.
Adaptive
Doing well in Module 1 leads to a harder Module 2 and a higher possible score.
Retakes
You can retake the SAT; many universities consider your best or superscored result.
Score reports
The first four reports are free if sent within nine days of the test, as reported.
SAT Test Dates 2026–27
The same dates apply in India and other countries. Late registration costs extra.
| Test date | Register by | Late registration |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Nov 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| 5 Dec 2026 | 20 Nov 2026 | 24 Nov 2026 |
| 6 Mar 2027 | 19 Feb 2027 | 23 Feb 2027 |
| 1 May 2027 | 16 Apr 2027 | 20 Apr 2027 |
| 5 Jun 2027 | 21 May 2027 | 25 May 2027 |
Source: College Board. Need to borrow a device? Register and request it at least 30 days before test day.
SAT Fees for India
Fees are paid in US dollars by card or PayPal. GST applies in India.
| Item | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| SAT registration | 68 |
| International regional fee | 43 |
| Late registration | 38 |
| Cancellation (before deadline) | 34 |
| Extra score report (after free four) | 15 each |
As reported for 2026: about USD 131 in total with tax (USD 68 + USD 43 + 18% GST). Check College Board for current fees.
What the SAT Tests
Four content areas in each section. Tap a topic to see what it covers.
Reading & Writing — Information and IdeasAbout 26% of the section
- Central ideas and details
- Command of evidence — textual and quantitative (tables, graphs)
- Inferences
Reading & Writing — Craft and StructureAbout 28% of the section
- Words in context
- Text structure and purpose
- Cross-text connections (paired passages)
Reading & Writing — Expression of IdeasAbout 20% of the section
- Rhetorical synthesis (using notes to meet a goal)
- Transitions
Reading & Writing — Standard English ConventionsAbout 26% of the section
- Boundaries — punctuation between clauses and phrases
- Form, structure and sense — agreement, tenses, modifiers
Math — Algebra & Advanced MathAbout 35% each
- Linear equations, inequalities and systems
- Linear functions and graphs
- Equivalent expressions
- Nonlinear equations and functions — quadratics, exponentials, polynomials
Math — Data Analysis & GeometryAbout 15% each
- Ratios, rates, percentages and units
- One- and two-variable data, probability and statistics
- Area, volume, lines, angles and triangles
- Right-triangle trigonometry and circles
Free SAT Study Material
Notes and practice for every content area.
These resources are being added topic by topic. Pages marked “Coming soon” are not published yet.
Reading & Writing
Strategies for each question type.
Coming soon →Grammar Rules
Punctuation, agreement and modifiers.
Coming soon →Algebra & Advanced Math
Equations, functions and graphs.
Coming soon →Data & Geometry
Statistics, probability and trigonometry.
Coming soon →Using Desmos
Solve math questions faster with the built-in calculator.
Coming soon →SAT Practice
Start with College Board’s free official practice tests in Bluebook, then use our topic sets.
Under development. The practice sets below are planned and will open here when ready.
Full-Length Practice
Reading & Writing Module
Math Module
Words in Context
How to Prepare for the SAT
A focused 2–3 month plan works for most students.
Take a diagnostic
Sit an official Bluebook practice test to find your starting score.
Set a target
Check the score ranges of the universities you want to apply to.
Fix weak areas
Study topic by topic, starting with the areas that lose you the most marks.
Read every day
Short, challenging passages build speed for Reading & Writing.
Master Desmos
Learn to graph and solve equations quickly with the built-in calculator.
Practise in Bluebook
Take full timed tests in the same app you will use on test day.
Next SAT: 7 November 2026
Register by 23 October 2026 (late registration until 27 October). Later dates: 5 December 2026, 6 March, 1 May and 5 June 2027. Always check College Board’s website.
SAT FAQs
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a standardised test run by College Board and used for undergraduate admission, mainly in the USA and also by universities in many other countries, including some in India. Official information is on satsuite.collegeboard.org.
Is the SAT taken on paper?
No. The SAT is digital and taken on a laptop or tablet using College Board’s Bluebook app at a test centre. Students who need a device can borrow one if they request it at least 30 days before the test.
Is there negative marking?
No. Wrong answers do not lose marks, so answer every question.
Can I use a calculator?
Yes, on the whole Math section. A graphing calculator (Desmos) is built into Bluebook, or you can bring an approved calculator.
How many times can I take the SAT?
As many times as you like. Many universities accept your best score, and some combine your best section scores (superscore).
When do scores come out?
Usually within a few weeks of the test. Check College Board’s score release dates page for each test date.