Everything About SAT Exam for Indian Students

Author

Team MetaApply

Published on June 29, 2025
SAT Exam 

Thinking about studying abroad? It all begins with the right preparation, and the SAT exam is one of the most important steps. As part of the essential exams to study abroad, the SAT helps demonstrate your readiness for university.

If you have watched American high school dramas, you’ve likely heard the term SAT. But what is the SAT Exam really about? This test plays a key role in your test prep journey by assessing the skills needed for success in global universities. From understanding the SAT exam pattern to knowing the SAT syllabus, everything matters when planning ahead.

Whether you’re curious about the SAT exam fee, SAT exam dates or the SAT exam fee in India, this blog by MetaApply IE is your complete guide. Keep reading to discover how this exam can open doors to Universities in the USA, UK and Canada.

What is SAT Exam?

SAT or Scholastic Assessment Test is a standardised exam taken by high school students in the USA and across the globe to get admission in a top-ranked university. Conducted by College Board, this standardised exam contains two sections Reading and Writing, and Math. With scoring scale ranging from 400-1600, this exam tests the college readiness of students.

The perfect time to take the SAT exam is in Grade 11th as it gives a chance to students to retake the exam in case the result is not as per their preference. The SAT exam format is MCQ based, and students also get a chance to use calculator throughout the Math section.

Furthermore, the SAT exam plays a crucial role in university admission, scholarship, and merit-based opportunities. Accepted by thousands of universities across the globe, the SAT exam is now also conducted in digital format, making it accessible for students.

SAT Exam Highlights

Feature Description
Exam Name SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
Conducted By College Board
Exam Mode Digital (Computer-based)
Duration 2 hours 14 minutes
Total Score Range 400–1600 (Each section: 200–800)
Sections 1. Reading & Writing
2. Math
Test Language English
Eligibility No official age limit; usually taken in Grade 11 or 12
Exam Frequency 7 times/year in the U.S.; 5 times/year internationally
Exam Months (International) March, May, August, October, December
Exam Fee (International) $60 base fee + $43 regional fee = $103 total (approx. ₹8,600 INR)
Universities Accepting SAT 4,000+ institutions worldwide (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.)

SAT Exam Pattern

The SAT exam consists of two major sections; Reading and Writing and Math. While task one is a combination of Reading and Writing questions, the second task is all about checking your Mathematical intelligence. Here’s an easy breakout of the same for you.

Section 1: Reading and Writing

Number of questions: 54

Duration: 64 minutes

Score range: 200-800

Skills tested: Grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, vocabulary, and comprehension

Section 2: Math

Number of questions: 44

Duration: 70 minutes

Score range: 200-800

Skills tested: Algebra, advanced math, data analysis, and geometry

NOTE: If you do well in module one, the second module’s questions get tougher with each response, as it allows you achieve higher score.

Purpose of SAT Exam

Before you walk towards knowing the Tips to Prepare for an Exam, it is important for you to know the purpose of that exam. Here is why SAT is so popular amongst students looking to do graduation from a top ranked university.

  1. Assesses college readiness: The exam evaluates an individual’s skills in math, reading, and writing- the important components for college success.
  2. Standardised admission: It makes easier for the college admission committee to analyse strengths of every individual based on their SAT results.
  3. Support admission decision: The admission process requires a lot of documents like SOP, GPA, and more but a good SAT result leaves a great impact.
  4. Offer scholarship opportunities: High SAT score also helps students with various scholarship opportunities and merit-based financial aid.
  5. Boosts international application: For non-US students, a good SAT score is the ticket to Study Abroad in a top ranked university as it strengthens your profile.

Benefits of SAT Exam

As you still wonder why you should take the SAT exam this year, here are some reasons that will help make up your mind.

Registration Process of SAT Exam

Now that you have got the major understanding of the SAT exam, here is how you are going to register for your SAT exam. Do ensure you check the updated SAT exam dates and SAT exam fee in India to prepare yourself and your finances accordingly. Here’s your step-by-step registration process.

Step 1: Visit the official website

Step 2: Create a College Board Account

Step 3: Choose Test Date and Centre

Step 4: Upload a Valid Photo

Step 5: Pay the SAT exam fee

Step 6: Print Admission Ticket

Preparation Tips for SAT Exam

It is now time to explore how you will be clearing your SAT exam in 2025. Do remember, with right strategy and correct guidance, you can clear your SAT exam with ease. Here are your ease tips to do so.

Tip 1: Understand the Exam Format

Before you start with your preparations, look at the previous year papers and decode them instead of trying to solve them in your first go. There is a definite pattern of every exam and once you have cracked that, you can easily crack the exam as well. To know the type of questions you will be facing and what exactly you need to practice, you first need to thoroughly check the exam format and understand it clearly.

Tip 2: Make a Study Plan

Once you have understood the format and got to know the SAT syllabus, you will get a clarity of what all your weak areas are. Our of Reading, Writing, and Math, you might not be excelling in all as per the SAT Exam Standards. Hence, to ensure you reach the level of excellence, you must analyse your weaknesses and make a study plan that will give you time to work on your weaknesses.

Tip 3: Use Official Material

The best way of studying for a SAT exam is to use the official and authentic study material. As you know the SAT exam is conducted by College Board, it would be a great advantage if you crack the format first. Once you have got the understanding of the types of questions and the level of their difficulties, you can easily crack the SAT exam. This is why it is advised to student from the official material and solve previous year sample paper for better learning.

Tip 4: Practice, Practice, and Practice!

  • Practice 1: Vocabulary, punctuation, writing speed, reading speed, and more.
  • Practice 2: Algebra, geometry, and other mathematical skills.
  • Practice 3: Time management.

To complete your SAT exam within time and to ensure you answer all the questions correctly, you must enhance various skills. And some of the common ones include reading speed, writing speed, mathematical skills, and time management. Hence, it is crucial for you to practice as much as you can to become efficient and score great marks in your SATs.

Tip 5: Review Mistakes

Smart ones are those who learns from their mistakes. Once you have given months in learning, understanding, and enhancing skills, it is time to implement them in the test. After finishing your studies, you must take as many mock tests as possible. The mick test results will paint the picture of where you really stand. This will help you in becoming better and work on the silly mistakes. Also, the best way to take the mock test is in the same isolation situation you will be taking the final exam. Time yourself to know how you well you handle the exam pressure.

Prepare for SAT with MetaApply IE

The journey to study abroad is not an easy one as you have to take various Exams to Study Abroad in the way. While some exams to study abroad check your English language skills, there are some that checks your college readiness. And if you are an ambitious brat, who wants to live their life on their own terms, then start planning your study abroad journey today, only with MetaApply IE.

We understand the overwhelming pressure you must feel. But to make your journey smooth, easy, and hassle-free, our experts are there to help you at every step. Our counsellors not only hand pick the universities and courses for you, but we also ensure you get the right financial and visa guidance too.

Amidst it all, we are here to even help you with your standardised exams to ensure you are college ready. So, don’t let your dream of studying abroad wander aimlessly. Connect with us today, and let’s get you a sure destination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The basics of SAT is that it is a standardised college entrance exam that tests a student’s college readiness by assessing their reading, writing, and math skills. It is scored out of 1600, conducted digitally by College Board, and taken by students in high school to apply for undergraduate courses around the globe.

Yes! Many top Indian universities accept the SAT scores for undergraduate admissions especially for liberal arts, sciences, and international curriculum for the students seeking a global academic evaluation metric.

The SAT exam is fully digital. Since 2024, the test is conducted online at authorised testing centres using secure devices. Students can’t take this test at home at it requires in-person administrative environment for better control.

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