SAT goes live for 2025–26 cycle; first exam on 23rd August

College Board has opened global registrations for the SAT exam, with the first test of the 2025–26 academic year scheduled for 23rd August 2025. The registration deadline for this exam is 8th August. The August test marks the start of the application season for students, especially those in Class 12 aiming for early decision and international university deadlines.

The full SAT schedule for the academic year has also been released:

SAT Test Dates and Deadlines (2025–26):

• 13th September 2025 | Registration closes 29th August 2025
  
• 4th October 2025 | Registration closes 19th September 2025
  
• 8th November 2025 | Registration closes 24th October 2025
  
• 6th December 2025 | Registration closes 21st November 2025
  
  

Students planning to take the digital SAT and needing a device must submit a request at least 30 days in advance of their test date. The College Board Device Lending Program aims to ensure that access to technology does not hinder any student from attempting the exam.

“With the 2025–26 application cycle now underway, we’re seeing renewed momentum around the SAT among Indian students aiming for both global and Indian universities. The digital SAT has made the test more accessible, flexible, and aligned with how students learn and test today. As students gear up for the August exam, we encourage them to start early, use official prep tools, and approach the test with confidence. At College Board, we remain focused on ensuring that every motivated student regardless of background has the opportunity to put their best foot forward,” Meenakshi Kachroo Chatta, Senior Director & Regional Head, South & Central Asia at College Board, said.

In India, students from low-income backgrounds can apply for the India Scholars Program, which offers up to 90% fee waivers on SAT registration and access to merit-based scholarships at Indian partner universities.

To help students prepare, the College Board offers free SAT practice through Khan Academy and full-length mock exams on the Bluebook™ app. The focus remains on equity, affordability, and college readiness as Indian students gear up for higher education opportunities in India and abroad.

How SAT changed in 2024
Over the last year, the SAT has undergone a major overhaul as it transitions fully to a digital format globally. Here are the key updates now in effect:

• Digital test only: Since March 2023 internationally and March 2024 in the U.S., the SAT has been conducted via the Bluebook™ testing app on approved devices at official test centres
  
  
• Shorter duration: The exam now takes about 2 hours and 14 minutes, down from the previous 3-hour paper-based format.
  
  
• Two sections only: It now includes Reading & Writing and Math, each delivered in two timed modules with an adaptive structure—the second module’s difficulty adjusts based on performance in the first module.
  
  
• Calculator allowed throughout: Students may use either their own approved calculator or the built‑in Desmos graphing calculator during the entire Math section.
  
  
• More time per question: Despite the reduced total duration, students receive more time per question, enhancing clarity and reducing pressure during the test.
  
  
• Faster scores and richer reports: Test scores are now released in days instead of weeks, and digital score reports include links to colleges, training programmes, and scholarship resources.
  
  

These changes aim to improve accessibility, reduce test-related stress, and provide a more flexible, student-friendly testing experience.