The SAT is conducted 8 times a year in India. The upcoming SAT exam date is 22 August 2026. The last date to register for the August exam is 7th August 2026 (11th August, 2026 with late exam fees). College Board runs the exam in a fully digital format worldwide through the Bluebook app, so no paper-based option is available in India.
Key highlights of the SAT exams are:
- Every SAT slot in India starts around 8:00 AM local time.
- The test duration is 2 hours 14 minutes, with a short break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section.
- SAT exam has 2 sections: Math and Reading & Writing (English).
- The late registration fees for the SAT exam are $34 (approx ₹3,300).
The currency conversion rate is $1 = ₹96 as of 16th July, 2026, used throughout the article.
Note: Applicants appearing for the SAT in August 2026 are eligible to take admission in the USA, UK, & Canada in the upcoming September intake (Fall intake) 2026.
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SAT Exam Dates in India 2026-27
Indian applicants planning to take the SAT in the 2026-27 session should plan their preparation according to the admission cycle of their desired universities. Key highlights of the upcoming SAT exam dates are:
- SAT exam dates in India 2026-27: 8 fixed dates from 22 August 2026 to 5 June 2027, starting 8:00 AM local time
- SAT booking advance window: Register 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Metro slots fill 3 to 4 weeks out from August to December.
- Format: Fully digital via College Board's Bluebook app. Same 8 dates worldwide. No paper-based option in India.
College Board has published the full 2026-27 schedule. The table below covers every date, the regular registration deadline, and the late registration cutoff.
| SAT Test Date 2026-27 | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 22 August 2026 | 7 August 2026 | 11 August 2026 |
| 12 September 2026 | 28 August 2026 | 1 September 2026 |
| 3 October 2026 | 18 September 2026 | 22 September 2026 |
| 7 November 2026 | 23 October 2026 | 27 October 2026 |
| 5 December 2026 | 20 November 2026 | 24 November 2026 |
| 6 March 2027 | 19 February 2027 | 23 February 2027 |
| 1 May 2027 | 16 April 2027 | 20 April 2027 |
| 5 June 2027 | 21 May 2027 | 25 May 2027 |
Note: All deadlines expire at 11:59 PM ET (US time), which converts to 9:29 AM IST the next day. Late registrations for August 2026 close on 11 August 2026 at 11:59 PM ET, so factor in the time zone gap when you cut it close.
City-Wise SAT Exam Dates 2026-27
SAT dates are the same across every Indian city. All 98 authorized test centers in India offer the same 8 dates listed above. Metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad have 5 to 12 test centers each, so slots stay open longer. Tier 2 cities may have only 1 to 2 centers, which fill up 4 to 6 weeks in advance during peak intake windows.
Book your exam slots early with your target center. If the SAT center in your city runs out of seats, you can either switch to a different center in the same city or travel to a nearby city center.
SAT Test Centers in North India
North Indian cities host the largest number of SAT centers, driven by demand from Delhi NCR schools and Punjab-based candidates.
| City | Approximate Test Centers | Peak Demand Window |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 10-12 | August to November |
| Gurugram | 4-5 | August to November |
| Noida | 3-4 | August to November |
| Chandigarh | 2-3 | October to December |
| Lucknow | 2-3 | October to December |
| Jaipur | 2 | October to December |
| Ludhiana | 1-2 | October to December |
| Dehradun | 1-2 | October to December |
| Kanpur | 1-2 | October to December |
SAT Test Centers in West India
Western India has strong metro coverage with Mumbai and Pune leading. Applicants can select their preferred city and center accordingly. Tier 2 slots in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat fill fast due to Gujarat's high study abroad demand.
| City | Approximate Test Centers | Peak Demand Window |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 10-12 | August to December |
| Pune | 5-6 | August to December |
| Ahmedabad | 3-4 | October to December |
| Vadodara | 2 | October to December |
| Surat | 2 | October to December |
| Nagpur | 1-2 | October to December |
| Indore | 1-2 | October to December |
| Goa | 1-2 | September to November |
Pro Tip: If your first-choice center in Mumbai or Ahmedabad is full, check Pune or Vadodara for the same date. A short one-day trip is often faster than waiting another 2 months for the next SAT.
SAT Test Centers in South India
South Indian cities have wide SAT coverage, with Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad matching metro slot depth. Kerala centers in Kochi & Trivandrum and Andhra Pradesh centers in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam get moderate coverage.
| City | Approximate Test Centers | Peak Demand Window |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | 8-10 | August to December |
| Chennai | 6-8 | August to December |
| Hyderabad | 6-7 | August to December |
| Kochi | 3-4 | October to December |
| Coimbatore | 2-3 | October to December |
| Trivandrum | 2 | October to December |
| Vijayawada | 1-2 | October to December |
| Visakhapatnam | 1-2 | October to December |
SAT Test Centers in East India
Eastern India has the fewest SAT centers, but coverage is stable in Kolkata and Bhubaneswar for candidates from West Bengal, Odisha, and the North East.
| City | Approximate Test Centers | Peak Demand Window |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | 4-5 | August to December |
| Bhubaneswar | 2 | October to December |
| Guwahati | 1 | October to December |
Watch Out: The center count above is indicative. Exact centers change per test date depending on school availability. Always confirm live seats through the College Board Test Center Search on the MySAT dashboard before you assume a city has a slot open.
Anticipated SAT Exam Dates 2027-28
College Board publishes the next academic year's schedule in April to May, so the 2027-28 dates listed below are anticipated based on College Board's public advance calendar. Regular registration deadlines fall roughly 3 weeks before each test date.
| Season | SAT Test Date (Anticipated) |
|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | 28 August 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | 18 September 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | 2 October 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | 6 November 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | 4 December 2027 |
| Spring 2028 | 4 March 2028 |
| Spring 2028 | 6 May 2028 |
| Spring 2028 | 3 June 2028 |
Note: These dates are not yet open for registration. Slots will open on the College Board portal in April 2027.
SAT Exam Fees in India 2026
The SAT fee for Indian test takers is $68 (
₹6,551) base plus a $49 (₹4,720) non-US regional fee, taking the total to $117 (around ₹11,300). Late registration, cancellation, score-report changes, and additional score reports carry their own fees.| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| SAT base fee | $68 | around ₹6,550 |
| Non-US regional fee (India) | $49 | around ₹4,700 |
| Total (Indian test taker) | $117 | around ₹11,300 |
| Late registration fee | $34 | around ₹3,300 |
| Cancellation fee | $29 | around ₹2,800 |
| Change fee (date or center) | $29 | around ₹2,800 |
How to Book an SAT Exam Date in India 2026
SAT registration in India happens entirely on the College Board portal. There is no offline booking service available. Follow these steps for the booking:
- Step 1: Create a College Board account. Sign up on mysat.collegeboard.org/ with a valid email and full name matching your passport
- Step 2: Choose SAT date and center. Pick from the 8 available 2026-27 dates and select the closest test center in India
- Step 3: Upload a valid photo. Recent passport-style photo, clearly visible face, plain background
- Step 4: Pay online through Credit card, debit card, or PayPal. No demand draft or bank transfer accepted
- Step 5: Download your admission ticket. Print or save on mobile, and bring to the test center along with a photo ID
You must complete registration before the regular deadline (2 weeks before the test date). Late registration is possible up to 1 week before, with a $34 (
₹3,300) late fee.Pro Tip: Register 6 to 8 weeks before your target date, not just before the deadline. Metro centers in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore fill up 3 to 4 weeks before the test in the August to December peak window. Booking early also locks in your first-choice center.
Watch Out: The digital SAT runs on College Board's Bluebook app, which you must download and set up before test day. Also charge your laptop or tablet to 100 percent the night before, since not all test centers have power outlets available. If your device runs out of battery mid-test, you cannot resume where you left off.
SAT Score Validity and Result Time 2026
SAT results are released approximately 2 weeks after the test date. You receive an email from College Board when your scores are live on the MySAT dashboard. You can then send free score reports to up to 4 universities. Additional reports cost $12 (around
₹1200) each and can be sent later through the same dashboard.SAT score validity period is 5 years from the test date. Most US universities accept scores up to 5 years old for admissions, but some competitive schools prefer scores from the last 2 to 3 years.
| Test Date | Approximate Score Release Date |
|---|---|
| 22 August 2026 | Around 5 September 2026 |
| 12 September 2026 | Around 26 September 2026 |
| 3 October 2026 | Around 17 October 2026 |
| 7 November 2026 | Around 21 November 2026 |
| 5 December 2026 | Around 19 December 2026 |
| 6 March 2027 | Around 20 March 2027 |
| 1 May 2027 | Around 15 May 2027 |
| 5 June 2027 | Around 19 June 2027 |
Application Deadlines in Top Study Abroad Countries 2026
Pick your SAT date based on your target university's application deadline. Take the test at least 4 to 6 weeks before your earliest deadline so scores reach universities in time. Keep a buffer for a possible retake if your first score misses the mark or if you miss any SAT admission requirements.
The table below matches typical undergraduate application deadlines across the top study abroad destinations Indian students target:
| Country | Intake | Application Deadline | Best SAT Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Fall 2027 (Ivy League Early Decision) | 1 November 2026 | 22 August or 12 September 2026 |
| USA | Fall 2027 (Regular Decision) | 1 January 2027 | 3 October or 7 November 2026 |
| UK | Fall 2027 (Oxbridge / Medicine) | 15 October 2026 | 22 August 2026 |
| UK | Fall 2027 (UCAS main) | 28 January 2027 | 7 November or 5 December 2026 |
| Canada | Fall 2027 | Rolling, typically 15 January to 1 March 2027 | 5 December 2026 or 6 March 2027 |
| Australia | Semester 1 2027 (Feb intake) | Rolling, October to December 2026 | 3 October or 7 November 2026 |
| Singapore (NUS, NTU) | Fall 2027 | 1 March 2027 | 5 December 2026 or 6 March 2027 |
Note: The "Best SAT Date" column assumes score release 2 weeks after the test. If you want room for a retake before your deadline, pick a date 3 to 4 months ahead of the deadline instead. This gives you time to take a second SAT if your first score falls short.
Register 6 to 8 weeks before your chosen date and pick the earliest SAT that gives you at least 6 weeks of buffer before your first application deadline. Confirm your eligibility, prep for 3 to 4 months, and use the free August or October dates as your first attempt. If needed, retake in November or December to boost your score before US Regular Decision deadlines close in January.
SAT Exam Dates FAQs
Ques. How often is the SAT conducted in India in a year?
Ans. The SAT is conducted 8 times a year in India. For 2026-27, the dates are 22 August, 12 September, 3 October, 7 November and 5 December 2026, then 6 March, 1 May and 5 June 2027. All Indian test centers offer the same 8 dates.
Ques. When should I book my SAT date?
Ans. Book 6 to 8 weeks before your target date. Metro test centers in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore fill up 3 to 4 weeks before the exam during the August to December peak window. Late registration is possible up to 1 week before, but attracts a $34 late fee.
Ques. Are SAT dates the same in all Indian cities?
Ans. Yes. All 98 authorized SAT centers in India offer the same 8 dates each year. What changes by city is slot availability at each center, not the dates. Metros have 5 to 12 centers each, tier 2 cities may have only 1 to 2.
Ques. Can I reschedule my SAT exam date?
Ans. Yes, you can change your SAT date or center by paying a $29 change fee. Changes must be made before the late registration deadline for your original test date. After that, only cancellation is possible.
Ques. How much is the SAT exam fee in 2026?
Ans. The SAT fee for Indian test takers is $117 total ($68 base plus $49 non-US regional fee), which comes to around ₹11,200 at current exchange rates. Late registration adds $34, and cancellation costs $29. Full breakdown in the SAT Exam Fees guide.
Ques. How many times can I take the SAT in a year?
Ans. There is no limit on the number of SAT attempts. You can take it up to 8 times a year in India (once per test date). Universities do not penalize multiple attempts. Most students take the SAT 2 to 3 times to reach their target score.
Ques. What is the format of the SAT on test day?
Ans. The SAT is fully digital, taken on College Board's Bluebook app on a laptop or tablet. It has 2 sections: Reading and Writing (64 minutes) and Math (70 minutes). Total active testing time is 2 hours 14 minutes, with a 10-minute break between sections.
Ques. Can I cancel my SAT and get a refund?
Ans. Yes. If you cancel before the regular registration deadline for your test date, College Board refunds most of the fee after a $29 cancellation charge. Cancellations after the deadline are not eligible for a refund. Log in to your MySAT account to cancel.
Ques. Is there an age limit for the SAT?
Ans. No. College Board sets no age limit for the SAT. Most candidates are in Class 11 or 12 (aged 16 to 18), but younger students in Class 9 or 10 can also attempt the SAT. There is no minimum or maximum age requirement.
Ques. Can I take the SAT with a disability or special needs?
Ans. Yes. College Board offers accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities, including extended time, breaks, assistive technology, or a reader. You must apply for accommodations at least 7 weeks before your test date through the Services for Students with Disabilities portal on the College Board website.
Ques. When will 2027-28 SAT dates be released?
Ans. College Board typically releases the next academic year's SAT dates in April to May of the current year. Anticipated 2027-28 dates run from 28 August 2027 to 3 June 2028. Confirm exact dates closer to the release on the official College Board SAT dates page.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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