SAT Scholarships in India

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is one of the major entrance exams for admission to undergraduate courses. 48 colleges in India accept SAT scores, while a majority of colleges in the USA accept this exam for granting admission to international students. Students aspiring to study abroad in the USA aspire to score well on the SAT. However, for many Indian students, the cost of the SAT exam registration is quite high. To add to their woes, international students have to pay an additional international fee along with the registration fees. The College Board recognises this problem and, to support needy students, it offers 50% and 90% discounts on SAT exam fees. In addition, there is a scholarship for top-performing students on the SAT. Want to know more about the scholarship and the SAT discount vouchers? Read our comprehensive guide on SAT scholarships and discount vouchers by the College Board below.

What is SAT?

SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test. For nearly a century now, the SAT has stood as a leading standardised test for seeking college admissions in the United States and India. Developed and published by the College Board, an American non-profit organisation, the SAT assesses students’ proficiency in key academic areas, measuring the reasoning, knowledge and skills essential for college and career readiness.

Beyond complementing the grades of the students or GPA, it provides tangible evidence of their preparedness for the academic challenges inherent in higher education. Serving as a widely recognised benchmark, the SAT helps colleges in evaluating the potential of applicants to succeed in their chosen fields of study.

When Can an Interested Applicant Take the SAT 2024-25?

In India, the SAT examination is conducted 4 times a year, typically in the months of March, May, June, and December. These tests are conducted at 80 test centres spanning more than 40 cities across the country. Exam dates for SAT have been released, and the exams will be conducted on May 3, 2025 and June 7, 2025.

SAT 2024-25 Dates

SAT Test Dates	Registration Deadline	Deadline for Updation, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration
March 8, 2025	February 21, 2025	February 25, 2025
May 3, 2025	April 18, 2025	April 22, 2025
June 7, 2025	May 22, 2025	May 27, 2025

SAT 2025-26 Exam Dates

SAT 2025-26 dates have also been released officially by the College Board. The first exam will be conducted on August 23, 2025, while the last exam will be held on June 6, 2026. Detailed dates for the upcoming exams are provided below.

Season	Test Dates
Fall 2025	August 23, 2025 September 13, 2025 October 4, 2025 November 8, 2025 December 6, 2025
Spring 2026	March 14, 2026 May 2, 2026 June 6, 2026

SAT Fees in India: Registration, Extra Costs & Hidden Charges Explained

Students in India taking the SAT should be aware of not just the registration fee but also additional and optional charges. These include international fees, late fees, test centre charges, and score services. Here’s a breakdown of the SAT costs effective from August 2024 to June 2025.

Standard SAT Registration Cost

Fee Type	Amount	Details
SAT Registration	$68	The base fee for taking the SAT
International Fee	$43	Mandatory fee for test-takers outside the U.S.
Total (Standard)	$111	The base cost for Indian students

Additional Registration-Related Fees

Service	Fee	Details
Test Center Fee	$24	Only for some locations (Not applicable to test centres in India)
Late Registration	$34	For registering after the regular deadline
Change Test Center	$29	If you want to take the test at a different location
Cancel Registration	$29	If cancelled by the change deadline
Late Cancel Fee	$39	If cancelled after the change deadline but before the test day

Score Reporting Fees

Service	Fee	Details
Additional Score Reports	$14 per report	The first four reports are free (if ordered within 9 days of the test)
Rush Score Report	$31	It speeds up delivery, but extra charges apply
Get Scores by Phone	$15 per call	Get scores the same day as the online score release. A credit card is required for this.
Archived Scores	$35	For sending scores from past SAT tests

Indian Universities Accepting SAT Scores

The following Indian universities are the members of the India Global Alliance that accept SAT scores for admissions. It is important to note that some of these universities may accept SAT scores for admission, but not provide scholarships under the India Scholars program by College Board.

University Name	Accepts SAT for Admission (for Indian Residents)	Accepts SAT for Admission (for Foreign Nationals & Non-resident Indians)	Participates in the India Scholars Program
Ahmedabad University	Yes	Yes	Yes
Alliance University	Yes	Yes	No
Amity University Noida	Yes	Yes	Yes
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Amrita School Of Engineering	Yes	Yes	No
Ashoka University	Yes	Yes	Yes
Azim Premji University	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bennett University	Yes	Yes	No
BITS Pilani Vidyavihar Campus	No	Yes	No
BML Munjal University	Yes	Yes	Yes
Chitkara University	Yes	Yes	No
FLAME University	Yes	Yes	No
GITAM University	Yes	Yes	No
Indian School of Business and Finance	Yes	Yes	No
International Institute Of Information Technology, Hyderabad	No	Yes	No
Jagdish Sheth School of Management	Yes	Yes	No
Jagran Lakecity University	Yes	Yes	No
JSS Academy Of Higher Education And Research, Mysuru	Yes	Yes	No
KIIT University	Yes	Yes	No
KREA University	Yes	Yes	No
Mahindra University	Yes	Yes	No
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies	Yes	Yes	No
Manipal University Jaipur	Yes	Yes	No
Masters Union	Yes	Yes	No
MIT World Peace University, Pune	Yes	Yes	No
NICMAR University	Yes	Yes	No
NMIMS Deemed University	Yes	Yes	Yes
OP Jindal Global University	Yes	Yes	No
Pandit Deendayal Energy University	No	Yes	No
Plaksha University	Yes	Yes	No
Rishihood University	Yes	Yes	No
S P Jain School of Global Management	Yes	Yes	No
Sai University	Yes	Yes	No
Shiv Nadar University	Yes	Yes	No
Shoolini University Of Biotechnology And Management Sciences	Yes	Yes	No
Sri Sri University	Yes	Yes	No
Srishti Manipal Institute Of Art, Design And Technology	Yes	Yes	No
SRM Institute of Science and Technology	Yes	Yes	No
SRM University AP Amaravati	Yes	Yes	No
Symbiosis School For Liberal Arts	Yes	Yes	No
Symbiosis Skills and Professional University	Yes	Yes	No
Thapar Institute of Engineering And Technology	Yes	Yes	No
Universal AI University	Yes	Yes	No
University of Petroleum and Energy Science (UPES)	Yes	Yes	No
Vidya Institute of Fashion Technology	Yes	Yes	No
Vidyashilp University	Yes	Yes	No
Vijaybhoomi University	Yes	Yes	No
World University of Design	Yes	Yes	No
Woxsen University	Yes	Yes	No

Understanding SAT Scores

SAT scores are mainly divided into two parts: Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW). Your total SAT score, which ranges from 400 to 1600, is the sum of these two section scores (each ranging from 200 to 800). Universities typically look at your total score as well as the individual Math and EBRW scores when reviewing your application.

However, for admission into highly selective or reputed colleges, a more detailed breakdown of your performance may also be considered. This includes the Test Scores, which range from 10 to 40 and are based on your performance in the Reading, Writing & Language, and Math sections. These scores help highlight your strengths and weaknesses in each specific area of the test and provide a more complete picture of your academic abilities. Please refer to the table below for more information on different sections of the SAT scores.

Score Type	Score Range	What It Means
Total Score	400 – 1600	Your overall SAT score. It’s the sum of your Math score and your Reading & Writing score. This is the number most colleges look at first.
Section Scores	200 – 800	You get two scores here: one for Math and one for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Each is worth up to 800 points.
Test Scores	10 – 40	These show how you did in each individual part: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. Give a deeper look into your performance.
Cross-Test Scores	10 – 40	Measures how well you analyse History/Social Studies and Science-related content, using questions from all sections.
Subscores	1 – 15	Focuses on specific skills across Reading, Writing, and Math. Helpful to see your strengths and areas to improve. The 7 skill areas are: Command of Evidence Words in Context Expression of Ideas Standard English Conventions Heart of Algebra Problem Solving and Data Analysis Passport to Advanced Math

The College Board has teamed up with leading Indian universities to establish a consortium of educational institutions called the India Global Alliance (IGA). The alliance offers a platform for Indian educational institutions to collaborate with some of the world’s most renowned universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Cambridge, Columbia University, McGill University, and the University of Hong Kong, among others.

As part of this initiative, universities within the India Global Alliance accept SAT scores for admissions. Moreover, participating universities provide scholarships to top performers in the SAT exams based on their financial needs. The scholarships cover up to 100% of the course fees of the student if they are a top performer on the SAT and have scored above 1300 on the test.

How To Avail the SAT Fee Discount Voucher?

The application process to get the discount voucher is completely online. Students must fill out the application form and claim the voucher before the SAT exam application deadline closes. To avail of the discount voucher for the SAT exam, applicants must follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Buddy4Study and go to the College Board scholarship section. You can click here to access the application page directly.

Step 2: Choose between the 50% and the 90% discount vouchers as per your eligibility. Click on one of the vouchers and then tap on the Apply Now button.

Step 3: Fill in the application form with the required details and upload the documents.

Step 4: Tick the check box on terms and conditions and submit to make the payment.

Note: Upon receipt of payment of the discounted SAT fee, students will receive the voucher code within 2 days to their email ID.

How to Apply For the SAT Scholarship Programme?

After a student receives the SAT exam fees discount voucher, they can redeem it by applying for the SAT Scholarship program by following the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Visit the College Board SAT registration website and click on the registration link.

Step 2: You will be redirected to the Buddy4Study website for registration.

Step 3: Click on the Apply Now button and fill in the required details to register and become a College Board India Scholar.

Step 4: You will receive a confirmation message for registration for the SAT exam.

Note:- Students are advised to redeem their fee discount voucher within 15 days of receiving it from Buddy4Study or before the registration deadline, whichever is earlier.

Documents Needed for SAT Fees Discount Voucher

The following documents must be kept handy while filling out the application form for the SAT Scholarship.

ID proofs like Aadhar Card or PAN Card
Current education proofs like recent exam reports.
Class 11/12 college or school ID card.
Family income proof of the candidate
Passport-size photographs.

Eligibility & Benefits of SAT Scholarships

Students living in India can avail of two types of benefits under the India Scholars Program by the College Board. The first benefit is a 50% discount on the SAT exam fees, and the second is a 90% discount on the SAT exam fees, plus up to a 100% scholarship for tuition fees.

50% Discount on Exam Fees

If a candidate can meet the eligibility criteria, then they can claim a discount voucher, which will help them decrease exam fees. Mentioned below are the eligibility criteria to avail the benefits of this SAT scholarship:

Students must be a resident of India.
Applicants must be pursuing their studies in Class 11 or 12.
Applicants must have an annual family income ranging between ₹8 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs.
Applicants must have applied and enrolled for a degree course in the participating Indian universities.

Benefits: Eligible applicants will get a 50% discount voucher for the SAT exam fees. So, after a 50% discount on the full fees of ₹12,000, the effective exam fees would be ₹6,000 only.

90% Discount & 100% Tuition Fees Scholarship

The College Board is offering a 90% discount voucher for students with a family income of less than ₹8 lakhs. In addition, if the candidate is a top performer on the SAT with a minimum score of 1300 out of 1600, then they become eligible for up to a 100% scholarship. To be eligible for this discount, students must meet the following criteria:

Students must be a resident of India.
Applicants must be pursuing their studies in Class 11 or 12.
Applicants must have an annual income of not more than ₹8 lakhs.

Additional Eligibility For Scholarship

Top performer on the SAT exam (with a minimum score of 1300 out of 1600).
Must get admission to any of the participating Indian universities.

Benefits: Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will get a voucher, which will provide a 90% discount on the SAT exam fees. Thus, the ₹12,000 fees will become ₹1200.

SAT Preparation: How to Prepare for the SAT?

College Board has officially joined hands with Khan Academy, a leading educational platform renowned for its online tools and resources, to provide free SAT practice accessible on both mobile devices and laptops. Students can access personalised practice plans tailored to their diagnostic results through the official SAT practice platform. This partnership aims to offer world-class SAT preparation resources to all students, completely free of charge.

Khan Academy offers thousands of practice questions, interactive problems, videos, lessons, and 8 full-length practice tests to students so they have ample preparatory study material to familiarise themselves thoroughly with the SAT exam pattern.

FAQs

Is there a SAT exam in India?

Yes, the SAT exam is available in India. The College Board conducts the exam at designated test centres in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

How much does the SAT exam cost in India?

For Indian students, the SAT exam typically costs around USD 111 (approximately ₹12,000), which includes both the registration fee and the international regional fee.

Is the SAT harder than the NEET?

The SAT and NEET assess different skill sets. The SAT tests reading, writing, and math reasoning, while NEET focuses on biology, chemistry, and physics for admission to medical programs.

Does BITS Pilani accept SAT?

Yes, BITS Pilani Vidyavihar Campus accepts SAT scores for admissions. However, BITS also conducts its own entrance exam, BITSAT, as a primary evaluation method.

How can you get a discount on the SAT exam fees in India?

Students can apply on the Buddy4Study website for SAT fee discount vouchers. Those with a family income below ₹8 lakhs can get up to 90% discount, and students with income between ₹8–15 lakhs are eligible for a 50% discount.

Which universities accept the SAT in India?

Around 48 colleges in India accept SAT scores for admissions. These include Ashoka University, Azim Premji University, Bennett University, Ahmedabad University, and more.

What is the eligibility for the SAT exam for Indian students?

There is no specific eligibility set by the College Board. Typically, Indian students in Class 11 or 12, aged 13 or above, can register for the SAT exam online.