What is the SAT?
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized college admission test developed by the College Board. It is designed to assess skills that students develop through their school education, particularly in Reading and Writing and Math.
While the SAT has traditionally been associated with undergraduate admissions in the United States and other countries, its role in India is expanding. Several Indian universities accept SAT scores for admission to selected undergraduate programmes, giving students another pathway to higher education.
For Indian students, the SAT can therefore serve as more than an admission test. A strong score can help them explore participating universities, demonstrate their academic readiness and, for eligible students, access scholarship opportunities through initiatives such as the College Board India Scholars Program.
Benefits of Taking the SAT
1. One score, many universities. A single result is accepted for admission by Ahmedabad, Ashoka, Manipal, NMIMS, Shiv Nadar, BML Munjal, Shoolini, Plaksha, and Thapar, and by FLAME, Krea, SRM, and others for certain courses, plus universities around the world. One test does the work of many entrance exams.
2. A fair way to be judged. Everyone is tested on the same skills in the same way, so a strong score speaks louder than the name of your school. Scores and grades read together show your readiness better than grades alone.
4. Eight chances a year, close to home. It is held eight times a year at more than 181 centres across over 65 Indian cities, so one weak morning is never the end.
5. Cheap, and sometimes free, to sit. Eligible students get up to 90% off the fee, and up to 100% off in March, May, October, and December.
6. A path to a paid-for degree. A score of 1300 or higher can turn into a full tuition scholarship through graduation at a partner university.
Indian Universities Accepting SAT Score
The SAT is accepted by several leading Indian universities, giving students more options for undergraduate admissions. While some institutions accept SAT scores for a broad range of programmes, others consider them only for specific courses. Students should check the latest admission requirements of their preferred university before applying.
Universities in India Offering Admission Based on SAT Score
| University Name | University Name | University Name | University Name |
| Ahmedabad University | Ashoka University | Manipal Academy of Higher Education | NMIMS Deemed-to-be-University |
| Shiv Nadar University | BML Munjal University | Shoolini University | Plaksha University |
| Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology | FLAME University | KREA University | Manav Rachna University |
| Sri Sri University | Srishti School of Art Design and Technology | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | SRM University, AP – Amaravati |
| SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat | World University of Design | Vijaybhoomi University | Atria University |
| Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) | Manipal University Jaipur | O.P. Jindal Global University | Sophia College for Women |
| Symbiosis International (Deemed University) | Vellore Institute of Technology | IFIM College | M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences |
SAT Discount Voucher: Save Up to 90% on Your SAT Registration Fee
1. 90% discount: Students with an annual family income of less than ₹8 lakh may be eligible for a 90% discount on the SAT registration fee.
2. 50% discount: Students with an annual family income between ₹8 lakh and ₹15 lakh may be eligible for a 50% discount.
3. Who can apply: Eligible students must be Indian residents studying in Class 11 or 12.
4. How to access the voucher: Eligible students can apply through Buddy4Study and, after completing the required process, receive the SAT discount voucher for registration.
The SAT fee discount is separate from the scholarship opportunity under the College Board India Scholars Program. Students can therefore use the voucher to reduce their test registration cost while also pursuing scholarship opportunities based on their SAT score, academic performance and financial need.
How to Apply for a SAT Discount Voucher?
Students should follow the steps mentioned below to receive the SAT fee discount voucher and take the SAT exams for free:
Step 1: Visit the Buddy4Study College Board India Scholars Program page.
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Avail 90% or 50% discount voucher’ options and click on the respective buttons for availing discount voucher.
Step 3: Now, click on the ‘Apply now’ button at the top of the page.
Step 4: Fill in the application form with the required details and upload the documents, as requested.
Step 5: Tick the check box on terms and conditions and submit to make the payment.
Upon receipt of payment of the discounted SAT fee, students will receive the voucher code within 2 days to their email ID.
How SAT Can Help You Secure a Scholarship?
A strong SAT score can open the door to the College Board India Scholars Program, which offers eligible high-achieving Indian students an opportunity to receive financial support for undergraduate education.
The key scholarship benefits and criteria include:
1. Merit-cum-need scholarship: The programme considers both academic performance and financial need.
2. 1300+ SAT score: Students scoring 1300 or higher on the SAT may qualify for the scholarship opportunity.
3. Full-tuition scholarship: Students with an annual family income of less than ₹8 lakh may be eligible for a full-tuition scholarship through graduation, subject to applicable requirements.
4. Income-based eligibility: Students with an annual family income between ₹8 lakh and ₹15 lakh may also qualify for scholarship support, subject to the programme criteria.
5. SAT India Top Performer: Students achieving the required SAT score can earn recognition as an SAT India Top Performer.
The scholarship is not automatically awarded based on an SAT score. Students must meet the programme’s academic and financial eligibility requirements and fulfil the admission and application requirements of the university they choose.
For students with strong academic performance and financial need, the programme makes the SAT more than an admission test. A strong score can become a pathway to significant financial support for higher education.
How to apply for SAT Scholarships?
After having received the SAT voucher, students can redeem it by applying for the SAT Scholarships program by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Visit the College Board SAT registration website.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Register Now’ button and fill in the required details to register and become a College board India Scholar.
Note:- Students should redeem the fee discount voucher within 15 days of the date of receipt of voucher from Buddy4Study or prior to the registration deadline, whichever is earlier.
Documents Required for SAT Scholarships
International or overseas candidates are required to submit the following documents in order to avail SAT scholarships:
1. Academic transcripts, including marksheets, certificates, etc.
2. SAT test scores
3. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
4. Passport-sized photographs
5. A copy of a valid passport and visa
6. Letter of Recommendation (LOR) [If applicable]
7. Statement of Purpose (SOP) [If applicable]
8. Letter of acceptance from participating Indian universities