Why Should Indian Students Take the SAT Exam to Study in the US or Canada?
SAT exam is the popular standardized test for Indian students who want to study in the US or Canada. Even though many universities have adopted the test-optional policies, strong SAT scores can improve the admission and scholarship chances.
For the Indian students, the SAT helps the universities to evaluate academic readiness fairly
beyond class 12 marks, which vary across the board. In this blog, we tell you the reasons why
Indian students take the SAT exam to become eligible for study abroad studies in the US and
Canada.
What are the benefits of appearing in the SAT Exam?
The SAT is the entrance exam used by various colleges and universities in the US, Canada and
other countries to evaluate your admission eligibility. It evaluates your readiness for college-
level work and gives common data points for comparing applicants. Here are the benefits of
this exam
● International University Admissions – This exam is required for admissions in abroad
courses in the US, UK, Canada, and other countries.
● Scholarship Opportunities – Achieving a high score in SAT test also helps you to avail
scholarships.
● Alternative to Indian Entrance Exams – If you want to study abroad, then the SAT exam
also gives you alternative paths to exams like JEE and CUET.
● Recognition in Indian Universities – The SAT exam is also recognized in the private
universities in India for admission.
Who Should Take the SAT Exam?
The SAT exam is taken for different purposes by different applicants. Here are the applicants who can take the SAT test with a purpose
SAT Test Taker Types | Reason to Take the SAT |
Main Test Takers | Students who want to get admission abroad |
Junior Students | The 10th and 11th class students who want to take the PSAT to check their efficiency for the SAT |
Gap Year or Home Schooled Applicants | Applicants with a gap year can take the SAT to prove their academic readiness. |
Low GPA Scorers | Applicants who have a low GPA score also take the SAT test to strengthen their profiles. |
Scholarship Seekers | The scholarship seekers who want to avail scholarships during studies abroad can take the SAT. |
Which US Universities Accept SAT Exam Scores in 2026?
The international students who want to get admission for the Fall 2025 intake in the USA must know the SAT-accepting institutions. Here are the USA-based universities that accept SAT scores
SAT Accepting US Universities | SAT Cutoff |
Yale University | 1470-1515 |
Harvard University | 1500-1580 |
Dartmouth College | 1450-1550 |
Brown University | 1520-1570 |
Cornell University | 1480-1550 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1520-1570 |
California Institute of Technology (CalTech) | 1500-1545 |
University of Chicago | 1220-1600 |
New York University | 1480-1520 |
University of Pittsburgh | 1350-1470 |
Which Canadian Universities Accept SAT Exam Scores in 2026?
Here are the top Canadian universities that accept SAT scores
SI No. University Name SAT score |
1 University of Toronto >1350 |
2 University of British Columbia >1400 |
3 McGill University >1460 |
4 McMaster University >1200 |
5 University of Montreal >1400 |
6 University of Alberta >1200 |
7 University of Waterloo >1200 |
8 University of Calgary >1100 |
9 University of Saskatchewan >1100 |
10 University of Ottawa >1000 |
When Should Indian Students Register for the SAT Exam for US & Canada Admissions?
Here are the intake that help the Indian students to register for the SAT exam timely and get admissions in US and Canada universities.
University Intake | Recommended SAT Attempt |
Fall 2026 (Aug–Sep) | March – August 2025 |
Spring 2027 (Jan) | May – October 2026 |
Early Action / Early Decision | At least 1 year in advance |
Scholarship deadlines | 12–15 months earlier |
It is suggested to Indian students take the SAT 12–15 months before intake and get enough time for retake and scholarships applications.
What Are the SAT Exam Dates 2026 for Indian Students?
Here are the SAT Exam Dates 2026 for students
Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
27 Feb ‘ 26 | Last date to apply for the March Attempt |
14 Mar ‘ 26 | SAT India exam (March attempt) |
17 Apr ‘ 26 | Last date to apply for the May Attempt |
02 May ‘ 26 | SAT India exam (May attempt) |
22 May ‘ 26 | Last date to apply for the June Attempt |
06 Jun ‘ 26 | SAT India exam (June attempt) |
Where Are the SAT Exam Centres Located in India?
Here are the SAT test centres located in India
City | SAT Test Centre Address |
Bangalore | 1. Bangalore International School, Gedalahalli, Hennur Bagalur Road, Kothanur Post, Bangalore – 560077 2. Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, 15 Residency Road, Bangalore – 560025 3. Canadian International School, 4 & 20, Manchenahalli, Yelahanka, Bangalore – 560064 4. Ebenezer International School, Bangalore, Singena Agrahara Road, Via Huskur Road / A.P.M.C. Yard, Huskur P.O, Electronic City, Bangalore – 560099 5. The International School Bangalore, NAFL Valley, Whitefield–Sarjapur Road, Near Dommasandra Circle, Bangalore – 562125 |
Chennai | 1. Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School, 1, Anderson Road, Cochin House, Chennai – 600006 2. CPS Global School, Anna Nagar Campus, A-80, IIIrd Avenue, Anna Nagar Roundtana, Anna Nagar East, Chennai – 600102 3. CPS Global School, Thirumazhisai Campus, Thiruvallur High Road, SH-50, Off Poonamallee–Motel Highway, Thirumazhisai, Chennai – 600124 |
Chandigarh | Strawberry Fields High School, Sector 26, Chandigarh – 160019 |
Delhi-NCR | 1. United States India Educational Foundation, 12, Hailey Rd, Hamdard Nagar, Vakil Lane, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110001 2. Pathways School Noida, Sector 100, Noida – 201301 3. GD Goenka World School, G.D. Goenka Education City, Sohna-Gurgaon Road, Sohna – 122103 4. Pathways School Gurgaon, Off Gurugram–Faridabad Road, Gurugram – 122003 5. Pathways World School Aravali, Off Gurugram–Sohna Road, Gurugram – 122102 6. St. Michael’s Senior Secondary School, Shivpuri, Sector 7, Gurugram – 122001 7. Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Sector 62, Gurgaon – 122011 |
Hyderabad | 1. Sreenidhi International School, Near AP Police Academy, Appa Junction, Aziznagar, Moinabad, Hyderabad – 500075 2. Indus International School, Hyderabad, Survey No. 424 & 425, Kondakal Village, Hyderabad – 501203 3. The Gaudium School – Kollur Campus, Velimela Village, Ramachandrapuram, Hyderabad – 502300 4. Delhi Public School, Plot 44 & 42A, Nacharam–Mallapur Road, Hyderabad – 500076 5. Rockwell International School, Sy No. 160D, Gandipet Main Road, Hyderabad – 500075 |
Kolkata | 1. La Martiniere Calcutta for Boys, 11, Dr. U. N. Brahmachari Street (Loudon Street), Elgin, Kolkata – 700017 2. South City International School, 375, Prince Anwar Shah Road, South City Complex, Jadavpur, Kolkata – 700068 3. United States–India Educational Foundation, The American Center, 38A Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata – 700071 4. Assembly of God Church School, 125, Park Street, Mullick Bazar, Taltala, Kolkata – 700017 |
Mumbai | 1. Aditya Birla World Academy, Vastu Shilp Annexe, Gamadia Colony, JD Road, Tardeo, Mumbai – 400007 2. Anjuman-I-Islam High School, D.N. Road, Opp. CST, Mumbai – 400001 3. Bombay Teachers’ Training College, MB Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai – 400001 4. Cathedral and John Connon School, 6, Purushottamdas Thakurdas Marg, Fort, Mumbai – 400001 5. Jamnabai Narsee School, Narsee Monjee Bhavan, 7 North-South Road, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle West, Mumbai – 400049
|
What Is the SAT Exam Pattern for Indian Students in 2026?
You should understand the adaptive SAT format to excel in this exam. The College Board Digital SAT is well designed to make the testing smarter, shorter and less stressful. Here is an overview of the digital SAT format
Section | Modules | Operational Questions | Total Time Allotted | Key Function |
Reading and Writing | 2 (Adaptive) | 50 (25 per module) | 64 minutes | Evaluates verbal and analytical skills |
Math | 2 (Adaptive) | 40 (20 per module) | 70 minutes | Measures problem-solving and quantitative analysis |
Total Core Time | 4 | 90 | 2 hours, 14 minutes | Standardised College Readiness Assessment |
Conclusion
Indian students who want to study in the USA and Canada can take the SAT test. This test is a valuable tool to strengthen your university applications and unlock scholarship opportunities. With its digital format, shorter duration and skill-based assessment, the SAT exam aligns with Indian academic curricula. The applicants with strong SAT scores can secure admission in competitive global institutions.
Your overseas Dream Deserves clarity Plan Better. Apply Stronger
30+ Years of Global Trust
Decades of proven expertise guiding students and partners with integrity, consistency, and results worldwide.
3,00,000+ Successful Admissions
Empowering hundreds of thousands of students to achieve their international education goals across top destinations.
700+ Top University Partnerships
Strong, trusted collaborations with leading universities worldwide to deliver quality outcomes and opportunities.
38+ Offices Across India & Overseas
A widespread global presence ensuring local support, accessibility, and personalized guidance wherever you are.
Your Dream Score Starts Here
Submit your details to get a personalized study plan
