SAT Exam Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise Syllabus and SAT Exam Pattern

The SAT exam syllabus is based on subjects you have already studied in school, like English, Maths, and Science. These subjects in the SAT exam are used to assess your readiness for the college education abroad. The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is now taken online, and there are big differences between the old SAT and the new Digital SAT. The syllabus has changed over time, and the details are shared in the sections below. The new Digital SAT gives you 43% more time for each question than the old SAT and 68% more time than the ACT. The exam format is also different now. This article outlines the latest SAT exam syllabus and the sections it covers.

Table of Contents

• What is the SAT Exam Syllabus?
• SAT Exam Pattern 2025
• SAT Exam sections overview
• Digital SAT Exam Syllabus: Reading & Writing 2025
• Digital SAT Exam Math Syllabus 2025
• Is SAT Exam Syllabus in Mathematics easy or difficult?
• Scoring Range of the SAT Exam
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Syllabus for the SAT Exam?

The SAT Exam syllabus includes Reading & Writing, Mathematics. The reading and writing sections cover various subjects, from physics and psychology to history and the social sciences. The math section covers algebra, data analysis, problem-solving, and advanced mathematics. There are 2 types of SAT exams - the SAT General Test and the SAT Subject Test (discontinued now).

Compared to the old SAT, now the duration is shorter by nearly an hour. Also, the reading and writing sections are combined from the year 2023, earlier they were separate sections.

SAT is fully digital. As the SAT season kicks off, students across the US will take the SAT on their personal or school-provided laptops or tablets, using the app ‘Bluebook’.

Let’s deep dive into the latest exam pattern for the SAT Digital Exam.

SAT Exam Pattern 2025

The digital SAT exam pattern consists of 98 questions that are mostly MCQ-based and should be completed in 2 hours and 14 minutes. The total SAT score in the exam is between 400 to 1600 scale. Fortunately, there is no negative marking, so students can attempt all questions without fear of losing marks. The SAT exam includes sections on Reading and Writing (RW) and Math. The latest SAT Digital Exam Pattern 2025 is as follows.

SAT Digital Parameters	SAT Digital Reading & Writing (RW) section	SAT Digital Math Section
Format	Two Staged: One tests the reading section and the other tests the writing section, each administered in separate time modules.	Two staged: The math section is conducted in two separately timed modules
Test Length	1st module: 25 operational questions 2 pretest questions 2nd module: 25 operational questions 2 pretest questions	1st module: 20 operational questions 2 pretest questions 2nd module: 20 operational questions 2 pretest questions
Time Duration	1st module: 32 minutes 2nd module: 32 minutes	1st module: 35 minutes 2nd module: 35 minutes
Total Questions	54	44
Total Time Allocated	64 minutes	70 minutes
Scores Reported	Total score calculation: RW + Match section scores
Question Type(s)	Discrete; MCQs with four options	MCQ(75%) and student-produced response (SPR) (25%)
Topics Tested	Literature, History/ Social studies, Humanities and Science	Science, Social Science, and real-world related topics
Informational Graphics	Tested, includes - tables, bar graphs, line graphs	Also tested

Now that you have understood the newly proposed exam pattern for SAT Digital 2025, let’s explore each section’s included syllabus and examination content in detail.

SAT Exam sections overview

The main sections in the SAT exam are Reading & Writing, Mathematics.

Reading: This section has 11 questions designed with reading passages to evaluate the candidate’s ability to understand various contexts, terms, and comprehension of written text.

Writing: In this section, there are 11 questions and the task is to identify the sentence errors. After fixing the mistakes, candidates need to replace the sentences with appropriate alternatives.

Maths: This section comprises 58 questions that candidates need to solve within 80 minutes. The questions mostly cover concepts of Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, and Probability.

Let’s elaborate SAT syllabus for each section in detail

Digital SAT Exam Syllabus: Reading & Writing 2025

See the table below to get an overview of the SAT Reading and Writing sections integrated testing areas in the new Digital SAT exam 2025, followed by a detailed description of each of these testing areas:

Craft and Structure	Words in Context Text Structure and Purpose Cross-Text Connections	Weightage: 28% Number of Questions: 13-15
Information and Ideas	Central Ideas and Details Command of Evidence based on - Textual and Quantitative Inferences	Weightage: 26% Number of Questions: 12-14
Expression of Ideas	Rhetorical Synthesis Transitions	Weightage: 20% Number of Questions: 8-12
Standard English Conventions	Boundaries Form, Structure, and Sense	Weightage: 26% Number of Questions: 11-15

The reading section of the SAT is a part of the evidence-based reading and writing part. It includes a total of around 56 questions split into shorter passages each having 10-11 questions. For each question, you will have four answer choices.

Let’s explore more about these question types asked in the SAT Digital Reading & Writing sections.

Types of Questions in the SAT Reading & Writing Test

The SAT syllabus includes multiple questions on a variety of topics. The different types of questions asked in the reading and writing section of the SAT are as follows:

1. Craft & Structure: The comprehension, analysis, vocabulary, synthesis, reasoning skills, and ability to understand and use high-usage words and phrases in the context are tested. The test takers need to evaluate texts and create connections between the related terms provided.

2. Information & Ideas: Students have to use comprehension reasoning skills, and knowledge to evaluate and integrate information and ideas from the given text and also graphics that include information.

3. Standard English Conventions: Students have to use their language skills, editing skills, and knowledge to modify the text using proper sentence structure and punctuation.

4. Expression of Ideas: Students have to use their ability to revise texts to improve the content effectiveness for meeting specific rhetorical goals.

Now, let’s see the syllabus for the final section of the SAT exam which is Mathematics.

Digital SAT Exam Math Syllabus 2025

Students are allowed to use calculators throughout the math test in SAT. Here is the Mathematics syllabus for SAT exam:

Sections	Testing Portions	Weightage & Question Distribution
Algebra	Linear functions Linear equations in one and two variables Linear inequalities in one or two variables Systems of two linear equations in two variables	Weightage: 35% Number of Questions: 13-15
Advanced Math	Nonlinear functions Equivalent expressions Nonlinear equations in one variable Systems of equations in two variables	Weightage: 35% Number of Questions: 13-15
Problem-solving and Data Analysis	Percentages Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units Probability and conditional probability One-variable data: distributions and measures of centre and spread Two-variable data: models and scatterplots Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and Experiments Inference from sample statistics and margin of error	Weightage: 15% Number of Questions: 5-7
Geometry and Trigonometry	Lines, Angles, and Triangles Area and Volume Trigonometry and Right triangles Circles	Weightage: 15% Number of Questions: 5-7

As of now, this is the standard Digital SAT exam syllabus's new format which tests both reading + writing and Mathematics online. The SAT exam is conducted around seven times a year in India in the months of March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. Refer to the syllabus and prepare well to crack your desired score. For your convenience, we have given the syllabus in PDF format below check it out!

Download the 2025 Digital SAT Exam syllabus PDF here.

Also, click here to download pen and paper mode SAT exam syllabus PDF.

Is SAT Exam Syllabus in Mathematics easy or difficult?

Easy. The math syllabus in the SAT exam is of high school level. However, the questions in the exam can be asked with a twist. Though some questions are uncertain, those who have a good grip on mathematics in their high school can find the exam to be easy. If not, they can find it to be difficult. Moreover, the difficulty level of the SAT exam syllabus can differ from individual to individual. This is because every individual holds a different baseline expertise level in the SAT subjects.

William Meyer took the new SAT digital exam and shared his thoughts “  I genuinely found this new version to be easier, especially because the reading section has always been my achilles heel, and the changes generally affected that section more than math. Still, this test remains the monster it always has been".

Scoring Range of the SAT Exam

The SAT exam score ranges on the 1600 scale point. The scores of the sum of the two sections ranges from 400-1600.

Score of the SAT reported	Details	Range
Section	Evidence-based reading and writing	200-800
Test	Writing and Language Reading Math	10-40
Cross-Test (These scores focus on your skills in analyzing texts and problem-solving based on the selected questions in two sections)	Analysis in Science Analysis in Social Studies/ History	10-40
Subscores	Reading and Writing, and Language (command of words and context evidence. Standard English Conventions and Expression of ideas) Math (Algebra, Advanced Math, Data Analysis and Problem-solving)	1-15

The SAT scores are valid for 5 years. And there is no age limit to apply for the SAT exam. The registration fee for the SAT exam in India is $60 (₹4,948) plus $40 (₹ 3,298) regional fees. Now let's chek out tips for acing SAT exam.

SAT Exam Dates 2025

In India, the SAT exam is conducted seven times a year in the months of March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. 

Registrations are open for the testing year 2025-25. SAT will be held worldwide on the following test dates and deadlines apply to all students taking SAT— U.S. and International

SAT Test Date	Registration Deadline	Deadline for Changes, 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

Source: SAT official website

SAT Exam Preparation Tips 2025

Students planning to take the SAT exam in 2025 can make use of the below useful tips for their preparation:

1. Start Early: Start your preparation at least 6 months before the exam date, so that you can get ample time to prepare, understand the test format, and identify places where you need to improve your skills.

2. Create a Study Plan: Form a structured study plan that covers all the sections with sufficient time allocated for practice tests. Stick to your study plan, outline your goals, and be consistent with your efforts.

3. Master the content: Review the concepts involved in the SAT thoroughly. Identify the areas where you struggle most, pay attention to them, and seek help from teachers, tutors, or online resources if needed.

4. Take Practice Tests: Take more practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam and to maintain effective Time Management. You can use SAT official practice tests and resource pages provided by the College Board. They have the actual exam’s format, question types, and difficulty level.

5. Develop reading skills: Develop active reading skills to understand passages quickly and identify key information. You can annotate and take notes while reading for better understanding.

6. Eliminate answer choices: For multiple-choice questions, you can eliminate incorrect answer options systematically to identify the correct answer.

7. Guess Strategically: If you are not sure about the answer, use the strategic guessing technique. Make an educated guess by eliminating implausible options.

8. Manage stress: Remember a healthy mind and body will help you to give your best in the test. So if you feel stressed during the exam, do deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, and visualization, to remain calm and focused.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step! The first step for students looking for an opportunity to study bachelors in top universities worldwide is to appear for the SAT exam and ace good scores. Remember getting admission to colleges in Canada, US, UK, etc. will give you some of the best learning experiences. Take your time, refer to our blog, and get a clear idea of the SAT exam syllabus and pattern to put your best in the test. You can join Kanan International's comprehensive SAT Coaching in Chennai, Bangalore, Vadodara, or in any other major city to ace the SAT exam on your first attempt. Wishing you a good luck!

Here are some common concerns and questions students have about the SAT exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the subjects in the SAT exam?

The SAT exam syllabus has three main sections: Mathematics, Reading, and Writing and Language. The mathematics section covers mathematical concepts, algebra, data analysis, problem-solving, and advanced math topics. The reading and writing sections include reading comprehension, grammar and language usage.

2. Is the SAT exam difficult for Indian students?

The SAT test is not as difficult as it might seem for first-time test takers. Yes, a lot of factors might make the SAT look challenging, but those can be overcome with proper preparation. While there is no generalizing on whether the SAT is easy for Indian students as there is a different baseline level of expertise for each student in SAT subjects. However, taking plenty of practise tests and examining and refining weaker concepts can help students secure good scores on SAT.

3. How Can I Prepare for the SAT test?

There are various ways to prepare for the SAT exam, including using official SAT practice materials, taking practice tests, enrolling in prep courses or tutoring, and utilizing online resources, SAT preparation books. It's essential to create a study plan that works for you and allows you to review content and practice test-taking strategies.

4. What Happens if I'm Unable to Take the SAT Due to Unforeseen Circumstances? 

If you are unable to take the SAT on your scheduled test date due to illness, emergency, or other extenuating circumstances, you may be eligible for a fee waiver or a makeup test date. Contact the College Board for assistance in such situations.

5. Can I Send My Best SAT Scores to Colleges?

Yes, you can choose which SAT scores to send to colleges using the College Board's Score Choice option. You can send scores from one test date or multiple test dates, depending on the policies of the colleges you're applying to.

6. Is SAT fully MCQ?

Most of the questions in the SAT are multiple-choice questions. Though some questions in the math require you to enter the answer rather than select it. There is no penalty for guessing on all the questions. So, if you’re not sure about the answer it is better to guess and answer the question rather than leaving the response blank.

7. What is SAT exam eligibility?

There are no specific academic eligibility criteria for taking the SAT. Usually, students in class 11 or 12 take this test. But to be eligible to seek admission to a college, you must have completed your high school. Overall, SAT exam is open to high school students, regardless of their grade level or age, as long as they can demonstrate proficiency in English language.

8. How many times can I take the SAT?

You can take the SAT as many times as you want. But remember that SAT is conducted on only 7 times in a year.

9. What is the SAT exam syllabus for engineering?

The syllabus for all the courses is the same. There is no separate syllabus for SAT if you are planning to take engineering. The SAT exam syllabus for medical students is also the same.

10. How to register for the SAT exam?

The registration for the SAT exam can be done online via College Board portal. Follow the steps given below for successful registration

Step 1: Create your College Board account
Step 2: Enter your personal information
Step 3: Create your student profile. Also submit details of high school and academic, and extracurricular activities and college size, type and majors
Step 4: Select the date and centre to appear for the test
Step 5: Upload your photo.
Step 6: Finally, pay the registration fee and confirm the exam slot.