SAT Exam Syllabus 2025: Check Section-wise SAT Syllabus

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Aishwarya Bhatnagar

Aishwarya BhatnagarStudy Abroad Expert

Updated on Jan 17, 2025 12:03 IST

SAT 2025 Exam Syllabus is designed based on the already studied subjects in school over the years, like English, Maths and Science. Based on these parameters the SAT exam tests an applicant's ability to study in colleges abroad. The SAT exam is administered online and there is a stark difference between the old SAT and Digital SAT. The SAT syllabus has changed over time, which is also discussed in the following sections. The new furbished Digital SAT exam provides 43% more time for each question as compared to the old SAT and 68% more time for answering in comparison to the ACT exam. The new SAT pattern has also evolved along with the SAT exam syllabus. This article focuses on everything about the SAT exam syllabus for each of the sections that are tested on the SAT exam.

sat exam syllabus

Q:   Can Indian students prepare SAT exam syllabus at home without tuitions?

A:

Yes, it is possible to prepare for SAT syllabus at home nd without any tuitions. Since SAT syllabus is huge, there's a lot of SAT prep material available online through which you can study and prepare on your own. However, this is not everyone's cup of tea, so, it is better to understand the SAT format and then decide whether you need coaching to clear SAT or not. Tips to prepare for SAT syllabus at home are as follows:

  • Be thorough with the SAT syllabus
  • Work on your grammar
  • Start reading non-fiction apart from the school text
  • Work on your vocabulary
  • Work on mental math
  • Practice and practice 
  • Understand your weak points and work on them
  • Attempt mocks

Q:   What are the topics on the SAT?

A:

There are various topics tested on SAT exam. The section wise bifurcation is as follows:

  • Topics on SAT Reading & Writing Section:
    • Literature
    • History / Social Studies
    • Humanities and Science
  • Topics on SAT Math Section:
    • Algebra
    • Advanced Math
    • Problem Solving & Data Analysis
    • Geometry & Trigonometry

Q:   How many hours would require to cover SAT syllabus?

A:

Check when you are going to take the SAT test. The SAT syllabus is vast hence it cannot be covered in a couple of hours. If you have a good amount of time say six months then you need to give fewer hours daily, on the other hand, if you have less amount of time for SAT test then you need to study more hours. Go through the SAT syllabus and understand how much it will take you to cover each and every topic and prepare a study plan accordingly. Thus, this completely depends on the applicant and how he/she wishes to cover the SAT exam syllabus.

Q:   Can SAT syllabus change before the exam date?

A:

No, the SAT syllabus does not change overnight. Before changes in SAT's syllabus are announced, there is a proper detailed information available at the College Board website. Usually, the website would also share mock test sources and update of the changes made. Before SAT Digital came into play, the syllabus was changed and was announced two months prior to the first exam date for international students. Hence, students should not worry about the syllabus getting changed at last minute. In case the changes are expected, then they are proposed 2-3 months before so that the preparation of the applicant is not affected by the changes. 

Q:   Is SAT syllabus tough for Indian students?

A:

The SAT exam syllabus is designed for applicants on the basis of class XII and school-level academics. Toughness of SAT syllabus is very subjective and shall vary from individual to individual. SAT syllabus is designed keeping school academics in mind and assessing the aptitude of applicants for college admissions. Thus, based on the applicants overall preparation, SAT syllabus will be easier and applicants will not face a lot of difficulty in cracking the exam.

SAT Exam Pattern 2025

The following is the latest and the only proposed exam pattern for SAT 2025, divided into the following sections and shorter in duration by almost one hour. Check out the latest SAT Digital exam 2025 pattern below:

SAT Digital Parameters

SAT Digital Reading & Writing (RW) Section

SAT Digital Math Section

 

Format

Two-staged: one tests Reading and the other the Writing section. Both are administered across separately timed modules.

Two-staged: The math section is administered via two separately timed modules.

 

 

Test length (total operational and pretest questions)

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 + Math 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

Algebra, Problem Solving & Data Analysis, Advanced Math and; Geometry & Trigonometry

Informational Graphics

Tested, includes - tables, bar graphs, line graphs

Also tested

The above-given is what the SAT exam pattern looks like. Applicants can keep this table handy before beginning with their SAT exam preparation.

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SAT Exam Syllabus 2025

SAT Syllabus includes courses that students have already covered in their school curriculum over the years. The syllabus for SAT exam includes:

  • Reading & Writing
  • Mathematics

Earlier on, SAT was testing reading and writing as two separate sections, but now there is one section only. Also, the science concepts are not tested directly like the Maths section, but there would be passages in the reading and writing section which would cater to the Science subject coverage in the SAT exam. There is no specific SAT exam syllabus for the science section.

SAT Digital Reading & Writing Syllabus 2025

The following table throws light on the combined areas of testing for SAT Reading and Writing for the new Digital, followed by a detailed description of each of the areas of testing:

SAT Reading & Writing Section Areas

Skill / Knowledge Testing Areas

Weightage & Question Distribution

Craft and Structure

  • Words in Context
  • Text Structure and Purpose
  • Cross-Text Connections

Weightage: 28% 

Questions: 13-15

Information and Ideas

  • Central Ideas and Details
  • Command of Evidence based on - Textual and Quantitative Inferences

Weightage: 26% 

Questions: 12-14

Standard English Conventions

  • Boundaries
  • Form, Structure, and Sense

Weightage: 26% 

Questions: 11-15

Expression of Ideas

Rhetorical Synthesis Transitions

Weightage: 20% 

Questions: 8-12

The SAT Reading section is a part of the evidence-based Reading and Writing part of the SAT. It has a total of shorter passages each having 10-11 questions and there will be a total of around 56 questions in the section. Each question has four answer choices. The reading comprehension part is designed to evaluate candidates' ability to understand the meaning of different contexts and their associated terms with meaning and to comprehend written text.

Check:

Types of Questions in the Reading & Writing Test

1. Craft & Structure

Students will be assessed for their comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills and knowledge to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context. They would also be required to evaluate texts rhetorically and make connections between topically related texts.

2. Information & Ideas

Students will use comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge and the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas from texts and informational graphics.

3. Standard English Conventions

Students will use editing skills and knowledge to make the text conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.

4. Expression of Ideas

Students will use the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals.

Check: Exam Day Tips for SAT

SAT Digital Math Syllabus 2025

Check out the SAT Digital Math syllabus for the exam that is scheduled to be conducted on the upcoming exam date:

SAT Math Testing Areas

Skill / Knowledge Testing Areas

Weightage & Question Distribution

Algebra

  • Linear equations in one variable
  • Linear equations in two variables
  • Linear functions
  • Systems of two linear equations in two variables
  • Linear inequalities in one or two variables

Weightage: 35% 

Questions: 13-15

Advanced Math

  • Equivalent expressions
  • Nonlinear equations in one variable
  • Systems of equations in two variables
  • Nonlinear functions

Weightage: 35% 

Questions: 13-15

Problem-solving and Data Analysis
  • Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
  • Percentages
  • One-variable data: distributions and measures of centre and spread
  • Two-variable data: models and scatterplots
  • Probability and conditional probability
  • Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
  • Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and Experiments

Weightage: 15%

Questions: 5-7

Geometry and Trigonometry
  • Area and volume formulae
  • Lines, angles, and triangles
  • Right triangles and trigonometry
  • Circles

Weightage: 15%

Questions: 5-7

For now, this is the standard SAT exam syllabus that will test both the Reading + Writing and the Maths sections of the SAT exam as per the new format or in the Digital SAT. 

Q:   What is the Math syllabus for SAT?

A:

SAT Maths Test Syllabus is given below:

  • Number and Operations: Operations, Ratio and Proportion, Elementary Number Theory, and Complex Numbers Counting

  • Algebra and Functions: Expressions, Equations, Properties of Functions that includes Linear, Rational, Polynomial, and Exponential

  • Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability: Mean, Media, Mode, Range, Graphs and Plots, Probability

  • Geometry and Measurement: Coordinate Geometry includes Lines, Circles, Transformations, Symmetry, and Parabolas. Also, Three-dimensional includes Surface Area and Volume, and Solids, and Trigonometry.

Q:   What is the SAT exam syllabus for Reading & Writing section?

A:

The following areas are tested for Reading & Writing section of SAT:

  • Information and Ideas: 
  • Craft and Structure
  • Expression of Ideas
  • Standard English Conventions

The SAT RW section syllabus usually includes reading comprehensions, analysis, understanding and MCQ type of questions are tested.  

Q:   Why is it important to know how and when to use a calculator effectively during SAT exam?

A:

Understanding when to use a calculator is crucial not just for the SAT but also for success in higher education and professional settings. The ability to evaluate the necessity of tool use enables you to work more efficiently and improve your overall problem-solving skills. This is a skill that extends beyond the test and is essential in everyday academic work and various career fields.

Q:   Are there specific types of questions where using a calculator may not be advantageous in SAT exam?

A:

Yes, while calculators are allowed, there will be questions where it may be more efficient not to use one. For instance, simple arithmetic operations or problems that can be solved quickly through mental math or reasoning may take longer if you rely on a calculator. Students who capitalize on their problem-solving skills in these situations may find that they have greater control over their time management during the test.








Digital SAT Pattern vs Old SAT Pattern 2025

In March last year, the digital version of SAT was launched and Indian students appeared for the exam for the first time in the online mode. The sections of SAT Digital are now denoted with slightly different names but the parameters to test a student’s knowledge and skills are almost the same. Check out how the Digital SAT syllabus varies with the older version in the table below:

Features Old SAT Syllabus
New Digital SAT Syllabus
Reading Passages Longer passages with multiple questions
Shorter passages with a single related question
Reading Comprehension Emphasis on analyzing complex texts
Focus on understanding and analyzing shorter passages
Writing & Language Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills
Similar focus, with an emphasis on clarity and conciseness in shorter passages
Math Covered a broader range of math concepts 
Focus on core mathematical skills and problem-solving strategies
Calculator Use Separate sections with and without calculator use
Calculator allowed throughout the entire Math section
Multistage Adaptive Testing Not available on the previous version
Available on the latest version
Word Problems Longer word problems which were complex

The length of word problems will be less.

Reading & Writing Section Two different sections

The verbal section’s ‘Reading and Writing & Language’ sections have now become a single section ‘Reading and Writing’ section.

Thus, this is how the new SAT exam syllabus looks like, in comparison to the older version of the SAT exam syllabus. Applicants would have understood the difference between the two versions of the exam and how the syllabus has evolved thus far.

Read More: Essential SAT Tips and Strategies







Q:   What is SAT exam given for?

A:

SAT exam is given by high school students who are applying for admission to universities abroad. Most of the US, Canada, UK, Italy and a few Australian universities accept SAT scores for undergraduate admissions from international students. In some cases, students may have a choice to either submit a SAT score or ACT score or even exempt them from submitting any of these standardised tests for admission. SAT exam pattern is very different from ACT, with new changes in SAT, the duration has reduced for SAT exam as well. Most preferred among international students is the SAT exam and a large number of students sit for this exam. 

Q:   Has SAT syllabus become harder post digitalization?

A:

SAT syllabus has definitely reduced and so has the overall duration, but the question of SAT syllabus becoming harder is a hoax. The syllabus is more or less the same as before but with a special focus on understanding and analysing the questions. The subject tests and essay writing sections have also been scrapped, thus, SAT syllbus post digitalization has probably become clearer rather than harder than the testing before. The rest also depends upon the applicant's preparation.

Q:   Has SAT exam syllabus reduced after going digital?

A:

Yes, after SAT has become DIgital, the new Digital SAT syllabus has witnessed a change as well. The syllabus of SAT exam has been reduced by 20%. The following is a difference between old SAT format and new SAT format:

FactorsOld SAT Syllabus New SAT Syllabus 
SAT Reading & Writing Section Syllabus Reading Section:  5 passages with 52 questions  Writing Language Section:  4 passages with 44 questions A combined section of Reading & Writing (RW Section) includes 54 MCQs with short passages 
Total Length of SAT Reading & Writing Section 100 minutes: Reading was for 65 minutes Writing for 35 minutes 64 minutes
SAT Math Section Syllabus No Calculator Section: 15 MCQs 5 student-produced questions  Calculator Section: 30 MCQs 8 student-produced questions Calculators allowed for all questions. 33 MCQs + 11 student-produced questions are asked. 

Q:   Is SAT Digital an adaptive test?

A:

With the introduction of SAT Digital, the SAT exam has also become an adaptive test. This means that when the applicant attempts the very first module (irrespective of the section - RW or Math) the test functionality determines the difficulty level of the second module. Thus, the questions that will be tested on the second module will be based on how the applicants answered the questions on the first module. This, in turn, factors in an accurate assessment of the applicant's performance. Since the difficulty of questions on SAT change based on the first module, however, the overall SAT exam syllabus for testing the applicants remains the same. 

SAT Exam Preparation Tips 2025

Like all other exams, candidates can either go for self-study or can opt for coaching classes. You can read the detailed information on SAT 2025 Preparation Tips. Candidates looking to prepare for all the sections of the SAT Exam can perform their best during the time of the exam by:

  • Beginning SAT exam prep as early as possible.
  • Being thorough with the SAT syllabus.
  • Check out the weak points and then study for SAT.
  • Devising a strategy to crack SAT and study for a dedicated number of hours daily.
  • Practising SAT mock tests as many as possible.

SAT syllabus has not witnessed a lot of changes, rather the number of questions on SAT and the duration of the exam have reduced. There are more details covered in the section below, check them out as well along with When to Start Preparing for SAT Exam

Q:   How can I start preparing for SAT?

A:

Follow these steps to prepare yourself for SAT exam:

  • Make yourself familiar with the SAT test format
  • Work on his reading skills
  • Use free test prep available online
  • Make a proper study plan
  • After completing the syllabus give practice tests

Q:   Is SAT preparation easy for Indian high school students?

A:

The preparation of SAT exam solely depends on the applicants and how they have the SAT syllabus covered while they were in high school. The ease of SAT exam preparation depends on the applicants solely. For those who have even one SAT exam section covered, they can still take some more time to take up the next section of SAT and prepare. The preparation of SAT exam is easy for those applicants also who are good at Mathematics and English language. 

SAT exam preparation will also be based on the applicant's previous knowledge. The applicants who are preparing for SAT exam will have to take into consideration that they also have to take up mock tests, which will further prove beneficial in cracking the exam. The SAT exam preparation can be eased off by following these five tips:

  1. Make a schedule and make a plan. Weak topics must be picked up first followed by the those topics which the applicant is confident about.
  2. Decide how much time needs to be given to each topic and how much time will it take to complete the entire syllabus.
  3. After the prep time is allocated, make some room for practicing on the SAT mocks.
  4. Also some time must be dedicated to revision, and coming back to those topics where the applicant lost marks in the mock test. 

Upon following these steps, the applicants will be able to ease their SAT exam preparation. 

Q:   How can students prepare to get a good SAT score?

A:

An average SAT score is around 1000. Check what is your target score and try to achieve that. Although anything above 1200 is considered a good SAT score. The maximum anyone can score on the SAT is the perfect score of 1600. Learn more about what a good SAT Score here. Preparation should be based on a specific strategy and focusing on the weak points and strengthening them first and then moving on to the strong points. 

Q:   How to make SAT prep a fun activity?

A:

Plan your study time to prepare for SAT exam in such a way that it doesn't seem to be a learning exercise rather it should be a fun activity.

  • Start reading for fun and not just as an exercise every night before sleeping.
  • Play word games to build a strong vocab for this you can read non-fiction books or solve crosswords in newspapers.
  • Watch educational videos regularly.
  • Pick up one topic everyday and discuss amongst yourselves while each member puts in some ideas, at the end there will be enough knowledge on the topic.

With this, SAT prep will become fun and will not seem like a boring exam preparation for students. 

SAT Syllabus 2025 FAQs

Check out the FAQs for the SAT syllabus for more clarity in the following section. 

Q:   Can I cover the SAT syllabus in one month?

A:

Studying for the SAT in one month is possible if you have a solid study plan. Usually, it is recommended to study 10-12 hours every week for three months to prepare for the SAT and cover the SAT syllabus holistically. Along with this, keep aside some more time for practice also.

So, if you are planning to attempt the exam in one month then increase your study hours daily and ensure that there is enough practice also side by side to cover the SAT syllabus in minimum possible time. Plus ensure that whatever has been covered has also been revised from time to time also. Hence, this way an applicant can cover SAT syllabus in a month's time. 

Q:   What are the best books for SAT syllabus for Math section?

A:

Some of the best books to cover SAT syllabus for Math section are as follows:

  • PWN The SAT: Math Guide, 4th Edition
  • 800 Math Workbook New Edition by Dr. Jang's SAT
  • Barron's SAT Math Workbook, 7th Edition
  • 500 New SAT Math Problems by Dr. Steve Warner's

Students are free to consult other resources as well, based on their convenience of resource availability. In majority of cases, these books are suficient to cover the entire syllabus for SAT Maths section. More than syllabus coverage, it is important that applicants practice as much as possible and focus on mocks most importantly while preparing. 

Q:   What is SAT syllabus for Algebra?

A:

The following is the SAT syllabus for Algebra, tested in the Maths section:

  • Linear equations in one variable
  • Linear equations in two variables
  • Linear functions
  • Systems of two linear equations in two variables
  • Linear inequalities in one or two variables

Moreover, Algebra measures the student's ability to analyse, fluency in solving, and creating linear equations as well as analse and solve equations easily along with the equation system using various techniques. Thus, the syllabus for Math's Algebra section is the most complicated and hence, applicants must prepare for this section with thoroughness and also with a lot of practice as well. 

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Comments

(1348)

Hello Ma'am, so these are the queries which are rising up:- •What are the admission steps required for SAT examination from an Indian student. •Can we actually choose our center for the specific test •how will we know where and at which place will the test be conducted at.

Reply to Anadishree Singh

A

Aishwarya BhatnagarStudy Abroad Expert

4 weeks ago

Hello Anadishree! For SAT registrations, check out - https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/exams/sat/how-to-register and understand the steps for registration. While registering you will be given an option to choose the area where you reside and you will be prompted with the number of SAT centres avai

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M

Mahi

2 months ago

what is portion of an sat exam and what are books required to prepared for it if you are india in 11 grade

Reply to Mahi

A

Aishwarya BhatnagarStudy Abroad Expert

4 weeks ago

Hello Mahi! If you are in class XI you can begin preparing for SAT exam, by first understanding the SAT exam's pattern and syllabus. You can then pick up books relevant to SAT exam topics that are tested and begin your preparation for the exam. You can check out the details on our page for all the a

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H

Hrishi Gupta

4 months ago

Hello mam, Here's a query rising that, if a I pass my sat exams after my high school completed, will it be too late for applying in a foreign university .I mean is there any time period applying for university . Moreover will u recount me a good platform preparing for my sat exams .

Reply to Hrishi Gupta

A

Aishwarya BhatnagarStudy Abroad Expert

3 months ago

Hello Hrishi! In case you take your SATs after completing your high school, you can still submit your admission application, without SAT exam scores. A window opens for universities abroad to submit scores within that period, and you can update your SAT scores or score reports can be sent officially

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I

Ishika Sonthalia

6 months ago

What if I pass sat in 11? Like what am I suppose to do now? Clear 12 then register for college with my 11 sat marks?

Reply to Ishika Sonthalia

H

Hrishi Gupta

4 months ago

If you are ready then u can contact me from my instagram account- hogwart_sorting . thank you

H

Hrishi Gupta

4 months ago

Hey Ishika, Hrishi here; I'm preparing for my sat too but I need a little bit of help about preparation, if u don't mind will you help me for my preparetion too, I mean if we will work as a classmate then it will be helpful for both of us.

View More Replies (1)

K

Kareena Bwaniwal

7 months ago

1)Are SAT & SAT subject test both different? 2) Is it compulsory to attempt both sat & sat subject test? Can you please give information about it?

Reply to Kareena Bwaniwal

A

Aishwarya BhatnagarStudy Abroad Expert

5 months ago

Hello Kareena! SAT Subject Tests have been discontinued for Indian students. Thus, you only have to register for the SAT exam.