SAT Exam Registration 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Process for Indian Students

Choosing your SAT exam registration dates early is essential to secure a seat in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.

Official 2026 Test Schedule

Note: All deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, U.S. Anticipated dates for August, October, November, and December 2026 typically follow a similar monthly cadence.

Anticipated Fall 2026 Batch

The SAT exam registration is a 30-minute online process if you have your documents ready. Follow these SAT registration instructions to register for SAT in India:

Step 1: Create a College Board Account

• Visit College Board website and create a new account.
• Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport or Aadhaar card. Even a small mismatch can cause issues on the exam day.

Step 2: Complete Your Student Profile

Next, fill in your school name, grade level, and basic academic details. This information does not affect your SAT score and is used only for records.

Step 3: Choose Your Test Date and Test Center

Choose the SAT test date you want to take.
You can search for test centres using your city or PIN code.
 

If you’re aiming for a metro city, it’s a good idea to register early because seats fill up fast.

Step 4: Upload a Digital Photograph

Upload a recent, clear photograph in JPEG or PNG format. Make sure your face is fully visible, with no filters, hats, or shadows.

Step 5: Accept Digital SAT Testing Rules

Read through the Digital SAT testing rules and accept them to continue.

Step 6: Pay the SAT Registration Fee

Make the payment using an international credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Your registration is confirmed only after successful payment.

Before you register for the SAT, it helps to know exactly how much you will be paying. For students registering from India, the total SAT exam fees in India include the base exam fee, an international regional fee, and sales tax.

Note: You pay this amount at the time of registration.

Exchange rates vary daily. INR values are approximate based on 2026 rates.

Additional Fees

If you miss a deadline or require extra services, additional charges will apply.

Tip: Registering early helps you avoid late fees and centre change charges. Also, remember that you get four free score reports if you select colleges before test day.

The College Board is highly flexible regarding who can register for SAT.

Official Eligibility Criteria

• There is no official age limit. While most students are 17 to 19 years old (Class 11 or 12), you can register at any age.
• Students who are 12 years old or younger cannot register for Digital SAT online; they must use a paper SAT registration form and register via mail.
• If you are 21 years or older,  you must carry a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driving licence to the test centre.
• There is no specific academic stream (Science/Arts/Commerce) or minimum marks required to register for SAT. Even gap-year students are eligible.

Documents Required for SAT Registration

For Indian students, document-related issues are one of the most common reasons for being denied entry on test day. While multiple IDs are officially accepted, not all are equally safe in practice.

• Passport (Recommended): A valid, original, and unexpired passport is the safest option for SAT exam registration and test-day entry. Test-centre staff are most consistent with passport verification, which reduces the risk of delays or rejection. You will also need a passport later for your student visa.
• Aadhaar Card (Accepted with caution): The original Aadhaar PVC card or printed Aadhaar letter is accepted in India. Digital Aadhaar (m-Aadhaar) and photocopies are strictly rejected. Verification standards can vary by test centre, making Aadhaar slightly riskier than a passport.

Digital SAT "Technical" Eligibility

You must meet the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) requirements to be eligible to sit for the  test:

• You must bring a laptop (Windows or Mac), an iPad, or a school-managed Chromebook. Mobile phones are not allowed as test devices.
• The Bluebook™ app must be installed on your device before test day. Without it, you will not be able to access the exam.
• You must bring a fully charged device with 3+ hours of battery life without needing a power source during the test.

The SAT exam in 2026 is conducted at authorised test centres across major Indian cities. Centre availability depends on the test date and seat capacity and can change for each SAT session.

For a complete city-wise and state-wise list, refer to:

SAT Test Centres 2026: List of City/State-wise SAT Exam Centre

Popular SAT exam cities in India include

• North India: New Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Lucknow, Amritsar, Chandigarh
• West India: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur
• South India: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram
• East & North-East India: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati

These locations host multiple test centres, usually at international schools, private schools, or authorised institutions approved by the College Board.

Once your SAT exam registration is complete, a few small steps can make a big difference to how smooth your test day feels.
 

1. Install the Bluebook app early so you have time to check whether your laptop or tablet meets the system requirements. Waiting until the last week often creates avoidable stress.
2. Complete the exam setup in Bluebook about five days before the test. This step generates your admission ticket, and without it, you will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
3. Take at least one full-length practice test using Bluebook. It helps you get comfortable with the digital, adaptive format and manage your pacing better on test day.
4. Recheck your ID well in advance, especially the expiry date on your passport or Aadhaar. ID issues are one of the most common reasons students face entry problems.
5. Request a loaner device from the College Board if needed, but do this at least 30 days before the exam. Late requests are usually not approved.
6. Shortlist the universities you want to send scores to before test day so you can use your four free SAT score reports wisely.
7. Check available scholarship or fee waiver options, such as the India Scholars Program, if you are eligible. This can reduce your overall testing cost.
8. Monitor your email closely in the final 24 hours, as test centre updates or emergency closures are communicated at the last minute.
9. Prepare your test-day essentials the night before, including your device, charger, ID, and admission ticket, to avoid rushing in the morning.
10. Review the SAT testing rules once more so there are no surprises about what you can and cannot bring into the test room.