SAT Syllabus 2025: Complete Overview for Students

The SAT syllabus gives students a clear idea of what to study for the exam. It covers Reading, Writing, and Math, which test skills needed for college success. Knowing the syllabus helps students focus on important topics, manage time better, and prepare with confidence. This guide explains the updated SAT exam pattern, digital format, and subject-wise syllabus. It is designed for students who want to plan their preparation step by step and achieve a strong score.

Digital SAT Exam Pattern 2025-26

The Digital SAT for the 2025–2026 cycle will be conducted entirely in computer-based mode, replacing the paper format. It consists of two main sections: Reading & Writing and Math. The Reading & Writing section includes 54 questions spread across two modules of 32 minutes each, while the Math section has 44 questions across two modules of 35 minutes each. In total, students attempt 98 questions within 2 hours and 14 minutes. 

The Reading & Writing section tests literature, history, social studies, humanities, and science, with graphics interpretation. The Math section focuses on algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, geometry, and trigonometry, with real-world applications. Scores from both sections combine for a maximum of 1600. To understand the structure better, the tables below provide a detailed breakdown.

1. Overall Digital SAT Exam Pattern

The exam is divided into Reading & Writing and Math, totalling 98 questions in 2 hours 14 minutes, with scores combined for a maximum of 1600.

Parameter	Reading & Writing	Math
Modules	2 (32 minutes each)	2 (35 minutes each)
Total Questions	54	44
Total Time	64 minutes	70 minutes
Score	Combined with Math for a total of 1600	Combined with RW for a total of 1600

2. Reading & Writing Section Details

The Reading and Writing section has 54 questions in two modules, testing literature, history, humanities, and science with multiple-choice questions and graphics interpretation.

Feature	Details
Format	2 separately timed modules
Questions	25 operational + 2 pretest in each module
Question Type	Multiple-choice (4 options)
Topics	Literature, History, Social Studies, Humanities, Science
Special Feature	Informational graphics (tables, bar graphs, line graphs)

3. Math Section Details

The Maths section has 44 questions in two modules, focusing on algebra, advanced math, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry, with real-world problem-solving included.

Feature	Details
Format	2 separately timed modules
Questions	20 operational + 2 pretest in each module
Question Type	75% Multiple-choice, 25% Student-produced response
Topics	Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving & Data Analysis, Geometry, Trigonometry
Special Feature	Real-world problem-solving included

Features of SAT Exam Pattern 2026-27

The SAT will continue in a digital format for the 2025–2026 cycle, replacing the older paper-based version. This updated design makes the test shorter, more adaptive, and easier to manage for students.

• The Digital SAT syllabus is adaptive, with the second module adjusting in difficulty based on performance in the first.
• Passages are shorter, clearer, and linked to individual questions, making them easier to follow.
• The exam is designed to test the practical application of knowledge rather than rote learning.
• Both sections emphasise evidence-based reasoning and critical analysis.
• Real-life contexts are included to make the questions more meaningful and skill-focused.
• Graphs, charts, and data sets are commonly used to evaluate a student’s ability to interpret information.
• The Math section permits the use of a calculator for the entire duration.
• The Reading & Writing section integrates cross-disciplinary content, combining material from literature, science, social studies, and humanities.

Explore: Is SAT Exam Easy for Indian Students?

SAT Exam Pattern for 2026: Section-Wise Breakdown

The SAT exam pattern for 2025 is built around two sections: Reading & Writing (RW) and Math. The structure is simplified and globally standardised for international students. Earlier, the SAT included the Reasoning Test, Subject Tests, and an optional essay. However, now the SAT focuses only on RW and Math, both of which are based on high school knowledge. Scores are reported section-wise, which combine to a maximum of 1600. For Indian students, there is no requirement to take SAT Subject Tests or register for the optional essay

SAT Digital Exam Pattern: Reading and Writing Section 2026

The Reading & Writing section of the SAT is divided into four main areas. Each area has a fixed percentage of coverage and a set number of questions. The details are given below:

Areas of Testing on the SAT Reading& Writing Section	Percentage of Coverage	Number of Questions Tested
Craft & Structure	28%	Around 13–15 questions
Information & Ideas	26%	Around 12–14 questions
Standard English Conventions	26%	Around 11–15 questions
Expression of Ideas	20%	Around 8–12 questions

SAT Digital Exam Pattern: Math Section 2025

The Math section is divided into four broad areas. Algebra and Advanced Math form the core, while Problem-Solving, Geometry, and Trigonometry share equal weightage with fewer questions. The breakdown is as follows:

Areas Covered on SAT Math	Percentage of Coverage	Number of Questions Tested
Algebra	35%	Around 13–15 questions
Advanced Math	35%	Around 13–15 questions
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis	15%	Around 5–7 questions
Geometry and Trigonometry	15%	Around 5–7 questions

Algebra

Algebra tests the fluency of the students in:

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

Advanced Math

The Advanced Math is designed for students targeting STEM fields or higher-level study in science, economics, or technology. It covers:

• Equivalent expressions
• Nonlinear equations in one variable
• Systems of equations in two variables
• Nonlinear functions
• Absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, and radical equations

Problem-Solving & Data Analysis

Problem-solving and data analysis assess quantitative literacy and the ability to interpret real-world data. Key skills include:

• Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
• Percentages
• One-variable data (distributions, measures of centre and spread)
• Two-variable data (models, scatterplots)
• Probability and conditional probability
• Statistical inference and margin of error
• Evaluating claims in observational studies and experiments

Geometry & Trigonometry

Measures problem-solving with geometric and trigonometric concepts:

• Area and volume formulas
• Lines, angles, and triangles
• Right triangles and trigonometry
• Circles

Also Read: SAT Test Price: Check Updated SAT Exam Fee & Mode of Payment

Consolidated SAT Paper Pattern 2026

The Digital SAT lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes, with a 10-minute break between the two sections. Students must answer a total of 98 questions, which are objective in nature. The table below gives a consolidated view:

SAT Sections 2025	No. of Questions Tested per Module	Total Duration (mins)	Score Range
Reading & Writing (RW)	25+25 (50) Operational + 2+2 (4) Pretest = 54 Questions	64 minutes	200–800
Mathematics	20+20 (40) Operational + 2+2 (4) Pretest = 44 Questions	70 minutes	200–800
Total	98 Questions	134 minutes + 10-min break	400–1600

SAT Dates and Deadlines 2026

At this time, registration is open for all students for the 2025–26 testing year. All deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. ET (U.S.). The following SAT test dates and deadlines apply to all students, including both U.S. and international candidates:

August 2025 to June 2026 Test Dates

The SAT will be conducted across eight official dates between August 2025 and June 2026, with specific registration and change deadlines for all students worldwide.

SAT Test Date	Registration Deadline	Deadline for Changes / Regular Cancellation / Late Registration
Aug. 23, 2025	Aug. 8, 2025	Aug. 12, 2025
Sept. 13, 2025	Aug. 29, 2025	Sept. 2, 2025
Oct. 4, 2025	Sept. 19, 2025	Sept. 23, 2025
Nov. 8, 2025	Oct. 24, 2025	Oct. 28, 2025
Dec. 6, 2025	Nov. 21, 2025	Nov. 25, 2025
March 14, 2026	Feb. 27, 2026	March 3, 2026
May 2, 2026	Apr. 17, 2026	Apr. 21, 2026
June 6, 2026	May 22, 2026	May 26, 2026

Anticipated 2026–27 Test Dates

The SAT is expected to be held on several dates in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, allowing students to plan their preparation and registration in advance.

Fall 2026:

• August 15, 2026
  
• September 12, 2026
  
• October 3, 2026
  
• November 7, 2026
  
• December 5, 2026
  

Spring 2027:

• March 13, 2027
  
• May 1, 2027
  
• June 5, 2027
  

The SAT syllabus, exam pattern, and important test dates are essential for effective preparation. By reviewing the section-wise structure, question types, and registration deadlines, students can plan their study schedule strategically and maximise their performance on test day.

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