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ACT Exam 2025 - Dates, Syllabus, Fees, Test Centres, Sample Paper
About ACT 2026
What is the ACT exam? ACT or the American College Testing is the most commonly accepted entrance exam for undergraduate schools in USA and other universities abroad. The exam consists of MCQ based questions in the subject areas like English, mathematics, and reading. The writing and science section is optional. The upcoming ACT exam dates 2026 are February 14, Aril 11, June 13 and July 11, 2026. The exam assesses the skills of the candidate that are required for studying post-secondary education and the skills that are acquired at the high school level.
Latest Updates - In 2025, new changes were introduced both for the ACT online test and the pen and paper ACT test. The details of the ACT exam changes are given below.
ACT Update | New Details |
Number of Questions | 44 questions removed overall |
ACT Duration | Now takes 125 minutes instead of 195 |
Time Per Question | You get more time to answer one question |
Options Reduced | Math questions now have 4 choices instead of 5 |
Science Section Optional | You can choose to skip the science section (varies by state/school) |
The ACT exam is conducted multiple times a year. You can appear for the test at the ACT exam centres located in the major Indian cities. The ACT registration process is simple and can be done online. There is no specific eligibility to take the ACT test, so students from 9 to 12th classes can take the exam to study in USA or other countries.
ACT Full Form
The full form of ACT is American College Testing. The ACT is a non profit organisation and also helps students to measure their college readiness. All of the universities in USA and more than 200 universities in other countries abroad accept the ACT exam for the undergraduate admission process.
ACT Vs SAT
The ACT test and SAT Exam are a bit similar undergraduate entrance exams. Both of these exams are widely preferred by international students. However, many elements differentiate these tests in multiple ways.
Particulars | ACT | SAT |
Administered by | ACT, Inc. | College Board |
Sections | English, Math, Reading, Science, (Optional: Writing) | Reading & Writing, Math |
Test Format | Paper and digital modes | Digital only |
Total Time | 2 hours 55 minutes (without essay); 3 hours 35 minutes (with essay) | 2 hours 14 minutes |
Math Focus | 25% of the total score | 50% of the total score |
Calculator Use | Allowed on all math questions | Allowed on all math questions |
Science Section | Dedicated Science section (interprets data, graphs, experiments) | No dedicated science section (science-related content may appear in Reading/Writing) |
Reading Passages | Longer passages, multiple questions per passage | Shorter passages, one question per passage |
Scoring Scale | 1-36 composite (1-36 per section) | 400-1600 (200-800 per section) |
Adaptive Testing | No (questions are not adaptive in the same way) | Yes (digital SAT adapts difficulty based on performance in the first module) |
ACT Exam Dates 2026
These ACT exam 2026 dates are different for USA applicants and other international students who are located outside the USA country. Indian students can refer to the ACT international test dates to take the ACT exam in India.
ACT Exam International Test Dates
Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload/ Standby Deadline |
| February 14, 2026 | Jan-09 | Jan-27 | Feb-09 |
| April 11, 2026 | Mar-06 | Mar-24 | Apr-06 |
| June 13, 2026 | May-08 | May-29 | Jun-08 |
| July 11, 2026 | Jun-05 | Jun-24 | Jul-06 |
For further details, check the official website.
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ACT 2026 Highlights
| Full Exam Name | American College Testing |
| Short Exam Name | ACT |
| Conducting Body | ACT |
| Exam Level | University Level Exam |
| Languages | English |
| Mode Of Application | online |
| Mode Of Exam | online |
| Participating Colleges | 35 |
| Exam Duration | 4 Hours |
ACT Important Dates
ACT American College Testing (session 2026)
The ACT test has no specific eligibility criteria for prospective candidates, as individuals of any age above 13 years can sit for the ACT test. Instead, a prospective candidate needs to meet the eligibility criteria of the individual college or university to which he or she will apply through ACT scores.
- Nationality: Students from any country can apply and appear for the ACT test. However, the eligibility of the institute they are applying to will be binding on them.
- Age Limit: ACT Exam has no specific age limit. Students of all ages above 13 years can appear for the ACT test. Students who are younger and less than 13 years old will have to approach the authorities for the same.
Education Level: No specific education requirements are mentioned however, students from grades 11- 12th take the exam.
Parental Consent: Applicants under the age of 16 years need parental consent to register for the ACT exam.
Identification: A valid passport is mandatory to register and to appear for the ACT 2025.
Candidates can submit the ACT application form in online mode. The ACT registration form is available on the official website www.act.org. To complete the ACT application process at home, candidates will need a stable internet connection, high school course details, and a passport-size photograph. Below are the step-by-step guidelines for filling out the ACT application form.
Step 1: Visit the official website - www.act.org.
Step 2: Click on 'Register for ACT', which will lead to a new web page.
Step 3: Create the ACT account and fill out the required details like name, contact number, email address, age, etc followed by the Class 10 educational details.
Step 4: Upload the photograph in the prescribed format.
Step 5: Select an exam date and exam centre to take the ACT test.
Step 6: Complete the application request by submitting the necessary documentation. An ACT registration confirmation will be generated immediately.
Step 7: Pay the pre-requisite application fee in any of the preferred modes of payment like credit card/debit card or internet banking.
Step 8: Check all the details and save the application form.
ACT Test Fees in India 2026
Particulars | ACT Exam Fees (in USD) | Details |
ACT Exam | $131.50 | The ACT Test includes the English, math, and reading sections. |
| ACT with Writing | $156.50 | The ACT Test includes English, math, reading and writing. |
ACT with Science | $141.50 | The ACT Test includes English, math, reading and science. |
| ACT Test with Science and Writing | $166.50 | The ACT Test with science and writing includes English, math, reading, science and writing. |
ACT Exam Add-ons
Particulars | Exam Fees (in USD) | Details |
Writing Add-on | $25 | Can be added or removed with the ACT test through the late deadline. |
Science Add-on | $10 | Can be added or removed with the ACT test through the late deadline. |
Additional Fees Related to ACT 2025
| Details | Cost (in USD) | Details |
Late registration | $40 | ACT Registration or test date change made during the late period. |
Change Fee | $48 | Includes making an ACT Test Date Change or ACT Test Center Change. |
Score reports to the 5th and 6th college choices | $20 | Request online before the ACT test date. Refundable on written request if you do not attempt the exam. |
Additional Score Reports | $20 | You can request additional score reports online after registration. |
Documents Required at Exam ACT 2026
American College Testing 2026
The ACT exam comprises 4 sections. All four sections consist of multiple choice questions (MCQs) with either four or five choices. The ACT Writing section is an optional section that comprises a single essay question. The ACT exam pattern is given below.
ACT Exam Pattern 2026
Section | Duration | No. of Questions |
English | 35 minutes | 50 |
Mathematics | 50 minutes | 45 |
Reading | 40 minutes | 36 |
Science (optional) | 40 minutes | 40 |
Writing | 40 minutes | 1 essay |
ACT 2026 Syllabus
ACT American College Testing Syllabus
Applicants preparing for the ACT exam in India can take the mock tests to understand the exam pattern and questions that they need to expect on the exam day. Practising these ACT sample papers regularly, can help you analyse your preparedness for the test. Based on your performance in the sample ACT test 2026, you can analyse the topics where you need to land your focus.
You can download the ACT Practise Test Science and ACT Practise Test Maths sample papers from our Careers360 website.
If you are preparing for the ACT exam, then you have to check the exam preparation tips mentioned below.
- Get familiar with the ACT exam syllabus and pattern.
- You can regularly work on ACT practice tests and identify the areas to improve.
- Schedule a dedicated time to prepare for the ACT test on a daily basis.
- Set your targeted ACT score and make plans to reach your goal.
While preparing for the ACT exam, students can use the following ACT prep books.
ACT Prep Black Book
Kaplan’s ACT Prep Plus
The Official ACT Prep Guide
Barron’s ACT Study Guide
Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep
There are a few ACT prep books for specific sections of the exam.
Erica Meltzer’s Complete Guide to ACT Reading
Erica Meltzer’s Complete Guide to ACT English
The Master Key to ACT Science
College Panda ACT Math
The 4 Official ACT Subject Guides
ACT exam scores range from 1-36. There is no negative marking in the ACT exam. The official ACT scores are released on the ACT website at act.org. The results are released within two to eight weeks after the ACT exam date. Candidates can access the ACT scores using the MyACT account. Below are the details steps to check your ACT scores.
Step 1: Browse the official website and click on the 'Scores' tab.
Step 2: Now, select 'Sign in/ View scores'.
Step 3: Sign in using your registered email address and password.
Step 4: The ACT scores will be displayed on the screen. Check the details and keep them safe for reference.
ACT Exam Results Date 2026
Test Date | Initial Score Release Date |
| February 14, 2026 | March 03, 2026 |
| April 11, 2026 | April 21, 2026 |
| June 13, 2026 | June 23, 2026 |
| July 11, 2026* | July 21, 2026 |
| September 19, 2026 | October 06, 2026 |
| October 17, 2026 | October 27, 2026 |
| December 12, 2026 | December 22, 2026 |
General Information
Contact Number:
3193371270
Relevant Links:
Official Website Link Click HereFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many times can one take the ACT exam?
A:
There is no limit on re-attempting the ACT exam. Generally, students take the ACT Exam twice or thrice till they get the desired ACT score.
Q: Who is eligible for the ACT exam?
A:
Students who are planning to study undergraduate courses in the USA or other abroad colleges can take this exam for admission purposes. Mostly, high school students in the 11th and 12th classes take the ACT test. As there is no specific eligibility to take the ACT test you can even appear for the exam during your 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10th class.
Q: What is the score range for the ACT exam?
A:
The score range is between 1 to 36. The final score or the composite score is the average score of the four sections.
Q: Is the ACT harder than the SAT?
A:
Yes, the ACT exam is a bit harder than the SAT, because it has four sections in English, reading, math, and science. There is also an additional writing section which is optional in the ACT. With the longer test duration and more exam syllabus, the ACT can be considered harder than the SAT.
Q: Can I make changes to the ACT test date?
A:
Yes, you can change your test dates but it must be done before the late registration deadline. To use this service for the ACT, you are required to pay an extra fee for the date change.
Q: What is the best month to take the ACT?
A:
High school students are advised to take the ACT Exam in their junior year when they have certain academic experience to secure the desired ACT score. Usually, April ACT Dates are preferred by students.
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