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SAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme and No. of Questions
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Jun 20, 2025 05:07 PM IST | #SAT
SAT Exam Pattern 2025: From March 9, 2024, the SAT has been fully digital. The SAT exam pattern 2025 includes two major sections, Reading and Writing (RW) and Math. The total scores for the SAT exam range between 400 - 1600. Each section of the SAT exam is scored on a range of 200-800. The SAT exam pattern 2025 also includes a total of 98 questions, wherein the reading & writing section has 54 questions and the math section has 44 questions. There is also a 10-minute break between the two SAT exam sections. The total duration of the SAT exam 2025 is 2 hours and 14 minutes. The Reading and Writing section is completely MCQ-based, whereas the Math section is 70% MCQ and 30% of the questions are based on student-produced responses, which means that students have to enter the correct answer. Fortunately, there is no negative marking in the SAT exam 2025, so candidates can attempt all the questions without the fear of losing marks. SAT scores play a crucial role while applying for undergraduate colleges abroad, especially in the US. Read this complete article to learn about the new SAT exam pattern 2025, syllabus, scoring, etc.
This Story also Contains
- SAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
- Changes in the SAT Exam Pattern
- What is the Format of the SAT Exam Pattern?
- SAT Exam Duration 2025
- SAT Exam Pattern for Reading & Writing Section
- SAT Exam Pattern for Maths Section
- How is the Digital SAT Exam Scored?
- How To Prepare For SAT 2025?
SAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
Particulars | Reading & Writing Section | Math Section |
Format | 2 sections | 2 sections |
Number of Questions | 54 | 44 |
Duration | 64 minutes (two 32-minute modules) | 70 minutes (two 35-minute modules) |
| Types of Questions |
|
|
| Topics Tested |
|
|
Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions | 70% of questions will be MCQ and 30% of questions will require you to provide an answer, also known as a student-produced response (SPR) |
| Informational Graphics | Questions will include tables, graphs, etc. | Questions will include tables, graphs, etc. |
Changes in the SAT Exam Pattern
The College Board has fully transitioned to the new Digital SAT exam on March 9, 2024. Some of the crucial changes introduced in the SAT exam pattern 2025 include the following.
Digital SAT exam vs Paper-Based SAT (old)
- Digital Format: One of the biggest changes is moving from traditional paper based tests to a completely digital format.
- Shorter Duration: The test duration is now 2 hours and 14 minutes instead of 3 hours.
- Adaptive Testing: This feature ensures the difficulty level of the questions based on the student’s responses.
- Calculator Use: You can use calculators throughout the entire Math section.
- No Optional Essay: The essay portion has been removed.
- Faster Results: You can expect to receive your scores within days rather than weeks.
Also Read
What is the Format of the SAT Exam Pattern?
The new digital SAT 2025 exam pattern in India has a shorter test duration of 2 hours and 14 minutes with a 10-minute break. This SAT paper pattern 2025 utilizes the multistage adaptive testing exam, where the same skills are accurately measured with a shorter test. The candidates can move backward or forward while answering the questions in one particular section. Once the time runs out for the first section, the second module gets started. The format of the SAT exam includes MCQ questions in the reading and writing sections. In the math section, 70% of the questions are MCQ, whereas 30% os the questions are student-produced responses which means that the candidate is required to enter their own response.
Adaptive Testing Format of SAT Exam Pattern 2025
As the SAT test is adaptive, the difficulty level of questions changes to medium, easy, hard, etc., depending on the performance of the candidate.
How Does Adaptive Testing Work in SAT?
Each section consists of 2 modules.
Module 1: Consists of a mix of easy, hard and difficult questions
Module 2: Consists of a mix of varying difficulty-based questions depending on the candidate's performance in Module 1.
SAT Exam Duration 2025
Students can refer to the table below to learn about the SAT exam duration for the new test. Here is the SAT exam pattern in India for aspirants:
READING AND WRITING SECTION | |
Module 1 | 27 questions for 32 minutes |
Module 2 | 27 questions for 32 minutes |
Total | 54 questions for 64 minutes |
MATHEMATICS SECTION | |
Module 1 | 22 questions for 35 minutes |
Module 2 | 22 questions for 35 minutes |
Total | 44 questions for 70 minutes |
SAT Question/Sample papers
Candidates can download SAT Question/Sample papers from here.
Free DownloadSAT Exam Pattern for Reading & Writing Section
The reading and writing section in the SAT 2025 exam pattern in India consists of short reading passages ranging from 25 to 150 words, followed by an MCQ. The RW section is divided into two modules. Each module has 25 operational questions and 2 pre-test questions. The total number of questions in the reading & writing section is 54. The total duration of this section is 64 minutes. Time per module is 32 minutes. So, for each question, the time is 1 minute and 11 seconds. The SAT exam syllabus 2025 consists of passages from subject areas like literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science.
Types of Questions in SAT Reading and Writing Section
The SAT pattern of the reading and writing section consists of questions in the form of MCQs that fall under four domains, as mentioned below.
Craft and Structure: This section checks the comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills of the test takers. It also accesses the knowledge needed to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make connections between topically related texts.
Information and Ideas: This section checks the comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge and the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information from texts and informational graphics such as tables, bar graphs, and more.
Standard English Conventions: This section measures the ability to edit text and understand the core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.
Expression of Ideas: This section checks the ability to revise texts and improve their effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals.
Types of Questions | Number of Questions | Distribution |
Craft and Structure | 13-15 | 28% |
Information and Ideas | 12-14 | 26% |
Standard English Conventions | 11-15 | 26% |
Expression of Ideas | 8-12 | 20% |
SAT Exam Pattern for Maths Section
The maths section in the SAT exam consists of 70% MCQ and 30% student produced responses. This means that some questions will require the candidate to enter the answer. The Math section is divided into two modules. Each module has 20 operational questions and 2 pre-test questions. The total number of questions in the reading & writing section is 44. The total duration of this section is 70 minutes. Time per module is 35 minutes. So, for each question, the time is 1 minute and 35 seconds. This maths section measures the fluency and understanding of application abilities of maths skills and concepts that are most essential. The sample question types of Math can be checked in the SAT sample exam papers.
Types of Questions in SAT Math Section
The SAT test syllabus for the Maths section includes areas like
Algebra
Advanced Math
Problem-solving and Data Analysis
Geometry and Trigonometry
Types of Questions | Number of Questions | Weightage |
Algebra | 13–15 | 35% |
Geometry and Trigonometry | 5-7 | 15% |
Advanced Math | 13–15 | 35% |
Problem-solving and Data Analysis | 5-7 | 15% |
SAT Digital Exam Pattern with Score Range 2025
Sections | Duration | Number of Questions/Tasks | Score Scale |
Reading and Writing (RW section) | 64 minutes | 54 (50 operational questions, 4 pre-test questions) | 200-800 |
Break (10 minutes) | |||
Maths | 70 minutes | 44 (40 operational questions, 4 pre-test questions) | 200-800 |
Total | 144 minutes | 98 | 400-1600 |
The digital SAT exam pattern PDF provides a better understanding of the overall exam format and structure.
Also Read: SAT Syllabus
How is the Digital SAT Exam Scored?
It is important to understand the SAT marking scheme per question. The questions in the SAT exam are scored as either right or wrong. If you were wondering, is there negative marking in SAT exam, then the answer is no. There is no negative marking in the test. So students can attempt every question. The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600. So, what is the lowest SAT score? The lowest possible SAT score is 400, and the highest is 1600. The SAT scores are a sum of the scores in each section.
Math Section: 200 - 800 point scale
Reading and Writing Section: 200 - 800 point scale.
How To Prepare For SAT 2025?
Once you are totally aware of the SAT exam pattern and syllabus, start the preparation for the SAT. Candidates can take the help of best exam preparation books and practice tests as resources. Here are some of the SAT preparation tips that guide your SAT preparation.
- Use the College Board SAT preparation material: These resources provide the appropriate SAT exam portion and give subject knowledge and concepts required for preparation.
- SAT Practice Test: Practicing a decent number of practice tests helps the candidate to get comfortable with the pattern of the SAT exam and format.
- Keep a Target Score: Check the minimum required SAT qualifying scores of the universities and set a target score ahead of it. Now, plan the preparation and ways to achieve the required target score.
SAT Preparation Books 2025
Here is the list of the best SAT preparation materials. These books include all the concepts of the SAT exam pattern and syllabus and provide sample questions for practice. Check them below.
Official Digital SAT Study Guide
Barron SAT Study Guide
Kaplan’s Digital SAT Total Prep 2025
Critical Reading: A Complete Guide to SAT Reading by Erics L. Metzer
SAT Prep Black Book by Mike Barret
SAT Math Orange Book Volume I & II
Know more about SAT:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does SAT have negative markings?
There is no negative marking in the SAT exam pattern. So here students can feel free to answer any question and won't lose points for the guessing. The SAT exam encourages the candidates to guess the answer instead of leaving it blank.
2. What is the SAT score of Mark Zuckerberg?
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook scored 1400 on the SAT exam. The maximum possible marks in SAT is 1400. So he scored full marks i.e, 100%marks in SAT exam.
3. How many times SAT exam is conducted in a year?
The SAT exam is conducted seven times a year. Usually conducted in the months of March, May, June, August, October, November and December.
4. What is the fromat of the SAT test?
The Digital SAT exam pattern consists of 2 sections maths, reading & writing. Most of the questions in the SAT exam are MCQs. The reading and writing section consists of total MCQ-type questions while the maths section consists of both the MCQ and Only the maths section consists of a few student-produced responses (similar to fill in the blanks). The exam is of 2 hours and 14 minutes in duration with a 10-minute break.
5. What is the SAT exam syllabus?
The SAT exam syllabus 2025 consists of 2 sections. The reading and writing section focuses on 4 content domains craft and structure, information and ideas, expression of ideas, and standard English conventions. The math section focuses on 4 content domains algebra, advanced maths, problem-solving & data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry.
6. Is the SAT hard for Indian?
The difficulties come from the unpreparedness of the individual. All the candidates attempting the test are familiar with the concepts and topics of the subjects but the unfamiliarity with the questions patterns, and language difficulty can be overcome by preparing well for the exam.
7. What is the difference between Digital SAT and old SAT?
The older SAT would be either computer or paper-based but the new digital SAT is completely computer-based and section-adaptive. Previously the SAT pattern consisted of 3 sections and an additional writing section. The exam duration is long up to 3 hours. However, the new SAT test pattern consists of only 2 sections and the test is of a shorter duration of up to 2 hours 15 minutes.
8. What are the total marks of the SAT exam?
The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600. Each section of the SAT is weighed equally scoring 200 to 800. These sectional scores are summed and averaged to get the final SAT score.
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Questions related to SAT
Have a question related to SAT ?
Hello,
With a NEET score of 469 and belonging to the 3B category in Karnataka , securing a government or semi-government MBBS seat is unlikely , but not entirely impossible . It depends on the specific college, the number of seats available, and the competition within your category.
Thank you!!
Anushree Thakare 17 June,2025
Hello,
Yes, you can write the session 1 exam even if your 12th mark sheet was not uploaded during the BIT SAT application . Usually, not uploading the mark sheet at the time of registration does not stop you from appearing in the exam.
Just make sure to upload the required documents before the final admission process or as instructed by the exam authority.
If you want to be completely sure, you can check with the BIT SAT help desk or their official website for any specific rules about this. But generally, there is no objection for writing the session 1 exam in this case.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 31 May,2025
Hello Diwakar,
The
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
is a standardized exam used for college admissions, primarily in the USA, but also accepted by some universities in India like Ashoka University and Shiv Nadar University.
Key Points:
-
Eligibility : Typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.
-
Purpose : Assesses reading, writing, and math skills for college admissions.
-
Fees : Around Rs. 4,500 (USD 55), with additional fees for late registration.
-
Syllabus :
-
Reading : 52 questions (65 mins)
-
Writing : 44 questions (35 mins)
-
Math : 58 questions (80 mins)
-
Essay (Optional) : 1 task (50 mins)
-
-
Registration : Available on the College Board website , typically 3-4 months before exam dates.
-
Pattern : 3 hours for the test (without Essay), 3 hours 50 minutes (with Essay).
-
Availability in India : Offered in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.
You can use SAT scores for admissions to universities in the USA and select private institutions in India. Check College Board for exact dates and registration details.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 22 April,2025
Hello there,
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) program sets specific criteria for awarding scholarships, including minimum qualifying marks in both the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
General Eligibility Criteria:
-
Mental Ability Test (MAT): Minimum 40% marks.
-
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): Minimum 40% marks.
-
SC/ST Categories: Minimum 32% marks in both MAT and SAT.
In the case of the MBC (Most Backward Classes) student from Kallakurichi district who scored 52 in MAT and 49 in SAT, the combined total is 101. However, the selection for the NMMS scholarship is not solely based on the total score; it also considers the individual performance in MAT and SAT.
According to the NMMS guidelines, candidates must meet the minimum qualifying marks in both tests. Therefore, despite the overall score, if the student did not achieve the required minimum in either MAT or SAT, they would not be selected for the scholarship.
It's important to note that selection lists are prepared based on district-wise cutoffs, which can vary each year. These cutoffs depend on factors such as the number of applicants and the overall performance in the district.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 12 April,2025
The student might not have been selected for the NMMS scholarship due to a few possible reasons. Although the scores of 52 in MAT and 49 in SAT are decent, the selection for the scholarship depends on various factors such as the cut-off marks, overall performance, and availability of scholarships for the MBC category in the specific district. Each district may have different cut-offs, and if the student's scores did not meet the district's requirements, they may not have been selected.
For more details you can visit the link given below
https://www.careers360.com/college-predictor
Akansha Sharma 14 April,2025
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