New SAT Format 2025 - What You Need to Know
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SAT Exam Date:08 Nov' 25 - 08 Nov' 25
The SAT exam was first introduced in 1926 and has undergone numerous name, test structure, and curriculum changes. The latest SAT exam was developed in 2025 to better align the test with the material that high school students learn in the classroom. From 2025, the SAT exam will be held in digital format only. this means that the SAT is a computer-based examination without any option for the paper-based mode. This will be the new SAT format from 2025.
For the changes in the SAT exam for 2025, here are the details:
- SAT exams will be conducted in digital mode only.
- The digital format will be a computer adaptive bisectional test.
- In the computer adaptive bisectional test, the questions in the second section will be different for each candidate based on their response in the first section.
- The reading and writing sections will be combined into one section for the SAT digital exam making the total number os sections in the SAT exam to be 2.
- The duration of the SAT exam is reduced to 2 hours and 14 minutes.
- Students will use a laptop or tablet to take the exam.
- Shorter reading passages covering a wide range of topics will be used.
- Math problems will be shorter and students will be permitted to utilise calculators in one section of the maths test.
- Results will be delivered to students sooner. Scorecards will be produced in days rather than weeks.
Know More:
SAT Exam Pattern 2025
The SAT exam pattern consists of two major sections: RW (Reading and Writing) & Math. The optional essay has been discontinued from the new SAT format 2025. The score of these sections is from 200 to 800 points. The scores of SAT are reported in online mode and released in the form of percentile scores that let you compare your scores with the other students.
Major Features: Redesigned SAT
Category | Redesigned SAT features |
Total Testing Time | 2 hours and 14 minutes |
Components | Reading Test Writing Test Math |
Important Features | Continued emphasis on reasoning alongside a clearer, stronger focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings most important for college and career readiness and success Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact Rights-only scoring (a point for a correct answer but no deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores) |
Score Reporting | Scale ranging from 400 to 1600 Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math |
Subscore Reporting | Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, admission officers, educators, and counselors |
Here is a closer look at the syllabus of the SAT exam
The College Board has planned the SAT exam syllabus in two sections in SAT: Reading & Writing and Math.
Reading and Writing Section Overview
Name of Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit |
Reading & Writing | 54 | 64 minutes |
Mathematics | 44 | 70 minutes |
| Total | 98 | 134 |
Breakdown of the reading & writing section: applicants will be given 54 MCQ questions to be completed in 64 minutes.
Breakdown of the mathematics section: applicants will be given 33 MCQ questions and 11 SPR-type questions to be completed in 7 minutes.
There will be a 10-minute break given to the applicants in between the two sections.
The Math section of the SAT 2025 syllabus has two subtypes. There is a section in which the candidates will be allowed to use the calculators, while the other section will be a no-calculator portion. The math test focuses on areas like the heart of algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis and passport to advanced math.
List of Scholarships to Study Abroad:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does Harvard require SAT 2025?
A:
Harvard announced in 2024 that the university will reinstitute mandatory submission of SAT scores for applicants, beginning with students applying for fall 2025 admission.
Q: What is the duration of the SAT format 2025?
A:
The duration of the redesigned SAT exam will be 2 hours and 14 minutes. the option to opt for an optional essay is discontinued.
Q: How many sections are there in the digital SAT exam?
A:
in the new SAT format 2025, there are only 2 sections. These are the Reading & Writing section and Mathematics sections.
Q: What is the score range of the new SAT format?
A:
A good SAT score typically varies depending on the institution and program. However, a score above 1200 out of 1600 is generally considered competitive and can enhance your chances of admission to many colleges and universities. Top-tier institutions often look for scores above 1400. For personalized advice on what constitutes a strong SAT score for your specific academic goals and to receive guidance on improving your application, you can consult Invicta Career Consultancy, which specializes in helping students navigate their study abroad plans and achieve their desired scores, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.
Q: Will there be SAT in 2025?
A:
The next SAT Test Date is Mar 8, 2025, and the registration Deadline for the same is February 21, 2025, which is extended up to Feb 25, 2025, for Changes, Regular Cancellations, and Late Registration.
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Questions related to SAT
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to SAT ?
You can check the available SAT exam centers in Uttar Pradesh for the December 6 or 7 session through the link I’ll be attaching. It will provide complete details of test locations, registration steps, and guidelines to help you choose your preferred center easily.
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/sat-test-centres
Hello,
follow the links to download MAT and SAT previous year papers.
MAT: https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/mat-question-paper
CAT: https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/sat-sample-papers
Practicing previous papers helps you to understand the exam pattern and to get good rank.
Hello,
For an international student from Nepal applying to BITS Pilani for a B Tech in 2026, a competitive SAT score would likely need to be above 1400 out of 1600. Based on previous admission cycles, a score in the mid-1400s or higher is ideal, especially for popular programs like computer science. Admission is highly competitive and depends on the specific engineering program your son applies for.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hi,
Your son being a Nepalese national, can apply to BITS Pilani for B.Tech in 2026 under the International Student Admission Scheme (ISAS) basis his SAT score instead of BITSAT. For the Pilani campus, especially for competitive branches like computer science or electronics a SAT score of 1450 -1550 out of 1600 is optimal with at least 750+ in math. Pilani itself usually closes in the range of 1350-1550, but above that most likely nets you a rough shot since there are not many international seats - maybe 1 or so per branch site.
Your son should also have good academic grades in his class 11th and 12th examination preferably more than 85–90% and submit his official SAT scores through the College Board itself for application submitted between January to April, 2026. He will also have to enter his SAT scores as well as upload his academic transcripts, passport information and other relevant documents on the BITS International Admissions portal. All in all, on the back of strong school grades a 1450+ SAT score will ensure that he has a very good shot at being accepted to BITS Pilani’s Main Campus.
Hope it helps!!!
Hello Tanaji
https://school.careers360.com/articles/nmms-question-papers . Just visit the link I have attached, so that it will help you to practice well. It is a scholarship exam for Class 8 students from the economically weaker section to encourage them to complete secondary education.
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