SAT vs CUET: A Comparison Guide for Indian Students
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The SAT and CUET are both standardized tests used for university admissions. So, how is SAT different from CUET? The SAT is mainly used for undergraduate admissions in the US, Canada, and Australia, while CUET focuses on admissions to Indian universities. Choosing between the two tests depends on where a student wants to go and what the specific university requires. The SAT exam is no longer limited to studying abroad, as many prestigious Indian universities now accept SAT scores for their undergraduate programs. SAT and CUET have their own purpose, assess different skills, and are accepted for admissions in different geographic areas. Therefore, it is important to decide which exam is suitable for a candidate before they plan their higher education. This article highlights different parameters of SAT vs CUET, including purpose, exam format, cost, difficulty level, and more.
This Story also Contains
- Key Differences: SAT vs CUET
- What is the Purpose of the SAT vs CUET Exam?
- SAT vs CUET Eligibility
- SAT vs CUET Format
- SAT Exam Fees vs CUET Exam Fees
- SAT vs CUET Scores
- Which is More Difficult SAT or CUET?
- SAT vs CUET: Which One to Choose?
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Key Differences: SAT vs CUET
Particulars | SAT | CUET |
Purpose | To study in USA, Canada or Australia for undergraduate programmes | To study at Indian universities for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes |
Acceptance |
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Syllabus |
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Duration | 2 hours 14 minutes | 60 minutes per subject |
Exam Frequency | 7 times a year (globally) | Once a year |
Cost | $130.98 (₹11,260) | For 3 subjects:
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What is the Purpose of the SAT vs CUET Exam?
SAT: The SAT full form is Scholastic Assessment Test. It is a globally recognized standardized test used for undergraduate admissions to study abroad. More than 400 universities in USA accept SAT scores for admissions. Apart from this, if you are aiming to study in Canada or Australia SAT scores will be required. Around 50 institutions in India accept SAT scores, particularly for international or NRI quotas.
CUET: The CUET full form is Common University Entrance Test. This is a national-level exam that helps students gain admission to various undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs at universities in India that are under the University Grants Commission (UGC). 280+ Indian universities accept CUET (UG) and 200+ Indian universities accept CUET (PG).
SAT vs CUET Eligibility
The difference between the SAT eligibility criteria and the CUET eligibility criteria is defined in the table below.
Particulars | SAT | CUET |
Age Limit | No age limit | No age limit |
Academic Qualification | No specific requirement |
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SAT vs CUET Format
SAT: The SAT exam assesses the preparation of applicants for higher education abroad. It assesses the basic knowledge gained from 9th-12th standard. The duration of the SAT exam is 2 hours and 14 minutes. There are MCQ based and student-produced responses (SPR) question types in the exam. The SAT syllabus is as follows.
Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Areas Assessed |
Reading and Writing (RW) | 54 | 64 minutes (two 32 minute sections) |
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Math | 44 | 70 minutes (two 35 minute sections) |
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CUET: This exam also assesses the high school-level skills of the candidate. CUET is a computer-based exam with MCQ questions. The exam duration varies as each of the three sections of the exam is for 60 minutes. Applicants must choose a maximum of 5 subjects including the Language and General aptitude test. The CUET exam format is as follows.
Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Areas Assessed |
Language | 50 | 60 minutes |
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Domain Specific | 50 | 45 minutes per subject |
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General Test | 50 | 60 minutes |
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SAT Exam Fees vs CUET Exam Fees
Exam fees is an important factor while planning to appear for an examination. The fees for both SAT and CUET is mentioned below.
SAT Exam Fees 2025
Services | Exam Fee in USD | Exam Fee in INR |
SAT Registration Fee | $68 | ₹ 5,845 |
Regional Fees (for international students) | $43 | ₹ 3,670 |
GST | $19.98 | ₹ 1,715 |
Total SAT exam fee | $130.98 | ₹ 11,260 |
Late registration | $38 | ₹ 3,270 |
Change the test centre | $29 | ₹ 2,495 |
Exam cancellation | $34 | ₹ 2,925 |
Late cancellation | $44 | ₹ 3,785 |
CUET Exam Fees 2025
Category | Fees for Up to 3 Subjects | Fees for Each Additional Subject |
General (UR) | ₹ 1000 | ₹ 400 |
OBC (NCL) / EWS | ₹ 900 | ₹ 375 |
SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹ 800 | ₹ 350 |
Centres Outside India | ₹ 4500 | ₹ 1800 |
SAT vs CUET Scores
SAT: The total SAT score ranges from 400-1600. Each section is scored on the range of 200-800. There is no negative marking for wrong answers. The SAT follows the adaptive testing format which means that the difficulty of the questions changes based on how well you are performing in the exam. Therefore, it is challenging to predict your final score just by counting the number of correct answers.
CUET: The marking scheme for CUET is as follows.
5 marks are awarded for each correct answer
1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
There is no negative marking for unanswered or unattempted questions.
How to calculate your total CUET score?
Use the formula given below.
CUET Score = (Number of Correct Answers * 5) - (Number of Incorrect Answers * 1)
For example, if a student answers 25 questions correctly and 10 questions incorrectly, their score would be:
(25 * 5) - (10 * 1) = 125 - 10 = 135
Which is More Difficult SAT or CUET?
The SAT is often seen as a bit challenging exam because it focuses on critical thinking, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning. These skills might be a challenge for high school students. In addition, the SAT reading & writing section has difficult vocabulary and reading passages. In SAT math section, the questions are based on real-world applications rather than just formulas. Whereas, the CUET is based on the NCERT syllabus that the applicants have already studied in school. Moreover, applicants have the option to choose subjects that they feel comfortable with.
SAT vs CUET: Which One to Choose?
Out of the two exams, the SAT and CUET, the basic criterion to choose is the location where you are aiming to study. If you are looking at universities in the US, Canada, or Australia, then you should take the SAT exam. On the other hand, if you are planning to study an undergraduate program in India, then the CUET is the right exam. It is important to check the specific admission requirements for the universities you are interested in, as some may accept either test or just one of them.
Also Read.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is SAT beneficial for Indian students?
A:
Yes, the SAT is an important exam for Indian students if they are aiming to study abroad, especially in countries like USA, Canada or Australia. The SA scores can enhance the application and meet the academic requirements of universities abroad.
Q: What did Bill Gates get on his SAT?
A:
Bill Gates scored 1590 out of a total SAT score of 1600. He then got admitted to Harvard University.
Q: Is the SAT only an MCQ?
A:
No, the SAT is not completely MCQ-based. The Math section of the SAT exam has MCQ-based questions and student-produced response (SPR) based questions.
Q: Can I get into Oxford by SAT?
A:
Yes, Oxford University accepts SAT scores for admission to its undergraduate courses. They have not given a minimum requirement or SAT scores, however, it is advisable to aim for a minimum of 1470 or higher out of 1600.
Q: Can a 12th fail give CUET?
A:
No, applicants must pass the 12th class or an equivalent exam to be eligible to take the CUET. This is a basic eligibility criterion of the CUET exam. For the general category, students should have passed or be appearing for Class 12th (or equivalent) with a minimum of 50% marks and for reserved categories like SC/ST, applicants must have passed or be appearing for Class 12th (or equivalent) with a minimum of 45% marks.
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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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