SAT Exam Eligibility is set up by the College Board, which has not specified any particular eligibility criteria for appearing in the exam. International students can register and apply on the College Board website if they intend to take the SAT exam for undergraduate courses. On the College Board website, students must be 13 years of age or older to register. However, the College Board has not established any SAT eligibility requirements with regard to the age requirement to appear and register for the SAT exam.

To pursue entrance to undergraduate programs, students must have completed high school, and only then would SAT scores be considered valid. The biggest turnout for the SATs was among students between the ages of 17 and 19. Additionally, yearly SAT tests are taken by a considerable number of students in grades XI and XII.

SAT Exam Age Limit

There is no specific SAT age eligibility for students taking the test. It is seen that students belonging to the age group of 17 to 19, before the SAT exam date, are among the highest to appear for the SAT. But, the College Board has defined SAT eligibility criteria for students who are less than 13 years old or are studying in a grade lower than the eighth grade. However, there is no minimum or maximum age limit for eligibility criteria for the SAT set up by the conducting body.

SAT exam eligibility criteria based on the SAT exam age rules are as follows:

• If the test-taker is 12 years of age or younger, they can register for the SAT by mail
• If the test-taker is 13 years of age or younger, they can register for the SAT by creating a free account
• If the test-taker is aged 21 or younger, they will need to show a Government-issued photo ID, driver’s license, or passport

Minimum Qualifications for the SAT Exam

The College Board has not indicated any minimum qualification for the exam as part of their SAT Eligibility Criteria. Hence, it is up to the students when they want to appear for the exam. Usually, students who have completed their school-level education are eligible for the eligibility criteria for the SAT centres. However, students from all age groups, and even those who are graduates, can appear for the exam.

SAT Exam Eligibility for ID Proof

The SAT exam eligibility criteria 2025-26 are very strict when it comes to ID proof. Only Government-issued ID proofs are accepted as SAT eligibility. For SAT eligibility for Indian students, a Passport is the only acceptable proof for taking the SAT. Remember, the SAT ID proof must not be expired, must be presented in an authentic and physical form, and not any photocopy.

Below are some of the unacceptable ID proofs for SAT exam eligibility for Indian students and other nations as well:

• Any torn, worn-out, or defective ID
• Document produced on an electronic device
• Any digitally altered or tampered document
• Birth certificate
• Social security card
• Employee ID card
• Missing Child ID card
• Any kind of temporary ID card issued

SAT Exam Eligibility Criteria for Photo

The SAT eligibility letter, as stated by the College Board, asks candidates to provide a photograph that will be used as a part of the admission ticket and also during the security checking process. The photo has been verified at the SAT centers.

The photograph, according to the College Board, should not contain:

Eligibility for SAT Fee Waiver

The SAT fee waiver eligibility requires candidates to belong to a low-income group studying in the 11th or 12th grade. Candidates need to reside in the US or US territories. If the candidate passes the SAT fee waiver eligibility, they will be helped by the school counselor or a representative of an authorized community.

Candidates can have SAT eligibility if one or more of these descriptions apply to them:

• The candidate is enrolled in or eligible to participate in the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
• His/Her family's annual income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service.
• Applicant must be enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that helps students from low-income families (TRIO programs like Upward Bound).
• The test-taker’s family receives public assistance.
• The unhoused or reside in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home.
• A son/daughter of the state or an orphan.

The SAT exam syllabus and eligibility are focused on candidates who are finishing high school or are still studying. Abiding by the SAT exam eligibility will help candidates with a smooth admission process to their preferred universities.