The SAT exam is a digital standardized test that is taken by high school students who want to pursue their undergraduate degrees abroad. The exam is designed in a way that evaluates students’ written, verbal, mathematical, and analytical skills. Questions in the SAT exam are multiple-choice based with no negative marking for wrong answers. The test duration is 2 hours 14 minutes. Each section of the test has a specific amount of time allotted to it: 64 minutes for the Reading & Writing section and 70 minutes for the Maths section. The SAT score range is 400-1600.
The SAT exam consists of a total of 98 questions in 2 sections: Reading & Writing and Maths. The Reading & Writing Section has 54 questions, and the Math Section has 44 questions. Each section is divided into 2 modules of equal length, and there is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. The SAT is an adaptive test, which means the first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how you perform on the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult.
SAT Exam Pattern 2025
The SAT consists of multiple-choice questions, with no negative marking. There are 2 sections, with sectional time allotted to each. The table below is a brief about the SAT exam pattern.
| Component | Time Allotted (minutes) | Number of Questions/Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 64 (two 32-minute modules) | 54 |
| Math | 70 (two 35-minute modules) | 44 |
| Total | 134 minutes | 98 |
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SAT ScoresSAT Reading & Writing Section Syllabus
The Reading & Writing Section of the SAT consists of 2 modules, each of which includes questions from 4 subject areas.
- Short reading passages or passage pairs, each followed by 1 multiple-choice question.
- Questions are based on 4 subject areas: craft &structure, information and idea, standard English convention, and expression of ideas.
- To help with time management, questions testing similar skills are grouped. These questions are then arranged from the easiest to the hardest within each group.
- The section is divided into 2 modules, and each module contains questions from all 4 subject areas.
- Passages range from 25 to 150 words.
- Passages represent the subject areas of literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science.
SAT Reading & Writing Question Types
The Reading & Writing Section of the SAT is mainly focused on 4 subject areas. The details of which are:
- Information and Ideas
Assesses your ability to understand, analyze, and interpret both written texts and informational graphics.
- Craft and Structure
Tests your understanding of how language is used within a passage, including vocabulary in context, rhetorical techniques, and text structure
- Expression of Ideas
Focuses on your ability to revise passages to improve clarity, tone, style, and effectiveness
- Standard English Conventions
Measures your understanding of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.
| Subject Area | Skill/Knowledge Testing Points | Weightage / Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Craft & Structure | Words in context Text structure and purpose Cross-text connections | 28% / 13-15 questions |
| Information & Ideas | Central ideas and details Command of evidence (textual & quantitative) Inferences | 26% / 12-14 questions |
| Standard English Conventions | Boundaries Form, structure, and sense | 26% / 11-15 questions |
| Expression of Ideas | Rhetorical Synthesis Transitions | 20% / 8-12 questions |
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SAT Writing & Language QuestionsSAT Math Section Syllabus
The SAT Math section consists of 44 questions and has 70 minutes of time allotted. Just like the reading & writing section, this section also has 2 modules. This section focuses on the areas of Algebra, Advanced Maths, Problem Solving & Data Analysis, Geometry, and Trigonometry. The questions in both modules are divided into 4 categories. Across each module, questions are also arranged from easiest to hardest. The table below shows the different modules and their weightage.
| Content Domain | Domain Description | Skill/Knowledge Testing Points |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | Analyze, solve, and create linear equations and inequalities, and solve systems of equations using multiple methods. | Linear equations in one variable Linear equations in two variables Linear functions Systems of two linear equations in two variables Linear inequalities |
| Advanced Math | Tests readiness for advanced math by assessing understanding of absolute value, quadratic, exponential, rational, radical, and other non-linear equations. | Equivalent expressions Non-linear equations in one variable Systems of equations in two variables Nonlinear functions |
| Problem-Solving and Data Analysis | Assesses quantitative reasoning with ratios, rates, proportions, data interpretation, probability, and evaluating statistical claims. | Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units Percentages One-variable data (distribution, center, spread) Two-variable data (scatterplots, models) Probability and conditional probability Inference from statistics and margin of error Evaluating statistical claims (studies/experiments) |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | Focuses on solving problems related to geometry concepts such as area, volume, angles, triangles, trigonometry, and circles. | Area and volume Lines, angles, and triangles Right triangles and trigonometry Circles |
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SAT Maths QuestionsSAT Pattern for Students with Disabilities
The digital SAT exam provides extended support for students with disability.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing and Scheduling | Extended time: Half an hour extra, double time, or more than double time is given Extra or extended breaks |
| Reading/Seeing Text | Text-to-speech conversion Braille with raised line drawings (contracted) |
| Recording Answers | Writer/scribe to record responses Braille writer |
| Modified Setting | Small-group setting Wheelchair accessibility |
The SAT Syllabus can be a bit lengthy and complicated, but you can easily clear the SAT exam if you practice. Practice will make you familiar with the Exam Structure and also help you learn how to manage your time on the test day. Also, since the SAT has no negative marking, it’s better to guess than to leave a question unanswered, especially if you can eliminate 1 or 2 answer options first. If you are still not satisfied with your SAT Scores, you can appear for it again.
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FAQs
Ques 1: Is the SAT Syllabus the same for every test date?
Ans: The SAT Syllabus is the same for every test date; that is, it has Reading & Writing and Math sections. The difficulty level of the exam varies from test to test based on your performance in the modules.
Ques 2: Can I borrow a device from the College Board for the SAT if I don’t have one?
Ans: The College Board may be able to lend you a device to use on test day. To request a device, you must first register for the SAT. You have to register 30 days before the test day if you want to borrow a device
Ques 3: Is there a separate Social Studies section on the SAT?
Ans: There is no separate social science section, but SAT Reading passages come from science, history, or social studies, and require interpreting charts, graphs, and data.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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