SAT Exam Syllabus

The SAT syllabus covers subjects taught in high school, primarily reading, writing, and mathematics.

The Digital SAT launched for international students in spring 2023 and for U.S. students in March 2024. The exam now runs for 2 hours and 14 minutes, down from the previous 3-hour paper format, and consists of 98 total questions. It also provides more time per question, about 71 seconds for Reading and Writing and 95 seconds for Math.

The test has two sections, Reading and Writing and Math, each scored 200 to 800, for a total score range of 400 to 1600. Both sections are split into two adaptive modules, where your performance in the first module determines the difficulty of the second.

Reading and Writing has 54 questions covering comprehension, grammar, and analytical reading. Math has 44 questions across algebra, functions, data analysis, and problem-solving. Calculators are allowed throughout the entire Math section, and an on-screen graphing calculator is provided.

• The SAT exam has two sections: Reading & Writing and Math.
• The Digital SAT is adaptive and lasts 2 hours 14 minutes.
• SAT does not have separate syllabi for engineering, commerce, or medical students.
• The Math section covers algebra, advanced math, geometry, and data analysis.
• Reading & Writing focuses on comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and reasoning.
• Indian students can prepare using NCERT basics and SAT mock tests.
• The SAT syllabus 2026 remains focused on college readiness skills.