ACT Exam Fees

Q: What happens if I fail to complete the registration process?

If you fail to register for the ACT exam, you may be charged a fee of $36. It is crucial to complete the registration to avoid additional charges.

Q: Can I get a fee waiver for the ACT exam?

Yes, eligible students may qualify for an ACT fee waiver, which covers the registration fee and provides other benefits. Check the ACT website for specific eligibility criteria.

The ACT exam fee for 2026 is $70 USD without Writing and $95 USD with Writing. For Indian and other international students, an additional international testing fee of $118–125 USD applies. This means the total ACT cost comes to around $188–195 USD (INR 17,722–18,382) without Writing and $213–220 USD (INR 20,079–20,739) with Writing.

If you are planning to take the ACT in 2026, knowing the latest exam fees and extra charges in advance can help you plan your budget better. This guide covers ACT registration fees, international surcharges, late fees, payment methods, and refund rules for international students.

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Fee for the ACT Test in India

In India, the ACT exam costs INR 6,600 without the writing section and INR 8,957 with it. Late registration and test center/date change incur an additional fee of INR 3,960 – 4,620. Here are further insights into the ACT test pricing details:

ACT Exam fee details for Registration

The ACT exam fee is contingent on the options students select. Those opting for a writing test will incur a distinct fee, while those forgoing the writing test will have a separate fee, and so forth.

The subsequent table outlines the overall ACT application and additional fee, which fluctuates based on each chosen option:

ACT fee	Fees	Details
Complete ACT exam (without optional writing)	$70	Includes score reports for yourself, your high school, and up to 4 colleges (if codes are provided during ACT registration).
Complete the ACT exam (with optional writing)	$95	Includes score reports for yourself, your high school, and up to 4 colleges (if codes are provided during ACT registration).
Change in test option	$49	Choosing ACT (without writing) before testing commences.
Late registration	$42	Registering or altering test dates after the regular registration period incurs additional charges.
Standby testing	$75	ACT refunds fees if you’re disallowed on test day or if your registration is canceled due to a lack of a photo.
Change in test date	$49	Modifications such as changing the test date or test center can be requested online before the test.
Sending score reports to 5th & 6th college preference	$20	Additional score reports requested online after registration are subject to charges.
Additional score reports	$20	Additional score reports requested online after registration are subject to charges.
Test information release	$36	Charges apply for both before and after-test requests for Writing verification.
Test information release	$44
Score verification	$67	Charges apply for both Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) and Writing verification.
	$67
	$134
No-show policy	Full-fee forfeited	No refund if you miss the test day.
Standby testing refund	$69	Refunded only if entry is denied on test day.
Medical emergency requests	Case-based	Contact ACT directly for special requests.

Cancellation Policy for the ACT Test

ACT does not provide fee refunds for canceled exams. The fundamental registration fee and any additional service fees remain non-refundable if the decision is made not to proceed with the test. Rescheduling the ACT exam instead of canceling is advisable to avoid forfeiture of fees. ACT imposes a $49 fee for changing the test date.

ACT Price: Payment Options

Once aware of the breakdown of ACT exam fees, candidates should know the available payment methods.
The commonly utilized and preferred modes for paying ACT exam fees include debit cards, credit cards, or online payment options.
According to the report and the official website, candidates must pay a specified amount, $42, if they register late.
After understanding the ACT fee structure, candidates can apply for the exam and begin preparing.

Note: ACT fees must be paid in USD through the MyACT portal using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards with international transactions enabled. UPI, Net Banking, and bank transfers are not accepted. Indian students should enable cross-border online payments on their debit or credit card before registering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ACT exam fee refundable if I decide not to take the test?

No, the ACT exam fee is non-refundable. Both the basic registration fee and any additional service fees are non-refundable.

Are there payment methods other than credit and debit cards?

You can use online payment methods to pay for the ACT exam in addition to credit and debit cards. Ensure that the ACT accepts the selected method.

What happens if I fail to complete the registration process?

If you start but do not complete your ACT registration, no fee is charged, payment is processed only after final submission. However, if you complete registration and later decide not to take the test, the ACT registration fee is generally non-refundable.

Can I get a fee waiver for the ACT exam?

Yes, eligible students may qualify for an ACT fee waiver, which covers the registration fee and provides other benefits. Check the ACT website for specific eligibility criteria.

How can I view and pay any additional fees incurred during the registration process?

You can view and pay additional fees, such as late registration fees or test date change fees, through your ACT online account.

Who is eligible for the ACT fee waiver?

ACT fee waivers are available only for U.S. students in 11th or 12th grade who meet specific USDA income eligibility guidelines or participate in approved low-income assistance programs. International students, including Indian students taking the ACT outside the U.S., are not eligible for the ACT fee waiver.

How to apply for an ACT fee waiver?

Eligible students must apply through their school counselor, who provides an official ACT fee waiver code. The waiver code can then be used during ACT registration on the MyACT portal.

What does the ACT fee waiver cover?

The ACT fee waiver covers the full ACT registration fee, includes up to four free score reports for colleges, and provides access to free ACT test preparation resources.