Indian students who wish to get admission in the best colleges in the US and around the world must learn about the SAT exam syllabus. The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT exam full form) is an important test for getting into college and knowing what subjects it covers will help you make a study plan. It is even more important to know the details of the SAT exam before you start studying because it is now fully digital, and the types and lengths of questions have changed.
Dive into the article to know about the SAT exam syllabus in detail. But before that, check out the key updates rolled out this year.
For 2025, the SAT has made changes to its structure that affect both the test format and the syllabus. The whole test is now digital, which means that the test is shorter and the sections have been changed. Here are the most important changes:
As an international student, you are required to give additional tests besides SAT. Check our guide on the Top 10 Exams to Study Abroad.
Before you can understand the SAT syllabus, you need to look at the SAT exam pattern. The following is the most recent and only proposed SAT 2025 exam pattern. It is broken up into sections and is almost an hour shorter than the previous one. Take a look at the most recent SAT Digital exam pattern for 2025 below.
Digital Parameters | Digital Reading & Writing Section | Digital Math Section |
Format | Two-staged: the first phase evaluates the Reading section, while the second phase evaluates the Writing section. The two are administered in modules that are timed independently. | Two-staged: The mathematics component is conducted in two timed modules. |
Test Length | 1st module:
| 1st module:
|
1st module: 32 minutes
2nd module: 32 minutes | 1st module: 35 minutes
2nd module: 35 minutes | |
Total Questions | 54 | 44 |
Total Time Allocated = 134 minutes | 64 minutes | 70 minutes |
Scores Reported | Total score calculation: Reading & Writing + Math section scores | |
Question Type | Discrete; MCQs with four options | MCQ (75%) and student-produced response (SPR)(25%) |
Topics Tested | Literature, History / Social Studies, Humanities and Science | Science, Social Science, and real-world related topics |
Informational Graphics | Tested, includes tables, bar graphs, line graphs | Also tested |
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A lot of students are curious about how different the SAT test syllabus is for 2025. The syllabus is similar to what is taught in high school. It focuses on English language analysis and maths up to class 12, so anyone can take it.
This section combines reading and writing into one interactive module to test your understanding, grammar, and editing skills. It uses short passages (25–150 words) from Literature, History/Social Studies, humanities, and Science. After each passage, there are multiple-choice questions that are meant to:
Reading & Writing Section Areas | Description | Weightage |
Craft and Structure | Comprehending word meanings and context | 28% |
Information and Ideas | Understanding information, ideas, and data from the text | 26% |
Standard English Conventions | Showing that you know how to use correct grammar and sentence structure | 26% |
Expression of Ideas | Revising and making ideas clearer | 20% |
Here’s what students can expect in the SAT English syllabus:
There are four choices for each question, and there is no negative marking. They focus on reasoning and understanding instead of memorising things.
Maths Section Areas | Topics | Weightage |
Algebra | Linear equations, inequalities, and functions | 35% |
Advanced Math | Polynomials, nonlinear equations, and complex functions | 35% |
Problem Solving & Data Analysis | Ratios, statistics, data interpretation, and probability | 15% |
Geometry & Trigonometry | Angles, triangles, circles, area/volume, and trigonometric ratios | 15% |
Two main question types:
All math questions permit calculator use, making the SAT more manageable for those focusing on quantitative skills.
Download the SAT exam syllabus here
The table below highlights all key differences between the old paper-based SAT and the new digital SAT exam format for 2025.
Feature | Old SAT Pattern (Paper-Based) | Digital SAT Pattern (2025) |
Mode | Paper and pencil | Online |
Test sections | Reading, Writing & Language, Math + Essay | Reading & Writing (combined), Math |
Duration | 3 hours (+ Essay time) | 2 hours 14 minutes |
Essay | Optional Essay section | No Essay section |
Math calculator policy | Calculator allowed only in part | Calculator allowed throughout |
Total Questions (RW/Math) | 52 RW / 58 Math | 54 RW / 44 Math |
Time Per Section | RW: 100 mins; Math: 80 mins | RW: 64 mins; Math: 70 |
Getting ready for the SAT? Here are some expert tips for getting ready for the SAT exam:
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The SAT exam syllabus for 2025 is streamlined and adaptable, testing the basic analytical and quantitative skills necessary for academic success abroad. Indian students benefit from a syllabus that matches what they learn in school, which makes studying for this test more organised and useful.
A1. SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, used for college admissions globally.
A2. English (Reading & Writing) and Math.
A3. The test is scored out of 1600 marks: 800 for Reading & Writing, 800 for Math.
A4. Two sections with 98 questions (54 Reading & Writing, 44 Math), digital format.
A5. The total SAT exam duration is 2 hours 14 minutes.
A6. Algebra, Advanced Math, Data Analysis, Geometry & Trigonometry.
A7. Yes, with The WorldGrad, you get SAT exam waivers. Therefore, you can study in the US without taking the SAT exam.