Why is the SAT Exam Booming In India

Summary

Over the past decade, the SAT has shifted from being a niche test for U.S.-bound students to a widely accepted and preferred exam in India. With over 25,000 Indian students taking it annually, a 40% rise in test centers, and a shorter, digital format, the SAT is now more accessible and student-friendly than ever. Acceptance by 45+ Indian universities, scholarships for low-income families, and free prep tools have made it an attractive option. Combined with a surge in global education interest, especially in the U.S. and Canada, the SAT’s relevance in India is only set to grow further.

Why is the SAT Exam Booming In India

According to College Board data, over 25,000 Indian students now take the SAT annually. While pre-pandemic numbers hovered around 20,000 test-takers, this figure has grown by an estimated 20–25% over the last five years, even accounting for a temporary dip in 2020 due to COVID-19-related disruptions.

In fact, India has emerged as one of the top five non-U.S. countries in terms of SAT participation, alongside China, South Korea, and Canada.

• Approx. 25,000–30,000 Indian students take the SAT annually now, compared to just around 8,000 a decade ago.
• The number of SAT test centers in India has grown to over 80 cities, a 40% increase in the past five years.

Digital SAT: Fueling Accessibility and Interest

The launch of the digital SAT in 2023 was a game changer. Indian students, who are already familiar with digital platforms due to online learning post-pandemic, embraced the test’s format with enthusiasm.

• The digital SAT is 46 minutes shorter than the paper version and provides a section-adaptive experience, increasing comfort and speed.
• The reduced test anxiety and improved user interface were cited as reasons for a 30% jump in re-attempts by Indian students (College Board India 2023 data).

Growing Acceptance For SAT Exam By Indian Universities

While the SAT was traditionally used for U.S. college admissions, over 45 top Indian universities now accept SAT scores for undergraduate admissions. This has significantly widened the exam’s domestic relevance.

Indian Universities Accepting the SAT:

• Ashoka University
• Shiv Nadar University
• FLAME University
• OP Jindal Global University
• Ahmedabad University
• KREA University

According to the India Global Higher Education Alliance (formed by the College Board in 2018), SAT-accepting Indian universities saw a 300% rise in SAT applicants between 2019 and 2023.

Scholarships and Support: Making the SAT More Affordable

Affordability was once a significant barrier for Indian students, but new initiatives have addressed that gap.

• The College Board India Scholars Program offers up to 90% discount on SAT registration fees for students with a family income below ₹10 lakhs.
• Students scoring in the top percentile of the SAT are eligible for merit-based scholarships worth ₹2–4 lakhs at participating Indian universities.
• Free preparation tools from Khan Academy and the College Board have led to a 70% increase in low-income student participation (College Board 2023).

The Global Push

Indian student interest in studying abroad is also fueling SAT participation.

• In 2023, over 1.3 million Indian students were studying abroad, and the U.S. remained the top destination, with 269,000 Indian students (Source: Open Doors Report 2023).
• The SAT remains the preferred test for undergraduate admissions in 85% of U.S. colleges, making it a practical necessity for Indian aspirants.
• A surge in Indian applicants to universities in Canada, Singapore, UAE, and Germany—all of which now accept SAT scores in varying capacities—has also driven demand.

Factors Driving SAT's Popularity in India

• The new Digital SAT format is shorter, adaptive, and more student-friendly, making it more appealing to Indian students.
• More than 45 top Indian universities now accept SAT scores, offering students an alternative to traditional board-based admissions.
• Financial aid programs like the India Scholars Program provide up to 90% fee waivers, making the SAT accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
• The SAT is accepted by over 4,000 universities worldwide, making it essential for students aiming for higher education abroad.
• A growing ecosystem of SAT coaching centers and online prep tools across India has made high-quality preparation easier and more accessible.

Conclusion

With the digital version reducing exam fatigue, Indian universities embracing SAT scores, and robust support systems like scholarships and free prep tools, the test has carved a strong presence in India’s evolving higher education landscape. As global education aspirations soar and competitive domestic options diversify, the SAT offers a flexible, globally recognized path. Its rising popularity is not a trend—it's a transformation in how Indian students approach undergraduate admissions, both in India and abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Indian universities accept the SAT for admission?
Ans: Yes, over 45 top Indian universities including Ashoka, Shiv Nadar, and FLAME accept SAT scores for undergraduate admissions.

2. How much does it cost to take the SAT in India?
Ans: The SAT registration fee is approximately $104 (₹8,500), but students with a family income below ₹10 lakhs can get up to 90% off through the India Scholars Program.

3. How is the new Digital SAT different from the old version?
Ans: The Digital SAT is shorter (2 hours 14 minutes), adaptive, and taken on a computer. It’s designed to be faster and reduce test-day anxiety.

4. Can I use my SAT score for universities outside the U.S.?
Ans: Yes, universities in Canada, UAE, Singapore, Germany, and other countries also accept SAT scores for undergraduate admissions.