The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized exam designed to assess a candidate's college readiness. Before, it included two versions—the General Test and the Subject Test. Since 2021, the College Board has discontinued the Subject Test, making the General Test the primary SAT Exam. One such key ingredient to ace the SAT is the SAT Syllabus and it has developed through time. The SAT Syllabus assesses the readiness of a student to pursue a degree through a structured framework. It tests different sections like reading, writing, language and math. The SAT exam's purpose is to test a candidate's general talents and also their language proficiency. The questions cover various topics and collectively give a candidate's overall profile. Comprehending the SAT syllabus is essential for efficient preparation and exam success. The article describes in detail information on the SAT syllabus for every section tested.
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SAT Syllabus PDF |
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SAT Syllabus |
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SAT Test Pattern |
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The SAT Exam Pattern 2025 represents its full computer-adaptive and fully digital test with the intent to maximize efficiency and flexibility. The SAT Test Format is set on reading, writing, and math, and places greater emphasis on the ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving. Here's a general description of the present structure of the SAT exam.
Section |
Content |
Questions |
Time |
Reading & Writing |
Passages from U.S. and World Literature, History/Social Studies, and Sciences. Tests comprehension and reasoning. |
54 |
64 min |
Maths |
Covers arithmetic, algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis. |
44 |
70 min |
Total |
98 |
134 min |
Also, Get to Know How to Register for SAT in this detailed guide
The SAT Digital Exam uses an adaptive design where the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the student’s performance in earlier sections for a more personalized test experience. The Digital SAT is a more time-efficient test. The Digital SAT total test duration is 2 hours and 14 minutes excluding the essay. Students have claimed that they get 43% more time per question as compared to the pen and paper test format, which is a more practical solution to examine academic excellence.
Go through the detailed Digital SAT Format below -
Digital Parameters |
Digital Reading & Writing (RW) Section |
Digital Math Section |
Format |
Divided into Two Stages: One assesses the Reading section, while the other focuses on the Writing section, each with its own separate time allocation. |
Divided into Two Stages: The math section is covered through two separately timed modules. |
Test length |
1st module:
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1st module:
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2nd module:
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2nd module:
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Time Duration |
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: RW + Math section scores |
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Question Type(s) |
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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The SAT is composed of four main sections, each testing different skills. Here are the quick facts about the Pen and Paper exam pattern:-
Section |
Questions |
Duration |
Score range |
SAT Reading |
52 multiple-choice questions |
65 minutes |
Evidence-based Reading & Writing score 200 to 800 |
Break |
10 minutes |
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SAT Writing & Language |
44 multiple-choice questions |
35 minutes |
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No Calculator – Math |
20 (15 multiple-choice and 5 Grid in questions) |
25 minutes |
Math score 200 to 800 |
Break |
5 minutes |
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Yes Calculator – Math |
38 (30 multiple-choice and 8 Grid in questions) |
55 minutes |
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Break |
2 minutes |
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SAT Essay (Optional) |
1 prompt |
50 minutes |
Reading 2 to 8 Analysis 2 to 8 Writing 2 to 8 |
The SAT Section Wise Syllabus for 2025 consists of Maths and EBRW.
Each section of the exam needs a proper order of testing; these are divided into modules.
Here is a comprehensive list of the Digital SAT syllabus Reading and Writing section.
SAT Reading and Writing Syllabus |
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Also, Learn Important SAT Grammar Rules for Upcoming SAT Exam!
Here is a breakdown pattern of the SAT exam syllabus for the Reading and Writing Section along with their sectional weightage in the SAT test.
SAT Reading & Writing Section Areas |
Question Distribution |
Weightage |
Skill / Knowledge Testing Areas |
Craft and Structure |
13-15 |
28% |
Words in Context, Cross-Text, Text Structure and Purpose, Connections |
Information and Ideas |
12-14 |
26% |
Command of Evidence based on – Textual and Quantitative Inferences, and Central Ideas and Details |
Expression of Ideas |
8-12 |
20% |
Rhetorical Synthesis Transitions |
Standard English Conventions |
11-15 |
26% |
Boundaries Form, Structure, and Sense |
Also, Get to Know SAT Reading Strategy for your Upcoming Exam!
Here is a comprehensive list of the Digital SAT syllabus Maths section. Students are allowed to use calculators during the SAT Maths section.
SAT Maths Syllabus |
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Here is a breakdown pattern of the SAT exam syllabus for the Reading and Writing Section along with their sectional weightage in the SAT test.
SAT Math Section |
Question Distribution |
Weightage |
Skill / Knowledge Testing Areas |
Algebra |
13-15 |
35% |
Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables, Equivalent expressions, etc |
Advanced Math |
13-15 |
35% |
Problem-solving and Data Analysis |
Geometry and Trigonometry |
5-7 |
15% |
Lines, angles, and triangles, Area and volume, etc |
Problem- Solving and Data Analysis |
5-7 |
15% |
Percentages, Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units, Two-variable data: models and scatter plots, etc |
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The SAT test syllabus contains a wide range of subject topics such as Maths, Reading, Writing, and Language. These topics are used to test your preparation for college admission. Effectively planning SAT preparation demands a thorough understanding of the SAT exam syllabus and pattern. It is possible to develop a focused study strategy that addresses your strengths and weaknesses if you are familiar with the particular subject areas and question styles. Gaining proficiency in the SAT syllabus can greatly increase your chances of getting a good SAT score and accomplishing your academic objectives. This can be achieved by focused preparation, regular practice, and strategic planning.
Predict Your SAT 2025 Score with our Digital SAT Score Calculator
Last updated: Jul 22, 2025
As per the SAT Exam Calendar, the upcoming fall semester's SAT test is to be held on August 23, 2025.
- Regular Registration Deadline: August 8, 2025
- Deadline for Late Registration: August 12, 2025
➡️ Leading American Universities use SAT scores to continue measuring a student's preparedness for college-level education.
➡️ Students who want to score 1400 or above on the SAT can use Testbook's SAT Practice Tests. These tests offer expert-recommended solutions and full-length mock tests that are designed to improve performance.
➡️The following SAT Exam Date in 2025 is August 23, 2025. The Regular Deadline for Registration for the August SAT is August 8, 2025, and the Late Registration Deadline is August 12, 2025. Make sure to register on time and start preparing early so you're confident and ready by test day!
➡️U.S. universities and most institutions around the world accept the SAT Exam 2025 as one of the most important indicators of your college preparation. It evaluates your reading, writing, and math abilities, and a good score can improve your college applications, prepare you for scholarships, and even accompany applications to institutions in the UK, Canada, and other countries.
➡️Organised by the College Board, the SAT is a digital, multiple-choice exam (with some student-produced response questions) that lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes and is scored on a 400–1600 scale.
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