Considered the most widely accepted entrance exam worldwide, the SAT exam is taken by millions of students for university admissions. Now, students are applying to over 40 esteemed universities in India by taking the SAT. In this post, we will look at the overview of the SAT exam, SAT scholarships to study in India, and the list of colleges accepting SAT in India.
What is the SAT?
Launched in 1926 by the College Board – an American not-for-profit organization formed in 1899 as the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) to expand access to higher education – SAT’s name and scoring have since then altered numerous times.
It was originally called the Scholastic Aptitude Test and was eventually renamed the Scholastic Assessment Test. Some years down the line it came to be known as SAT I: Reasoning Test, then the SAT Reasoning Test, and finally just SAT. As a fee-based standardized test for college admissions in the United States, the SAT was first administered in 1926. Since then, the SAT has been taken by US students looking for admission to undergrad programs in colleges and universities.
SAT, as most of you know, is an entrance exam used by colleges and universities across the globe for admission to undergraduate programs. The test is in English, as it is a language understood by most people all over the world. SAT is conducted four times every year (May, October, December, and March) and students take the SAT according to their test preparation. SAT allows aspirants to exhibit skills they need to pursue university-level academic curricula. Candidates also practice and register for the SAT online.
It is an MCQ (multiple-choice), pencil-and-paper test held to gauge high school students’ preparedness for college, and also to let the colleges have a common data point to use for comparing applicants.
Most colleges typically review standardized test scores along with the high school GPA, subjects taken at plus two, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. Read top 5 aspects for college admissions.
Today, in the USA, the higher you score on the SAT and/or ACT, the better are the options for getting admission to colleges of choice and also paying fees. In India, the importance of SAT scores varies from one college to another.
Some basics about SAT Exam-
| SAT Length | 3 hours (plus 50 minutes if taking optional Essay) |
| SAT Sections | Math Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Essay (optional) |
| SAT Cost | $104 ($117 if taking SAT with Essay) / Rs. 7,700 – Rs. 8,800 in India |
| Highest SAT Score | 1600 |
| Average SAT Score | 1060 |
With the popularity of SAT now a recognized fact, and given its proven efficacy in weighing up college preparedness, many Indian colleges and universities have now started accepting SAT scores. Notably, the India Global Higher Education Alliance was formed by College Board in mid-2018 for organizing admissions of national and international students through the SAT.
Advantages of appearing for SAT while applying to multiple colleges in India
Nowadays, many leading universities or colleges of India accept SAT score. Students keen to get admission to colleges of their preference by proving their readiness for joining the institutions, find SAT scores highly effective and also a definite way to get enrolled in dream colleges of the country.
Since last year, a host of top-ranked Indian colleges and universities have started accepting SAT scores for admissions to their undergraduate programs. However, it is important for candidates to thoroughly understand what their dream college demands as admission criteria.
Every year top colleges and universities of India are flooded with huge number of applications, making it extremely difficult for candidates to get noticed. On the other hand, writing a plethora of entrance tests held by individual institutes for admission is also a very taxing and complex affair. In this scenario, one can get duly noticed by showcasing a good SAT score in the application which increases the chances of making it to the dream colleges and studying the courses of one’s choice.
SAT Exam is Getting More Popular in India
The College Board formed the India Global Higher Education Alliance in 2018 to provide a platform for streamlining admissions of both Indian and international students through the SAT. This year nearly 35 Indians are accepting SAT India 2020 scores; while some of them are offering admission to students solely through SAT scores, some have distinct admission criteria.
That said, some institutes of the country are also accepting SAT India 2020 subject test scores while selecting candidates for admission to different UG courses. Again, there are universities that are accepting SAT India 2020 scores to offer admission to any of the available courses, whereas some are accepting scores for offering admission to selected ones. The best way to go about it is to directly get in touch with the colleges and find out their policy regarding SAT subject test admission.
Read why more students in India are taking the SAT and why you should take the SAT.
7 reasons why you should consider the SAT test –
1) One score multiple opportunity
35 Indian universities accept SAT for admission to UG courses. While tests like JEE and NEET are limited to engineering or medical studies, SAT score opens the door for applying to multiple universities including those offering programs in Engineering, Liberal Art, Law, Business Management, Journalism, and Design. In addition, the SAT is accepted by a host of universities across the globe.
2) No negative marking
One very good thing about SAT is that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. This allows candidates to guess answers without fear of losing marks.
3) Scholarships available
SAT offers fee discount and scholarship programs in India for eligible candidates.
- Good coaching schools offering online and offline practice programs
We at Stoodnt offer comprehensive and budget friendly practice programs for SAT aspirants.
5) SAT offers more time than other entrance tests of India
The SAT test-takers typically get more time to answer each section as compared to other Indian entrance tests. Those afflicted with stress syndrome rising from time constraints can think of the SAT as a more suitable option with higher chances of cracking the test.
6) More flexible
As the test is held four times in a year, it leaves enough time for candidates to plan, practice and prepare. Aspirants are known to take the test according to their college application deadlines. SAT also offers commendable flexibility while signing up for last-minute.
7) Unlimited free score send to Universities in India
SAT allows Indian students to send unlimited scores for free to any India Global Alliance member universities. However, candidates must visit the official website of the College Board, for details related to SAT test, eligibility, registration details, test dates, test fee discount vouchers, result date and all other information.
How Indian Universities Use the SAT
| University | SAT for Admission (for Indian Residents) | SAT for Admission (for Foreign Nationals & Nonresident Indians) | Free SAT Score Sends | SAT Scholarship Program | |
| Full | $1,500 | ||||
| Ahmedabad University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Anant National University | Yes | Yes | |||
| Ashoka University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Atria University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Azim Premji University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bennett University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| BML Munjal University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| FLAME University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| G D Goenka University | Yes | Yes | |||
| Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Indian School of Business and Finance | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Jai Hind College (University of Mumbai) | Yes | Yes | |||
| JAIN (Deemed to be University) | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| KREA University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Manav Rachna University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Manipal University, Jaipur | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| NMIMS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OP Jindal Global University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plaksha University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Deemed to be University | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Shiv Nadar University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Shoolini University | Yes | Yes | |||
| Sophia College for Women | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| SP Jain School of Global Management | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Sri Sri University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Srishti School of Art Design and Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SRM University, AP – Amaravati | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Symbiosis International (Deemed University) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| University of Petroleum and Energy Science (UPES) | Yes | Yes | |||
| Vellore Institute of Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Vijaybhoomi University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| World University of Design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Some facts about SAT India Colleges
SAT India 2020 scores are accepted by around Indian 51 institutes including 35 universities for admission in courses offered by them. Academically brilliant students as well as those from low income families can avail any of the three SAT India scholarships:
- SAT test fee reduction voucher
- College Board India Scholars Programme (Full 100% tuition waiver)
- College Board India Scholars Programme (One-Time Scholarship)
16 Indian Universities offer 100% tuition-free scholarship based on SAT India 2020 score. 35 Indian universities offer a one-time scholarship amounting to $1,500 (Rs 1 Lakh) based on SAT India 2020 score.
List of Indian Universities accepting SAT Scores (2020 – 2021)
- Ahmedabad University
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education
- Anant National University
- MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences
- Ashoka University
- OP Jindal Global University
- Azim Premji University
- Shiv Nadar University
- Bennett University
- Symbiosis International (Deemed University)
- BML Munjal University
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology
- Jai Hind College
- VIT University
- Shoolini University
- SASTRA Deemed-to-be University
- FLAME University
- SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat
- GITAM
- Sri Sri University
- GD Goenka University
- Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology
- Jain University
- SVKM’s NMIMS
- UPES
- SRM University- AP, Amaravati
- KREA University
- World University of Design
- Manav Rachna University
- PLAKSHA University
- Vijaybhoomi University
- Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University
List of Indian Institutes Accepting SAT Subject Test Scores
1. Mahindra Ecole Centrale College of Engineering
2. SP Jain School of Global Management
3. OP Jindal Global University
4. International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad
5. BITS Pilani, Vidya Vihar Campus
6. VNIT Nagpur
7. NIT Srinagar
8. MNNIT Allahabad
9. MNIT, Jaipur
10. Delhi Technological University, Delhi
11. IIIT Allahabad
12. IIIT Delhi
13. IIITDM Jabalpur
14. IIITDM Kancheepuram
15. Indian Maritime University (IMU)
16. Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal
17. NIELIT Aurangabad
18. National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology (NIFFT), Ranchi
19. NIT Agartala
20. NIT Arunachal Pradesh
21. NITK Surathkal
22. NIT Calicut
23. NIT Delhi
24. NIT Durgapur
25. NIT Goa
26. NIT Hamirpur
27. NIT Jalandhar
28. NIT Jamshedpur
29. NIT Kurushetra
30. NIT Manipur
31. NIT Meghalaga
32. NIT Mizoram
33. NIT Patna
34. NIT Puducherry
35. NIT Raipur
36. NIT Rourkela
37. NIT Sikkim
38. NIT Silchar
39. NIT Tiruchirappalli
40. NIT Uttarakhand
41. NIT Warangal
42. Shiv Nadar University
43. Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University
44. PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh
45. Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat
46. School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal
47. School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi
48. School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
49. Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET), Punjab
Universities accepting SAT India 2020 scores for all courses –
- Ashoka University
- Azim Premji University
- FLAME University
- KREA University
- Manav Rachna University
- Sri Sri University
- Srishti School of Art Design and Technology
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology
- SRM University, AP – Amaravati
- SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat
- World University of Design
- Plaksha University
- Vijaybhoomi University
Universities accepting SAT India 2020 scores for specific courses
| Name of Institute | Courses |
| Ahmedabad University | All except BTech |
| Atria University | All except Law and Architecture |
| Bennett University | BTech BBA |
| BML Munjal University | BTechBBABSc (Economics) |
| Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) | BSc coursesBA coursesBCom (Hons)BCA coursesBEM coursesBPhamaBBA courses |
| MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences | BTechBBABPharmaPharmaDBDesBHMBSc (Hons)BCom (Hons)BSc (Bio-Tech)BSc (Food Processing and Technology)BSc (Dialysis Therapy Technology)BSc (Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology)BSc (Cardiac Care Technology)BSc (Sports and Exercise Science)BSc (Optometry)BSc (Operation Theatre Technology) |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | BSc (Exercise and Sports Sciences)BSc (Health Information Management)BSc (Medical Imaging Technology)BSc (Perfusion Technology)BSc (Renal Replacement Therapy & Dialysis Technology)BCom (Professional)BCom (Business Process Services) |
| Manipal Jaipur University | All except Law and Architecture |
| OP Jindal Global University | All except Law |
| Shiv Nadar University | BTechBA (History, English, Sociology, International Relations, Economics)BSc (Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biotech)BMS |
| Sophia College For Women | All except Law and Architecture |
| SVKM’s NMIMS | All courses in: EngineeringLiberal ArtsMathsEconomicsCommerce |
| Symbiosis International (Deemed University) | Liberal Arts |
| Vellore Institute of Technology | All courses except those offered in the below mentioned streams: EngineeringLawArchitecture |
India Scholars Program
Indian students belonging to lower-income groups can avail The College Board India Scholars Program, which helps them save money for higher education. The scholarship offers up to 90% off SAT registration fees. Scholarships are available at participating universities of the country, including some that cover the full tuition for the entire course.
Universities enrolled in College Board India Scholars Programme (100% College Tuition Fee)
Following 16 universities of India are part of College Board India Scholars Programme and students eligible for the scholarship get 100% college tuition fee scholarship for the entire duration of the course.
1. Ahmedabad University
2. Ashoka University
3. Azim Premji University
4. FLAME University
5. Jain (Deemed University)
6. KREA University
7. MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences
8. Manav Rachna University
9. Manipal Academy of Higher Education
10. NMIMS University
11. OP Jindal University
12. Sri Sri University
13. SRM Institute of Science and Technology
14. SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat
15. World University of Design
16. Vijaybhoomi University
Eligibility criteria to avail the scholarship –
- Resident of India
- Student of Class 11 or Class 12
- Appeared for SAT in Class 11/ 12 in 2019-2020 session
- Top performer in SAT exam (minimum score of 1300 out of 1600)
- Applied and enrolled in any of the 16 participating Indian universities
- Annual family income less than Rs 8 lacs
Universities enrolled for USD 1,500 (1 lakh) scholarships
It is important to know that all 35 universities of the country accepting SAT India 2020 scores for admission have signed up for College Board India Scholars Programme. The scholarship offers students a one-time endowment scholarship towards college tuition fee up to USD 1,500 (Rs 1 lakh).
Eligibility criteria to avail this scholarship –
- Resident of India
- Student of Class 11 or Class 12
- Appeared for SAT in Class 11/ 12 in 2019-2020 session
- Top performer in SAT exam (minimum score of 1300 out of 1600)
- Applied and enrolled in any participating Indian university
- Annual family income between Rs 8 Lakhs to Rs 15 Lacs