ACT Exam Dates 2026

The ACT Exam Dates 2026 give students seven national test opportunities: February 14, April 11, June 13, July 11, September 19, October 17, and December 12. Each ACT exam has a regular registration deadline about five weeks earlier (e.g., January 9 for the February test) and a late registration window of roughly two weeks, which requires an additional USD 38 late fee (INR 3,200). The regular ACT registration fee is USD 68 (INR 5,700). 

With over 1.3 million students worldwide taking the ACT annually, competition for seats is high, especially in India where centers are limited to major cities. Multiple‑choice scores are typically released within 2–8 weeks, while Writing scores follow about two weeks later. Tracking ACT test dates, registration deadlines, late fees, and score release timelines ensures students secure their spot and meet college application cut‑offs without last‑minute stress.

ACT Exam 2026: Complete Schedule & Deadlines

The ACT Exam Dates 2026 have been officially announced, offering seven national test opportunities across the year. Each test date comes with strict registration deadlines, photo upload requirements, and score release schedules. Students should plan ahead to align their exam attempt with college application timelines and avoid late fees.

Registration Deadlines of ACT Exam Dates 2026:

*Note: No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July 2026 test date.

Photo Upload & Score Release of ACT Exam Dates 2026:

Also Read: ACT exam syllabus: Pattern and Tips to Prepare!

ACT Registration Timeline for Indian Students 

Indian test-takers race the same ACT exam dates used worldwide, yet India’s centers fill faster because seats are limited to major cities. Booking through MyACT as soon as the window opens protects your spot and keeps you clear of late fees.

ACT Exam Timeline for Indian Students (2026): 

Tip: Early-decision applicants should target the first two sessions in the ACT test booking timeline so there’s room for a retake without clashing with application paperwork.

Check out: ACT Registration 2026: Step-by-Step Process, Deadlines, and Test Centers

ACT Exam Date Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy (India)

Indian test-takers who need to move or cancel their ACT exam dates must act before the late registration window closes. After that point, no further edits are allowed.

ACT Exam Date Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy:

ACT Exam Rescheduling for Indian Students

• Rescheduling ACT exam dates in India must be done through the MyACT portal, the same platform used for initial registration.
• ACT test centre slots are limited popular metro locations like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru fill fast. Book early to avoid last-minute issues.
• Switching test centres or changing your test date counts as a new booking and incurs a change fee of USD 44 (approx. ₹3,670).
• Standby testing is not guaranteed. If you're denied entry due to photo issues or seat unavailability, ACT will refund the USD 69 (approx. ₹5,750) standby fee.

Also check: ACT Test Centres in India: Updated 2026 List

How to Search and Choose ACT Exam Dates? 

Indian students should first check the ACT test schedule 2026 on the official website. The ACT exam calendar shows test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates. Plan early popular centres in India get booked fast.

Use these steps to choose your test date:

• Check your college deadlines and match them with available ACT exam dates for international students.
• Pick earlier dates if you need time for a retake. Avoid booking back-to-back tests.
• Choose a centre close to home. ACT dates for Indian students vary by city.
• Results from MCQ sections come in 2–8 weeks. Add 2 more weeks if you take the writing section.
• If you’re also taking the SAT, compare ACT vs SAT test dates 2026 before deciding.

Log into your MyACT account to check slots before finalizing. Stick to your timeline to avoid late fees and rushed prep.

ACT 2026 Retake Strategy and Ideal Spacing Between Test Dates

Many students take the ACT more than once to improve their scores. In 2026, the ACT retake dates are spaced across February, April, June, July, September, October, and December giving Indian students enough flexibility.

To plan a smart retake strategy:

• Leave at least 6–8 weeks between test dates. This gives you time to review your score report, work on weak areas, and take fresh practice tests.
• Avoid booking two test dates too close. Retesting after just 2–3 weeks rarely improves scores unless your prep was incomplete the first time.
• Use your first test as a benchmark. Take your first ACT by April or June if applying for Fall 2026 intake. Use the next available ACT exam date for a second attempt.
• Track score release timelines. Since ACT score release dates 2026 can take up to 8 weeks, don’t schedule your second test too close to college deadlines.
• Use ACT test booking timeline tools in your MyACT account to avoid missing slots or paying extra fees.

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