SAT Exam Eligibility: Your Complete Guide to 2025 Requirements

Latest update: The SAT Testing Rules for Fall 2025 have been revised to reflect these changes. Students are required to provide an acceptable photo during registration, and the testing device must have sufficient charge to last the duration of the exam.  

The SAT is a globally recognized standardized test for students aiming for undergraduate studies, and understanding SAT Exam Eligibility is crucial before registration. Administered by the College Board, the SAT has no strict age or educational requirements.  

Most test-takers are in 11th or 12th grade, but students as young as 12 can register with parental consent, and there is no upper age limit. International students, including those from India, are eligible, provided they present a valid ID like a passport or an Aadhaar PVC card on test day.  

Fee waivers are available for eligible low-income students, while accommodations can be requested for students with documented disabilities through the College Board’s SSD program. The SAT assesses reading, writing, and mathematics, with scores ranging from 400 to 1600. SAT Registration is available online multiple times a year globally, making it accessible for students worldwide.

SAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025

The College Board, which conducts the SAT exam, is responsible for setting the eligibility criteria. While there is no minimum age or academic qualification, students under the age of 13 must have parental consent and follow specific registration procedures. 

Basic eligibility also requires applicants to submit a valid government-issued ID, which applies to both U.S. and international students, including those in India. For specially-abled applicants, additional accommodations such as extra breaks and scribes may be provided, depending on the nature of their disability.

Below is a breakdown of eligibility criteria for SAT Exam 2025:

SAT Exam Age Criteria

The College Board does not set a minimum age limit for the SAT, but the exam is typically taken by students in the 16-18-year age group. Students aged 13 and above can directly register for the SAT through a free College Board account. However, students 12 years or younger must obtain parental or guardian consent before registering by mail.

Below are the age-based registration criteria for the SAT.

Now, let's review the other eligibility requirements, including qualification, for SAT applicants.

SAT Eligibility Criteria for General Students

For general applicants, who do not display disabilities, the College Board does not specify minimum educational qualifications to take the SAT. However, familiarity with high school-level math and reading-writing skills is preferred. 

There is no limit on the number of attempts, allowing you to retake the exam until you achieve your desired scores. On exam day, you have to bring a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport, along with your admission ticket.

Here are the general requirements for the SAT exam:

Note: Here are some cases where your ID may be disallowed:

• Expired ID
• Non-photo ID
• Damaged ID
• Non-government-issued IDs

Not sure how to begin your preparation for the SAT exam? Explore upGrad’s guide on SAT Preparation: How to Prepare for SAT Exam. Gain valuable insights and strategies to help you achieve a high score.

Indian students have similar eligibility criteria for SAT exam, including age, qualifications, and documents. Let’s explore them in detail.

SAT Exam Eligibility for Indian Students

Indian applicants take the SAT for undergraduate admissions abroad. Indian applicants are not required to meet any specific educational qualifications to take the SAT. There are no minimum or maximum age limits, and students are allowed to take the exam multiple times without any restrictions. 

On the day of the exam, you must present a valid government-issued ID, such as an Aadhar card or passport, along with the admission ticket. For students below 12 years, parental consent is required.

Here are the eligibility requirements for Indian students:

Also Read: SAT Exam Dates For Indian Students 2024-25

Now, let’s see how requirements for students vary for the digital SAT exam 2025.

Digital SAT Eligibility Criteria

The Digital SAT is a computer-based version of the traditional SAT exam, with a reduced testing time of approximately 2 hours. The exam is adaptive, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on your performance as you progress. In recent years, College Board has migrated completely to the digital SAT.

Here’s a breakdown of the key eligibility requirements for the Digital SAT:

The College Board provides special accommodations for students with disabilities taking the SAT. Let’s explore these accommodations in detail.

SAT Eligibility Criteria for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities should reach out to the College Board's Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at least 7 weeks before the test date to request accommodations.

You’ll need to submit the necessary documentation to support your request. Once approved, you’ll receive an SSD eligibility certificate, which must be presented at the test center on exam day to ensure you get the accommodations you need.

Eligible students may receive the following accommodations:

Accommodations for Specially-Abled Students

Relaxation for students may include extended time, separate testing rooms, or modified test formats such as Braille or audio instructions, based on individual needs.

Here are some accommodations available:

While the College Board is sensitive to students with special needs, it also offers fee waiver options for eligible students facing financial hardship. Let’s explore these options.

SAT Exam Eligibility for Application Fee Waiver

The SAT fee waiver program helps low-income students by covering the cost of the SAT exam and additional related fees. Eligibility for the fee waiver is determined during registration on the College Board website. To apply, select the fee waiver option in your College Board account and obtain approval from your school counselor or an authorized official.

Here’s an overview of eligibility for the application fee waiver:

Now that you know how to save on SAT fees, let’s focus on how to maximize your score. upGrad offers expert guidance to help you achieve top SAT results.

How Can upGrad Help You Clear SAT 2025?

The SAT can be a challenging test to prepare for, with its broad content range, timed sections, and the pressure of college admissions on the line. upGrad provides personalized guidance, customized study plans, and access to comprehensive SAT prep materials to help you excel in SAT 2025. 

Here’s how upGrad can help:

• Expert Guidance
  upGrad provides access to experienced SAT mentors who offer personalized strategies to tackle difficult sections and improve weak areas.
• Customized Study Plan
  Data-driven study plans, tailored to your strengths and weaknesses, ensure efficient and focused preparation.
• Comprehensive Resources
  ​upGrad provides resources such as a downloadable SAT study guide and information on recommended study materials.
• Real-Time Feedback
  upGrad helps you track your improvement with real-time feedback so you can adjust your strategy as needed.

Unsure about eligibility to apply for the SAT exam? upGrad’s free one-on-one counseling will guide you through the process, from eligibility checks to personalized study plans, improving your chances of cracking SAT.

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