What is PSAT Exam? Know the Exam Importance, Date, Eligibility and More

If you also wonder what is PSAT exam and confused between SAT vs PSAT, don’t worry. We’ll help you understand this in depth. PSAT exam is an abbreviation of Preliminary-SAT or Pre-SAT, which means it is a test conducted before the SAT exam to prepare students for the SAT. 

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a nationwide exam conducted by College Board that helps students prepare for the SAT exam and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

The exam is primarily conducted for students of grade 8-11 and is of the duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes. The test is useful in accessing a student’s reading and writing skills along with mathematics aptitude.

The following sections cover everything you need to know: Eligibility criteria, exam dates, scores, strategies, syllabus. So, read till the end.

The journey of SAT exam starts from PSAT. So, if you’ve cleared your PSAT, knowing SAT registration dates would be the best for your career. Read the detailed guide for more information.

What is PSAT Exam: Overview

PSAT (Preliminary SAT / National merit scholarship qualifying test) is a standardized examination organized by the college board. It is both a practice test of SAT and a qualifying test of the National Merit Scholarship Program (in junior year only). The test measures important skills in Reading, Writing and Math that are necessary in college preparation.

The PSAT is not a direct preparation of college admissions but it assists students in gauging their readiness with the SAT. It also allows access to recognition programs and scholarships which make it an important milestone to U.S. high school students.

Feature	Details
Exam Mode	Digital (Adaptive Test)
Duration	2 Hours 14 Minutes
Total Questions	98 Questions
Sections	Reading & Writing, Mathematics
Total Score	320 - 1520
Question Types	Multiple Choice, Grid-in
Frequency	Once every year in October
Eligibility	Primarily grades 8-11 students

Major highlights of PSAT

• Digital Adaptive Testing: Similarly, the PSAT, as well as the SAT is now offered on a computerized format that adapts the module of the second half depending on performance on the first module of the test.
• Scholarship Gateway: PSAT/NMSQT Scores used by 11th graders qualify them to compete to win ~7,500 scholarships offered by the National Merit Scholarship Program.
• SAT Alignment: The exam has the same structure plus same type of questions as the SAT making it the best practice exam.
• Low Stakes: Or they are not reported to colleges, which decreases test-day stress and also offers valuable insight into the performance.

Know about SAT Eligibility after your PSAT exams.

What is PSAT Eligibility Criteria?

The PSAT Exam is only for the students who are in their 8th,9th,10th and 11th grade of school. Different PSAT suite, that is PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT target different grade students. But only PSAT/NMSQT (taken in grade 11) are eligible for National Merit Scholarship.

Below you’ll find a table showing who can take the test with approximate ages:

Test	Grade  (with student approx. ages)	Purpose
PSAT 8/9	Grade 8 or 9 (Usually 13+)	Early benchmarking and SAT pathway planning
PSAT 10	Grade 10 (Usually 15-16)	Midway readiness check before junior year
PSAT/NMSQT	Grade 11 (Usually 16-17)	Qualifying route to National Merit + closest rehearsal for SAT

*College Board accounts generally require students to be 13 or older (US privacy regulations). Younger test-takers typically register through schools/counselors.

For the Grade 11 students who are aspiring for National Merit Scholarship 2025, here’s the detailed eligibility requirements:

Requirement	Rule of Thumb
Grade / Year	You must take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year (the year before you graduate).
Citizenship / Residency	Generally U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (or those who plan to become citizens) are eligible.
School Type	Must be enrolled in high school (public, private, or homeschool following NMSC’s rules).
Missed Test	Alternate Entry route may be available (typically SAT scores + documentation).
Cut-Offs	State-specific Selection Index cut-offs vary yearly. Being a high scorer nationally is necessary but not sufficient.

Here are some quick highlights:

• The College Board does not stipulate any consequent upper or lower age limit to take PSAT suite, yet grades 8-11 are the target demographic.
• Only juniors (Grade 11) students are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship competition through PSAT/NMSQT.
• International students enrolled in US schools can also take the PSAT exam. The citizenship/residency rules imposed by NMSC, however, determine National Merit eligibility.
• Homeschoolers are welcome, in fact, to test; they should get in contact with a local administering school some time in advance to the October test window.
• Students having a disability can be accommodated, yet schools should send SSD requests to the College Board before the deadline.

Interested about SAT Waiver for getting more benefits in fees? Read the guide.

PSAT Exam Dates & Registration

The PSAT/NMSQT is conducted once every year in October, but exact dates vary by school. Unlike standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, students cannot register independently. Instead, schools handle the registration, scheduling and payment process. Understanding the timeline and steps for registration ensures you don’t miss this important opportunity.

The Tentative Dates for PSAT are as follows:

• PSAT 8/9: October 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
• PSAT 10: March 2 - April 30, 2026
• PSAT/NMSQT: Saturday, October 11, 2025 or Saturday, October 18, 2025

Note: Students do not register for PSAT exam. Schools do the registration and choose the date of exam.

Important points for students:

• Late Registrations: Unlike the SAT, late registration isn’t common. If you miss your school’s deadline, you may not get another chance that year.
• Alternate Entry Route: Juniors who miss the PSAT/NMSQT due to illness or emergencies can still enter the National Merit Scholarship competition by submitting SAT scores (College Board and NMSC guidelines apply).
• Testing Abroad: If you are in a U.S.-curriculum school outside the U.S., ensure your school is an authorized PSAT center.

PSAT Exam Pattern & Structure

The PSAT Exam Structure is same for all PSAT suite (PSAT 8/9, 10, NMSQT). All of them have two sections namely, Reading & Writing and Math. Each section has to be given specific time and has specific marks.

For more clarity, refer to the table below

Section	Length	Number of Questions
Reading & Writing	64 Minutes	54 Questions
Math	70 Minutes	44 Questions
Total	134 Minutes (2 Hr. 14 Minutes)	98 Questions

What is PSAT Score System?

PSAT exams scores are not a steady number but a range in which students can be scored. For example, PSAT 8/9 score range from 240 - 1440. For PSAT 10 and PSAT/ NMSQT, it is 320 - 1520. To see how are they calculated, refer the section below:

How Are PSAT Scores Calculated?

1. Raw Score: Each correct answer adds 1 point. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
2. Scaled Score: Raw scores for Reading & Writing and Math are converted to scaled scores ranging from 160–760 for each section.
3. Total Score: The scaled scores of both sections are added together to give a total score between 320 and 1520.
4. Subscores & Cross-Test Scores: Students also receive subscores (1–15) for specific skills like Command of Evidence, Words in Context, and Standard English Conventions, as well as cross-test scores for analysis in History/Social Studies and Science.

What is Considered a Good PSAT Score

According to College board, there is no good or bad score for PSAT. It is a diagnostic test which assesses your strengths  and weaknesses and opportunities for growth.

But according to college board data: 

• PSAT 8/9: Average score is 835 for 8th graders and 892 for 9th graders.
• PSAT 10: Average score is 959 for 10th graders.
• PSAT/NMSQT: Average score is 1044 for 11th graders.

Thus, score above the mean should be considered as good. 900+ is good for 9th graders and 1000+ for juniors. A score of 1200 or higher shows strong SAT readiness. A score of 1350+ is generally regarded as competitive for National Merit Scholarship Consideration.

Use our SAT Calculator to calculate your SAT Scores.

PSAT Syllabus

The PSAT syllabus is aligned with the SAT but is slightly less challenging. It focuses on critical reading, writing and math skills required for college readiness.

We’ve presented separate topics that are covered in PSAT exams for different sections:

1) Reading & Writing Syllabus

• Reading comprehension from literature, historical texts, science passages.
• Vocabulary-in-context and understanding tone/purpose.
• Grammar rules – sentence structure, punctuation, and usage.
• Improving organization and expression of ideas in passages.

2) Math Syllabus

• Algebra: Linear equations, inequalities, and functions.
• Problem Solving & Data Analysis: Ratios, percentages, data interpretation.
• Advanced Math: Quadratics, polynomials, and exponential functions.
• Geometry & Trigonometry: Angles, triangles, circles, and basic trigonometric concepts.

Tips to Prepare PSAT Exam

PSAT exam may be easier than SAT, but it doesn’t mean that it is easy. According to a recent survey conducted, only 1% students giving PSAT/NMSQT qualify for National Merit Scholarship. So to get qualified, you have to work on tips and strategies. Here are some:

1.Get to know the subject format of the exam:

However, you should get acquainted with the two dimensions of the PSAT: Reading & Writing and Math, the 98 test items and the 2- hour 14-minute latex.

2.Consider Official College Board Resources:

Train on College board Bluebook app and Khan academy who offer PSAT practice tests at no cost, adaptive PSAT.

3.Concentrate on Weakness:

Examine the practice test-taking score to identify the areas you need to obtain more points in: algebra, grammar or vocabulary, and work on them a bit more.

4.Reading Speed and Accuracy Work:

Train summary reading of literature, history and science materials to practice answering evidence-based questions.

5.Brush up on Math Concepts

Revise algebra, problem solving, geometry and data analysis, and keep in mind that you can use a calculator built-in to answer all questions on math.

6.Take Timed Practice tests:

To develop the ability to manage time and deal with test anxiety, simulate the exam situation in real life.

7.Master Grammar Rules:

Writing questions in PSAT center around sentence structure, punctuation and usage- familiarizing yourself with these rules can increase your knowledge and you will receive a higher score in Reading & Writing.

8.Check Review Errors Carefully:

Once you have practiced, after every test, review all the incorrect answers and learn the causes of the mistakes.

9.Focus on High Target Score:

Compare your grade average (e.g., 1044 on the junior level), and aim at a good and achievable level, e.g., 1200+, which means having good SAT preparation.

10.tart Early:

It is better to start preparing at least 2-3 months before test, as it will leave you enough time to simply revise all of its parts without any stress.

Conclusion

Understanding what is PSAT is crucial for students aiming to prepare for the SAT and qualify for scholarships like the National Merit Program. With over 3.5 million participants annually, the PSAT acts as both a practice test and a benchmark for college readiness. By starting early and focusing on preparation, students can use the PSAT as a strong foundation for future academic success.