SAT Exam Eligibility: Your Complete Guide to 2025 Requirements

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standardized test needed for admission to undergraduate courses. While it is typically taken by students in 11th and 12th grade (ages 16-18), there is no specific age limit for registration. With over 25,000 students taking the SAT in India each year, it is becoming increasingly popular, with 40+ Indian universities accepting the score for admissions.

Understanding the criteria, such as age or academic requirements, ensures you’re on track. Universities in the US and Canada accept SAT scores. However, many schools have adopted test-optional policies, meaning submitting SAT scores can strengthen your application, but is not mandated. In this blog, you’ll cover important aspects of SAT exam eligibility to help you prepare for the test.

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.

Age	Exam Registration Method	Requirements
13+ years	Registration by creating a free account on the College Board.	Valid government-issued photo ID.
12 years or younger	Registration through mail or phone.	Consent from parent or guardian
21 years or older	Registration through the College Board online portal.	Valid government-issued photo ID.

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:

Criteria	Details
Number of Attempts	There is no limit on the number of times you can take the SAT. You may retake the exam to improve your scores.
Qualifications	The College Board does not specify qualifications for test takers. Usually taken by students in junior or senior years (grades 11 or 12).
Documents Needed	A valid government-issued photo ID is accepted, including: Passport Driving Licence ( not accepted universally) National ID Card Government-issued military or national identification card  U.S. Global Entry identification card Any other government-issued ID card School ID if no other ID is available and the centre allows it. SAT admission ticket (for 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:

Criteria	Details
Academic Requirements	There are no specific academic needs. However, a basic understanding of high school-level mathematics and reading/writing skills is preferred.
Age	There is no official age limit for the SAT. However, most students are usually between the ages of 16-18 (grades 11-12).
Number of Attempts	There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Documents Needed	Valid government-issued photo ID, such as: Aadhaar card Passport Voter ID PAN card School ID if no other ID is available SAT admission ticket (for exam)
Special Registration Requirements	Parental consent is required for students aged 12 or below.

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:

Criteria	Details
Age Requirements	There is no official age limit for Digital SAT. Most applicants are between the ages of 16-18 (grades 11-12).
Academic Requirements	There are no specific educational requirements. Students should be familiar with high school-level math and reading/writing.
Documents Needed	A valid government-issued ID is required for verification. This includes: Passport Driver’s License (DL) National ID card Voter ID card SAT admission ticket (for exam)
Number of Attempts	There is no limit on the number of times a student can take the Digital SAT.
Special Registration Conditions	Students aged 12 or below should register via mail with parental consent. Students aged 13 or above can register via the College Board portal without the need for any consent.

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:

Type of Accommodation	Details
Extended Time	50% extra time is given for all sections to accommodate students requiring additional time for reading or processing.
Separate Testing Room	Private testing room with assistive technologies like magnifiers, screen readers, or audio support.
Frequent Breaks (More breaks)	Scheduled or unscheduled breaks for students with medical conditions, ADHD, or anxiety.
Accessible Materials	Large print, Braille, or audio materials for students with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Four-Function Calculator for students with math disabilities.
Reader Support	Reader assists with reading questions.
Scribe Support	Scribes write answers for students.

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:

Criteria	Details
Financial Benefit	Up to a 90% fee waiver for students who cannot afford the SAT registration fee.
Eligibility Criteria	Income Level: Must satisfy income eligibility criteria set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service. Participation in Federal Programs: Enrollment in programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Family Conditions: Students in foster care, homeless, or living in military families may also qualify.
Applying Method	Directly through the College Board account.

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.

Similar Reads:

• SAT Test Centers in India – City-wise Details & Exam Dates 2024-25
• How to Register for SAT Exam- Handy tips