SAT Registration 2025: Process, Fees, Test Centers & Key Tips

More students are taking the SAT now than in the past few years. For the class of 2024, over 1.97 million students took the SAT at least once—up from 1.91 million the year before. This rising number makes it harder to find available seats and nearby test centers, especially in India.

You need to register early, fill in accurate details, and choose the right center to avoid last-minute issues. With more students taking the SAT, you must plan ahead to secure your preferred test date and location. This guide covers everything you need for SAT registration in 2025—deadlines, fees, common mistakes, and key tips to avoid delays.

SAT Registration for 2025: Key Insights You Need to Know

The SAT exam is conducted multiple times each year across different countries. The schedule can vary slightly depending on the year, but test dates are typically spread across March, May, August, October, and December. 

Since more and more students are registering for SAT, you need to register early to get your preferred exam date and center. Delaying registration can leave you with fewer test center choices, and in some cases, no available slots at all, particularly in major cities.

The following table gives you a clear overview of the SAT registration structure for 2025.

Detail	Information
SAT Registration Fee	$68 + $43 international fee (INR 5.8k + INR 3.6k)
Late Registration Fee	$34 (INR 3k) added to base fee
Test Dates in India (2025)	The College Board updates test schedules annually. The upcoming test will be on March 8, May 3, June 7, 2025.
Documents Required	Valid passport (mandatory for Indian students), recent photograph
Registration Mode	Online via College Board portal
Profile Information Needed	Full name (as per passport), address, academic background, school details

Now that you have a high-level overview of SAT exam registration 2025, Let’s shift our focus to the registration process. 

SAT Exam Registration Deadlines

In addition to registering on time, you should also know the deadlines for making changes or cancellations. Missing these can lead to extra charges or even loss of your seat. The late registration deadline allows you to sign up after the regular window closes, but with an added fee. It's your last chance to register before a test date.

The following table lists key deadlines you should keep in mind for each test date.

Test Date	Regular Deadline	Late Registration Deadline	Deadline for Changes or Cancellations
March 8, 2025	February 21, 2025	February 25, 2025	February 25, 2025
May 3, 2025	April 18, 2025	April 22, 2025	April 22, 2025
June 7, 2025	May 22, 2025	May 27, 2025	May 27, 2025

You should set personal reminders for each of these dates. It helps avoid rushed decisions and keeps your schedule on track.

Also Read: ACT vs SAT- Which is Better

With a clear understanding of the deadlines and fees, your next step is to complete your SAT registration. Here’s how to do it.

Steps to Register for the SAT Exam Online

Registering for the SAT online is a simple process, but accuracy matters at every step. A small error—like a mismatch in your name or an incorrect ID number—can lead to rejection on test day. Before you begin, keep your valid passport, a digital photograph, and a payment method ready. The entire registration typically takes about 45 minutes, but you can save your progress and return later if needed.​

Below are the essential steps to guide you through the SAT online registration:​

Step 1. Create a College Board Account

Start by visiting satsuite.collegeboard.org and click on the sign-up option. Fill in your full name, email ID, date of birth, and school details. Make sure the name matches exactly with your passport. Use a reliable email ID, as all SAT communications will be sent there.

Step 2. Enter Personal and Academic Details

After account creation, you will be asked to complete your profile. Enter your home address, gender, high school information, expected graduation year (optional), and academic interests. These details help colleges understand your background, so make sure the information is accurate and complete.

Step 3. Pick Exam Date and Center

Browse the upcoming SAT dates and choose one that gives you enough preparation time. Then select a test center in or near your city. You will see live seat availability. If your preferred test center is full, you can check for availability in nearby cities or choose a later test date.

Important Note: 

Upload a clear, passport-style photo that meets the College Board’s guidelines. Avoid selfies or casual photos. Then, review every detail carefully—especially your name, ID number, and test center selection—to ensure there are no errors.

Step 4. Pay the Required Fees and Finalize Registration

Use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal to pay the SAT registration fee. Indian students must pay the base fee plus the international testing fee. Once your payment goes through, your SAT admission ticket will be generated. Print or save it—you’ll need it on test day.

Completing these steps diligently will ensure a smooth registration experience. Remember to print your admission ticket and keep it safe, as you'll need to present it on test day.

Also Read: SAT Requirements for Top 25 US Schools

Now that you’ve completed your registration, it's equally important to review the SAT fee structure, including any additional charges that may apply.

SAT 2025: Registration Fees and Extra Charges

If you don’t understand the SAT fee structure before registering, you may end up paying more through late fees, change charges, or cancellation penalties. The base registration fee for international students, including those in India, is higher than for students in the U.S. 

This is because the College Board adds an international testing fee on top of the standard amount. You will also be charged extra if you register late, change your test center, or cancel your registration.

The table below highlights the main fees and additional charges applicable for the SAT 2025.

Fee Type	Fee Amount in $	Fee Amount in INR
Registration Fee	$68 + $43 international fee	INR 5.8k + INR 3.6k
Late Registration Fee	$34 (added to the regular fee)	INR 3k
Test Center Change Fee	$29	INR 2.4k
Cancel Registration Fee	$29 (if canceled by change deadline)	INR 2.4k
Late Cancel Fee	$39 (if canceled after the change deadline)	INR 3.3k

Note: Fees are subject to change. Always check the official College Board website for the latest SAT registration costs.

Also Read: SAT Waiver: Fees, Types, How to Apply & Benefits

Staying informed about these costs will help you plan your budget and avoid missing any steps due to payment issues.

Common Issues Students Face During SAT Registration

Even small mistakes during SAT registration can lead to denied entry, lost fees, or missed test dates. That’s why avoiding common errors is necessary. You must review every step carefully and confirm that your registration is completed. Always check your email for the official confirmation message from the College Board to ensure your booking went through without issues.

Below are some specific issues students often encounter during SAT registration:​

• Uploading an Unacceptable Photo: Your photo must meet the College Board's strict rules. Common errors include submitting selfies, photos with filters, unclear images, or pictures where the face is cropped. In one case, a student was denied entry because their photo had poor lighting and didn’t show both ears clearly.
  
  Solution: Use a plain background, full-face view, and neutral expression. Upload a clear passport-style photo that follows all listed photo requirements.
• Using an Expired or Incorrect ID: A valid passport is mandatory for Indian students. If your passport is expired or the name on it doesn’t match your registration, you won’t be allowed to take the test. Many students overlook expiry dates or use school IDs, which are not accepted.
  
  Solution: Check your passport’s validity at the time of registration and on test day. Ensure the name matches exactly with your SAT profile.
• Missing Registration Deadlines: If you miss the regular deadline, you must pay a late fee. Miss the late deadline, and you lose the chance to appear for that test date entirely. Students aiming for specific university deadlines may miss entire admission cycles.
  
  Solution: Set calendar alerts for all deadlines—registration, late registration, and change deadlines—for your chosen test date.
• Errors in Personal Information: Incorrect entries in your name, date of birth, or gender can create problems during ID verification or score reporting. One student’s score was withheld because their date of birth didn’t match their passport.
  
  Solution: Double-check every personal detail. Use your passport while filling the form to ensure an exact match.
• Technical Issues During Registration: Some students face issues like website crashes during peak registration periods or failed online payments. This can cause delays or prevent completion.
  
  Solution: Use a reliable browser (Chrome or Firefox) and stable internet. If a problem occurs, log out, clear cookies, and try again. For persistent issues, contact College Board support without delay.

Also Read: SAT Preparation: How to Prepare for SAT Exam

Avoiding registration mistakes is just the first step. Next, selecting the right test center ensures a smooth test-day experience. Let's explore available SAT test centers in India.

SAT 2025 Test Centers in India: Locations & Availability

Securing the right SAT test center is just as important as registering on time. In India, SAT test centers are spread across major cities, but each center offers limited seating and may not operate on every test date. Availability depends on demand, location, and scheduling by the College Board.

Some centers may only offer the SAT on select dates, while others may be unavailable due to local conditions or logistical changes. Centers can also be added or removed closer to the test date, sometimes at short notice, for example, due to public health concerns or regional disruptions. 

Always check the official College Board site for real-time updates, and confirm your center assignment regularly to avoid last-minute surprises.

Below is an indicative list of cities in India that typically host SAT test centers. Actual availability may vary based on the test date and demand:​

• Ahmedabad​
• Bangalore​
• Bhopal​
• Bhubaneswar​
• Chandigarh​
• Chennai​
• Coimbatore​
• Dehradun
• Gurgaon​
• Guwahati​
• Hyderabad​
• Indore​
• Jaipur​
• Kolkata​
• Lucknow​
• Mumbai​
• Nagpur​
• New Delhi​
• Noida​
• Patna​
• Pune​
• Raipur​
• Ranchi​
• Thiruvananthapuram​

Note: This list is for reference only. Not all listed cities may offer SAT test centers on every test date. Always confirm exact availability through your College Board account during registration.

Securing a convenient test center is just the first step. To maximize your SAT score, early registration, effective preparation, and the right study resources are equally important. The next section covers essential tips to help you excel.

Essential Tips for a Smooth SAT Exam Registration

To register for the SAT without errors, you need to follow key steps with precision. This includes meeting deadlines, using correct documents, and verifying your test center and confirmation details. A single mistake, like a mismatched name or missed date, can lead to extra fees or being turned away on test day.

Following the tips below can help you stay on track and make your preparation more effective.

• Set reminders for all SAT deadlines: 
  • Mark important dates like registration cut-offs, late deadlines, and score report deadlines. 
  • For example, missing the late registration window for the March test could push you to a less convenient date.
• Double-check personal and ID details during registration: 
  • Make sure your full name, date of birth, and photo match exactly with your passport.
  • Students with mismatched details have been turned away from test centers.
• Choose a test center close to home:  
  • Pick a center that minimizes travel stress. 
  • For instance, if you're in Hyderabad, avoid last-minute booking in neighboring cities due to limited seat availability.
• Use a valid passport and a compliant photo
  • Indian students must use a valid, unexpired passport and upload a passport-style photo. 
  • Any deviation can result in rejection of your application or test-day denial.
• Keep a copy of your SAT admission ticket: 
  • After registration, download and print your admission ticket. 
  • This is mandatory on test day, along with your ID.
• Review your email confirmation: 
  • After payment, check your inbox for the confirmation email from the College Board. 
  • If you don’t receive it, log in to your account and verify your registration status.

Preparing systematically gives you a clear advantage on test day and boosts your confidence.

How Can upGrad Support Your SAT 2025 Preparation?

upGrad is one of the largest online learning platforms, trusted by over 10 million learners globally. It offers access to 200+ career-oriented courses across test prep, study abroad, technology, management, and more. 

Whether you're planning to apply to U.S. universities or aiming for a strong SAT score, upGrad provides structured guidance tailored to student goals.

You can make use of upGrad’s free one-on-one counselling sessions to get clarity on the SAT and admission timelines. In addition, upGrad offers curated SAT resources designed to help you prepare more effectively.