SAT Exam Dates 2026-27: Monthly Test Schedule & Registration Deadlines

The College Board has confirmed 8 SAT dates for the 2026-27 cycle, running from 22 August 2026 to 5 June 2027. Registration for the upcoming SAT on 5 December 2026 closes on 20 November 2026, which is the regular deadline, and late registration stays open until 24 November 2026 for an additional fee.

In this guide, you will find SAT test dates and registration deadlines, along with tips to choose the right date.

Key Highlights:

• The next SAT test on 5 December 2026 is a good choice for students with January application deadlines. Students who miss the registration deadline of 24 November 2026 must wait until 6 March 2027, which works only for universities that accept late test scores or admit on a rolling basis.
• SAT registration closes about two weeks before each test date. For the December test, it is better to register well before the regular deadline of 20 November 2026.
• Two additional SAT dates are scheduled for 2027, on 1 May and 5 June. The 1 May test is too late for Fall 2027 applications but suits students applying early for Fall 2028. The 5 June test is also suitable for Fall 2028 applicants.
• The College Board has shared expected SAT dates for 2027-28, with five dates in Fall 2027 and three in Spring 2028. These dates are not final and may change.

SAT Exam Dates in India (2026-27)

The SAT exam is generally conducted eight times every year, with tests scheduled across August, September, October, November, December, March, May, and June. Indian students follow the same international SAT schedule published by the College Board.

College Board has confirmed the following SAT dates and registration deadlines for international students, including those appearing from India. The next SAT dates available for registration are 5 December 2026, 6 March 2027, 1 May 2027, and 5 June 2027.

Note: All deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), US. Late registration is available worldwide and attracts an additional fee. If you need to borrow a testing device from College Board, you must register and request the device at least 30 days before your chosen test date.

Anticipated SAT Test Dates (2027-28)

College Board has released anticipated SAT dates for the 2027-28 testing cycle. These dates will help students plan their preparation and university applications ahead of time.

The schedule includes five anticipated test dates during Fall 2027 and three during Spring 2028. However, College Board may update these dates, so check the official SAT calendar before registering.

Fall Intake (2027)

If you plan to apply to universities for Fall 2028 admission, you can consider the following anticipated SAT dates. Taking the exam during this period gives you time to prepare, attempt a retake and submit your scores before application deadlines.

Spring Intake (2028) 

The Spring 2028 SAT schedule offers three additional opportunities if you need more preparation time or want to improve your previous score.

Note: These are anticipated dates, not confirmed registration schedules. College Board has not yet published the corresponding registration deadlines.

How to Select the Right SAT Exam Date?

Applicants should select a SAT test date based on their university application deadlines, preparation level, and the time they need for a possible retake. Aim to take the SAT at least 4-5 months before university application deadlines.

Consider these factors before booking the SAT date:

• Fall intake deadlines: For Fall 2027 admission at US universities, 5 December 2026 is an ideal test date. It offers time for score processing and submission before regular decision deadlines, which typically fall around 1 January 2027.
• Preparation time: Taking a SAT diagnostic test helps assess current performance. Significant gaps in Reading and Writing or Mathematics may require a later test date to allow adequate preparation.
• Test centre availability: Popular SAT test centres in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad may fill up quickly. Register early to improve your chances of securing your preferred location.
• Score reporting time: SAT scores are released within 13 days after the test day. Students should avoid choosing a test date that falls immediately before an application deadline.

SAT Dates 2026-27: Reschedule and Cancellation Policy

Candidates can change or cancel their SAT registrations through their My SAT account. However, changing your test date does not work as a direct rescheduling option. Students must cancel their existing registration and register again for a different date.

Here are some key rules students should understand before making changes to their SAT registration.

SAT Rescheduling Policy

If a student cannot attend their registered SAT date, they must cancel their existing registration and book a new test date.

• Changing your test centre: Request a test centre change through your College Board account, subject to availability and applicable fees.
• Registration deadline: Any change in SAT date must be completed within the applicable deadline listed in the official SAT calendar.
• Registration fees: Students must pay the applicable registration fee when booking another test date.

SAT Cancellation Policy

Students can cancel their SAT registration through their My SAT account. College Board provides a refund of the SAT registration fee, subject to cancellation charges and the applicable deadline.

• Cancellation before the change deadline: College Board charges a cancellation fee of USD 34 (INR 3200).
• Cancellation after the change deadline: Students can cancel until Thursday at 11:59 p.m. ET before test day. After that, the cancellation fee increases to USD 44(INR 4200).
• Refund processing: College Board processes eligible refunds through the original payment method, generally starting within 3-5 business days after cancellation.
• Missing the examination: In case of a no-show, College Board will not automatically reschedule the test or refund the registration fee.

SAT Registration Process

To register for the SAT, visit the College Board SAT registration page and follow the instructions. The process involves creating an account, entering your personal details, selecting a test date and centre, uploading your photograph, and paying the registration fee.

Here is a step-by-step guide to complete your SAT registration:

Step 1: Create a College Board Account: Visit the official College Board website and create a free account. Enter your name, date of birth, email address, and other required details accurately. Make sure your personal information matches your identification document.

Step 2: Complete the SAT Registration Form: Sign in to your College Board account and select the SAT registration option. Fill in the required personal and academic information and review your details before proceeding.

Step 3: Select Your SAT Test Date and Centre: Choose your preferred examination date and search for available SAT test centres in India. Check seat availability before confirming your selection.

Step 4: Upload Your Photograph: Upload a recent photograph that meets College Board's SAT photo requirements. Your photograph helps test centre staff verify your identity on examination day.

Step 5: Pay the SAT Registration Fee: Complete the registration by paying the applicable SAT examination fee of USD 130.98, approximately INR 12,400.

Step 6: Confirm Your Registration: After completing the payment, check your College Board account and registered email address for confirmation. Download the necessary examination details and complete the required Bluebook setup before test day.

From the Desk of Yocket

If you are planning to study abroad in Fall 2027, 5 December 2026 is the last SAT exam date of the calendar year. If you need more preparation time, the March 2027 SAT may offer another opportunity, provided it aligns with your university deadlines. 

With Yocket Prep, you can access resources to strengthen your SAT preparation, practise important question types, and track your progress. A focused preparation strategy can help you approach test day with greater confidence.