SAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Syllabus of Reading, Writing & Math

The SAT syllabus is a part reading marathon and part math puzzle hunt! It covers everything from grammar rules that haunt your essays to algebra equations that test your logic under pressure. So, if you’re aiming for that dream score in SAT Exam, let’s decode the SAT syllabus first and see how you can tackle each section like a PRO.

Key Highlights

• Reading & Writing Sections of the SAT Exam cover English topics like rhetorical synthesis, 
• The Math Section of the SAT Exam covers algebra, arithmetic and advanced 
• The total duration of an SAT exam for an Indian student is 2 hours and 14 minutes.
• The format of SAT 2026 is that both the Reading, Writing, and Math sections are presented in 2 modules each. So you’ll have 4 sections.

SAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

The SAT Exam Syllabus 2026 is divided into two sections: Reading & Writing and Math. The Reading and Writing section tests grammar, comprehension, and analysis through short passages, while the Math section covers algebra, advanced math, and data analysis. 

The best part is the test adapts to you! The first module is a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how you perform, the second module will adjust in difficulty.

Thе tablе bеlow summarizеs thе basic exam structurе of thе SAT in 2026:

Let’s now explore each section of the syllabusin detail to help you understand what to expect and how to prepar

SAT Reading & Writing Section Syllabus 2026

The Reading and Writing section of the SAT checks how well you can read, understand, and express ideas clearly, skills that are essential for college success. You’ll see short passages (25–150 words) or sometimes passage pairs, each followed by one multiple-choice question. Expect passages from literature, history/social studies, humanities, and science, mostly short, clear, and focused on a single idea. 

Here's a table explaining the main knowledge areas covered in the syllabus of the Reading and Writing Section:

Types of Questions in the SAT Reading & Writing Section 

The SAT Reading and Writing section assesses your proficiency in interpreting, analysing, and integrating information from reading materials. It also examines your knowledge of vocabulary and standard English grammar. Since the majority of grammar questions are derived from school-level curriculum, it is essential to prepare thoroughly using your textbooks.

Let’s discuss the types of questions in the SAT digital reading and writing sections in detail:

1. Reading for the Main Idea 

Here, you are tested on your ability to identify the central theme or main purpose of a passage. While reading, you need to understand the topic being discussed, recognise the author’s perspective, identify the main argument, and evaluate the supporting details used to strengthen the core idea.

2. Interpret Information

Drawing inferences is a key reading skill that requires you to deduce conclusions from the information given in the passage. This involves identifying implicit information from context clues, understanding the author’s attitude or tone through word choice and overall message, and recognising the relationships between ideas, arguments, or themes presented in the text.

3. Punctuation 

These questions evaluate your writing skills and correct usage of punctuation marks like commas, full stops, colons, dashes, and apostrophes. 

4. Subject-Verb Agreement 

These questions focus on subject–verb agreement and test your ability to construct clear, grammatically correct, and cohesive sentences that maintain consistency in number and tense.

5. Pronouns 

These questions evaluate your skill to use a variety of pronouns in sentences, like personal, possessive, reflexive, indefinite, and relative pronouns.

6. Tenses and Modifiers 

These questions evaluate your proficiency in accurately indicating the timing of an action, thereby demonstrating your capability to write with clarity and logical consistency.

7. Rhetorical Synthesis & Transitions

This area focuses on how ideas are connected and organised. These questions test whether you can choose the best transitions, combine information logically, and ensure smooth flow between sentences or ideas.

SAT Math Section Syllabus 2026

The Math section of the SAT tests your ability to understand, apply, and reason with key mathematical concepts. You’ll encounter a mix of multiple-choice and student-produced response questions, some set in real-world contexts. The questions cover algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, as well as geometry and trigonometry. Most questions are clear and focused, but they get progressively more challenging, letting you show off your problem-solving skills step by step.

Here's a table explaining the main knowledge areas covered in the syllabus of the Math Section:

Types of SAT Math Questions  

SAT Math consists of arithmetic and geometric progressions. You may also get questions on data analysis, related to statistics.
The types of questions in the SAT math section are as follows: 

1. Advanced Math-1 

Under Advanced Math 1, you get questions on Functions and Graphs. You need to identify the domain and range of a function, evaluate and solve an equation. 

2. Advanced Math-2 

Advanced Math 2 contains questions on arithmetic and geometric progressions:

• Arithmetic Progression: You will be given a series or a sequence of numbers in which each term is obtained by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing a fixed constant value. 
• Geometric Progression: It is a sequence of numbers in which each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant number called the common ratio.

3. Data Analysis

These questions will be related to statistics and analysis of a given piece of data or information. You may be asked to calculate the mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation.

4. Geometry and Trigonometry 

Geometry 1 deals with angles, lines, and parallelograms, whereas Geometry 2 includes questions on circles and spheres. For trigonometry, learning the formulae is very important.

Let’s look at them in detail:

• Geometry 1: This section deals with different types of lines, angles, parallel lines, polygons, triangles, congruent triangles, Pythagoras' theorem, Pythagoras' triplets, and rhombus and trapezoid. You must be asked to calculate the area of these diagrams.
• Geometry 2: This section includes circles, spheres, cubes, cuboids, cylinders, and cones. You are required to calculate the diameter, radius, chord, central angle, tangent, arc, arc length, sector, volume, surface area, etc., for these diagrams. 
• Trigonometry: This uses all the trigonometry angles, like sin, cos, and tan. You might be asked to measure angles in radians and convert radians to degrees. 

5. Algebra

Questions on algebra test your ability to solve linear equations to deduce the equation to three types of solutions: unique, infinite, and no solution. In addition, problems of inequality can be raised.

6. Problem-solving-1 

These types of questions test your skill related to the classification of numbers, percentages, common fraction-to-per cent equivalents, percentage change, simple interest, compound interest, and unit conversions.

SAT Scoring System

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, where 1600 is the highest possible score, and 400 is the lowest. This total SAT score is known as the composite score, which is calculated by adding your section scores from Mathematics and the Reading & Writing Section using an equating method. 

Before conversion, your performance is first measured as a raw score, based on the number of questions you answer correctly

SAT Math Section

The Math section is scored on a 200–800 scale, with scores increasing in 10-point increments. Your final score depends on how many questions you answer correctly, adjusted for the difficulty level of the test.

SAT Reading & Writing Section

The scoring of Reading and Writing is first calculated on a raw scale of 10–40, with 1-point increments. After that, this score is converted into the final EBRW score using the equating process, which also ranges from 200 to 800.

Together, the Math and EBRW scores are added to give your final SAT score out of 1600.

Tips to Cover the Complete SAT Syllabus on Time

Preparing for the SAT can feel overwhelming, especially with a vast syllabus and limited time. However, with a clear plan, smart resource selection, and focused practice, covering the complete SAT syllabus on time is absolutely achievable

Below are practical strategies to help manage time effectively and stay confident throughout preparation.

1. Understand What the SAT Actually Tests

The SAT goes beyond textbook knowledge. It evaluates logical reasoning in Reading, precision in Writing, and real-world problem-solving in Math. Practising official questions and analysing why each answer works will improve both accuracy and speed.

2. Plan Backwards From Your Target Score

Set a realistic target score and break it down by section. For example, a 1450 goal can be split into Math and Reading & Writing targets. Focus more on weaker areas and study in 60–90 minute sessions to maintain consistency without burnout.

3. Use Limited, High-Quality Study Resources

Avoid using too many prep books at once. Stick to two or three reliable resources and work through them thoroughly. Rotating between them weekly keeps practice fresh while exposing you to varied question types.

4. Practise Full-Length Tests Strategically

Include full-length mock tests to ensure complete syllabus coverage. Taking one every alternate weekend builds exam stamina, improves focus, and helps you understand how different topics appear together under timed conditions.

5. Build Strong Time-Management Skills

Time pressure plays a major role in the SAT. Practise pacing strategies such as skipping time-consuming questions, making educated guesses, and revisiting them later. Aim to finish sections slightly early to allow time for review.

6. Use Smart Digital Tools

Adaptive platforms like Khan Academy, PrepScholar, and the Bluebook app help personalise practice based on performance. These tools mirror the digital SAT format and are useful for targeted, efficient revision.

From the Desk of Yocket 

The SAT is a crucial standardised test for undergraduate admissions, opening doors to top universities like Harvard, Princeton, and Oxford. Administered by the College Board, it’s essential to understand the test format and syllabus thoroughly before you sit for the exam.

The key to acing the SAT is early and strategic preparation. Yocket Prep offers expert guidance to help you plan, practice, and perfect your approach. With over 30,000 students successfully guided to leading universities abroad, our advisors are here to help you achieve your goals, too.

Start your journey today!