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ACT Exam 2025: Dates, Registration, Eligibility, Format, Syllabus, Scoring, and Preparation Tips

• Updated on Aug 21, 2025 by Santana Banerjee

ACT Exam 2025: The upcoming ACT Exam 2025 is scheduled for 5th & 6th September 2025. Registration is currently open until 22nd August 2025, and the final deadline for photo submission is 29th August 2025. To register, candidates must access act.org and create a myACT account by entering personal and qualification details and paying the fee of INR 16232.31. The exam is typically taken by students in grades 10th, 11th, and 12th, but there is no upper age limit.

 

ACT Latest Exam Pattern 2025 contains three main sections: English (50 questions), Math (45 questions), and Reading (36 questions), with optional Science (40 questions) and Writing (1 essay) sections. The ACT syllabus covers topics such as grammar, sentence structure, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data interpretation. To prepare effectively, candidates should begin with official ACT study materials, practice tests, and online tutorials. ACT Results 2025 are typically released within 2-8 weeks of the ACT Test Date with multiple-choice scores.

 

Table of Contents

  1. ACT Exam 2025: Key Highlights
  2. What Is the ACT Exam?
  3. ACT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025 For Non-US Candidates
  4. ACT Test Dates For Non-US Students
  5. ACT Application Process 2025
  6. ACT 2025 Exam Fees In India
  7. ACT Exam Admit Card 2025
  8. ACT Exam Pattern 2025
  9. ACT Exam Syllabus 2025
  10. ACT Exam Preparation Tips 2025
  11. ACT Exam Results 2025
  12. ACT Exam Centres In India
  13. ACT Exam 2025 FAQs

 

ACT Exam 2025: Key Highlights

ACT stands for American College Testing, which is mostly taken by students in 10th, 11th, and/or 12th grades. Its format is based on four multiple-choice tests, such as English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional writing test. Candidates need to answer 131 questions from these sections within 125 minutes. Check below to know the key highlights of the ACT Exam 2025.

Particulars

Details

ACT Exam Full Form

American College Testing

ACT Official Website

https://www.act.org

ACT Test Taken by

Students of 10th, 11th, and/or 12th grades

ACT Exam Syllabus

The ACT contains four multiple-choice tests:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Reading
  • Science
  • An optional writing test

ACT Exam Duration

125 minutes, and with science/ writing sections, 165 minutes

Total Number of questions

131

ACT Scoring Range

1-36 for each multiple-choice test

ACT Exam mode

Both offline and online

ACT Exam Fees in India

  • ACT Exam (Includes the English, math, and reading sections.): INR 16232.31
  • ACT exam with Science section: INR 17103
  • ACT exam with Writing Section: INR 18408.22
  • ACT exam with Science and Writing sections: INR 19278.59

ACT Contact Information

Phone: 319-337-1270

 

What Is the ACT Exam?

Each year, a million students take the ACT Exam to pursue postsecondary educational and career plans in the United States. It is based on the major areas of high school and postsecondary instructional programs to evaluate candidates' readiness for enrolling in undergraduate programs. This test emphasises the practical language skills to assess candidates' abilities to understand language in context. It is accepted by 225 institutions globally, including Canada and the United States. Most importantly, it is the only standardised test that offers "My Answer Key" to help them review their mistakes.

 

The SAT Exam is also a common exam among high school students who wish to study abroad. However, there are some significant differences are present between these two test options, and these are as follows:

ACT Vs SAT

Parameters

ACT

SAT

Access to English learner supports at every national test date

Yes

No

ACT Answer Key

Yes

No

Both online and offline exam modes

Yes

No

Ability to change answers in sections

Yes

No

Exam duration

125 minutes

134 minutes

Score Range

1-36 for each section

400-1600

 

ACT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025 For Non-US Candidates

ACT, Inc. does not prescribe any strict eligibility criteria for the ACT Exam 2025, as students of any academic qualifications and nationality can register for the exam. Let’s check the ACT Exam Eligibility Criteria in detail:

Particulars

Details

Age Limit

  • All students above 13 years of age can appear for the ACT Exam.
  • No upper age limit is there.

Academic qualifications

  • Students who are in 10th-12th grades are eligible to take the test.

Nationality

  • Open to both US and international applicants.
  • Indian students are also eligible to apply.

Number of attempts

  • No strict limit is imposed for the ACT Exam Retake policy.

Documents requirements

  • Passport or Aadhaar card
  • Official photo ID must be an original, current (valid)
  • ID issued by a city/state/federal government agency or school.

 

ACT Test Dates For Non-US Students

Some upcoming ACT Test Dates include 5th-6th September, 2025, and 17th-18th October, 2025. The registration window typically opens 1 month before the test date. So, check the test dates along with ACT registration deadlines below:

ACT Test Dates

Registration Deadlines

Registration Deadlines with Late Fee

Photo Upload Deadline

5th-6th September, 2025

8th August 2025

22nd August 2025

29th August 2025

17-18th October, 2025

19th September 2025

3rd October 2025

10th October 2025

12-13th December, 2025

14th November 2025

28th November 2025

5th December 2025

6-7th February, 2026

9th January 2026

23rd January 2026

30th January 2026

10-11th April, 2026

13th March 2026

27th March 2026

3rd March 2026

12-13th June, 2026

15th May 2026

29th May 2026

5th June 2026

10-11th July, 2026

12th June 2026

26th June 2026

3rd July 2026

 

ACT Application Process 2025

The ACT Application Process 2025 is conducted online, and students need to create a myACT account first. Then they can enter their personal information and academic qualification details and upload photographs and supporting documents. The steps of ACT registration are highlighted below:

  • Sign in at my.act.org/.
  • A welcome page is opened.
  • Candidates need to select one test location between "In the US” and “outside the US”.
  • Then select the test option from “Include writing” or “No writing”.
  • Next, choose a test centre along with a preferred ACT Test Date.
  • Upload a headshot photograph
  • Add educational details of students and their parents.
  • Select up to four colleges to which they want to send their ACT Score reports.
  • Pay the exam fee and confirm the registration.

 

Photo Submission Requirements For The ACT Exam 2025

Uploading a recent photograph is mandatory for identification and test security purposes. The photographs are reflected in the ACT hall ticket and score reports. Candidates are advised to upload their photographs within the given deadlines. The upcoming photo submission deadline is on 29th August 2025 for the ACT Exam scheduled on 5 & 6th September 2025. Before uploading, candidates must be aware of the photo submission requirements, and these are listed below:

  • The candidates' photo must be a clear image (not blurry, grainy, or fuzzy) against a plain background.
  • The photo must be a full face-and-shoulders shot, squarely facing the camera.
  • Only a portrait photo is accepted.
  • The photo must be facing the camera.
  • Dark glasses and photo enhancement techniques are not allowed.
  • Photos with excessive light, shadow, or busy backgrounds are not acceptable.
  • Candidates are advised not to scan any ID proofs or School ID images.

Now, refer to the following section to know the required format and size of the photos:

  • Only JPG, JPEG, PNG, or BMP image files are allowed.
  • The maximum file size should be 5MB.
  • Scanned images should be printed as a 2" x 2" image or larger.
  • Image resolution should be at least 640 x 480 pixels.

 

Standby Testing For The ACT Exam 2025

Standby testing offers students a non-guaranteed chance to take the ACT Exam if they miss the late registration deadlines. However, standby requests can only be submitted within a limited period, which is around 8 days before the test. Candidates must meet the registration requirements properly. The seats are available on a first-come and first-served basis, but seats are not guaranteed. To request standby testing, candidates must follow the steps below and pay an additional fee of INR 6000.

  • Check standby availability by logging in at my.act.org/.
  • Submit a standby request.
  • Pay an additional fee of INR 6000 with regular ACT Registration fees.
  • Wait for confirmation.

 

How To Make A Request For Accommodations For The ACT Exam

Candidates with disabilities are allowed to request accommodation facilities during the ACT Exam 2025. However, to avail this, candidates must contact a school official, as the accommodations requested should be similar to the accommodations candidates currently receive in school. Applicants are advised to request accommodations during registration, as approval may take 5-10 business days. Check the steps below to know how to request accommodations in the ACT Exam.

  • Log in to myACT.
  • Link a valid high school name with its zip code during registration.
  • Candidates get a confirmation email.
  • After receiving that, they must fill out a Consent to Release Information to ACT (PDF) form.
  • School officials receive a copy of the decision notification.

 

ACT 2025 Exam Fees In India

The regular ACT Exam fee is approximately INR 16232.31. The science section costs INR 17103, while the writing section costs around INR 18408.22. Here is a breakdown of ACT Exam Fees below:

ACT Tests

Fee (INR)

ACT Exam (Includes the English, math, and reading sections.)

16232.31

ACT exam with Science section

17103

ACT exam with Writing Section

18408.22

ACT exam with Science and Writing sections

19278.59

Test option change

4178

 

ACT Exam Admit Card 2025

The ACT Exam Admit Card is generated right after registration is completed. To download the admit card, candidates need to follow the steps below:

  • Go to www.act.org/
  • Sign in using your email ID and password
  • Click on "Download your admission ticket"
  • Download and print.

 

ACT Exam Pattern 2025

The ACT Exam Pattern 2025 is divided into three main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science (optional), and Writing (optional). The English section contains the highest weightage, and it tests candidates' abilities to make decisions to revise and edit short texts and essays in different genres. Refer to the table below to check the section-wise number of questions and test duration of the ACT Exam 2025.

Sections

Number of Questions

Total Score

Test Duration

Skills Tested

English

50

40

35

Candidates' ability to make decisions to revise and edit short texts and essays in different genres.

Mathematics

45

41

50

Candidates' mathematical skills

 

acquired in courses up to the beginning of grade 12.

Reading

36

27

40

The ability to read closely, reason logically about texts using evidence, and integrate information from multiple resources.

Science (optional)

40

34

40

The skills of interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving are required in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences, and physics.

Writing (optional)

1 essay

_________

40

Writing skills gained in high school English classes and entry-level college composition courses. This section is optional.

 

ACT Exam Syllabus 2025

The ACT Exam Syllabus 2025 covers a range of topics, including Sentence Structure and Formation, Punctuation, Number & Quantity, Algebra, Text structure, and Word and Phrase meanings. Refer to the table below to check the subject-wise ACT Exam Syllabus.

Sections

ACT Syllabus Overview

English

  • Production of Writing: Topic Development, Organisation, Unity, and Cohesion
  • Knowledge of Language
  • Sentence Structure and Formation
  • Punctuation
  • Usage

Mathematics

  • Number & Quantity
  • Algebra
  • Functions
  • Geometry
  • Statistics & Probability
  • Integrating Essential Skills
  • Modeling

Reading

  • Determine Main Ideas
  • Locate And Interpret Significant Details
  • Understand Sequences of Events
  • Make Comparisons
  • Comprehend Cause-Effect Relationships
  • Determine The Meaning of Context-Dependent Words, Phrases, And Statements
  • Draw Generalizations
  • Analyse the Author's or Narrator's Voice And Method
  • Analyse Claims And Evidence In Arguments
  • Integrate Information From Multiple Texts

Science (optional)

  • Interpretation of Data
  • Scientific Investigation
  • Data Representation
  • Research Summaries
  • Conflicting Viewpoints

Writing (optional)

  • Ideas and Analysis
  • Development and Support
  • Organise ideas with clarity and purpose
  • Language Use and Conventions

 

ACT Exam Preparation Tips 2025

ACT suggests several ways for candidates to excel on the ACT Exam, including joining a self-paced course, reading ACT subject guides, and attending live online classes. Here are some effective ACT Exam Preparation Tips 2025 below to help candidates achieve the best scores:

  • Create a structured timetable to cover the most important sections of the ACT Syllabus.
  • Use appropriate test preparation resources such as The Official ACT Self-Paced Course, Powered by Kaplan.
  • Join the Official ACT Live Online Course, powered by Kaplan, to learn from the expert teachers.
  • Take full-length practice tests and solve past years' question papers.
  • Use digital flashcards to memorise the concepts.
  • Take ACT Practice Tests for free at myACT account.

 

ACT Exam Results 2025

ACT Exam Results 2025 are typically released within 2-8 weeks of the test date. The scores of each section of the ACT Syllabus are based on a scoring scale of 1-36. However, the writing section is scored separately on a 2-12 scale, but it does not affect the composite scores. Let’s check the section-wise average ACT scores below:

ACT Exam Sections

Average ACT Scores

English

20.3

Math

20.9

Reading

21.3

Science

20.8

Composite

21.0

 

How To Check ACT Exam Results 2025

To check ACT scores, candidates need to sign in at www.act.org/ using their email address and password. Once signed in, candidates need to click on “My Scores,” and upon clicking, they can get their scores.

 

ACT Exam Centres In India

ACT Exam Centres are located across the metropolitan cities in India. However, the demand for the test centres in these cities is high. Candidates should secure their spots as early as possible, as some cities have limited seats for computer-based test options. Check the list of ACT Exam Centres 2025 below:

  • New Delhi
  • Noida
  • Mumbai
  • Bangalore
  • Hyderabad
  • Chennai
  • Kolkata
  • Pune
  • Vadodara

 

ACT Exam 2025 FAQs

What is the ACT Exam for?

The ACT exam stands for American College Testing, which is a standardised test used to assess a candidate's readiness for undergraduate programs. It evaluates skills in English, mathematics, reading, and, with optional science and writing sections.

Is there any age limit to take the ACT Exam 2025?

No, there is no age limit to appear for the ACT Exam. It is mostly taken by the candidates who are aged between 13 and 19 years. So, anyone above the age of 13 can appear for the exam. There is no upper limit imposed by the ACT. Inc.

What are the ACT registration fees for 2025 in India?

The regular ACT Exam fee is approximately INR 16232.31. The science section costs INR 17103, while the writing section costs around INR 18408.22.

What is the ACT Syllabus 2025?

The ACT Syllabus contains three main sections. Such as English, Math, and Reading, and two optional sections: Science and Writing. English covers grammar and sentence structure, Math includes algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, Reading focuses on comprehension, and Science tests data analysis and reasoning. Writing assesses essay writing and the ability to develop arguments.

What are some upcoming ACT Test Dates 2025 for international students?

Some upcoming ACT Test Dates 2025 for international students include 5th-6th September 2025, 17th-18th October 2025 and 12-13th December 2025.

In which Indian cities are ACT exam centres present?

Major ACT centres in India are across New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Pune.

Can Indian students take the ACT online or only paper-based?

Both CBT and paper-based formats are available. CBT offers faster results (2-3 weeks after the test date), flexible scheduling, and a streamlined experience. However, students should select the mode based on centre availability and their convenience.

How are the ACT sections scored?

Each ACT section is scored on a scale of 1-36, with a composite average of the four sections. Writing is scored separately (2–12). Scores 33-36 indicate a top-tier score, 28-32 indicate a competitive score, and 22-27 indicate a mid-tier score.

Why is an average ACT score essential?

The average ACT score is essential because it allows universities and schools to compare a candidate's results with other applicants.

Why is the ACT writing section scored differently?

The ACT writing section is not required for most colleges. However, some universities may require candidates to submit their writing section scores, as this section assesses their ability to present ideas, conduct analysis, and organise them with clarity and purpose.