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SAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-wise Pattern, Syllabus, Score Range, Preparation Tips

• Updated on Aug 07, 2025 by Santana Banerjee

The SAT Exam Pattern 2025 is divided into two sections such as Reading & Writing and Math. The Reading & Writing section has 54 questions and takes 64 minutes. In the Math section, candidates must answer 44 questions and complete within 70 minutes. In total, the SAT Exam 2025 consists of 98 questions and has a total duration of approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes. Each section is scored between 200 and 800, resulting in a total score range of 400 to 1600.

 

Table of Contents
  1. SAT Exam Pattern 2025: Overview
  2. SAT Exam Pattern 2025: Key Highlights
  3. Section-wise SAT Exam Pattern 2025
  4. SAT Syllabus 2025
  5. SAT Score Range
  6. SAT Preparation Tips 2025
  7. SAT Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs

 

SAT Exam Pattern 2025: Overview

The SAT Exam Pattern 2025 is a multistage adaptive format in which the difficulty level of the exam is based on how well a candidate performs in the first part. Candidates are required to answer a total of 98 questions within 134 minutes. Check below to know the section-wise number of questions and time allotment.

Sections

Time Allotted (minutes)

Number of Questions/Tasks

Reading and Writing

64 (two 32-minute modules)

54

Math

70 (two 35-minute modules)

44

Total

134

98

 

SAT Exam Pattern 2025: Key Highlights

The SAT Test is divided into two modules, and each module includes questions from all four domains. Refer to the table below to check the test format, duration, total questions, and question types of the SAT Exam 2025.

Parameters

SAT Reading & Writing Section

SAT Maths Section

Test Format

1st module:

  • 25 operational questions
  • 2 pretest questions

2nd module:

  • 25 operational questions
  • 2 pretest questions

1st module:

  • 20 operational questions
  • 2 pretest questions

2nd module:

  • 20 operational questions
  • 2 pretest questions

Duration

1st module & 2nd module: 32 minutes each

1st module & 2nd module: 35 minutes each

Total questions

54

44

Total time allocated

64 minutes

70 minutes

Score range

400-1600

SAT question type

MCQs with four options

MCQ (75%) and student-produced response (SPR) (25%)

SAT Topics

Literature, History/Social Studies, Humanities, and Science

Science, Social Science, and real-world related topics

 

Section-wise SAT Exam Pattern 2025

The SAT is composed of two sections: Reading & Writing and Maths. The Reading & Writing section contains short reading passages and a single multiple-choice question. Accordingly, the Maths section consists of the domains like Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-solving, and Geometry. Refer to the table below to check the section-wise SAT Exam Pattern 2025.

 

Reading & Writing Section

The Reading & Writing Section is divided into four broad areas. The Craft & Structure area carries the highest percentage of marks, i.e., 28%. Check the SAT Pattern for this section below:

Sections

Percentage of Coverage

Number of Questions Tested

Craft & Structure

28%

13 - 15 questions

Information & Ideas

26%

12 - 14 questions

Standard English Conventions

26%

11-15 questions

Expression of Ideas

20%

8-12 questions

 

Maths Section

The SAT Maths section contains four question types, such as Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-solving and Geometry. Amongst these topics, Algebra and Advanced Maths carry the highest percentage, i.e., 35%. Check the table below to know the areas and number of questions tested.

Sections

Percentage of Coverage

Number of Questions Tested

Algebra

35%

13 - 15 questions

Advanced Math

35%

13 - 15 questions

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis

15%

5-7 questions

Geometry and Trigonometry

15%

5-7 questions

 

SAT Syllabus 2025

The main topics of SAT Syllabus 2025 include Information and Ideas, Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions, Advanced Math, Problem-solving and Data Analysis. Refer to the table below to check section-wise question types and key topics of the SAT Exam Syllabus.

Sections

Domains

Question Types

Number of Questions

Reading & Writing

Information and Ideas

  • Comprehension
  • Analysis and reasoning skills
  • Knowledge and the ability to locate
  • Interpret, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas from texts and informational graphics (tables, bar graphs, and line graphs).

14

Craft and Structure

  • Comprehension
  • Vocabulary,
  • Analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills
  • Knowledge needed to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context
  • Evaluate texts rhetorically and make connections between topically related texts.

15

Expression of Ideas

  • Measures the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression
  • Meet specific rhetorical goals.

11

Standard English Conventions

  • Measures the ability to edit text to conform to the core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage and punctuation.

14

Maths

Algebra

  • Linear equations in 1 variable
  • Linear equations in 2 variables
  • Linear functions
  • Systems of 2 linear equations in 2 variables
  • Linear inequalities in 1 or 2 variables

13-15

Advanced Math

  • Equivalent expressions
  • Nonlinear equations in 1 variable
  • Systems of equations in 2 variables
  • Nonlinear functions

13-15

Problem-solving and Data Analysis

  • Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
  • Percentages
  • One-variable data: distributions and measures of centre and spread
  • Two-variable data: models and scatterplots
  • Probability and conditional probability
  • Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
  • Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments

5-7

Geometry and Trigonometry

  • Area and volume formulas
  • Lines, angles, and triangles
  • Right triangles and trigonometry
  • Circles

5-7

 

SAT Score Range

The total SAT Scores range between 400 and 1600, in which each section carries a score scale between 200 and 800. Refer to the table below to check the total duration and score range of each section.

SAT Sections 2025

No. of Questions Tested per Module

Total Duration (mins)

Score Range

Reading & Writing

  • 25+25 (50) Operational Questions
  • 2+2 (4) Pretest Questions

64 minutes

200 - 800

Mathematics

  • 20+20 (40) Operational Questions
  • 2+2 (4) Pretest Questions

70 minutes

200 - 800

Total

98 Questions

134 minutes + an additional 10-minute break

400 - 1600

 

SAT Preparation Tips 2025

Candidates must follow a strict study schedule first and take guidance from the high-quality preparation materials and resources. Candidates can refer to the following section to check some SAT Preparation Tips 2025 below:

  • Candidates must allocate at least 3-4 hours per week for studying.
  • Take full-length practice tests and mock tests to get familiar with the SAT Exam Pattern.
  • Use resources from the Bluebook app to get ready with the SAT Exam.
  • Access prep materials from the Khan Academy.
  • Watch instructional videos on the YouTube platform.

 

SAT Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs

What is the exam pattern of the SAT Exam 2025?

The SAT Exam 2025 is based on a digital and multistage adaptive format. The test consists of two sections: Reading & Writing and Math. Candidates must answer 98 questions within 134 minutes.

What is the score range of the SAT Exam 2025?

Each section of the SAT Exam is scored between 200 and 800. The total score ranges from 800 to 1600.

What is the time duration for each section in the SAT?

As per the updated SAT Exam Pattern, the Reading & Writing section lasts for 64 minutes, and the duration of the Maths section is 70 minutes.

How many questions are in the SAT Exam 2025?

The SAT Exam 2025 contains a total of 98 questions, in which the Reading & Writing and Maths sections consist of 54 and 44 questions, respectively.

Are calculators allowed in the SAT math section?

Yes, calculators are allowed for all questions in the Math section of the SAT. Students can use their approved calculator, and the Bluebook has an in-built calculator displayed on the screen. Candidates can use it as well.

What is the syllabus of the SAT reading and writing module?

The SAT Reading & Writing section contains a short passage, grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension, as well as reasoning skills and knowledge.

Is there any negative marking scheme for the SAT Exam 2025?

The SAT scores are based on correct answers only, with no negative marking.

What is the test format of the SAT Exam 2025?

The SAT Exam 2025 is based on a multistage adaptive format, which indicates that the difficulty level of the second module depends on the candidates' performance in the first module.

How often is the SAT conducted for Indian students?

The SAT is offered eight times a year in India. Registration can be done through the College Board portal, with dates in March, May, August, September, October, November and December.

How to prepare for the SAT for free?

Candidates can use the prep materials from the official website of the College Board and read books from sources like The Princeton Review, Kaplan, McGraw-Hill and Test Prep Review.