Quick answer
The SAT is held in India and the UAE on the same dates as the rest of the world. In 2026–27 there are eight dates, from August 22, 2026 to June 5, 2027. Registration closes about two weeks before each test, at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time, which is the next morning in India and the UAE.
Jump to section
Is the SAT held in India and the UAE?
Yes. The SAT is offered at test centers across many cities in India and the UAE, on the same dates as everywhere else. It's fully digital: you take it on a laptop or tablet using the College Board's Bluebook app.
SAT test dates 2026–27
| SAT test date | Registration deadline | Late registration deadline | Scores released |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 22, 2026Past | August 7, 2026 | August 11, 2026 | September 4, 2026 |
| September 12, 2026Past | August 28, 2026 | September 1, 2026 | September 25, 2026 |
| October 3, 2026Past | September 18, 2026 | September 22, 2026 | October 16, 2026 |
| November 7, 2026 | October 23, 2026 | October 27, 2026 | November 20, 2026 |
| December 5, 2026 | November 20, 2026 | November 24, 2026 | December 18, 2026 |
| March 6, 2027 | February 19, 2027 | February 23, 2027 | To be announced |
| May 1, 2027 | April 16, 2027 | April 20, 2027 | To be announced |
| June 5, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | To be announced |
Important: Dates can change. Always confirm on the official College Board website before registering.
What time do SAT deadlines close in India and the UAE?
All deadlines close at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time. That's the next morning in India and the UAE, but don't wait until then. Treat the date shown as your real deadline.
Example
The November 7 registration deadline is October 23. In India, it closes on the morning of October 24. Register by October 23 to be safe.
Late registration costs extra, and popular test centers can fill up before the late deadline.
Which SAT date should you choose?
Pick a date that leaves time for". Use it exactly.
Pick a date that leaves time for a retake before your college deadlines:
- Grade 11 (Class 11): Take your first SAT in December, March, or May, and keep June as a backup.
- Grade 12 applying early (November deadlines): Aim for August or September, with October as a backup.
- Grade 12 applying regular decision (January deadlines): November or December is usually your last chance.
- CBSE students: Avoid dates close to board exams in February and March.
- IB students: Avoid May, when IB final exams take place.
Example
Aarav is in Class 11 in Delhi. He takes the March 6 SAT, then keeps June 5 as a retake. He still has his scores before applying in the fall.
Which SAT Instinct cohort matches each test date?
| SAT Instinct cohort | Cohort dates | Apply by | Best SAT date after |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2027 | March 28 – May 30, 2027 | March 21, 2027 | June 5, 2027 |
| May 2027 | May 30 – August 1, 2027 | May 23, 2027 | August 2027* |
| September 2027 | September 19 – November 21, 2027 | September 12, 2027 | December 2027* |
*2027–28 dates are anticipated by the College Board and may change.
Example
Sara lives in Dubai. She joins the March 2027 cohort, finishes on May 30, and takes the SAT on June 5, while her skills are still fresh.
How do you register for the SAT from India or the UAE?
- Create a College Board account on the official website.
- Choose your test date and test center. Pick the closest center with seats.
- Upload a photo that meets College Board requirements.
- Pay the fees online with an international card. International test-takers pay an extra fee on top of the registration fee.
- Install Bluebook on your device and complete the setup before test day.
- Bring the right ID. International test-takers usually need a valid passport. Check the ID rules for your country.
Tip: Students in India from lower-income families may qualify for big fee reductions through the College Board's India Scholars Program. Check eligibility on the College Board website.
How early should you book?
Book as soon as you've picked a date. Test centers in big cities fill up fast, especially for popular dates. If your nearest center is full, you may need to travel to another city.
Example
Meera in Bengaluru registers 6 weeks early and gets a seat at a center near home. Her friend waits until the late deadline and has to test across the city.
Frequently asked questions
Are SAT dates different in India and the UAE?
No. The SAT uses the same dates worldwide. Only fees and test center availability differ by country.
How many times is the SAT held in 2026–27?
Eight times: August 22, September 12, October 3, November 7, and December 5, 2026, then March 6, May 1, and June 5, 2027.
When is the last date to register for the SAT?
The regular deadline is about two weeks before each test, and late registration closes about 11 days before. Both close at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time.
Is the SAT in India online or on paper?
It's digital. You take it at a test center on a laptop or tablet using the Bluebook app.
How long does it take to get SAT scores?
Usually about two weeks. For example, November 7, 2026 scores are released on November 20, 2026.
Related Articles
SAT Prep for CBSE and IB Students: What's Different and How to Prepare
How CBSE and IB students should prepare for the SAT: what transfers from school, what doesn't, the best time to take it around board and IB exams, and a study plan.
The Week Before the SAT: Your Final 7-Day Game Plan
A day-by-day guide for the week before the SAT. Learn exactly what to do (and what to avoid) in your final 7 days to maximize performance on test day.
How to Go From 1300 to 1500 on the SAT
A realistic plan to raise your SAT score from 1300 to 1500: where 1300 scorers lose points, how to fix careless mistakes, and how long it takes.
Ready to Train Your SAT Instincts?
Aiming for the June 5, 2027 SAT? Join the March 2027 SAT Instinct cohort with Harvard student mentors. Apply by March 21, 2027.