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SAT Syllabus 2026
The SAT exam syllabus is divided into specific "Content Domains." Each domain tests different skills you have learned in school.
1. Reading and Writing (RW) Section
The RW section of the SAT syllabus evaluates your ability to comprehend short texts and apply standard English rules. Instead of long paragraphs, you will answer one question per short passage (25-150 words) from subjects like literature, history, and science.
| Skill Area | Testing Points | Weightage | Questions |
| Craft and Structure | Words in Context, Text Structure and Purpose, Cross-Text Connections | 28% | 13-15 |
| Information and Ideas | Central Ideas, Command of Evidence, Inferences | 26% | 12-14 |
| Standard English Conventions | Sentence Structure, Boundaries, Punctuation | 26% | 11-15 |
| Expression of Ideas | Rhetorical Synthesis, Transitions | 20% | 8-12 |
Types of Questions in the Reading & Writing Test
Every question in this section is now âdiscrete,â meaning you get one short passage (up to 150 words) followed by exactly one question. You wonât see long, 10-question passages anymore.
1. Analysis & Logic (Craft, Structure, Information, and Ideas)
This is the âReadingâ part of the test. You arenât just reading for facts; you are reading for intent.
- Vocabulary in Context: Youâll fill in the blank with a word that fits the passageâs tone and meaning.
- Purpose & Structure: These questions ask why the author wrote a specific sentence or how the whole paragraph is organized.
- Evidence & Data: You might have to use a provided graph or table to support an argument or find the best quote in the text to prove a point.
- Paired Passages: Youâll compare how two different authors feel about the same topic.
2. Grammar & Editing (Standard English & Expression of Ideas)
This is the âWritingâ part where you act as an editor.
- Sentence Correction: Fixing run-on sentences or fragments using commas, semicolons, and colons.
- Basic Grammar: Correcting subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage, and verb tenses.
- Notes-Based Questions: This question type is unique to the Digital SAT. You are given a list of bullet points and must choose the sentence that best matches a specific goal, such as highlighting a contrast.
- Transitions: Selecting the right transition word (e.g., however, therefore, moreover) to connect two ideas.
2. Mathematics Section
The SAT maths syllabus focuses on core concepts from algebra to trigonometry. The test emphasizes procedural skill and the ability to apply math to real-world scenarios.
| Math Domain | Key Topics Covered | Weightage | Questions |
| Algebra | Linear equations, systems of equations, inequalities | 35% | 13-15 |
| Advanced Math | Quadratics, polynomials, and nonlinear functions | 35% | 13-15 |
| Problem-Solving & Data Analysis | Ratios, percentages, statistics, probability | 15% | 5-7 |
| Geometry & Trigonometry | Area, volume, circles, right triangles | 15% | 5-7 |
Types of Questions in the Math Test
The Math section is divided into two formats: Multiple Choice (about 75%) and Student-Produced Responses (about 25%), where you type your answer into a box instead of picking from options.
1. Core Algebra (The Basics)
- Equation Solving: Creating and solving linear equations and inequalities.
- Systems of Equations: Finding where two lines cross or solving for two variables.
- Word Problems: Translating a real-life scenario (like a phone plan cost) into a math formula.
2. Advanced Math (The Bridge to Calculus)
- Quadratics & Parabolas: Solving equations with x2 and understanding their graphs.
- Functions: Interpreting f(x) notations and how graphs shift on the coordinate plane.
- Complex Equations: Working with exponents, radicals, and polynomials.
3. Data & Geometry (The Practical Side)
- Data Interpretation: Reading scatterplots, finding the mean or median, and understanding margins of error in surveys.
- Shape & Space: Calculating area and volume, plus circle theorems (like x2 +y2 =r2).
- Trigonometry: Using SOH CAH TOA on right triangles and basic circle geometry.
SAT Exam Pattern 2026
The SAT consists of two primary sections: Reading and Writing (RW) and Math. Each part has two timed modules or sets of questions.
| Feature | Reading & Writing Section | Mathematics Section |
| SAT Exam Format | Two timed modules | Two timed modules |
| Total Questions | 54 Questions | 44 Questions |
| Time Allotted | 64 Minutes total | 70 Minutes total |
| Question Types | Multiple-choice only | 75% MCQ; 25% Student-Produced |
| Score Range | 200-800 points | 200-800 points |
How the Adaptive Test Works
The Digital SAT uses a smart system that changes based on your performance.
- Module 1: Everyone starts with a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions.
- Module 2: If you do well in the first part, the test gives you a harder second part. You need to reach this harder module to get the highest SAT marks distribution, like a 750 or 800. If Module 1 is difficult for you, the second part will be easier, which helps give an accurate score but caps how high you can go.
SAT Maths Syllabus
The SAT maths section evaluates your skills in problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, and understanding of mathematical concepts.
It is divided into two sections:
- one where you can use a calculator
- one where calculators are not permitted
Key topics include the following.
- Algebra: This includes solving linear equations, systems of equations, and working with functions.
- Geometry: You must understand concepts such as angles, shapes, and the relationships between different geometric figures.
- Statistics and Probability: This involves interpreting data, calculating means and medians, and understanding probability theory.
- Trigonometry: The study of relationships between the sides and angles of triangles, including sine, cosine, and tangent functions.
Below is a table in digital SAT format highlighting the subject areas, weightage, and skills or topics tested.
SAT Exam Syllabus for Reading and Writing
The reading and writing section of the SAT is designed to test your ability to understand and analyse passages and your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. This section is divided into two main components: reading comprehension and writing skills.
Key topics include the following.
- Reading Comprehension involves understanding a passage's main ideas, themes, and arguments. You will need to be able to extract key information and interpret it effectively.
- Grammar and Sentence Structure: You will be tested on your ability to identify and correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence construction errors.
- Vocabulary in Context: This assesses your ability to understand and use vocabulary based on the passage's context.
Below is a table in digital SAT format highlighting the subject areas, weightage, and skills or topics tested.
Optional Subject Tests
In addition to the core sections, the SAT offers optional subject tests, which are particularly useful for you if you are pursuing a specific program. These tests allow you to showcase your Physics, Chemistry, and Advanced English knowledge.
Available subjects include the following.
- Physics: This subject test covers mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
- Advanced English: The advanced English test assesses higher-level reading and writing skills, including literary analysis and advanced grammar.
- Chemistry: Topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions, particularly useful if you are interested in science and engineering programs.
Digital SAT Pattern vs. Old SAT Pattern 2026
The shift from paper to digital was not just a change in medium, but a complete overhaul of the testing philosophy. The 2026 Digital SAT is designed to be a more efficient, secure, and student-friendly assessment compared to the legacy paper format.
Key Differences Between the SAT Syllabus Formats
Here are the fundamental changes you will encounter in the 2026 SAT testing cycle.
| Area of Assessment | Old SAT Syllabus | New Digital SAT Syllabus |
| Reading Material | Lengthy passages followed by several questions | Short passages with one question each |
| Reading Focus | Sustained analysis of complex texts | Quick interpretation of meaning and intent |
| Writing Tasks | Editing and language questions spread across long texts | Short, targeted editing questions |
| Math Content | Broader topic coverage across sections | Emphasis on essential math concepts and application |
| Calculator Availability | Restricted to a single math section | Available for all math questions |
| Question Progression | Fixed difficulty throughout the test | Difficulty adjusts as you progress |
| Word-Based Problems | Multi-step, text-heavy problems | Shorter, more direct problem statements |
| Verbal Section Structure | Reading and Writing tested separately | Reading and Writing combined into one section |
SAT Exam Syllabus Preparation Tips 2026
To get a top score on the SAT exam subjects, keep these simple tips in mind for SAT preparation in 2026:
- Learn the Desmos Calculator: Don't just use it for basic math. Learn to graph equations to find answers instantly as this is a huge time-saver for the SAT maths syllabus.
- Practice Short Passages: Since you only get one question per passage, you have to be very focused. Practice moving quickly between different topics.
- Get the SAT exam syllabus PDF: Make sure you download official practice tests to see exactly how the questions look on a screen.
- Manage Your Time: The Reading and Writing section moves fast. Practice under a timer so you do not get stuck on one hard question.
Note: While the test is the same, highly competitive schools often look for students who have strong foundations in the SAT syllabus as a whole.
