Duration of SAT Exam: SAT Timing in India in 2025

Did you know that around 2 million students take the SAT each year? Most of them spend at least 3 months preparing to achieve top scores. 

If you’re aiming for a top university like UCLA, managing your SAT timings effectively is critical not just during the exam but also while preparing for it.

This guide will help you understand SAT timings, section durations, and how to create a preparation plan that works for you.

Key Highlights 

Here is a quick overview of everything you will learn in this blog on SAT timing.

The SAT in 2025 has a total duration of 2 hours and 14 minutes, excluding breaks. This digital format is divided into two main sections: Reading and Writing and Math, each split into two adaptive modules. 

If you choose the optional essay, it adds another 50 minutes, bringing the total test time to approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes, including breaks.

For Indian students, SAT exam timings in India are particularly important. Exams typically start between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM local time, so you’ll need to arrive early—around 7:45 AM—to complete check-in procedures.  

You will need to bring these documents on the test day.

• SAT Admission Ticket
• Valid Photo ID

If you are travelling to SAT exam centres from smaller towns or distant locations, it’s wise to arrange travel accommodations in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Also Read: SAT exam centres

During the duration of SAT exam, you’ll have two scheduled 10-minute breaks. These breaks are essential to help you recharge and maintain focus throughout the test. Here’s when they occur

• After the first Reading and Writing module
• After the first Math module

To maximise your performance, use these breaks wisely.

• Hydrate yourself.
• Relax your mind and stretch to ease any tension.
• Mentally prepare for the next section of the exam.

Using breaks effectively can keep you energised and help you maintain focus throughout the test.

Read More: SAT Exam Results

Knowing the exact structure and SAT timing of each section is essential for planning your test-day strategy. On average, you have about 1 minute 22 seconds per question across all sections (excluding the Essay). 

Here’s how the test time is allocated in the duration of the SAT exam.

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Managing your SAT timings well can make a huge difference in your SAT performance. Unlike the ACT, the SAT gives you 67% more time per question, giving you a better chance to think through each answer. But don’t let that fool you—the test still demands smart pacing.

Each section of the SAT has a unique set of skills under strict time limits. Having a clear plan for how to approach each section will help you stay on track.

Here’s how you can manage your time effectively, section by section.

Managing time here can be challenging, but these strategies can help.

• Skim First, Read Questions Later: Spend 3-4 minutes skimming the passage for the main idea, tone, and structure. Answer questions by referring back to specific lines in the text.
• Prioritise Line-Referenced Questions: Start with questions that direct you to specific parts of the passage. These are easier to locate and answer quickly.
• Allocate Time Per Passage: Aim for 12-13 minutes per passage (including questions). Keep track of your splits to avoid spending too long on one passage.
• Mark and Move: If a question feels too complex, mark it for review and move on.

This section gives you approximately 48 seconds per question and tests grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills.

• Work Quickly, But Don’t Rush: Start by answering questions based on grammar rules, as these are often quicker to resolve.
• Read for Context: For questions about sentence structure or meaning, read a few lines before and after the question to ensure your choice fits the overall flow.
• Aim for 8 Minutes Per Passage: Each passage should take about 8-9 minutes. Use any leftover time to double-check your answers, especially for rhetoric-based questions.
• Use the Elimination Method: Cross out answer choices that clearly don’t fit. This narrows your options and speeds up decision-making.

This section is split into two parts: No Calculator (25 minutes, 20 questions) and Calculator (55 minutes, 38 questions). 

• Start With Easy Questions: Begin with questions that you can solve quickly to secure marks early. Save wordy or complex problems for the end.
• Practice Mental Math: For the No Calculator section, get comfortable with basic arithmetic and shortcuts to save time.
• Mark for Review: If you’re stuck, make your best guess, mark the question, and revisit it later.
• Know Your Splits: In the Calculator section, aim to complete 20 questions in the first 25 minutes, leaving more time for tougher problems at the end.

Here are some of the general time management tips that will help you with sat timings during exams, and also in preparation.

1. During the Exam

• Don’t Leave Questions Blank: There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so always attempt every question, even if you’re unsure.
• Use Breaks Effectively: During the two 10-minute breaks, hydrate, have a light snack, and mentally prepare for the next section. Avoid discussing the test with others to stay focused.

2. While Practising

• Simulate Test Conditions: Practice full-length mock tests under timed conditions. Include breaks to replicate the real exam experience.
• Track Your Progress: Time yourself during each section and review which areas take longer. Adjust your strategy to focus on improving those parts.

3. What to Do If Time Runs Out

Simulate “running out of time” situations during your practice. For instance:

• Spend 55 minutes on a full Reading section instead of 65.
• Attempt 30 Math questions in 45 minutes.

This forces you to prioritise and make strategic guesses, which can be invaluable during the actual test.

Read Next: SAT registration

When planning your SAT registration for the 2026 intake, timing is critical to ensure your scores are received in time for your college applications. Here are the top factors to consider.

1. Align with College Application Deadlines

The first consideration should always be your college application deadlines. In the USA, most deadlines fall around January 1 (for regular decisions) and November 1 or 15 (for early action/early decision).

• If you’re applying for an early decision, October is the best time to register for class 12th students.
• For regular decision applications, take the SAT in December to ensure your scores are available in time.

2. Number of Times You Plan to Take the SAT

Taking the SAT multiple times can be a good strategy, especially if you’re aiming for competitive universities in the USA. Most students take the test twice – once in 11th grade and then again in 12th grade to improve their scores.

• First attempt:  Take it in October or December in Class 11th
• Second attempt: If needed, retake the SAT in May of Class 12th 

If you are unhappy with your score, there is time to prepare and attempt the SAT in August again.

3. Avoid Scheduling Conflicts

Since you will have board exams (CBSE/ICSE) in March, avoiding overlapping your SAT with school exams is essential. Plan to take the SAT before the board exams or after finishing your school exams in April or May. 

Choosing a SAT exam date that allows you to focus solely on SAT preparation will help reduce stress and improve your performance​.

Read More: SAT exam date

Managing your time well is the secret to acing the SAT and improving your score. With the right strategies, you can approach the test confidently and stay ahead.

Want to score 1500+ on your SAT? Join Leap Scholar’s SAT Prep Course and start your journey today! Book your free SAT masterclass now.