ACT Exam Overview

New in ACT 2023

Upcoming ACT dates and deadlines: 
 

The ACT, or American College Testing, is an entrance exam much like SAT. ACT checks your readiness for graduate-level education and is majorly required for post-graduate programs.

The ACT exam is typically taken if you’re applying for undergraduate courses in the USA and Canada. 
 

The ACT exam tests your English, mathematics, verbal skills, and scientific skills. The writing section is optional. ACT was delivered paper-based for a long time. However, since 2021, the test has been entirely computer-delivered. 

ACT exam costs ₹14,711. If you opt for the optional writing section, the exam will cost you ₹16,758. 
 

The exam lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes without the writing test. With the optional writing test, the exam lasts 3 hours and 35 minutes. ACT is scored on a scale of 1 - 36. 

At a glance:

ACT Registration

ACT registration can be completed online and offline. Completing the registration process online is much easier. 
 

You must keep in mind that ACT has strict deadlines for registration. If you register after the given deadline, you must pay an additional fee.

ACT Registration: Online

To register online,  follow these steps. 

• Visit the official website of the ACT
• Create an account by entering your details
• Complete your application by submitting the required documents
• Choose your preferred exam date and test centre
• Pay the exam fee

ACT Registration: Offline

ACT online registration is the easiest method for booking a slot. However, you can also offline register for the ACT exam using the following steps. 

• Visit the official website of ACT, and request a registration mail package. 
• Fill out your details in the form
• Choose a date and test centre
• Mail the form to the given address

Documents Required for ACT Registration

ACT registration is a simple process and does not require too many documents. You must upload a headshot of yourself and your high school academic transcript. 
 

Apart from this, you must provide payment details such as credit or debit card information and your details. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I register for the ACT exam in India?

A. You can register for the ACT exam in two ways: Online and offline. For online registration, follow these steps. 

• Visit the official website of the ACT
• Create an account and fill in your details
• Choose your preferred exam date and test centre
• Pay the exam fee 
   

Q. What is the registration fee for the ACT exam?

A. ACT exam costs  ₹14,711 in India. If you add on the optional writing section, you must pay an additional $25, which is ₹16,758. You can pay the fee at the end of the registration process. However, you must remember that late registrations will cost extra. It’s best to register within the given deadlines. 

Q. Can I register for the ACT exam via phone?

A. No. Currently, you can only register online on their website, or you can register offline via mail. To register offline, follow these steps: 

• Visit the official website of ACT and request a registration mail package. 
• Fill out your details in the form
• Choose a date and test centre
• Mail the form to the given address

ACT Fee

The ACT Fee in India is $176.50 or ₹14,711. This cost is inclusive of 4 score reports and is non-refundable. 

If you wish to add the writing section to your test, you will have to pay an additional $25, which makes the total fee $201 or ₹16,758. This ACT fee may be refunded if you send a letter requesting it under certain circumstances.

Here’s an overview.

ACT Special Handling Fee

You must pay additional charges if you have special requests, such as late registration or changing the test option.
 

The additional charges are as follows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are there any additional fees associated with the ACT exam?

A. Yes. Additional charges for special requests such as late registration, changing test dates, and test centres may apply. You must also pay additionally for score reports, as only the first four are free. Below are some special requests and their charges. 

Q. Can I pay the ACT fee with a credit card?

A. Yes. You can pay the ACT fee via credit or debit cards. You can also pay via online funds transfer mode. ACT fee can be paid during the registration process. It’s best to verify if your card is eligible and ensure the fee payment is successful. A late registration fee applies if you register after the deadline. 
 

Q. Are there any ACT scholarships available to waive the registration fee? 

A. Currently, there aren’t any ACT scholarships or fee waivers. However, many universities reward good scores on ACT or SAT exams and provide scholarships based on that. These scholarships are specific to universities and courses, so checking with them during the application process is best.

ACT Result

The ACT results are released online within 2-8 weeks of your test date. The writing score is released about two weeks after your general score. 
 

Log in to your MyACT account and locate the results options to view your results. You cannot view your results via phone, fax or mail. 

ACT results are valid for a lifetime. However, you are typically advised to retake the test after five years.

Sending ACT scores to universities

ACT sends your scores to the first four universities free of cost. You can select these universities during the time of your registration. 
 

If you wish to send your scores to any more universities, you must pay an additional charge of ₹1,497. 

If you’re unhappy with your scores and do not wish to send them to universities, you can cancel them after viewing them.

Click here to learn more about ACT Results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I view my ACT results?

A. You can view your ACT results on the official website of ACT. You must log in to your MyACT account and locate the results option on your dashboard. Your results will be updated within 2-8 weeks of your test date. You cannot view your results by phone, mail or fax. 
 

Q. How can I send my ACT scores to universities?

A. You can send your ACT scores to universities while registering for the test. The first four universities are free of cost. If you wish to send your scores to more universities, you must pay an additional cost of ₹1,497. You can add more universities to the list through your MyACT account. 
 

Q. How long are my ACT results valid?

A. There is no expiration date for ACT scores. You can keep your scores for a lifetime and access them anytime via your MyACT account. Though it is not officially mentioned, it is advised that you retake the exam if your scores are over five years old. If your scores are older than five years, universities may find them less relevant.
 

ACT Eligibility

Anyone of any age and qualifications can take the ACT. However, it is primarily for high school students applying for undergraduate courses in the USA or Canada. 

ACT may not be needed for all courses, so it’s best to check with the university before you apply. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I apply for ACT after 12th grade?

A. Yes. There is no restriction on when you can apply for the ACT exam. Anyone of any age can apply for the exam. There are no restrictions on the qualifications as well. However, you must be at least 13 before appearing for the ACT exam. Since the exam is typically required for undergraduate admissions, you must meet other requirements the university deems necessary.
 

Q. Can students with disabilities take the ACT exam? 

A. Yes, students with disabilities can take the ACT exam. ACT has made special accommodations available for those who need it. There is a review process, and you must qualify for these accommodations. You will request special accommodations on the ACT website and submit the required documents.

Q. Does ACT have an age limit?

A. No. ACT has not officially announced any age limits. However, you’re expected to be at least 13 years of age before you take the exam, as it gives you a better chance of scoring well. ACT is an advanced exam and requires thorough preparation. Hence, it’ll be easier for you if you are over 13. 
 

ACT Pattern

The ACT exam evaluates four skills: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. You can also take the Writing section, but it’s optional. 
 

The exam is for 2 hours and 55 minutes. The exam's total duration is 3 hours and 35 minutes with the writing section. Each section has a different duration and question numbers. They also differ in question types.

ACT Syllabus

Most of the ACT syllabus usually covers concepts in high school. Here’s what each section contains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What level of math is required for ACT?

A. The math section in the ACT exam consists of the following topics: 

• Pre-algebra
• Elementary Algebra
• Intermediate Algebra
• Coordinate geometry
• Plane geometry
• Trigonometry. 

Most of the questions are high school level. 
 

Q. What topics are included in the science section of the ACT exam? 

A. The science section includes basic concepts from 

• Biology
• Chemistry 
• Earth/space sciences
• Physics

Q. How many questions does the writing section of the ACT exam contain? 

A. There is only one question in the ACT writing section. You have 40 minutes to complete the section. You will be given one prompt and must write a well-structured essay voicing your ideas and opinions. You will be assessed based on how well you support your arguments and your vocabulary and grammar. The writing section is optional

ACT Dates

Unlike English proficiency exams and other entrance tests, ACT is available only seven times yearly. 

The dates for 2023-24 have been announced. To book a slot for the ACT exam, you must ensure that you register early, well within the deadlines. Typically, the deadlines fall at least one month before the exam. 

There is a late registration fee if you register after the deadline.

ACT Exam Dates for 2023

Click here to learn more about ACT Dates.

ACT Test Centres

ACT exam has to be taken at a designated test centre. ACT centres are spread across India and are available in various cities around the country, including major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, and Kolkata.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many times is ACT held in a year?

A. Unlike most other entrance exams that can be scheduled every day, the ACT exam is held seven times a year. You must book the test well in advance due to a late registration fee. Here are the dates for 2023.

Q. Can I reschedule ACT dates after registering? 

A. Yes. You may reschedule ACT dates after registering, but additional fees exist for rescheduling dates or changing test centres. It costs ₹3,493 for these services. Since slots get filled quickly, you cannot guarantee you will get the desired date while rescheduling. You might also have to pay a late registration fee if you're late. 
 

Q. How many ACT centres are in India? 

A. There are over 15 cities in India, including one in most major cities. These cities have multiple ACT centres, making it highly convenient for test takers. The list of cities includes:

ACT Sample Paper

ACT sample papers are vital for exam preparation. You can use various materials to prepare for the test, including coaching classes, online videos, books and sample papers. 

Sample papers can be extremely useful in self-assessment. As you get closer to the ACT dates, measuring where you stand and continually improving your knowledge becomes important. 
 

You can find sample papers in books and on many platforms online. We recommend using sample papers at least once a week to track your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can practising sample papers improve my ACT score?

A. Yes. Practising ACT sample papers can improve your score as it helps you build time management skills and thoroughly understand question types and patterns. With time, it becomes easier to anticipate questions and refine your skills. Practising sample papers can build a lot of confidence. 
 

Q. What are some tips for scoring well on the ACT exam? 

A. You can use the following tips to score well in the ACT exam. 

• Allocate time for each section strategically.
• Practice regularly and use official sample papers to improve your skills
• Emphasise areas needing improvement
• Read the questions carefully

Q. How many sample papers should I practice before the ACT exam?

A. The number of sample papers you should practice depends on your level of preparation. Take a sample test before you start to understand where you stand. Based on your need for improvement, schedule tests every week. You can start with one test weekly to measure your progress and take more as you get closer to the test.