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SAT Syllabus 2025: Paper Patten & Section-Wise Breakdown

Last Updated on Jun 07, 2025

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The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized exam designed to assess a candidate's college readiness. Before, it included two versions—the General Test and the Subject Test. Since 2021, the College Board has discontinued the Subject Test, making the General Test the primary SAT Exam. One such key ingredient to ace the SAT is the SAT Syllabus and it has developed through time. The SAT Syllabus assesses the readiness of a student to pursue a degree through a structured framework. It tests different sections like reading, writing, language and math. The SAT exam's purpose is to test a candidate's general talents and also their language proficiency. The questions cover various topics and collectively give a candidate's overall profile. Comprehending the SAT syllabus is essential for efficient preparation and exam success. The article describes in detail information on the SAT syllabus for every section tested.

Also, Get to Know How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

Did you Know Facts About SAT Syllabus?

The revamped digital SAT gives more time for a question, at 43%, compared to the previous Pen and Paper SAT, and also gives 68% more time compared to ACT.
The College Board had two SAT- the SAT Subject Test and General SAT. The Subject Test was discontinued and the General Test became the basic SAT exam.
Each component is meant to assess particular knowledge and skill areas, giving an indication of a student's academic aptitude.

SAT Syllabus PDF
SAT Syllabus	Download PDF
SAT Test Pattern	Download PDF

Checkout the upcoming SAT Test Dates for your SAT Examination!

SAT Test Pattern 2025

The SAT Exam Pattern 2025 represents its full computer-adaptive and fully digital test with the intent to maximize efficiency and flexibility. The SAT Test Format is set on reading, writing, and math, and places greater emphasis on the ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving. Here's a general description of the present structure of the SAT exam.

Key Features of the SAT Exam Pattern:

The test is now computer-adaptive; its difficulty is adjusted based upon your performance.
The exam is more time-efficient, with a total duration of 3 hours (180 minutes).
It is analytic and reasoning with math and language skills being tested in real-life contexts.

Section	Content	Questions	Time
Reading	Passages from U.S. and World Literature, History/Social Studies, and Sciences. Tests comprehension and reasoning.	52	65 min
Writing and Language	Multiple-choice questions on grammar and usage, based on passages.	44	35 min
Math (No Calculator)	Covers arithmetic, algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis.	20	25 min
Math (Calculator)	Same topics as above, but calculators allowed.	38	55 min
Total		154	180 min

Also, Get to Know How to Register for SAT in this detailed guide

SAT Digital Test Pattern

The SAT Digital Exam uses an adaptive design where the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the student’s performance in earlier sections for a more personalized test experience. The digital SAT is more time-efficient, with a total test duration of approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes, compared to the traditional 3-hour pen-and-paper format. Students receive 43% more time per question in the digital SAT compared to the pen-and-paper format, helping them approach questions more thoughtfully.

Each section (Reading & Writing and SAT Math) is divided into two modules, with the second module adjusting its difficulty level based on the student’s performance in the first.
The test includes multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank answers for math problems.
Instead of long reading passages, the digital SAT features shorter, single-paragraph passages followed by a single question, focusing on critical analysis.
The digital SAT includes user-friendly features such as an on-screen calculator for the Math section, annotation tools, and a timer for better time management.
Students can take the digital SAT on their own devices (laptops or tablets) or use devices provided by the testing center.
The digital format is computer adaptive, meaning that it improves test security by generating unique test forms for each student, reducing the risk of cheating or content leakage.
Test-takers receive their SAT Test Scores more quickly in the digital format, helping them plan their next steps in the college admissions process sooner.

Go through the detailed Digital SAT Format below -

Digital Parameters	Digital Reading & Writing (RW) Section	Digital Math Section
Format	Divided into Two Stages: One assesses the Reading section, while the other focuses on the Writing section, each with its own separate time allocation.	Divided into Two Stages: The math section is covered through two separately timed modules.
Test length	1st module: 25 operational questions 2 pretest questions	1st module: 20 operational questions 2 pretest questions
Test length	2nd module: 25 operational questions 2 pretest questions	2nd module: 20 operational questions 2 pretest questions
Time Duration	1st module: 32 minutes 2nd module: 32 minutes	1st module: 35 minutes 2nd module: 35 minutes
Total Questions	54	44
Total Time Allocated	64 minutes	70 minutes
Scores Reported	Total score calculation: RW + Math section scores
Question Type(s)	Discrete; MCQs with four options	MCQ (75%) and student-produced response (SPR)(25%)
Topics Tested	Literature, History / Social Studies, Humanities and Science	Science, Social Science, and real-world related topics
Informational Graphics	Tested, includes – tables, bar graphs, line graphs	Also tested

Also, Get to Know What is a Good SAT Score for Ivy League Schools

Pen and Paper SAT Pattern

The SAT is composed of four main sections, each testing different skills. Here are the quick facts about the Pen and Paper exam pattern:-

There are 52 questions in the Reading section, over 65 minutes. It uses passages from U.S. and World Literature, History/Social Studies, and Sciences in comprehension and reasoning.
The SAT Writing and Language section includes 44 questions in 35 minutes, testing grammar and usage through multiple-choice questions drawn from a variety of passages.
The SAT Math section has No Calculator module with 20 questions in 25 minutes and Calculator Module with 38 questions in 55 minutes having arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis.
Total testing time is 180 minutes for 154 questions.

Section	Questions	Duration	Score range
SAT Reading	52 multiple-choice questions	65 minutes	Evidence-based Reading & Writing score 200 to 800
Break	10 minutes
SAT Writing & Language	44 multiple-choice questions	35 minutes
No Calculator – Math	20 (15 multiple-choice and 5 Grid in questions)	25 minutes	Math score 200 to 800
Break	5 minutes
Yes Calculator – Math	38 (30 multiple-choice and 8 Grid in questions)	55 minutes
Break	2 minutes
SAT Essay (Optional)	1 prompt	50 minutes	Reading 2 to 8 Analysis 2 to 8 Writing 2 to 8

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SAT Test Syllabus

The SAT Section Wise Syllabus for 2025 consists of Maths and EBRW.

The EBRW component is testing writing, vocabulary, understanding, and grammar based on literature, history, and the sciences through passages.
The topics in the Math section include trigonometry, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The exam, computerized nowadays, is designed to test skills required for college readiness.

Each section of the exam needs a proper order of testing; these are divided into modules.

SAT Reading & Writing Syllabus

The SAT digital exam for reading and writing is divided into four key sections:

Craft and Structure (28%), which tests vocabulary, comprehension, and reasoning;
Information and Ideas (26%), which focus on analyzing complex texts, extracting information, and interpreting data.
Standard English Conventions section (26%), which will evaluate grammar, punctuation, and Sentence structure.
Expression of Ideas (20%) to evaluate your ability to improve the effectiveness of writing by focusing on aspects like rhetoric, structure, and the logical flow of ideas within a passage.

Together, these sections test a range of reading, writing, and analytical skills essential for the SAT.

Also, Learn Important SAT Grammar Rules for Upcoming SAT Exam!

SAT Reading & Writing Section Areas	Question Distribution	Weightage	Skill / Knowledge Testing Areas
Craft and Structure	13-15	28%	Words in Context, Cross-Text, Text Structure and Purpose, Connections
Information and Ideas	12-14	26%	Command of Evidence based on – Textual and Quantitative Inferences, and Central Ideas and Details
Expression of Ideas	8-12	20%	Rhetorical Synthesis Transitions
Standard English Conventions	11-15	26%	Boundaries Form, Structure, and Sense

Also, Get to Know SAT Reading Strategy for your Upcoming Exam!

SAT Math Syllabus

The SAT Digital Math syllabus is divided into four areas:

Algebra (35%), involving topics on nonlinear equations, systems of equations, and equivalent expressions;
Advanced Math (35%), where the focus would be placed on problem-solving and data analysis;
Geometry and Trigonometry (15%), including topics like lines, angles, triangles, area, and volume; and
Finally, Problem Solving and Data Analysis (15%), topics like percentages, ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and interpreting two-variable data.

Topics of this caliber make up the foundation of the math section of the SAT.

SAT Math Section	Question Distribution	Weightage	Skill / Knowledge Testing Areas
Algebra	13-15	35%	Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables, Equivalent expressions, etc
Advanced Math	13-15	35%	Problem-solving and Data Analysis
Geometry and Trigonometry	5-7	15%	Lines, angles, and triangles, Area and volume, etc
Problem- Solving and Data Analysis	5-7	15%	Percentages, Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units, Two-variable data: models and scatter plots, etc

Ace Mathematics Section for the SAT Exam with our SAT Math Preparation Guide!

Conclusion

The SAT curriculum includes a wide range of topics, including math, reading, writing, and language, that are intended to evaluate your preparation for work at the college level. Effective SAT Preparation requires an understanding of the syllabus's content and organization. It is possible to develop a focused study strategy that addresses your strengths and weaknesses if you are familiar with the particular subject areas and question styles. Gaining proficiency in the SAT syllabus can greatly increase your chances of getting a good SAT score and accomplishing your academic objectives. This can be achieved by focused preparation, regular practice, and strategic planning.

Predict Your SAT 2025 Score with our Digital SAT Score Calculator

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 9, 2025

-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025.

-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.

-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.

-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.

SAT Test Syllabus FAQs

What subjects are covered in the SAT syllabus?

The SAT syllabus includes three main sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. The Reading and Writing sections assess comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary, while the Math section covers algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and some advanced math topics.

What math topics are included in the SAT Math section?

The SAT Math section focuses on algebra, geometry, statistics, problem-solving, data analysis, and some advanced math topics like trigonometry and complex numbers.

Are there any science or social science topics on the SAT?

While there is no dedicated science or social science section, SAT Reading passages may come from science, history, or social studies, and may require interpreting charts, graphs, and data.

Does the SAT Writing and Language section test vocabulary?

Yes, but instead of testing obscure vocabulary, the SAT focuses on words in context, requiring students to understand the meaning of words based on how they are used in a passage.

How important is the essay in the SAT?

The SAT Essay is now optional and no longer a mandatory part of the exam. Some colleges may still recommend or require it, so it's important to check the admissions requirements of the schools you're applying to.

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