By Dr. Manish Mittal, Founder, Global Careers, Surat · Policies checked October 2026
The short answer: yes, at most top US universities. Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Penn, Cornell and Dartmouth require the SAT or ACT from students applying now for entry in fall 2027. Princeton and Columbia remain test-optional for this cycle but will require scores from the next one, for entry in fall 2028.
For an Indian student in Class 10 or 11 today, the safe plan is simple: assume the SAT will be required, and prepare for it. A strong score also helps at universities that are still test-optional, and at more than 60 Indian universities that accept it.
We checked each university's own admissions page in October 2026. Policies change, so always confirm on the official page before you apply.
SAT policy at top US universities, applying in 2026-27
Nine of the most sought-after US universities, as stated on their own admissions pages in October 2026.
| University | Applying now (fall 2027 entry) | Note for Indian students |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard | SAT or ACT required | AP, IB or board results count only if the SAT or ACT is not accessible |
| Yale | SAT or ACT required | AP or IB scores no longer replace the SAT |
| MIT | SAT or ACT required | English test strongly recommended for non-native speakers |
| Stanford | SAT or ACT required | Was optional until the Class of 2029 |
| Penn | SAT or ACT required | Hardship waiver if you have not tested |
| Cornell | SAT or ACT required | No exception listed for international students |
| Dartmouth | Required, with alternatives | Students outside the US may submit final CBSE or ICSE results, IB or AP instead; predicted board marks do not count |
| Princeton | Optional | Required for students applying from fall 2027 |
| Columbia | Optional | Required from August 2027; waivers for hardship |
What this means for students in India
Test-optional does not mean test-blind. Where a score is optional, a strong score still adds evidence to an application. Students from Indian boards, whose marks are less familiar to US admissions officers, can benefit from it.
Do not rely on exceptions. Harvard's and Penn's alternatives are for students who cannot reach a test centre or pay for the test. A student in Surat who can take the SAT is expected to take it.
The SAT also opens doors in India. College Board lists more than 60 Indian universities that accept SAT scores, including Ashoka, FLAME, Krea, Plaksha, NMIMS and Shiv Nadar. Some accept it for B.Tech too. One score can serve applications in India and abroad.
English tests are separate. Many universities also ask non-native speakers for TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores. Check whether your schooling in English exempts you.
The Digital SAT in brief
The SAT is now taken digitally, in College Board's Bluebook app, at a test centre. It takes 2 hours 14 minutes, with a 10-minute break.
| Section | Questions | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 54, in two modules | 64 minutes | 200 to 800 |
| Math | 44, in two modules | 70 minutes | 200 to 800 |
| Total | 98 | 2 hours 14 minutes | 400 to 1600 |
- It is adaptive. The first module of each section mixes easy, medium and hard questions. How you do decides whether the second module is harder or easier.
- A calculator is allowed for all of Math. Bluebook has a built-in Desmos graphing calculator, or you may bring an approved one. No calculator is allowed in Reading and Writing.
- Most questions are multiple choice. Some Math questions ask you to type in your own answer.
Preparation has to match the format: timed practice on screen, and steady accuracy in the first module, which sets the level of the second. More on how we teach it on our Digital SAT coaching page.
When to start, and how we help
Most students do best starting SAT preparation in Class 10 or early Class 11. That leaves time for a first attempt, a review, and a second attempt before applications, without clashing with board exams.
At Global Careers in Surat, our faculty team teaches Maths and Reading and Writing in small batches, with timed practice in the digital format. Dr. Manish Mittal leads the vocabulary master classes. Because we also guide admissions, the SAT plan fits the student's university list, not the other way round. See also studying in the USA and profile building.
Small batches. The next batch starts as soon as we have the required number of students to begin. Register your name and we will confirm the start date.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SAT required for US universities in 2026-27?
At Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Penn, Cornell and Dartmouth, yes. Princeton and Columbia are optional this cycle and will require it from the next.
Can I use my CBSE or ICSE marks instead?
Only at a few universities. Dartmouth accepts final CBSE or ICSE results from students outside the US. Most others want the SAT or ACT.
Do Indian universities accept the SAT?
Yes. More than 60 do, including Ashoka, FLAME, Krea, Plaksha and NMIMS. Check each university's rules.
How long is the Digital SAT?
2 hours 14 minutes, plus a 10-minute break. It is scored from 400 to 1600.
About the author. Dr. Manish Mittal founded Global Careers in Surat in 2000. He guides students on admissions in India and abroad, and leads the vocabulary master classes for Global Careers' SAT and GRE students. He holds a PhD in Psychology (Career Counselling) and the College Counselling Certificate, New York University. Read his profile · Digital SAT coaching