All About PSAT Exam 2026: Dates, Pattern, Syllabus & How to Register

Planning on to take SAT while in school? Then you must take PSAT based on your level to understand how will you perform on SAT exam on main day! Start your preparation while in school to get the best results. Check out about PSAT and why you should take it.

PSAT is more like a practice test before taking the main SAT exam. This is just like pre-boards, before the board exams strike. PSAT helps understand school level aspirants on how prepared they are for SAT exam. As and when their level increases, they can still check how well they can perform on SAT based on the learnt and acquired skills. PSAT is conducted for 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grade students. So, students know as they progress how much more they need to get that desired score for college admissions abroad.

While SAT exam is tough and competitive, the PSAT test is easier for 8th/9th graders but gradually, difficulty increases for PSAT 10/NMSQT and finally for the SAT exam. PSAT is not just helpful in tracking progress, but with high scores, there can be a chance to get a scholarship as well. For applicants in school and wish to study in USA, Canada, UK or any other country where SAT is accepted, then they can start their prep right now with PSAT. Check out the article for all details related to PSAT.

What is PSAT Exam?

PSAT is conducted by College Board and the full form of PSAT is the Preliminary SAT. It is like a practice test before taking the main SAT exam. PSAT is taken by school students to assess their ability to crack SAT and score well to get admission or be eligible for National Merit Scholarship. There are three types of PSAT, intended to be taken by different levels of students in school. Each level has a different level of testing ability, scoring while basic testing pattern and syllabus are the same. Since this exam is to check the initial preparation level, it resembles the Digital SAT exam in pattern and syllabus.

Types of PSAT Tests

PSAT tests are of three types and these are as follows:

1. PSAT 8/9: PSAT 8/9 measures similar skills and knowledge as other related tests. The level of PSAT 8/9 is tweaked for 8th and 9th class students. Applicants take PSAT 8/9 to check their preparation progress as they move to high school. The PSAT test for 8th-9th graders is conducted in Fall intake months. It is slightly easier than the PSAT 10, with less advanced math and simpler reading passages
2. PSAT 10: Unlike PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10 checks the readiness of 10th graders for college admissions. PSAT 10 is conducted once in October every year (usually), which is the Spring intake for admissions abroad. This test does not qualify students for merit scholarships.
3. PSAT/NMSQT: The third types of PSAT is PSAT/NMSQT or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This exam can be taken by both 10th and 11th grade students. PSAT/NMSQT is conducted by both College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The testing level of PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT is the same. The PSAT covers advanced math (including more geometry and trigonometry) and more complex reading passages than other counterprts.

All three types follow the same SAT exam syllabus, pattern, scoring, duration and rules of testing. However, each PSAT type has different eligibility criteria, because different school students can appear for them. The testing dates will also differ, but exam centres may be common.

Who Can Take PSAT?

Based on the class level of the applicant, there is one type of PSAT applicable. Here is who can take PSAT based on the type and grade level in school for Indian applicants:

PSAT Format and Syllabus

The PSAT is structured similarly as the SAT exam pattern. There are two sections on PSAT 8/9/10/NMSQT and the exam is for 2 hours and 14 minutes. The PSAT exam format is as follows for all three types of assessments:

• PSAT exam is tested on MCQs based questions on the Bluebook App with built tools including DESMOS calculator for all Math questions.
• Like SAT, PSAT is also adaptive since it became Digital in 2024. So difficulty will increase or decrease based on answers.
• There are two sections on PSAT along with two sub modules each. 
• Duration of PSAT based on each module is as follows:

While the structure, duration and format of PSAT and its variants remain the same, so does the syllabus. PSAT syllabus is same as SAT syllabus, only the level wise difficulty is adjusted based on the type of PSAT assessment. PSAT syllabus for both sections are as follows:

PSAT Reading and Writing Section Syllabus

The syllabus of Reading and Writing on SAT is identical for PSAT. There are four core areas of testing, and each area tests a different set of skills in the MCQ format. Here is the PSAT RW Section syllabus for reference:

Note: Though the testing areas are the same, but the difficulty level increases with the level of graders and PSAT assessment.

PSAT Math Section Syllabus

Again, the Digital Math section syllabus of PSAT is same as for SAT exam. There are again four main areas of testing, and each area tests a certain ability of applicants. Check out the PSAT Math section syllabus below:

Note: The PSAT 8/9 contains very little trigonometry and focuses heavily on Algebra, whereas the PSAT 10 and NMSQT require a stronger grasp of Advanced Math questions.

PSAT Exam Testing Dates 2026

There are limited PSAT testing dates for 2026. Exam dates that have been announced by College Board for PSAT assessment wise for 2026 are as follows:

• PSAT 8/9 Exam Dates: 
  • March 2 - April 30, 2026
• PSAT 10 Exam Date:
  • March 2 - April 30, 2026
• PSAT 10 | PSAT/NMSQT Exam Date:
  • October 1 - 30, 2026

In case there are multiple dates, applicants must contact their school to know when they will conduct PSAT and prepare themselves accordingly.

How to Register for PSAT in India?

Applicants cannot directly sign up and register on College Board website unlike SAT registration process. PSAT registration is different and only the applicant's school of study which conducts PSAT can register on their behalf. Check out the PSAT registration process in India:

• Applicants will have to confirm if their high school administers PSAT exam using College Board's search tool for schools conducting PSAT test.
• If the school of applicant conducts PSAT, they can simply get in touch with the school counsellor and put in a request for taking PSAT. If not, they will have to go back to the same tool on College Board, look for nearby schools conducting PSAT and request them.
• Next, applicants will have to find out when their school will conduct PSAT test date and register the applicant. This information will be available from the school counsellor or administration.
• Contacting nearby schools accepting outside students to appear for PSAT should be done at least four months before the actual PSAT date.
• Finally, register for PSAT and pay PSAT exam fee of $18, though this varies as fee waivers may be available in some cases. 

The centre for taking PSAT will be the school that the applicant is studying at or the one that they choose to appear at. 

PSAT Scoring Scale

PSAT is scored differently for PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10. The scales used to score PSAT 8/9 is different from PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT. The SAT results based on 1600 scoring scale is completely different from PSAT scoring.

• The maximum or the total score on PSAT 8/9 is 1440, which means each section is scored for 720 marks.
• While the highest score on PSAT 10/NMSQT is 1520, or sectional score of 760.

Sinceboth PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10/NMSQT are not for college admissions, the scores are sent to respective schools. PSAT NMSQT scores are also shared with parents or school districts. The PSAT/NMSQT scores are also not individually shared with National Merit Scholarship Corp because they also conduct the test with College Board.

Difference Between PSAT and SAT

Now that applicants know about PSAT and SAT, let us summarise it for a better understanding. Here is the difference between PSAT and SAT in the table below:

Why Take PSAT Before SAT Exam?

Taking PSAT before SAT exam has multiple benefits. It is not just about knowing where the applicant stands in terms of knowledge, but is also about the level of preparation for SAT exam. Check out why taking PSAT can prove beneficial before actual SAT exam:

• The PSAT uses the same format, question types, and digital tools as the SAT, allowing students to get comfortable with the pacing and environment without the high pressure.
• PSAT score reports provide a detailed breakdown of performance, helping students understand which areas need more study.
• PSAT/NMSQT taken in junior year is the entry point for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can lead to college scholarships.
• PSAT acts as a barometer for where a student is academically, helping them set a realistic target score for the actual SAT exam date.

Students can also use their PSAT scores to Khan Academy for personalised, free SAT prep based on their specific weak points. Overall, it is a good start to take PSAT before the SAT exam. It will not only help applicants academically but also help them in preparing further for the exam.