SAT

SAT Exam
SAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board and is required to be taken by students seeking admission in undergraduate schools. SAT exam has been developed to evaluate the written, verbal and mathematical skills of the candidates.
Applicants to undergraduate courses, particularly in US and Canada, are required to take the SAT exam. If the student is looking to get admission to a particular course, s/he can take the SAT subject tests to show his knowledge and understanding of that particular subject. Subject tests are offered in areas like Literature, History, Mathematics, Sciences and Foreign Languages.
A recent review of admissions policies by The National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest) revealed that many colleges have moved away from SAT subject test, which some years back was crucial for admission to top American universities.
SAT Fee
$52.5 (approx.) plus $42 (Non-U.S. Regional Fee)
For subject tests, an additional $26 as basic subject test fee
For SAT subject tests, additional fee might be required
FOR REGISTRATION: http://sat.collegeboard.org/home

Here is a general procedure that I followed.
Requirements:
A Debit/Credit card with international transaction enabled
Valid Passport
1 hr time per day for preparation, 1-2 months before giving the SAT
SAT preparation books. I used
Buy Official SAT Study Guide (2016 Edition) (Official Study Guide for the New Sat) Book Online at Low Prices in Indiaand
Buy Cracking The New SAT Premium Edition (College Test Preparation) Book Online at Low Prices in India
AKhan Academyaccount for preparation
A college board account for registering for the test.
Procedure:
Select a date for appearing in the exam. I would suggest you take March, May or June SAT, as Jan SAT would be too early to do any preparation. Select a date which would enable you to prepare foratleasta month.
With the date in mind, start preparing from the college board book and finish it within one week.
Register for the SAT with your college board account, do select SAT with Essay.
After the registration, complete the Princeton review book as soon as possible.
Then start with Khan Academy. Link your college board account withKhan Academyand create your own customized SAT preparation plan.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses using the KhanAcademys analysis, and work according to that.
Give a practice test each week
Once you are done with KhanAcademy practice tests, give Princeton Reviews tests which are slightly more challenging. Always time your tests.
On the day before your exams, revise all the important topics and effective techniques. Pack your bag with all necessary items: passport, calculator, pencils, erasers, snacks, water bottle, and admit card.
Reach the center on/before time, find your seat and give the exam. You will do great!
After giving the test, relax for a day or two.
In the next 9 days, select any 4 colleges(dont think too much about these, as you would anyway make a very different list at the end) that you would like to apply and send your free SAT scores.
Wait for the result.
After result: boast about your amazing score!
All the best!

Hi Rajesh,
Ideally, the application process including taking the SAT etc should start a year ahead of the intakes, US universities mainly have two intakes. The Fall intake which is in Aug/Sept every year is more common. If you desire to study next year you have to submit your applications by this year end as per the university deadlines. However since you are in 12th it is a crucial stage for you and you must focus on your board exams. Prepare for your SAT too simultaneously and take part in lots of extra curricular activities. Universities in US prefers students with good academics and extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, volunteer work etc. Don't worry about a gap period or so, prepare a good application slowly and steadily and apply on time. You must take the TOEFL too. For more info on SAT check collegeboard.org