ACT Exam 2026: Pattern, Fees, and Registration for India

Introduction

ACT Exam 2026 is the biggest competitor to the SAT for US undergraduate admissions. Known for its fast pace and unique Science section, it is preferred by students who are quick readers and good at data interpretation.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT Exam 2026 is still a linear test (not adaptive), which many students find more predictable. In this blog, we detail the dates, fees, and strategies for the ACT Exam 2026.

Highlights: ACT Exam 2026 Snapshot

Feature	Details
Exam Name	American College Testing (ACT)
Format	Linear (Computer-Based for International)
ACT Exam 2026 Duration	2 Hours 55 Minutes (+40 mins for Writing)
Sections	English, Math, Reading, Science
Score Range	1 – 36
ACT Exam 2026 Fee	~$186.50 (₹15,700 approx.)

ACT Exam 2026 Dates (India)

The ACT Exam 2026 is conducted multiple times a year, usually on Fridays and Saturdays in India.

• February 2026

• April 2026

• June 2026

• July 2026

• September 2026

• October 2026

• December 2026

Note: Registration for the ACT Exam 2026 closes about 3-4 weeks before the test date.

ACT Exam 2026 Syllabus & Pattern

The ACT Exam 2026 consists of four mandatory sections and one optional writing section.

1. English Section

• Questions: 75 Questions (45 Minutes).

• Focus: Grammar, Punctuation, Sentence Structure.

2. Math Section

• Questions: 60 Questions (60 Minutes).

• Focus: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry.

• Note: You must memorize formulas for the ACT Exam 2026.

3. Reading Section

• Questions: 40 Questions (35 Minutes).

• Focus: Long passages (Prose, Humanities, Social Science).

4. Science Section

• Questions: 40 Questions (35 Minutes).

• Focus: Data Interpretation (Graphs, Charts, Research Summaries).

ACT Exam 2026 Registration Fee

The ACT Exam 2026 is more expensive than the SAT for international students.

• ACT (No Writing): $186.50.

• ACT (With Writing): $211.50.

• Late Fee: +$38.

You can pay the fee for ACT Exam 2026 using an international credit card on the MyACT website.

ACT Exam 2026 Preparation Tips

Speed is your main enemy in the ACT Exam 2026.

• Practice Speed Reading: You have less than a minute per question in Reading.

• Analyze Graphs: For the Science section, practice reading axis labels and data trends quickly.

• Geometry Formulas: Ensure you memorize all basic geometry formulas before the test.

FAQs regarding ACT Exam 2026

1. Is the ACT Exam 2026 accepted by Ivy League colleges?

Yes. All US universities accept the ACT Exam 2026 and treat it equally to the SAT.

2. Is the ACT Science section difficult?

It doesn't test physics/chemistry knowledge. The Science section of the ACT Exam 2026 tests your ability to read charts and data.

3. What is a good score in ACT Exam 2026?

A score of 34+ is considered Ivy League level. A score of 30+ is excellent for most top universities.

4. Can I use a calculator in ACT Exam 2026?

Yes, but only in the Math section. Calculators are not allowed in the Science section.

Conclusion

If you are a fast reader and love analyzing data, the ACT Exam 2026 might be your perfect match. It offers a straightforward alternative to the adaptive SAT.

Ready to start?