Top 10 SAT Colleges in India 2026: Best Universities Accepting SAT Scores

Introduction:

As SAT acceptance grows globally, Indian universities are increasingly offering admissions and scholarships based on SAT scores. For many Indian students, submitting a strong SAT result provides a compelling alternative to traditional entrance exams like CUET or state board cutoffs—especially if you’re targeting undergraduate programs with global recognition and generous financial aid options. In this detailed guide, we rank and explain the Top 10 SAT colleges in India in 2026, covering admissions criteria, SAT score expectations, scholarship opportunities, and more.

Top 10 SAT Colleges in India 2026

What It Means When a College Accepts SAT Scores

A university accepts SAT scores when it allows applicants to submit SAT results as part of the eligibility or holistic admissions process—either instead of, or alongside, entrance exams and board marks. Many SAT-accepting colleges also use these scores for merit scholarships under programs like India Scholars or merit awards.

Top 10 SAT Colleges in India (2026)

Below is a curated list of the Top 10 SAT colleges in India based on visibility in SAT acceptance lists, scholarship opportunities, and educational reputation. These institutions accept SAT scores as a key component of their undergraduate admissions process for Indian and international applicants.

Rank	University	Location	Major Programs	Notes
1	Ashoka University	Haryana	Liberal Arts, Sciences, Economics	Merit & need-based SAT scholarships
2	Shiv Nadar University	Uttar Pradesh	Engineering, Arts & Sciences	Research focus: merit SAT awards
3	FLAME University	Maharashtra	Liberal Arts, Business	Strong SAT scholarships
4	Amity University	Multiple Campuses	Engineering, Management, Arts	Wide SAT acceptance + global tie-ups
5	KREA University	Andhra Pradesh	Social Sciences, Data, Design	Interdisciplinary UG programs
6	BML Munjal University	Haryana	B.Tech, BBA, Economics	SAT is used for merit & direct admission
7	Bennett University	Uttar Pradesh	Engineering, Business, Media	SAT scores considered for merit
8	SRM Institute of Science & Technology	Tamil Nadu	Engineering, Sciences	Engineering admissions with SAT
9	Plaksha University	Punjab	Engineering & Tech	Strong industry partnerships
10	Ahmedabad University	Gujarat	Liberal Arts, Sciences	SAT accepted with the India Scholars Program

1. Ashoka University (Haryana)

Ashoka University is widely known as a top liberal arts and sciences institution in India that actively accepts SAT scores for undergraduate programs. It uses SAT results as a component of its admissions process and awards need-based and merit scholarships for high SAT achievers. The university’s interdisciplinary approach and international faculty make it an attractive option for SAT applicants.

Key Highlights:

• Liberal arts focus with strong academic support

• SAT scholarships up to full tuition for high scores

• Covers economics, humanities, and science streams

2. Shiv Nadar University (Uttar Pradesh)

Shiv Nadar University accepts SAT scores for a variety of programs, including engineering, sciences, and liberal arts. It offers merit-based scholarships for students with very strong SAT scores and emphasises research and innovation at the undergraduate level.

Key Highlights:

• Research-driven curriculum

• Campus facilities for engineering and humanities

• Strong industrial collaborations

3. FLAME University (Maharashtra)

FLAME University is a respected liberal arts, business, and social sciences university that prominently features the SAT in its admissions process. It extends FLAME Scholars Program awards based on SAT scores, making it a top choice for SAT aspirants.

Key Highlights:

• Liberal arts plus business interdisciplinary blend

• SAT scores contribute to scholarships

• Experiential learning and global exposure

4. Amity University (Multiple Campuses)

Amity University, a large private university network across India, accepts SAT scores for a variety of undergraduate programs, including engineering, humanities, and management. Its campuses in Noida and Mumbai are well-known for international tie-ups and flexible admissions.

Key Highlights:

• Multiple campuses and diverse programs

• SAT acceptance across several UG programs

• International collaborations and exchange opportunities

5. KREA University (Andhra Pradesh)

KREA is an interdisciplinary university that offers a blend of humanities, design, business, and technology programs. The institution uses SAT scores for admissions and often integrates them with portfolio or interview elements for holistic evaluation.

Key Highlights:

• Focus on interdisciplinary studies

• SAT score used in admissions criteria

• Emphasis on critical thinking and innovation

6. BML Munjal University (Haryana)

BML Munjal University accepts SAT scores for direct undergraduate admissions, particularly in B.Tech, BBA, and economics programs. The university also offers merit scholarships that consider SAT performance, making it attractive for high achievers.

Key Highlights:

• Industry-aligned curriculum

• SAT is used for scholarship decisions

• Strategic location near Delhi NCR

7. Bennett University (Uttar Pradesh)

Bennett University uses SAT scores for admission and merit evaluation for its undergraduate core programs, including engineering and business. While not all programs rely solely on SAT scores, they play a significant role in the admissions process.

Key Highlights:

• Strong focus on tech and business disciplines

• SAT helps strengthen competitive applications

• Collaborations with industry partners

8. SRM Institute of Science & Technology (Tamil Nadu)

SRM Institute of Science & Technology is one of the larger private universities in India accepting SAT scores, particularly for engineering and technology programs. It offers a wide choice of specialisations and often considers SAT for merit evaluation and direct admissions under dedicated seats.

Key Highlights:

• Established engineering reputation

• Multiple branches of engineering programs

• SAT acceptance, along with other criteria

9. Plaksha University (Punjab)

Plaksha University is a newer but ambitious institution focused on technology, computing, and data science. It accepts SAT scores for admissions and often integrates them with portfolio reviews and interviews for top candidates.

Key Highlights:

• Strong focus on engineering and computing

• Collaboration with global universities

• SAT considered for merit awards

10. Ahmedabad University (Gujarat)

Ahmedabad University incorporates SAT scores into its admissions process, not only for international students but also for Indian residents. Additionally, it offers the India Scholars Program incentives for qualifying SAT applicants, including scholarships and reduced fees.

Key Highlights:

• Interdisciplinary study environment

• Merit-scholarship opportunities for SAT achievers

• Broad range of programs: science, business, and design

Comparison Table: SAT Score Expectations & Scholarships

Below is a snapshot of expected SAT score ranges and scholarship potential across top SAT colleges in India:

University	Competitive SAT Range (Approx.)	Scholarship Potential
Ashoka University	1400–1500+	Partial to full tuition waiver
Shiv Nadar University	1350–1450	Merit-based awards
FLAME University	1300–1400	SAT Scholar awards
Amity University	1250–1350	Academic excellence awards
KREA University	1300–1400	Holistic merit aid
BML Munjal University	1250–1350	SAT merit scholarships
Bennett University	1250–1350	Merit recognition
SRM IST	1200–1300	Conditional merit consideration
Plaksha University	1300–1400	Portfolio + SAT merit
Ahmedabad University	1300–1400	India Scholars Program

How Indian Colleges Use SAT Scores in Admissions

Indian universities use SAT scores in different ways:

1. Direct Admissions

Some universities directly consider SAT scores in their admissions decisions, sometimes in place of national entrance exams.

2. Holistic Evaluation

Many institutions use SAT as part of a broader admissions profile, including board marks, personal essays, interviews, and portfolios.

3. Scholarship Evaluation

SAT scores are often tied to scholarship criteria—higher scores unlock larger merit-based awards under institutional or India Scholars Programs.

FAQ – Top 10 SAT Colleges in India (2026)

Q1. What are the Top 10 SAT colleges in India that accept SAT scores in 2026?

Answer: Some of the best universities accepting SAT scores include Ashoka University, Shiv Nadar University, FLAME University, Amity University, KREA University, BML Munjal University, Bennett University, SRM IST, Plaksha University, and Ahmedabad University.

Q2. Can Indian students use SAT scores instead of board exam marks?

Answer: In many SAT-accepting institutions, SAT scores can play a significant role in admissions, either supplementing board marks or, in some cases, offering an alternative pathway. Requirements vary by university and program.

Q3. Do SAT scores qualify for scholarships in India?

Answer: Yes. Many universities offer merit-based scholarships for high SAT scores through institutional programs or the India Scholars Program, sometimes covering partial or full tuition.

Q4. What SAT score is considered competitive for Indian universities?

Answer: A score above 1300–1400 is generally competitive for top SAT colleges in India; however, exact cutoffs vary by university and program demand.

Q5. Do technical universities like IITs accept SAT scores?

Answer: National institutions like IITs generally do not accept SAT for regular admission except for some DASA categories or specific international seats; most SAT-accepting colleges are private universities.

Conclusion:

In 2026, the landscape of SAT-accepting colleges in India is broader and more dynamic than ever. From liberal arts leaders like Ashoka and FLAME to tech-oriented universities like Plaksha and SRM, Indian students now have viable alternatives to traditional entrance exams. SAT scores not only support admissions but also unlock competitive scholarships, making them a powerful tool for ambitious students aiming for quality undergraduate education in India.