The ACT stands for American College Testing, and it is a standardised test managed by ACT, Inc. for undergraduate admissions in the USA and Canada. In 2026, the test became more flexible, allowing students to choose which subjects they are tested on beyond the curriculum. Â
ACT 2026 Syllabus & Format Highlights
In 2026, ACT has three compulsory sections: English, Mathematics and Reading. Science is now optional, along with Writing. Â
| Section | 2026 Questions | 2026 Duration | Core Topics Covered |
| English | 50 (was 75) | 35 mins | Sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills. |
| Mathematics | 45 (was 60) | 50 mins | Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Statistics. Now features 4 answer choices instead of 5. |
| Reading | 36 (was 40) | 40 mins | Comprehension across Fiction, Humanities, Social Science, and Natural Science. |
| Science (Opt.) | 40 | 40 mins | Data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints. |
| Writing (Opt.) | 1 Essay | 40 mins | Argument development, organisation, and language use. |
ACT Eligibility and RegistrationÂ
There is no official age or grade eligibility, but it is recommended that the students be 13 years or older.Â
To register, international students, including Indian students, should register through a MyACT account.Â
The requirements include a computer or laptop, high school course details, a valid passport, a headshot photo and an international credit or debit card.Â
ACT Exam Fees for India (2026)
ACT exam fees in India can vary depending on the test options students select.
- ACT Core (English, Math and Reading) can cost around $186.5.
- Science add-on costs an extra $10Â
- Writing add-on costs an extra $25
- Late registration fee costs $40
ACT Test Dates in India – 2026
The test is conducted over two-day windows in major Indian cities.
| 2026 Test Dates | Regular Registration Deadline |
| February 6–7, 2026 | January 9, 2026 |
| April 10–11, 2026 | March 13, 2026 |
| June 12–13, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| July 10–11, 2026 | June 12, 2026 |
ACT Quick Facts
Duration: The core test is now only 2 hours and 5 minutes long, down from 3 hours previously.Â
Scoring: The Composite score (1-36) is now the average of three sections (English, Math and Reading) instead of four.Â
Computer-Based: All international testing is computer-based and is conducted only at authorised ACT centres.Â
