ACT Exam Dates 2025: Full Schedule

The ACT exam dates for 2025 are now confirmed. The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test accepted by most universities in the USA and Canada. It is conducted by the non-profit ACT organization and is used to assess a student’s readiness for college-level studies.t

The ACT is a computer-based exam with four mandatory sections—English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. It also includes an optional Writing Test, which does not impact the composite score. The test is widely taken by international applicants, especially those looking for an alternative to the SAT.

To avoid missing deadlines, it's important to follow the official ACT test schedule 2025, register before the cut-off dates, and track your ACT score release dates.

Suggested for Test Takers: Explore bachelor’s abroad programs that accept ACT scores.

University Spotlight: Plan ahead for colleges like Cornell University and Drexel University.

Career Connection: Interested in engineering after ACT? Check out Instrumentation Engineering in USA.

ACT Exam Schedule Overview

The ACT exam calendar runs throughout the year with international test dates available in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. The exam is computer-based and includes four mandatory sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—plus an optional Writing test.

ACT results follow a two-stage release:

• Multiple-choice scores are available within 2 to 8 weeks after the test date.
• Writing scores, if applicable, are released about two weeks later.

ACT scores remain valid for five years. The exam is accepted by over 90% of colleges in the United States. Outside North America, more colleges in Australia, Europe, and Asia now accept ACT scores, especially for English-taught programs.

First-Time Applicant? Here’s the full ACT registration process for Indian students.

What’s on the test? Check the ACT exam pattern and detailed syllabus before planning your study plan.

Where to Take the ACT in India? See the latest test center list for ACT 2025.

ACT registration process for Indian students shown step-by-step. Complete all 5 actions—test date selection, MyACT signup, photo upload, payment, and admission ticket download—to confirm your slot.

Upcoming ACT Exam Dates 2025–26 (India)

Indian students follow the ACT exam dates for international students, with centers operating in major cities. Test takers can expect two session options—morning and afternoon—depending on slot availability. Seat counts and city availability may vary, especially during peak months.

Test takers must upload a recent headshot photo before the deadline to confirm their registration. Missing this step will result in cancellation, even if payment is completed.

ACT Exam Dates 2025–26 (India)

ACT Test Date	Registration Window	Photo Upload Deadline
5–6 September 2025	8 August (regular) 22 August (late)	29 August 2025
17–18 October 2025	19 September (regular) 3 October (late)	10 October 2025
12–13 December 2025	14 November (regular) 28 November (late)	5 December 2025
6–7 February 2026	9 January (regular) 23 January (late)	30 January 2026
10–11 April 2026	13 March (regular) 27 March (late)	3 April 2026
12–13 June 2026	15 May (regular) 29 May (late)	5 June 2026
10–11 July 2026	12 June (regular) 26 June (late)	3 July 2026

Check your ACT registration dates 2025, confirm the ACT deadlines for 2025, and secure your preferred test slot in advance. This is especially important if you're considering ACT retake dates 2025 or applying to universities with rolling deadlines.

Score Release Timeline: Wondering when your scores will be out? Here’s the ACT score release and reporting guide.

Improve Your Sectional Scores:

• Math tips to boost accuracy
• Reading section strategy & syllabus
• English section breakdown
• Writing test format and tips

ACT Registration Timeline for Indian Students 

Indian test-takers race the same ACT exam dates used worldwide, yet India’s centers fill faster because seats are limited to major cities. Booking through MyACT as soon as the window opens protects your spot and keeps you clear of late fees.

Stage	What Indian Students Should Do
Six-plus months before college deadlines	Pick a primary date from the international ACT exam calendar. Aim for the September or October slot in the ACT test schedule 2025 if you need scores for early-decision applications.
Regular registration window	Finish the MyACT form, upload your head-shot photo, and pay before the ACT registration dates 2025 close. Early completion leaves time for an ACT retake date 2025 if needed.
Late registration window	Missed the first cut-off? You have about two more weeks, but ACT adds a USD 38 late fee. Slots shrink quickly, especially in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Score-planning step	Factor in the ACT score release dates 2025—multiple-choice results post in two to eight weeks, Writing about two weeks later—so scores reach colleges before final admission deadlines.

Tip: Early-decision applicants should target the first two sessions in the ACT test booking timeline so there’s room for a retake without clashing with application paperwork.

ACT Exam Date – Late Registration Rules

The late registration period gives Indian students extra time to book the ACT. The window opens right after the regular deadline and closes about two weeks later. ACT charges USD 38 (approx. ₹3,170) on top of the base test fee, and any change after payment counts as a new registration.

Once you complete payment during late registration, no changes can be made to your test date, centre, or uploaded photo. If you miss the photo upload deadline, your registration may be cancelled—even if the fee is paid.

ACT Exam Late Registration Cut-off

ACT Test Date	Late Registration Cut-off
5–6 Sep 2025	22 Aug 2025
17–18 Oct 2025	3 Oct 2025
12–13 Dec 2025	28 Nov 2025
6–7 Feb 2026	23 Jan 2026
10–11 Apr 2026	27 Mar 2026
12–13 Jun 2026	29 May 2026
10–11 Jul 2026	26 Jun 2026

ACT Late Registration Rules (India):

• Late fees apply to every India-based registration once the regular window closes.
• ACT blocks further edits after payment—no test-date changes, no center swaps.
• Popular cities reach capacity during the late phase, so options narrow to smaller centers.
• Booking early keeps your costs down and leaves buffer time to compare ACT vs SAT test dates 2025 if you decide to take both exams.

ACT Exam Date Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy (India)

Indian test-takers who need to move or cancel their ACT exam dates must act before the late registration window closes. After that point, no further edits are allowed.

Action	Deadline	Fee*
Test-date or centre change	Before late-registration deadline	USD 44 ≈ ₹3,670 (Change Fee)
Late registration (first booking or change during late window)	About two weeks after regular deadline	USD 38 ≈ ₹3,170 added to base fee
Full cancellation	On or before the change deadline	Partial refund: base fee minus USD 10 (₹830) processing
No-show or missed photo upload	After deadlines pass	No refund; new booking required

ACT Exam Rescheduling for Indian Students

• Rescheduling ACT exam dates in India must be done through the MyACT portal, the same platform used for initial registration.
• ACT test centre slots are limited—popular metro locations like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru fill fast. Book early to avoid last-minute issues.
• Switching test centres or changing your test date counts as a new booking and incurs a change fee of USD 44 (approx. ₹3,670).
• Standby testing is not guaranteed. If you're denied entry due to photo issues or seat unavailability, ACT will refund the USD 69 (approx. ₹5,750) standby fee.

How to Search and Choose ACT Exam Dates? 

Indian students should first check the ACT test schedule 2025 on the official website. The ACT exam calendar shows test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates. Plan early—popular centres in India get booked fast.

Use these steps to choose your test date:

• Check your college deadlines and match them with available ACT exam dates for international students.
• Pick earlier dates if you need time for a retake. Avoid booking back-to-back tests.
• Choose a centre close to home. ACT dates for Indian students vary by city.
• Results from MCQ sections come in 2–8 weeks. Add 2 more weeks if you take the writing section.
• If you’re also taking the SAT, compare ACT vs SAT test dates 2025 before deciding.

Log into your MyACT account to check slots before finalizing. Stick to your timeline to avoid late fees and rushed prep.

ACT 2025 Retake Strategy and Ideal Spacing Between Test Dates

Many students take the ACT more than once to improve their scores. In 2025, the ACT retake dates are spaced across February, April, June, July, September, October, and December—giving Indian students enough flexibility.

To plan a smart retake strategy:

• Leave at least 6–8 weeks between test dates. This gives you time to review your score report, work on weak areas, and take fresh practice tests.
• Avoid booking two test dates too close. Retesting after just 2–3 weeks rarely improves scores unless your prep was incomplete the first time.
• Use your first test as a benchmark. Take your first ACT by April or June if applying for Fall 2025 intake. Use the next available ACT exam date for a second attempt.
• Track score release timelines. Since ACT score release dates 2025 can take up to 8 weeks, don’t schedule your second test too close to college deadlines.
• Use ACT test booking timeline tools in your MyACT account to avoid missing slots or paying extra fees.

Start your ACT prep for free with upGrad’s foundation courses

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