Planning to take the ACT for undergraduate admissions abroad? Completing your ACT exam registration on time is an important first step. For students in India, ACT registration is completed online, and available test dates and test centres can vary by country and location.
The ACT has also undergone important changes. Science is now an optional section, and the ACT Composite Score is calculated using English, Math and Reading. International test takers also receive the enhanced ACT format introduced in 2026.
In this guide, we cover the ACT exam dates 2026–27, registration deadlines, fees, registration process, test format, test-centre selection and important FAQs for Indian students.
ACT Exam Dates 2026–27 for International Students
ACT offers specific testing dates for students taking the exam outside the United States. Indian students should use the international ACT testing schedule, rather than the U.S. national testing schedule.
According to the current ACT international schedule, the 2026–27 testing dates are:
| ACT Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload Deadline |
| September 5, 2026 | August 7, 2026 | August 21, 2026 | August 21, 2026 |
| October 23–24, 2026 | September 25, 2026 | October 9, 2026 | October 9, 2026 |
| December 11–12, 2026 | November 13, 2026 | November 27, 2026 | November 27, 2026 |
| February 12–13, 2027 | January 15, 2027 | January 29, 2027 | January 29, 2027 |
| April 2–3, 2027 | March 5, 2027 | March 19, 2027 | March 19, 2027 |
| June 11–12, 2027 | May 14, 2027 | May 28, 2027 | May 28, 2027 |
| July 9–10, 2027 | June 11, 2027 | June 25, 2027 | June 25, 2027 |
Important: Not every international test centre is available on every ACT test date. Students should check the ACT registration portal for available dates and centres in India before finalizing their registration.
What Is the Next ACT Exam Date?
For students registering in India after the September 2026 test date, the next scheduled international ACT test is October 23–24, 2026.
The regular registration deadline for this test date was September 25, 2026. The late registration and photo upload deadline is October 9, 2026.
Students who are planning to take the ACT later in the academic year can also consider the December 11–12, 2026 test date. Its regular registration deadline is November 13, 2026, followed by a late registration deadline of November 27, 2026.
If you are preparing for university applications, check the application deadlines of the colleges you are targeting before selecting your ACT test date. This gives you enough time to receive your scores and, if necessary, take the ACT again.
ACT Registration Deadlines for 2026–27
ACT registration has two important deadlines:
Regular Registration
The regular registration deadline is the standard deadline for signing up for a particular ACT test date.
Registering by this deadline helps you avoid late-registration charges and gives you more time to complete the remaining registration requirements.
Late Registration
ACT also provides a late registration period for international test dates. However, an additional fee may apply.
For example, the October 23–24, 2026 international ACT has:
- Regular registration deadline: September 25, 2026
- Late registration deadline: October 9, 2026
- Photo upload deadline: October 9, 2026
Students should avoid waiting until the last date because test-centre availability can vary.
ACT Exam Fees for Indian Students
ACT fees depend on the test option and the applicable registration category. ACT’s published fee page currently lists the standard ACT test, which includes English, Math and Reading, at $70, with optional add-ons for Science and Writing.
The currently published ACT test options are:
| Test Option | Published Fee |
| ACT – English, Math & Reading | $70 |
| Science Add-On | $5 |
| ACT + Science | $75 |
| Writing Add-On | $25 |
| ACT + Writing | $95 |
| ACT + Science + Writing | $100 |
However, international registration may have different pricing and additional international charges. Students registering from India should check the amount displayed in the ACT registration portal before completing payment.
The previous $171.50 fee shown in older ACT registration guides should therefore not be used as the current fee for Indian students.
How to Register for the ACT in India
ACT registration for students testing outside the United States is completed online. ACT specifically instructs international students not to contact a test centre directly to register.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Create Your ACT Account
Visit the official ACT website and create your student account.
You will use this account to manage your ACT registration and access information related to your test.
Step 2: Start Your ACT Registration
After signing in, begin the ACT registration process.
When asked where you will take the test, select “Outside the US” if you are testing in India.
Step 3: Select India as Your Test Country
Choose India as the country where you plan to take the ACT.
The registration system will show available test dates and test centres based on current availability.
Step 4: Choose Your ACT Test Date
Review the available ACT dates and select the date that fits your preparation and college application timeline.
For example, the international schedule includes October 23–24, 2026 and December 11–12, 2026, followed by February, April, June and July 2027 testing dates.
Step 5: Select an Available Test Centre
Choose an available ACT test centre in India.
ACT notes that not every test centre is scheduled for every international test date. Therefore, students should check the available locations before finalizing their test date.
Step 6: Choose Your ACT Test Options
The current ACT consists of the core English, Math and Reading sections. Students can also choose to add Science and/or Writing where available and appropriate.
Science became optional beginning with the September 2025 ACT, while the Composite Score is based on English, Math and Reading.
Step 7: Complete Your Personal Information
Enter the required information carefully.
Make sure your name, date of birth, contact information and other details are accurate and match your official documents.
Step 8: Upload Your Photo
Complete the photo requirement before the applicable photo upload deadline.
For international testing, the photo deadline is listed alongside each test date on ACT’s international schedule. For example, the photo deadline for the October 23–24, 2026 test is October 9, 2026.
Step 9: Pay the Registration Fee
Review the total amount displayed during registration and complete payment using the available payment method.
Before submitting payment, check your selected test date, test centre and test options carefully.
Step 10: Confirm Your Registration
After completing registration, review your confirmation and keep your ACT registration details safely accessible.
Check the information carefully and make sure you know your test centre, test date and any additional instructions provided by ACT.
How to Choose an ACT Test Centre in India
Choosing the right test centre is an important part of ACT registration.
Consider:
- Distance from your home
- Travel time
- Availability of transportation
- Test-date availability
- Your school and academic schedule
- University application deadlines
- Whether you may need to retake the ACT
ACT states that not all international test centres are available for every test date. The registration portal is the best place to confirm current availability.
ACT Test Format 2026–27
The ACT has changed from the format described in many older preparation guides.
The current ACT Composite Score is calculated using:
- English
- Math
- Reading
Science is now optional. Students who take the Science section receive a separate Science score and an overall STEM score.
What Has Changed?
Beginning with the September 2025 ACT:
- Science became optional
- The Composite Score is based on English, Math and Reading.
Beginning with February 2026, ACT introduced additional enhancements for international test takers, including changes to test content and fewer questions.
This means students preparing for the 2026–27 international ACT should use current ACT preparation materials rather than relying exclusively on older ACT books or guides.
What Do You Need Before ACT Registration?
Before starting your registration, keep the following information ready:
- Personal details
- Date of birth
- Contact information
- School information
- Preferred test date
- Preferred test centre
- A suitable photo for registration
- Payment method
- Information about the colleges you may eventually send scores to
Make sure all information entered during registration is accurate.
What to Do After ACT Registration
Registering for the ACT is only the beginning of your preparation.
1. Create a Study Plan
Once you know your test date, create a preparation schedule based on the amount of time available.
Focus on:
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science, if you choose the Science add-on
- Writing, if required or useful for your target colleges
2. Take a Diagnostic Test
Take a full-length or appropriate practice assessment to understand your current performance.
Use the results to identify your stronger and weaker areas.
3. Practice With Timed Questions
The ACT is a timed test, so content knowledge alone is not enough. Regular timed practice can help you become familiar with the pace required during the examination.
4. Review Your Mistakes
Don’t simply count correct and incorrect answers.
Maintain an error log and identify why you missed each question. This can help you recognize recurring content and strategy gaps.
5. Take Full-Length Practice Tests
As your test date approaches, complete full-length practice tests under realistic testing conditions.
Review your performance after every test and adjust your preparation accordingly.
6. Check Your College Requirements
ACT requirements vary between colleges and programs.
Before deciding whether to take the optional Science or Writing sections, check the testing requirements and recommendations of the universities you are considering.
Tips for Choosing Your ACT Test Date
Choosing your ACT test date depends on your academic schedule and university application timeline.
Keep these factors in mind:
Give Yourself Enough Preparation Time
Don’t choose a test date simply because it is the earliest available date. Make sure you have enough time to prepare.
Consider Retaking the ACT
If you are targeting a particular score and your application timeline allows it, leaving enough time for another test attempt can be useful.
Check Application Deadlines
Always work backward from your college application deadlines.
Your test date should give you enough time for scores to become available and for you to complete any additional application requirements.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Registration Date
Although late registration may be available, it can involve an additional fee and can leave less time to resolve registration issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT Exam Registration
When is the next ACT exam for Indian students?
The next scheduled international ACT test date after September 2026 is October 23–24, 2026. The regular registration deadline is September 25, while the late registration and photo deadline is October 9, 2026.
What are the ACT exam dates for 2026–27?
The international ACT dates for the 2026–27 cycle are September 5, October 23–24 and December 11–12, 2026, followed by February 12–13, April 2–3, June 11–12 and July 9–10, 2027.
How do I register for the ACT in India?
Indian students can register online through ACT. During registration, select “Outside the US” when asked where you will test, then select India and choose from the available test dates and test centres.
Can I choose any ACT test centre in India?
You can choose from the test centres that are available in the ACT registration system for your selected test date. Not every centre is available on every international test date.
Is Science compulsory on the ACT?
No. Science is now an optional section of the ACT. The Composite Score is calculated using English, Math and Reading. Students who take Science receive a separate Science score and STEM score.
Is the ACT Writing section compulsory?
No. Writing is an optional add-on. Students should check the requirements of the colleges and programs they are applying to before deciding whether to take it. ACT currently lists Writing as an optional add-on.
How much does the ACT cost?
ACT’s currently published base fee for the ACT consisting of English, Math and Reading is $70, with additional fees for optional Science and Writing. International students should check the registration portal for the final fee applicable to their registration because international pricing and charges may differ.
Can I register for the ACT after the regular deadline?
Yes, international ACT test dates have a late registration period. However, an additional fee may apply. The late deadline varies by test date.
Do I need to upload a photo for ACT registration?
Yes. ACT publishes a photo upload deadline for international test dates. Missing the photo deadline can result in cancellation of your registration, so students should complete this requirement on time.
Can I take the ACT more than once?
Yes. Students can take the ACT again if they want another opportunity to improve their scores. ACT also provides superscoring based on the highest section scores from multiple ACT administrations. The current Superscore Composite uses English, Math and Reading.
Should I take the ACT with Science?
That depends on your college requirements, academic goals and whether the additional Science score is useful for your applications. Since Science is optional, check the requirements of the universities and programs you are interested in before making your decision.
Prepare for the ACT With PrepGenius
Registering for the ACT is only the first step. A structured preparation plan can help you understand the test format, identify your strengths and weaknesses, build effective strategies and practice under timed conditions.
At PrepGenius, students can get structured ACT preparation and guidance designed around their individual goals and preparation needs.