ACT Coaching in Chandigarh

ACT Exam Overview: Key Dates & Details for Chandigarh Students

The ACT is run by ACT Education Corp. and is accepted for undergraduate admission by all four-year universities in the US and by more than 200 universities outside the US. Outside the US, including in India, the ACT is taken on computer at authorised test centres.

The ACT has changed recently. Since September 2025, the Composite score is based only on English, Math and Reading; Science and Writing are optional add-ons. From February 2026, international tests also have fewer questions and a shorter format. International test dates for 2026-27 are 5 September, 23-24 October and 11-12 December 2026, and 12-13 February, 2-3 April, 11-12 June and 9-10 July 2027.

ACT at a glance:

• Mode: Computer-based at a test centre (international)
• Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes for English, Math and Reading; 2 hours 45 minutes with Science
• Sections: English, Math, Reading; optional Science and Writing
• Questions: 131 in the core test (171 with Science)
• Score: Composite 1 to 36 (average of English, Math and Reading); Writing scored separately
• Official website: act.org

For the complete exam guide, see our ACT exam page.

ACT English Syllabus

The English test has 50 questions in 35 minutes. You read several passages and choose the option that best improves the clarity, effectiveness and correctness of underlined or highlighted parts.

Key Areas

• Production of Writing (38-43%): topic development, purpose, organisation and transitions
• Knowledge of Language (18-23%): precise, concise wording and consistent tone
• Conventions of Standard English (38-43%): grammar, usage, punctuation and sentence structure

ACT Math Syllabus

The Math test has 45 questions in 50 minutes and covers maths up to the beginning of Class 12. A permitted calculator may be used.

Key Areas

1. Preparing for Higher Math (80%):

• Number and Quantity: exponents, radicals, complex numbers
• Algebra: linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, systems
• Functions and graphs, logarithms
• Geometry: triangles, circles, area and volume, trigonometry
• Statistics and Probability: mean, median, data and counting

2. Integrating Essential Skills (20%):

• Multi-step problems with rates and proportions, percentages, averages and measurement

3. Modeling (across all questions): creating, interpreting and refining mathematical models.

ACT Reading and Science Syllabus

Reading (36 questions, 40 minutes)

• Key Ideas and Details (44-52%): central ideas, summaries, cause and effect, inferences
• Craft and Structure (26-33%): word meanings, author's choices, text structure and perspective
• Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (19-26%): claims, fact vs opinion, evidence and paired passages

Science, optional (40 questions, 40 minutes)

• Interpretation of Data (38-50%): tables, graphs and diagrams, trends
• Scientific Investigation (18-32%): experimental design, variables and controls
• Evaluating Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence (25-35%): judging claims and predictions

Science is drawn from biology, chemistry, Earth and space sciences and physics, but it tests reasoning with data rather than memorised facts. Science does not count towards the Composite score; you also get a separate STEM score if you take it.

ACT Exam Pattern: Sections, Timing and Scoring

The ACT has three core multiple-choice tests, English, Math and Reading, which make up the Composite score. Science and Writing are optional.

Section-Wise Breakdown

Scoring Notes

• The Composite score (1 to 36) is based on English, Math and Reading.
• Science adds a separate section score and a STEM score; it does not affect the Composite.
• Writing is scored separately (2 to 12 per domain) and does not affect the Composite.
• Scores are based on correct answers, so there is no penalty for guessing.