PSAT / NMSQT and PSAT (8/9) – 2026-2027
We are pleased to inform you that our school will conduct the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 8/9 are standardized assessments owned by the College Board. These test is administered on a digital device (Windows laptop, MacBook, or iPad) during school hours.
WHAT IS PSAT?
- PSAT assessments offer an important step in helping students prepare for university admission.
- It is administered by the College Board, the makers of the SAT.
- PSAT is similar in format to the SAT.
- Approximately 5 million students participate each year in PSAT/NMSQT.
- PSAT 8/9 & PSAT/NMSQT will be held in October 2026.
WHY PSAT EXAM?
- The PSAT/NMSQT is designed to measure college readiness, help students access scholarships, and prepare for the SAT and other competitive exams.
- It offers students an excellent and cost-effective way to practice for the SAT; the PSAT assesses the same skills as the SAT but in a grade-appropriate way.
- Measures the core reading, writing and Math’s skills students need to be ready for college and career.
- The detailed score reports help students and educators gain a deep understanding of the student’s strengths and weaknesses, so they are better prepared for the SAT and strengthen their skills in key areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Even if students do not plan to take the SAT, the PSAT offers meaningful insights into their skills and helps them prepare for other similar standardised/competitive exams in India and abroad.
- Students can send their PSAT score report to their free Khan Academy SAT practice account and get free, customised recommendations on how they should prepare for the SAT, based on their section-wise / question-wise performance on the PSAT.
- Educators and Parents receive highly detailed and meaningful data and reports on how their students performed in the PSAT, at the individual student, grade, and school level, which can help drive instruction and focus on skills that most need attention.
KEY BENEFITS:
- Excellent practice for SAT / other competitive exams
- For many students, the first exposure to college admissions testing
- A chance to find out “where you stand” so that you can get prepared effectively for the real thing – the SAT
- A no-pressure opportunity to assess current skill levels
- Detailed score breakdown to guide focused practice
- Scores are not shared with colleges, ensuring a stress-free experience
- Access to AP Potential – helps identify students ready for AP courses
- Enables tracking of academic progress across high school
WHO CAN TAKE PSAT?
There are 2 levels of the PSAT exam available-
- Students can take the PSAT 8/9 in Grades 8 and 9.
- PSAT/NMSQT is best suited to students of Grades 10 and 11.
- U.S. Citizens should take the PSAT/NMSQT in Grade 11 even if they have taken the test before, as their 11th-grade PSAT score makes them eligible for the NMSQT scholarship
STRUCTURE OF PSAT EXAM:
| Section |
Length (minutes) |
Number of Questions/Tasks |
| Math |
70 |
44 |
| Total |
134 |
98 |
PSAT/NMSQT & PSAT 8/9 consists 2 tests.
- Reading and Writing
- Maths
Most of the questions are multiple choice, though some of the math questions ask you to type in the answer rather than select it.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
The PSAT EXAM will be held at St. Kabir Public School, Sector-26, Chandigarh on the month of October, 2026 during school hours. We encourage you to enrol your ward at the earliest, as seats are limited.
| TEST |
ELIGIBLE GRADES |
DATE |
EXAM FEE |
| PSAT/NMSQT |
Grade X and XI |
October 01, 2026 |
INR 2900/- |
| PSAT 8/9 |
Grade VIII and IX |
October 07, 2026 |
INR 2500/- |
Last Date for Payment/Registration: 15th September 2026
Bank Details for Payment:
HDFC Bank, Sector 27, Chandigarh
Saving Account No.: 50100041273420
IFSC Code: HDFC0001324
ID REQUIREMENT
On the day of the exam, the student must carry a valid photo ID proof.
- Aadhar card (Valid Aadhaar PVC card with your name and photograph*)
- Valid Original Passport
- School ID (Applicable only for students of St Kabir Public School, Chandigarh)
PREPRATION RESOURCES AND MORE INFORMATION:
TEST DAY INSTRUCTIONS
Digital PSAT Device Requirements:
Before test day, you’ll need to download the Bluebook App to the device you’re going to test with. Then 1–5 days before your test, you’ll complete a quick exam set-up.
APPROVED TESTING DEVICES
You can run Bluebook™ on a Windows or Mac device, an iPad, or a school-managed Chromebook. You cannot run the Bluebook app on a mobile phone.
- Your device must be able to connect to Wi-Fi.
- On test day, your device must be fully charged; it will need to stay on for 3–4 hours.
- We also recommend that you bring your device’s power cord or a portable charger, but you might not have access to an outlet.
- If you take an PSAT Exam on an iPad, you’ll need an external keyboard.
| For Windows |
For Mac |
For iPads |
| You need to be running Windows 10 or the latest version |
You need to be running Mac OS 11.4 or the latest version. |
You need to be running Mac OS 11.4 or the latest version. |
| Your device needs 250 MB of available disk space for one exam, plus an additional 50 MB for each additional exam. |
Your device needs 150 MB of available disk space for one exam, plus an additional 50 MB for each additional exam. |
Your device needs 150 MB of available disk space for one exam, plus an additional 50 MB for each additional exam. |
| If you’re testing with a laptop, external keyboards are not permitted. |
If you’re testing with a laptop, external keyboards are not permitted. |
External mouse are permitted. |
| External mouse are permitted. |
External mouse are permitted |
PSAT: External keyboards are permitted for iPads. |
| PSAT: External keyboards are permitted for Windows tablets. |
PROHIBITED DEVICES
Unless students have a College Board-approved accommodation, they can’t access these items during the test or breaks:
- Phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, or other wearable technology (simple digital non-smartwatches or analog watches are acceptable)
- Audio players, Bluetooth devices (like wireless earbuds/headphones), or any other electronic devices (except your testing device)
- Detachable privacy screens
- External keyboards for use with laptops or Chromebooks (keyboards for iPads are allowed)
- Stylus for iPad
- Any cameras, recording devices, or timers
- Notes, books, or any other reference material
- Compasses, rulers, protractors, or cutting devices
- Headphones, earbuds, or earplugs
- Unacceptable calculators
- Weapons or firearms
WHAT TO BRING ON PSAT/NMSQT TEST DAY
There are only a few things you need to bring on test day. Be sure to bring:
- A pencil or pen
- Scratch paper will be provided—do not bring your own.
- An approved calculator. There’s a graphing calculator built into the app, but you can bring your own if you like.
- An external mouse if you use one.
- An external keyboard if you use one (you can only use external keyboards with tablets—not laptops.)
- An approved photo ID if you’re homeschooled or if you’ll be testing at a school that is different from the one you usually attend.
IT’LL BE NICE TO HAVE:
There are only a few things you need to bring on test day. Be sure to bring:
- Extra batteries for your calculator and backup equipment—you’ll have to ask for permission to access them. They can’t be on your desk during the test.
- A bag or backpack
- A drink or snacks (for your break)
IMPORTANT
Interested students must register through Google Form for these exams.
https://forms.gle/v7gFe2smDTob6Rrd7
PSAT COORDINATOR CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Career Counselling cell at school.
Name: Ms. Parabhjot Kaur
Email ID: Careercounselling@stkabir.co.in
Contact Hours: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Phone Number: 9876747122