The US’ College Board, which administers SAT, has announced the launch of India Global Higher Education Alliance, which is expected to simplify the entrance and admission process in the higher education system.
Universities participating in the Alliance will use SAT as an entrance exam. This will enable Indian students to just appear for one exam instead of taking separate entrance tests, according to Lindu Liu, Vice-President — International at the College Board.
Ahmedabad University, Ashoka University, Azim Premji University, BML Munjal University, Flame University, Manav Rachna University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, NMIMS, Bennet University are the Indian members of the Alliance.
The Alliance is looking to bring innovative approaches to admission and enrolment.
Columbia University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, McGill, Pomona College, Purdue University, University of Cambridge, and University of Hong Kong are affiliate members. Affiliate members have tackled the challenge of attracting diverse groups of students from their home countries, as well as increasing global recruitment.
“While the College Board has delivered the SAT and Advanced Payment in India for decades, the time is right for us to work closely with innovative universities in India to provide more access to under-served populations, rethink admissions in an Indian context, and ensure India’s leading universities continue to shine on the word stage,” said Lindu Liu.
The Board has also announced India Scholars Programme, under which high achieving, low income students in India will be eligible to take the SAT at reduced costs and obtain full scholarships to India Global Alliance member universities that are co-funded by the College Board and Indian Alliance members.