Advanced Placement
TheAdvanced Placement (AP) program, administered by theCollege Board, offers high school students the opportunity to pursue college-level studies and earn credits while still in school. Recognized by over 3,800 universities globally—including top institutions in the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, and India—AP exams allow students to stand out in the admissions process and potentially reduce college costs and duration.
- High-performing high school students(Grades 9 to 12) who wish to demonstrate academic rigor and subject mastery.
- Indian students aiming for top global universities, where AP scores can boost admission chances or help fulfill credit/placement requirements.
- IB or A-Level students who want to complement their profile with AP subjects not offered in their curriculum.
- Students looking to earn college credit, skip introductory college courses, or build a competitive academic resume.
Taking APs demonstrates initiative, self-discipline, and academic ambition—qualities highly valued in the holistic admissions processes of many international universities. At Ethos Education, we offer strategic guidance onselecting the right AP subjects, mapping them to your target universities, and preparing for the rigorous assessment format.
The AP Exams are subject-specific andoffered in 38 subjects across categories like Math, Sciences, Languages, Arts, and Social Sciences. Each exam is designed to measure college-level mastery in that subject.
| General Structure | |
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Subject-specific standardized exam |
| Mode of Exam | Paper-based (India) |
| Duration | 2 to 3 hours (depending on the subject) |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice + Free Response (Essays, Problem Solving, etc.) |
| Scoring | 1 to 5 scale (5 = Extremely well qualified) |
| Subjects Offered | Over 38 subjects |
Each AP exam follows awell-defined curriculum prescribed by the College Board, mirroring the first-year college syllabus in that subject. Here’s a quick breakdown of key subjects popular among Indian students:
AtEthos, we provide personalizedsyllabus mapping and prep plans tailored to your course load and university goals.
In India, AP exams are administered byCollege Board–authorized test centers, including international schools and third-party partners.
| How to Register for AP Exams in India | |
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 : Find Test Center | Identify College Board–approved AP test centers in your city/region |
| Step 2 : Contact Center | Inquire about subjects offered, timelines, fees, and registration window |
| Step 3 : Create College Board Account | Register at myap.collegeboard.org |
| Step 4 : Enroll in Subject(s) | Use enrollment code provided by test center for selected AP subjects |
| Step 5 : Payment | Pay exam fees directly to the test center (via bank transfer or online methods) |
| Step 6 : Confirmation | Receive AP ID and admission confirmation from center |
| AP Exam Fees (Indicative) | |
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| AP Exam (per subject) | ~$160 (subject to annual revision) |
| Late Registration (if any) | ~$40 extra |
| Score Reporting (optional) | ~$15–30 (to send to colleges) |
| Note: Students pay directly to the center in INR (conversion rates apply). Ethos assists students in test center coordination, registration form filling, and payment tracking. | |
| ACT Exam Fees for Indian Students (2025) | |
| Component | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| ACT (without Writing) | ~$171.50 |
| ACT (with Writing) | ~$196.50 |
| Late Registration Fee | ~$36 |
| Test Date Change / Center Change | ~$42 |
| Additional Score Reports | ~$18 each |
| Note: Fees are subject to change based on ACT Inc.’s official announcements. Currency conversion and bank charges may apply. | |
Ethos monitors key registration deadlines and helps students choose subjects aligned with their intendedcollege majors andtarget countries.
| Feature | AP Exams | IB (HL) | SAT Subject Tests (Discontinued) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | College Board | International Baccalaureate | College Board |
| Purpose | Subject proficiency + college credit | Full curriculum with TOK & EE | Previously for subject knowledge only |
| Structure | Subject-specific, pick any | 6-subject integrated diploma program | 1-hour multiple choice |
| Flexibility | Take 1–6 subjects, optional | Fixed course structure | Was optional, now phased out |
| Exam Timing | May annually | May/November | No longer available |
| Recognition | Widely accepted (US, Canada, UK, etc.) | Globally recognized | No longer required |
| Credits Awarded | Yes, for scores 4 or 5 (varies by uni) | In rare cases, mostly not | NA |
| Best For | Academic profile enhancement, UG credit | Comprehensive diploma with coursework | NA |