Advanced Placement (AP) exams can help you stand out to universities and other degree programs, especially as an international student from India. Many universities around the world offer college credit for a passing score on these exams, which can help save time and money during your college years. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has also granted recognition to certain AP® Exams and will apply passing scores to credit for bachelor’s degrees in India.
If you are planning on taking one or more Advanced Placement exams in India this year, knowing the test dates is vital for your preparation and success. This year, all exams will be administered from May 1 through May 12 and registration is available through the CollegeBoard International website. Here is the schedule for all 23 exams offered this year.
Week One
Monday, May 1
- 8 AM: Chemistry and Environmental Science
- 12 PM: Psychology
Tuesday, May 2
- 8 AM: Computer Science A
- 12 PM: Art History and Physics 1
Wednesday, May 3
- 8 AM: English Literature and Composition
- 12 PM: Physics 2
Thursday, May 4
- 8 AM: U.S. Government and Politics
Friday, May 5
- 8 AM: U.S. History
Week Two
Monday, May 8
- 8 AM: Biology
- 12 PM: Physics C: Mechanics
- 2 PM: Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Tuesday, May 9
- 8 AM: Calculus AB and Calculus BC
Wednesday, May 10
- 8 AM: English Language and Composition
- 12 PM: Macroeconomics
Thursday, May 11
- 8 AM: Comparative Government and Politics and World History
- 12 PM: Statistics
Friday, May 12
- 8 AM: Human Geography and Microeconomics
- 12 PM: European History
Late Testing
Under certain conditions, late testing for the Advanced Placement exams will be available from May 17 through May 19 in select cities. Registration and more information is available on the CollegeBoard International website.
Testing Locations
There are a few testing locations spread throughout India, including Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. You can choose any of these locations when you register for your exams.
AP® Exam Structure
Now that you know the test dates, knowing how the test is structured is the next important piece of information to know. All the exams consist of two parts, a multiple choice and a free response section. Both sections are weighted equally for your final score and the test generally takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. Essentially, the exam attempts to determine how successful you would be if you were in an actual college class for that subject. Thus, the exams are scored on a scale of 1-5 based on whether the CollegeBoard considers you qualified for college credit. A 5 refers to “extremely well qualified,” a 4 is “well qualified,” a 3 is “qualified,” 2 is “possibly qualified,” and 1 is “no recommendation”. Most schools will grant college credit for a score of 3 or higher, although some only consider a 4 as satisfactory.
What to Bring on Test Day
After all the time you spend studying, it is important to be prepared for exam day. Here is a general list of things you should bring with you to your testing center. However, if you have received specific information from your testing center regarding what to bring, be sure to follow those guidelines.
- Several No.2 pencils, with a good eraser for the multiple choice section
- Black or blue ink pens for the free response section
- Your 6 digit school code, provided by your school
- A watch to keep track of your time
- A calculator for Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics or Statistics
- A ruler for Physics
- A valid form of government issued identification, like a passport
Two Exams on the Same Day?
If you are taking multiple exams, it is very likely that you will have two exams on the same day. Don’t panic though! The biggest thing you have to worry about is avoiding burnout during the second exam. The best way to avoid this is through practice. Take as many full length exams as you can before test day to build up your test taking stamina. It also helps to practice relaxation techniques during the breaks in the exams and between the different tests to help your mind reset and avoid burnout.
How to Prepare
If your school offers an Advanced Placement course, taking that class is the best way to prepare. Otherwise, it is possible to self-study for the exam, but it will take more work. Find a good textbook that explains things in an easy-to-understand format and utilize online resources for extra practice. A great place to start is the Albert.io study space, which offers practice multiple choice questions for every subject. There are also comprehensive study guides for the trickiest topics. The best way to prepare is through careful content review and by taking practice exams.
Essential Study Tips
To find specific study tips and tricks for your exam, search the Albert website. However, in general, there are three things you can do to prepare for any advanced placement exam:
1. Know Your Key Terms
Every subject comes with its own bank of terms, whether it is psychology or statistics. Knowing these terms and how to apply them is essential for your success. Study these in any method that works best for you, like flashcards or rote memorization.
2. Understand Key Concepts
It is easy to get carried away in the details, but it is important to focus on overarching themes as well. Every exam highlights select themes and topics that all the details fall under. A quick search on Albert or the CollegeBoard website can help you find these and refine your studies, paying careful attention to what is important.
3. Practice Your Writing Skills
Half of every exam consists of a free response section, so in order to score well on your AP® Exams, you must have strong writing skills. The best way to enhance your writing skills is through practice. Try to complete at least three free response practice sections before exam day to give you ample practice.
Good luck on your exams! If you have any suggestions for other students taking their AP® Exams in India, leave us a comment.
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