College Board’s digital revolution: 28 AP exams go online, boosting flexibility for Indian students starting May 2025 – The Times of India

Starting May 2025, the College Board, the organization behind the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and AP (Advanced Placement) programs, will bring a transformative change to the educational landscape for Indian students. A total of 28 AP exams will transition to a digital format, making them more accessible, flexible, and student-friendly. This shift is expected to greatly enhance the testing experience for students in India, offering them a modernized and streamlined method to showcase their knowledge.
The change will affect 16 AP exams, including popular subjects such as AP English, AP Psychology, and AP Computer Science, which will now be fully digital. These exams will be conducted entirely on electronic platforms, with students answering and submitting all their questions digitally. Additionally, 12 other exams, such as AP Biology and AP Chemistry, will feature a hybrid format, where digital multiple-choice questions will be paired with traditional paper-based free-response sections.
For Indian students, this digital transition offers significant benefits. Meenakshi Kachroo Chatta, Senior Director & Regional Head of the College Board, highlighted the flexibility this shift brings. “The AP Program empowers Indian students to engage with college-level coursework while still in high school, giving them a strong foundation for academic success,” Chatta said. “By making the exams digital, we are breaking down barriers and offering students a more flexible and accessible way to complete their AP Exams.”
The exams will be administered through the Bluebook platform, which is already used for the SAT. This familiarity with the platform ensures a smoother, more efficient testing experience. Students can use their personal or school-provided devices—whether laptops, tablets, or Chromebooks—to take the exams. The College Board will ensure that test centers across India are equipped with the necessary technical support for a seamless experience.
The move to digital is part of a broader trend towards utilizing technology to enhance education. The College Board will also expand its offerings, with new AP credit recognition agreements in India. Notably, Manav Rachna University has joined Universal AI University in recognizing AP credits, allowing students to earn college credits directly from their AP exam scores. This partnership creates tangible opportunities for students to reduce college costs and shorten the time to graduation.
The College Board’s commitment to accessibility is further evident in its effort to make the digital transition as smooth as possible. Students will have access to a range of preparation tools, including test previews, practice exams, and video tutorials, helping them familiarize themselves with the Bluebook platform ahead of exam day.
The College Board’s initiative will be implemented at 35 AP test centers across the country, including major cities like Delhi/NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. This wide distribution ensures that students from various regions will have the opportunity to participate in the digital exam format.
The shift to digital AP exams is not just a technical update, but a significant step forward in supporting Indian students as they navigate their academic journeys. By leveraging technology to enhance testing accessibility and flexibility, the College Board aims to empower students to excel academically and globally.
As this change rolls out in May 2025, students in India can look forward to a more accessible, modern, and flexible way to complete their AP exams and further their academic pursuits.