College Board: AP Business, Cybersecurity in India 2026

New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) College Board, globally known for conducting the SAT exam, is introducing two new Advanced Placement (AP) courses - AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity - for Indian students from 2026, according to officials.

Advanced Placement (AP) is a popular program in the United States and Canada which gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while still in high school and earn college credit and placement.

The SAT was first administered in 1926 and is a standardised test widely used for college admissions in the United States.

According to the officials, as student preferences and undergraduate program offerings evolve globally, there is growing demand for practical, future-aligned subject choices. Indian students are increasingly exploring courses that reflect emerging career pathways.


"The introduction of AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity reflects our continued focus on equipping students with tools that go beyond admissions and prepare them for lifelong success. India's education ecosystem has shown remarkable vision in embracing programs like AP and the SAT to help students pursue opportunities globally.

"The growing relevance of AP aligns with College Board research showing that students who perform well on AP exams are 5 per cent more likely, on average, to major in that subject at college; with some subject areas showing increases as high as 30 per cent. These trends affirm AP's ability to influence not just admissions, but long-term academic and career decisions," said Rushi Sheth, Vice President - International at College Board.

Sheth explained that the addition of these subjects reflects a growing emphasis on practical, future-facing learning in Indian high schools, as financial literacy and digital security continue to shape both academic and career trajectories worldwide.

Meenakshi Kachroo Chatta, Senior Director and Head, India, South and Central Asia at College Board, said the continued growth in AP and SAT adoption across the country is not just a data point, but a signal that educators, students, and families are embracing a global outlook.

"At College Board, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that no student is held back by barriers of geography, affordability or awareness. Through our partnerships and programs, we aim to expand access and support every student's academic journey," Chatta said.