A shift control system for an automatic transmission including frictional engagement elements to be applied by actuating a piston by an oil pressure. The shift control system comprises: a pressure regulating valve for regulating the oil pressure to be fed to the frictional engagement elements and for controlling the regulated pressure level; a shift detector for detecting a shift to be executed by feeding the oil pressure to the frictional engagement elements; a low-pressure standby unit for setting the regulated pressure level of the pressure regulator valve to such a value during a predetermined time period after the shift has been detected that the oil pressure to be fed to the frictional engagement elements moves only the piston; and a booster for controlling the regulated pressure level so that the oil pressure to be fed to the frictional engagement elements may gradually increase after lapse of the predetermined time period.