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Toughest Exam in World: Top 10 Most Challenging Tests Globally
Nikita Parmar
Updated on 12th September, 2024 , 16 min read
| The difficulty of the questions, time taken to complete it, percentage of passes, coverage, and consequences in the future are all basic selection criteria to define the toughest exams. The most prestigious toughest examinations in the world are the Gaokao exam, the IIT-JEE exam, GRE, Mensa, GATE, and others. Examinations which are arguably the toughest in the world have their passing rates, depending on the level of difficulty, varying from as low as 1% to 30%:. |
Toughest Exam in the World: An Introduction
Exams are a vital part of a student's life. Whether you are finishing high school, about to graduate, or going to pursue post-graduate courses, you have all taken tests at some point during your academic career and beyond. Many government and private sector positions also require candidates to go through numerous selection rounds (written/interview or both) as part of the selection process (exam) for jobs with a large number of applicants. According to the latest update from the World Ranking Website, China's Gaokao Exam is regarded as the most difficult in the world. And it ranks first among the world's top ten most difficult tests. On the other hand, India's second and third toughest tests, IIT and UPSC, are ranked as the world's toughest exams. In Particular, India has three of the most demanding tests in the world. Every year, numerous Indians attempt these; the other tests are held outside of India.
The field of academics and professional certifications is filled with exams. The assessment of the limits of human acumen, perseverance, and resilience is tested through these exams. Among these, certain exams stand unique for their high difficulty and low pass rates, earning them a reputation as some of the toughest exams in the world. These grueling tests span various disciplines, from medicine and law to engineering and finance, and challenge even the most diligent and well-prepared candidates. Aspiring individuals often spend years preparing for these exams, dedicating countless hours to study and practice, all in the pursuit of excellence and the prestigious credentials that come with success. This introduction delves into the rigorous world of the most challenging exams globally, exploring what makes them so demanding and the remarkable efforts of those who undertake them.
List of the Top Ten Toughest Exams
Here's an overview table of the top ten most difficult exam worldwide:
Subjects Focused |
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Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
General Studies (History, Geography, Politics, Economy), Optional Subjects (e.g., Anthropology, Sociology, Public Administration), Essay Writing, |
Logical Reasoning, Pattern Recognition, Problem Solving |
|
|
|
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Philosophy, Literature, History, Law |
Wine Theory, Tasting (blind) Service, Knowledge |
Gaokao Exam: One of the Hardest Exams in the World
When it comes to university admission exams in China, many people picture the most difficult competitions. China's famed "Gaokao" university admission exam takes place in June. This exam is held over two days, with candidates taking elective courses in addition to the obligatory subjects of math, Japanese language, and foreign language. Though not a nationwide standard test, Gaokao is administered in all provinces and produces results almost solely for university admission exams. Though just 10% of colleges use them, more and more are instituting entrance exams.
Drones will be used to detect cheating on China's Gaokao exam, which is notorious for its high cheating rate and difficulty, prompting many students to commit suicide. Searching for radio signals allows you to pinpoint the fraudster.Every year, millions of Chinese students take exams to continue their education. Test takers are reported to pass out in the exam hall on a regular basis, and the test's intense stress levels contribute to a high number of suicides. These two-day exams, known as "gaokao" (gaokao), are primarily memorization tests, and the results affect the pupils for the rest of their lives. The test results will only determine whether you pass or fail.
Particulars | Highlights |
Country of exam | China |
Purpose | College Entrance exam for high school students |
Duration of exam | 9 hours |
Number of candidates (2024) | 13,420,000 |
Pass percentage (2023) | 84.97% |
Success Rate Highlights of Gaokao Exam in China | |||
Year | Number of Students Taking Exam | Accepted students | Success Rate |
2015 | 9,420,000 | 7,378,500 | 78.33% |
2016 | 9,400,000 | 7,486,100 | 79.64% |
2017 | 9,400,000 | 7,614,900 | 81.01% |
2018 | 9,750,000 | 7,909,900 | 81.13% |
2019 | 10,310,000 | 9,149,000 | 88.74% |
2020 | 10,710,000 | 9,675,000 | 90.34% |
2021 | 10,780,000 | 10,013,200 | 92.89% |
2022 | 11,930,000 | 10,145,400 | 85.04% |
2023 | 12,910,000 | 10,970,000 | 84.97% |
2024 | 13,420,000 | - | - |
IIT JEE Advanced: Consistently Features in Most Toughest Exam in the World
The IIT JEE Advanced is one of the most difficult exams in India. Candidates seeking admission to the erstwhile Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) must take the IIT-JEE Advanced exam. The IIT JEE Advanced is a national-level exam that serves as the single entrance exam for undergraduate courses leading to a bachelor's degree, integrated master's degree, or Bachelor-Master Dual Degree in Engineering, Science, or Architecture. Candidates should be aware that undergraduate admission to IITs is a multi-tiered selection process that begins with the JEE Mains exam and progresses to the JEE Advanced exam. The exam also offers Siemens scholarships to candidates, and students who pass the exam have a chance to qualify for one. And the scholarship will assist them in pursuing a bachelor's degree in engineering.
Particulars | Highlights |
Country of exam | India |
Purpose | UG admission to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) |
Duration of exam | 3 hours |
Number of candidates | 1,80,372 (2023) |
Pass percentage (2023) | 26.77% |
Why is the IIT JEE Exam regarded as one of the hardest exams in the world?
The Sheer Number of Applicants: Hundreds of thousands of students appear for JEE Mains, the first stage. But only a tiny fraction qualify for JEE Advanced, which selects students for the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology. The intense competition makes even the slightest slip-up very costly.
Depth and difficulty regarding test material: IIT-JEE has contents set way above the fundamentals and covers relatively advanced topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The solutions to these problems require much more than mere memorization; strong visualization of underlying concepts and the ability to apply them in novel situations are required.
Time Management and Pressure: The format of the examination itself is meant to test a student's abilities in performing well under pressure. With the number of questions and the time limit, candidates have to be extraordinary in both managing their time and then concentrating to solve those problems.
All put together, IIT-JEE becomes a highly demanding examination that requires dedication, deep knowledge, and the ability to perform under pressure. It is a big obstacle for students to get that much-coveted seat in an IIT.
Year | Registered | Appeared | Qualified | %Qualified |
2015 | 124,741 | 117,238 | 26,354 | 22.47 |
2016 | 155,797 | 147,678 | 36,566 | 24.76 |
2017 | 171,814 | 159,540 | 51,040 | 31.99 |
2018 | 165,656 | 155,158 | 31,988 | 20.62 |
2019 | 174,432 | 161,319 | 38,705 | 23.99 |
2020 | 160,838 | 150,838 | 43,204 | 28.64 |
2021 | 151,193 | 141,699 | 41,862 | 29.54 |
2022 | 160,038 | 155,538 | 40,712 | 26.17 |
2023 | 189,744 | 180,372 | 43,773 | 24.26 |
2024 | 186,584 | 180,200 | 48,248 | 26.77 |
UPSC/CCE: One of the Most Toughest Exams in World
The Civil Services Exam, also known as the IAS exam, is the most difficult exam in India. It is designed for Indian aspirants who want to serve their country in administrative positions. The Civil Services Exam, conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a national-level exam held in three stages: prelims, mains, and an interview round to recruit candidates for Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Police Services (IPS), and various other Central Civil Services. To give you an idea of the importance of the exam, all ministries and departments in the union and state governments are led by IAS officers, making this the most prestigious and difficult exam in India.
Particulars | Highlights |
Country of exam | India |
Purpose | Recruitment to administrative posts such as IAS, IPS and IFS |
Duration of exam | 2-3 hours |
Number of candidates | 10,93,948 applied for UPSC in 2021 |
Pass percentage (2023) | 0.2% |
Selected for service | 685 candidates were selected in 2021 |
Why is the UPSC CSE Exam regarded as the hardest exam in the world?
The mountainous syllabus of UPSC indeed covers an ocean of knowledge: Indian history and polity, science, current affairs, and a tint of ethics-the breadth and depth of understanding which few competitive examinations can boast.
Multi-stage marathon: The selection process, in itself, is a three-stage continuous process comprising Prelims, Mains, and Interview, a test of stamina. Though each of the stages offers different sets of challenges, one by one, the list would narrow down to only those who have all the characteristic traits of being well-rounded and resilient.
Cutthroat Competition: The number varies, but aspirants in lakhs compete for selected coveted posts. And such keen competition requires focused preparation, hard work, and the ability to deliver amidst pressures.
Conquering the UPSC CSE is not a mean achievement; it calls for a combination of intellectual prowess, steadfast resolve, and a strong urge or yearning to contribute to India's growth. Those who come out on top not only win great prestige but also enter into a very rewarding career path that defines the future course of the nation's bureaucracy.
Mensa: One of the Top 5 Toughest Exam in World
Mensa is not an examination; rather, it is an international organization of high-level or top test scores. Mensa is a high intelligence IQ organization, with associates having an IQ of 98% or higher. This society does not tolerate discrimination against candidates based on caste, colour, religion, or race, and it is non-political. The group's main mission is to identify and cultivate human intelligence for the benefit of humanity; to promote study into the nature, qualities, and applications of intelligence; and to offer a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members.
GRE ( Graduate Record Examination): Toughest Exam in the World
ETS administers the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), a multiple-choice, computer-based, standardized exam that is required for admission to graduate or business schools around the world. The GRE Test is a prominent graduate admissions test for those interested in pursuing MS or MBA programmes overseas. GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. The ETS GRE exam is administered numerous times throughout the year, and applicants can take the exam in a designated GRE test centre or from the comfort of their own homes by using the test's 'GRE at Home' option. Originally designed for American institutions, the GRE is currently accepted in over 90 nations and countries.
CFA (Chartered Financial Analysts): One of World's Toughest Exam
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exam, which is related to and focused on financial discipline, is the most difficult and competitive exam ever. This degree is also eligible and qualified for the Guinness World Records most difficult degree. Every year, over 100,000 applicants from over 100 countries, including Asia, attempt and pass the CFA exam. In the fields of investment management and finance, the CFA is often regarded as the most prestigious and renowned qualification. The CFA test is designed to assess and analyze finance professionals' knowledge of significant and useful financial instruments and procedures. If you pass this test, you will be able to pursue a variety of CFA options in India and gain numerous prospects. To be awarded a Charter holder position by the CFA Institute, aspirants and applicants must complete three levels: CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3.
CCIE(Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert)
Cisco Systems operates and manages CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking ECisco), which is regarded as one of the top ten toughest tests in the world. This exam consists of a set of tests that professionals should use to create, manage, balance, and upgrade complex network infrastructures. This toughest exam is divided into six sections that assess teamwork, security, safety, routing, and other elements. It features a two-step process, and candidates who pass the first level can advance to the second round.
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering; India)
Another difficult exam comes from India: GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), which is a national-level online examination held in India. This exam is designed to assess students' understanding of technical and engineering concepts. The exam is extremely competitive and challenging, and many are struggling just to pass it. Long study sessions and additional classes are required to pass this test and assessment.
All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam
This exam has been held in the autumn season for many decades. It is an exam administered by Oxford University that is mostly historical in nature. This demanding exam is regarded as the most hardest in the world. Every year, 80 hopefuls and applicants take this test, and only one or two are chosen. Candidates must submit or compose four essays on a relevant and logical topic. And the time limit for each essay is over three hours.
Why would the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam be considered one of the hardest exams in the world?
Imagine this: you are a bright historian, but then you are thrown in front of the best philosophical question on the nature of consciousness or a literature review question that requires you to establish some relationships between very different fields. This is the kind of versatility and intellectual acrobatics expected from candidates sitting for the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam. Following are the key factors that make the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam one of the most difficult exams in the world:
Exclusivity and Competition: Only a few candidates are shortlisted every year, which makes it highly competitive. It attracts brilliant minds across the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Dual Focus: The exam format calls for excellence in two areas of focus:
Specialist Papers: These in-depth exams test mastery of knowledge within your chosen field, such as Classics, Law, History.
General Papers: These broad-ranging essays challenge you to think imaginatively and critically outside your specific area of expertise.
Originality and Depth: Not a mere recitation of facts, but rather in-depth critical thinking, insightful analysis, and engagement with complex ideas in an original and fresh way.
Unconventional Questions: It is no longer the time forrote memorization and standard answers. The exam throws you unusual and provocative questions that demand quick thinking and intellectual dexterity.
Excellence Pressure: Given the high prestige surrounding the fellowship, it would be expected that pressure to excel to an exceptional limit would be felt great, and may be very demanding, especially on starting young scholars.
USMLE
USMLE is one of the most demanding series of exams a physician must take in order to practice in the United States. Given the caliber and breadth of topics asked, the USMLE manages to maintain a success rate of about 94-97% in its various steps, which again represents how tough it actually is. Candidates usually prepare for some months up to more than a year, showing just how demanding it is. Since the entrance examination to a residency program influences one's career path significantly, the competition in this examination is quite high. Since the USMLE has comprehensive medical knowledge and clinical skills in multiple specialities, such an international impact on medical careers cements its status as one of the most difficult exams in the world.
Why is USMLE considered one of the toughest exams in the world?
Passing Rates: The USMLE exhibits varying passing rates across its three steps, which shows the level of difficulty. For instance, the pass rates over the years in Step 1 have hovered around 94-96% for first-time US and Canadian medical school graduates, which is very challenging even for well-prepared candidates. However, for Step 2 CK, passing rates hover in the range of about 94-97%, while Step 3 had passing percentages of about 96-97% among first-time test candidates.
Preparation Time: Candidates usually prepare for every stage of USMLE with extensive time. On average, it has been reported by medical students that preparation time can range from several months to over a year with intense studying and practice to feel adequately prepared for the exams.
Competitiveness: USMLE Step 1 is very competitive, and the choice of residency programs depends hugely on the score one obtains from this examination. Because of the competitiveness that characterizes residence placements in many specialities, medical graduates have found themselves at one instance pressed to obtain high scores.
Depth of Content: The knowledge that one needs to have for the USMLE is immense. The areas that the examination details range from basic sciences to diagnosis and treatment and ethical consideration and management of patients in various medical specialities.
Career Impact: USMLE passage is a very significant milestone in a medical professional's career seeking licensure from the US. Success in these exams not only opens the way for residency programs but also affects further career opportunities and specialization choices.
Master Sommelier Diploma
The CMS, or Court of Master Sommeliers, organizes the Master Sommelier Diploma test. This exam focuses on the high levels of beverages and services provided by sommeliers, particularly in meal matching and wine. The goal of this most difficult test is to encourage increased and advanced knowledge and service quality across the board in the hospitality sector, which includes accommodation, dining, and homestays. Even after several attempts, tries, and retakes, the average passing or success rate for a candidate is less than 10%.
Particulars | Highlights |
Country of exam | USA |
Purpose | To become a certified Sommelier |
Duration of exam | Part 1 – 50 mins Part 2 - n/a Part 3 – 25 mins |
Official website | https://www.mastersommeliers.org/courses/master-sommelier-diploma-examination |
Pass percentage | 10% (theory) |
Why does Master Sommelier Diploma Exam feature in the List of Toughest Exams in the World?
Knowledge on All Aspects: This exam requires knowledge on detailed aspects of various types of Grapes, winemaking, wine service etiquettes, and wine pairing with food.
High Standards: This exam was conducted for the first time in the year 1969. In these over 50 odd years, only 269 people in the world have been able to crack this exam. This shows the high standard of the exam that the Master Sommelier Diploma proves to be a tough hurdle to cross.
Hard Preparation: Studying, practicing, and being mentored in preparation for this exam requires a great deal of time and effort.
High Competition: After being selected in this exam, one can get a salary package in crores. Hence, every year, several students appear for this exam.
Also Read: Is MAT Exam Tougher Than CMAT?
Toughest Exam in the World: How Do You Apply For Exams?
Applications might be a challenging element of your exam preparation. If not prepared properly, this can jeopardize your entire plan. So it is critical to complete your application on time and with sufficient preparation. Check out the application guidelines below:
Check Eligibility: Before you begin the application process, make sure you meet the test's eligibility conditions. Check if you meet all of the entry requirements.
Check the Application Deadline: Once you've decided to take a test, look into the application timetable. Examine the entire chronology, beginning with the application notification, including the application start date, application finish date, fee payment date, and all other key dates.
Gather relevant documents: Before you begin your application, gather all of the required documentation. If you don't already have any, attempt to make some soon. For example, preparing government-issued paperwork can take some time. So, make sure to prepare all of your documentation ahead of time.
Read the application instructions carefully: Before you begin using your application, please read all of the instructions. Don't skip them. This will assist you avoid making mistakes in the process.
Apply Early: Once you've checked and understood the application deadline, strive to complete your application as soon as possible. Do not leave it till the last minute. Try to complete your application at least one day before the deadline. Applying on the last day is dangerous because of the possibility of technological complications. It can also cause stress.
Make Your Fee Payment: Most examinations demand a fee. This can vary depending on the test and the candidate. Check the available payment methods. Most tests provide both online and offline payment options. You can pay with a credit or debit card, or through internet banking. Make careful you pay on time.
Cross-check Information: After completing your application, double-check all of the information thoroughly. If you see any errors, see if you can fix them right now. If not, most exam application platforms will open an editing window later. Wait for the editing window to open, then carefully edit them.
Confirmation Mail/Receipt: After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation/acknowledgement email. If you apply offline, you can receive a receipt. Save and print this document for future reference.
Seek Assistance If Necessary: If you encounter any technical difficulties or other discrepancies with the application, please contact the exam authorities immediately for clarification or resolution. Seek assistance promptly to avert further problems.
Stay Up to Date on New Trends: Once you've completed the application, keep track of exam updates. For the most recent information, please visit the exam's official website.
For All The Latest Update On Toughest Exam In India: Click The Link Here
Tips for Clearing these World's Toughest Exams
- Continuous practice and revision is the key. Be it Gaokao (China's National College Entrance Exam) or UPSC, they take a lot of time because of exam duration. Consistency is most important in these exams.
- Coaching and guidance are very much preferred for UPSC and IIT exams. Seek relevant coaching institutes and study under expert supervision.
- Vocabulary and logical reasoning are important in Mensa IQ Test and GRE (Graduate Record Examination).
- For CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), having a solid understanding of finance and economics is essential. If you have an economics background, it really helps.
- For CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert), you must master Cisco Documentation. Be thoroughly familiar with the Cisco documentation, as you may need to refer to it during the exam.
- For All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam, critical reading and essay writing is must. Only practice can make you perfect.
- For Master’s Sommelier Diploma Exam, Blind Tasting Practice is required. Engage in daily blind tastings to sharpen your ability to identify wines by taste, smell, and texture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many years are required to prepare for Gaokao?
Ans. 12 years are required to prepare for Gaokao.
How many students in India take the UPSC Exam?
Ans. Every year, between 900,000 and 1,000,000 individuals apply, with around 550,000 candidates appearing in the preliminary test.
What is CFA and how many levels are there in it?
Ans. CFA stands for Chartered Financial Analyst and is a professional degree provided by the CFA Institute in the United States which trains students to be competent and ethical investment management professionals. There are three levels, the first two levels are objective, whereas the questions in the third level are subjective.
How long is the GATE exam and what type of questions are present in it?
Ans. The 3-hour exam includes 65 questions, 10 of which are general aptitude questions (verbal and numerical ability). At the same time, the remaining 55 questions are technical in nature and are based on the candidate’s chosen paper.
What is CCIE ?
Ans. Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert is one of the top ten most difficult tests in the world, administered by Cisco Systems to networking professionals. The test is divided into six sections and is administered in two stages. Applicants who pass the first phase are eligible to take the second. The second stage test lasts 8 hours and only about 1% of the total number of students pass it.
Which is the world's toughest exam?
The difficulty of an exam is subjective, based on an individual's strengths, interests, and career objectives. However, several exams are well-known for their high level of difficulty, and they are frequently regarded as among the most challenging in the world. The National College Entrance Exam (NCEE), also known as the Gaokao Exam in China, is often regarded as one of the most difficult exams in the world. However, it is crucial to note that what makes an exam difficult varies tremendously depending on the environment and the individual's history and ambitions.
Which exams are on India's Toughest Exam List?
India's Top Ten Toughest Exams are listed:(i)UPSC Civil Services Exam (ii)JEE Advanced, (iii)GATE (iv)IIM CAT (v)CLAT, (vii)CA exams (viii)UGC NET (viii)NEET (ix)National Institute of Design Entrance Exam (x)NDA.
Which is the most challenging exam in India?
Without a question, India's most difficult exam is the Civil Services Exam administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
How many students are picked for the JEE Advanced?
The top 2.5 lakh students who passed the JEE Main exam can take the JEE Advanced. Students who pass the JEE Main are entitled to take the next level of the test, JEE Advanced. Students who pass the JEE Advance are able to apply to IITs.
What's the difference between the GRE and the GMAT?
The main distinction between the GMAT and the GRE is that the GMAT is primarily used for admission to business schools. At the same time, the GRE is commonly used for admission to graduate programmes such as business and law schools. Most universities prefer either of these tests.
Do Indians require a CFA to practice as chartered accountants?
The CFA is a universally standardized test. The CFA, or Chartered Financial Analyst, is a globally renowned qualification in finance and investment. The CFA is typically taken by students with a foundation in finance, accounting, economics, or business.