Table of Contents
Based on the recent update by the World Ranking Website, the China Gaokao exam is among the top 10 toughest exams globally. India’s IIT and UPSC exams are the second and third toughest exams in the world. Notably, India hosts three of the top 10 most difficult exams worldwide. Although the other seven hardest tests are administered outside the country, many Indians attempt them yearly.
Exams can be very challenging for students, as many know from experience. We have all faced tests at some point in our student lives, such as high school exams or graduate or postgraduate studies entrance exams. Each exam carries a certain level of difficulty. The selection process for government or private sector jobs often includes multiple rounds, such as written tests, interviews, or both. Whether you are a student planning to pursue higher studies or a graduate looking for a job, you must take exams. The path to success is paved with significant difficulty, resilience, and determination. Every country has exams that are tough to pass. In this article, we discuss the toughest exams in the world. Since they serve different purposes, we have categorized each with supporting information.
The list of the top 10 toughest exams in the world (rank-wise) which are hardest to crack is as follows:
| Rank | Exam Name | Conducting body/ Country | Difficulty Level | Exam duration | Exam purpose |
| 1 | Gaokao exam | People’s Republic of China | Very high | 2 days | College Entrance Exam |
| 2 | IIT-JEE or JEE Advanced exam | IITs from India | Very high | 3 hours | IITs Undergraduate admission |
| 3 | UPSC/ CSE | Union Public Service Commission, India | Very high | 2-3 hours | Recruitment to administrative posts |
| 4 | Mensa International | International General Council, Worldwide | Very high | – | join in the top 2% of intelligence society |
| 5 | GRE | ETS / accepted Worldwide | High | 3 hours 45 minutes | Admission to MS, MBA courses abroad |
| 6 | CFA (Charted Financial Analyst) | Charted Financial Institute/ Worldwide | High | Varies | Designation for investment professionals |
| 7 | CCIE | Cisco, USA | High | 2 hours | Networking professionals technical certification |
| 8 | GATE | IISC & IITs, India | High | 3 hours | Admission to postgraduate studies in IITs, IISC, NITs |
| 9 | All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam | Oxford University, UK | High | Varies | The Court of Master Sommeliers, USA |
| 10 | Master Sommelier Diploma Exam | join in top 2% of intelligence society | High | Varies | Certified Sommelier |
1. Gaokao Exam
The National College Entrance Exam (NCEE), also known as the Gaokao exam, is one of the toughest exams in the world. Introduced in 1952, this exam is essential for students in China who want to pursue undergraduate studies at Chinese institutions. Gaokao is challenging, requiring students to answer complex questions in arithmetic, chemistry, biology, physics, geography, Chinese literature, and political science.
The Gaokao exam lasts about 9 hours annually over two days, though the duration can vary by province. Most final-year high school students take this test to gain admission to higher education institutions in mainland China. Although it is intended for third-year high school students (around 18 years old), preparation for the Gaokao often starts in childhood and spans 12 years.
The exam typically occurs in early June (usually on the 7th, 8th, or 9th). The passing score for Gaokao is very low, less than 0.25%, making it one of the hardest yet most popular exams in China. The minimum passing score varies by province and year, with each province having its own grading and scoring system, so there is no single numerical representation for the overall scores.
The intense difficulty of the Gaokao exam can cause significant psychological stress, leading to mental health issues, sadness, and even suicide among students. However, those who achieve high scores in the Gaokao can secure bright and successful futures.
- Test duration and format: 9 hours
- Application fees: ¥150 (INR 1700)
- Number of candidates appear: 12 million/year
- Pass Percentage: <0.25
- Competition level: Very High
- Scope and coverage: Held annually in Mainland China. Subjects covered are Science, Maths, and Language.
2. IIT-JEE
The IIT-JEE, also known as JEE Advanced, is ranked the second toughest exam in the world and the most difficult in India. It is a national-level entrance exam for engineering programs at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Candidates who pass this exam may be eligible for the Siemens Scholarship, which supports their bachelor’s degree in Engineering. The JEE exam is divided into JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Only those who clear JEE Main are eligible to take JEE Advanced.
JEE Main is held twice yearly, in January and April, with three different question papers. The next JEE Main exam is scheduled between April 1 and April 15, 2024. JEE Advanced is conducted annually by seven IITs (IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, and IIT Guwahati). The next JEE Advanced exam will be on May 26, 2024. Achieving a good score in these exams can secure admission to bachelor’s degree programs in engineering, technology, architecture, and planning.
- Test Duration and Format: 3 hours, 90 questions, 4 marks each
- Application fee for JEE Main: INR 1000 for general candidates; INR 900 for OBC, General EWS; INR 800 for females
- Application fee for JEE Advanced: INR 3200 for General; INR 1600 for females, SC, ST, and PWD candidates
- Number of Candidates: 2,51,673 in 2023
- Pass Percentage: 26.17% in 2023
- Competition level: Very High
- Scope and coverage: Held annually in all states in India. Subjects covered are Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, & Biology.
3. UPSC/ CSE
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a central government agency in India that conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) for aspiring civil servants. The UPSC exam is ranked among the top 5 toughest exams globally because it is rigorous and highly competitive. Candidates often spend years preparing for this challenging test, which has limited attempts: 6 for general candidates and 9 for OBC candidates. Applicants must be between 21 and 32 years old to qualify.
The main purpose of this exam is to select candidates for prestigious civil services like the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Administrative Service (IAS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). About 5 lakh candidates apply each year, but only 1,000 are selected. The exam is divided into two parts, similar to the IIT-JEE.
The first part is the preliminary exam, held annually in March. It consists of two general studies papers with objective questions. The second part is the main exam, held in December, which includes seven papers with subjective questions. Candidates who pass both the prelims and mains are invited for an interview. The interview panel assesses the candidate’s intellect, personality, and logical thinking to determine their suitability for civil service.
The test dates for the upcoming Civil Services Exam in 2024 are as follows: the preliminary exam is on May 26, 2024, and the main exam is on September 20, 2024. The interview dates have yet to be announced.
- Test duration & Format: 3 hours, 2 MCQ type papers, General Studies Paper (1&2) (CSAT)
- Application fee: INR 100 for General & OBC (male and female); Nil for candidates who are below the poverty line (BPL)
- Number of Candidates: 13 lakh aspirants applied in 2023, and 14,624 were selected for the next round.
- Pass Percentage: 0.2%
- Competition level: Very High
- Scope and coverage: India
Anand Mahindra, an Indian billionaire businessman and chairman of the Mahindra Group, wrote, “After watching #12thFail, I spoke to several young people about the difficulty of our entrance exams. One of them, an IIT graduate involved in a business startup who also took the UPSC exam, emphatically stated that the UPSC is much tougher than the IIT JEE.”
4. Mensa
Mensa International (M1) is not an exam but an international organization for individuals who score in the top 2% on standardized IQ tests. Mensa, one of the world’s oldest high-intelligence societies, includes members with IQs higher than 98% of the population. This non-political organization welcomes people of all races and religions. The Mensa IQ test is challenging, measuring intellect through thinking, problem-solving, and logic.
To join Mensa, individuals can be as young as 2 years old or as old as 100. Members are part of an elite community recognized for their high IQs. Currently, Mensa has 145,000 members in nearly 100 countries, including 3,881 members in India. Popular IQ tests and their Mensa cutoff scores include Stanford-Binet (132 and above) and Cattell (148 and above).
- Test duration & Format: 25 minutes to solve 35 problems.
- Application fee: INR 750
- Difficulty level: Very high
- Pass Percentage: 0.02%
- Competition level: Very High
- Scope of the exam and coverage: It was conducted in approximately 90 countries, such as the US, UK, Ireland, and Germany.
5. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE), administered by ETS, is one of the most challenging exams globally. It is essential for those seeking a Master’s degree, particularly in the USA. For example, a strong GRE score is crucial for admission to top institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The GRE is used for applications to Master’s, MBA, and PhD programs at universities abroad.
Originally designed for US universities, the GRE is now accepted in over 90 countries. Its complexity comes from its broad syllabus, which covers Verbal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, Critical Thinking, and Analytical Writing. Due to its competitive nature, many people prepare extensively for the GRE. Rigorous preparation is crucial for success.
The GRE General test can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times a year.
- Test duration & Format: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Application fee: INR 22,550
- Number of Candidates: over 11 lakh
- Pass Percentage: 43%
- Competition level: High
- Scope and coverage: Across the World
6. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam is one of the toughest finance exams and might even be the hardest degree according to the Guinness World Records. Every year, over 100,000 candidates from around 100 countries, including those in Asia, attempt this rigorous test. The CFA designation is highly respected in Finance and Investment Management.
To earn the CFA title, candidates must pass three challenging levels of exams: CFA Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level includes a demanding 6-hour test with 240 questions. Level 1 and 2 exams feature multiple-choice questions, while Level 3 includes essay-style questions. On average, it takes candidates about four attempts to pass all three levels. Additionally, after passing the exams, candidates need 48 months of relevant professional experience to become a CFA Charter holder.
- Test duration & Format: 6 hours, 240 questions
- Application fee: INR 78,000
- Number of Candidates: 25000
- Difficulty level: high
- Pass Percentage: 35% in level 1
- Competition level: High
- Scope and Coverage: All over India. Some of the subjects covered are Economics, Financial Reporting and analysis, and Portfolio Management.
7. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert)
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) exam, administered by Cisco Systems, is one of the hardest exams in the world. It’s designed for networking professionals who need to build, maintain, and troubleshoot complex network systems. Cisco engineers are the primary candidates for this exam, which is known for its difficulty and low success rate.
The CCIE exam is divided into two stages. The first stage includes a written test, while the second stage is an 8-hour practical exam with a very low pass rate of around 1%. The exam covers six areas, including collaboration, routing, and security. To succeed, candidates need extensive knowledge of networking technologies and 7 to 10 years of industry experience. Passing the CCIE exam earns you a highly prestigious certification in the networking field.
- Test duration & Format: 2 hours, 6 series of tests
- Application fee: 450 USD for written test, 1600 USD for lab exam
- Number of Candidates: 63000
- Difficulty level: high
- Pass Percentage: 30 %
- Competition level: High
- Scope and Coverage: CISCO Engineers were tested on subjects such as Network Infrastructure, Software-Defined Infrastructure, and Infrastructure Structure and Services.
8. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, India)
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a challenging national exam in India that assesses students’ understanding of engineering concepts and technical skills. This online test is highly competitive and requires extensive preparation.
Students typically take the GATE exam to gain admission to master’s and Ph.D. programs at prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, IISc, and IIMs. Public-sector companies such as Indian Oil, GAIL, and Hindustan Petroleum also use it for recruitment. Additionally, some universities in Germany and Singapore consider GATE scores for scholarships.
The GATE exam features multiple-choice (MCQs) and numerical questions covering a broad curriculum, from engineering to life sciences. Though the individual questions may not be exceptionally difficult, the extensive syllabus makes the exam challenging. Each year, approximately 1,000,000 candidates take the GATE exam, which is held in February.
- Application fee: INR 1800 for General Candidates; INR 100 for Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates.
- Number of Candidates: almost 10 lakh
- Difficulty level: high
- Pass Percentage: 18%
- Competition level: High
- Scope and Coverage: India, Singapore, and Germany. Technical subjects include Aerospace Engineering, Information Technology, Chemical Engineering, and Computer Science.
9. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam
Oxford University’s All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam is one of the world’s most difficult exams, held annually in the autumn. Oxford University conducts this prestigious test to award a 7-year fellowship. Only one or two out of about 80 candidates are selected each year.
To qualify, applicants must write four essays on topics from various humanities fields, each taking a maximum of three hours to complete. The questions are abstract and subjective, requiring deep thinking and strong debate skills, such as whether Edward Snowden is a hero or a villain. Preparing for this exam is challenging due to the complex and open-ended nature of the questions.
The exam aims to identify candidates with exceptional analytical and debating skills, a broad knowledge base, and independent judgment. Those who pass the written portion are invited to a viva, an oral examination in which they explain their answers in detail.
- Test duration & Format: 3 hours for 4 papers each
- Number of Candidates: 80
- Difficulty level: high
- Pass Percentage: 2.5 %
- Competition level: High=
- Scope and Coverage: English Literature, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Candidates can choose any topic to write their two specialized papers
10. Exam for the Master Sommelier Diploma
The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam, conducted by the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), is a highly challenging test for sommeliers aiming to excel in wine and beverage services. This exam is designed to improve knowledge and service standards in the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and homestays. The pass rate for this exam is very low, averaging around 10%, even after multiple attempts.
The exam has three main parts: Theory, Service, and Blind Tasting. In the Blind Tasting phase, candidates must identify the year, region, and producer of various wines, making this test the most difficult global wine examination. Typically, experts need at least three attempts to pass, while regular candidates may take five or six tries.
Candidates must pass the Theory level before moving on to the other two levels: Practical Restaurant Wine Service and Practical Tasting. If they pass one or two levels but fail the others, they can retake the failed levels within two years. However, if they don’t pass all levels within three years, they must start over from the beginning. Since the exam began in the UK in 1969, only 269 people have completed it.
The next exam dates are April 16, 2024, for the Theory part and September 3-5, 2024, for the Service and Tasting parts.
- Test duration & Format: 50 minutes
- Application fee for Paper 1: $1059
- Application fee for Paper 2 & 3: $999 & USD 1899
- Number of Candidates: 70
- Difficulty level: high
- Pass Percentage: 5-10%
- Competition level: High
- Scope and Coverage: conducted yearly, once in the UK and twice yearly in the US.
Conclusion
In 2024, the landscape of challenging exams reflects a diverse range of disciplines and global standards. From the intense academic rigor of China’s Gaokao to the intricate problem-solving required for the CFA and CCIE exams, these tests demand exceptional skill, dedication, and resilience.
The Gaokao stands out for its high-stakes environment, shaping the future of countless students in China with its comprehensive and grueling format. The IIT-JEE and UPSC exams in India are renowned for their complexity and competitive nature, testing both knowledge and perseverance.
Globally, the GRE and CFA exams highlight the demanding criteria for pursuing advanced studies and achieving professional excellence in finance. The CCIE and Master Sommelier Diploma exams emphasize technical expertise and specialized knowledge in networking and beverage services.
Meanwhile, Mensa’s IQ testing and Oxford University’s All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam challenge individuals to demonstrate exceptional intellectual abilities and analytical skills.
These exams, each with unique challenges, represent the pinnacle of academic and professional testing. They push candidates to their limits, shaping tomorrow’s elite professionals and scholars. Success in these exams requires profound knowledge, a strategic approach, unwavering commitment, and exceptional problem-solving abilities.
FAQs
Q1: What makes the Gaokao exam so difficult?
Ans: The Gaokao, China’s National College Entrance Exam, is one of the toughest exams due to its extensive syllabus covering math, science, literature, and politics. It spans over two days and has high-stakes consequences for students’ futures. The exam’s low passing score and high competition add to its difficulty.
Q2: How does the IIT-JEE compare to other tough exams?
Ans: The IIT-JEE, or Joint Entrance Examination, is India’s most challenging engineering entrance exam. It is divided into JEE Main and JEE Advanced, requiring deep understanding and problem-solving skills in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Its competitive nature and high difficulty level place it among the world’s toughest exams.
Q3: What is the UPSC exam, and why is it so challenging?
Ans: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is India’s premier civil services test. It is known for its difficulty due to its extensive syllabus, multi-stage process, and rigorous assessment. The exam includes preliminary tests, mains, and a personal interview, and it has a very low selection rate.
Q4: What makes Mensa’s IQ test challenging?
Ans: Mensa’s IQ test is difficult because it assesses high-level cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. Only those in the top 2% of the global IQ spectrum qualify for membership. The test requires strong analytical and logical reasoning abilities.
Q5: Why is the GRE considered a tough exam?
Ans: The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is challenging due to its broad and complex syllabus that tests verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing. It is crucial for admission to many graduate programs worldwide, making it highly competitive.
Q6: What is the CFA exam, and why is it so rigorous?
Ans: The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam is demanding due to its three levels of testing, covering extensive financial and investment knowledge. Each level involves a 6-hour test; candidates must also demonstrate significant professional experience. The exam’s complexity and breadth make it particularly challenging.
Q7: What does the CCIE exam involve?
Ans: The Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) exam tests networking professionals on advanced network design, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It consists of a written test and a hands-on lab exam and requires in-depth knowledge and experience. The low pass rate highlights its difficulty.
Q8: What is the GATE exam, and why is it tough?
Ans: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is challenging due to its extensive syllabus in engineering and technical subjects. It is used for admissions to postgraduate programs and recruitment by public sector companies in India. The large volume of material and complex questions make it a tough exam.
Q9: Why is the Oxford All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam so difficult?
Ans: The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam is tough because it requires candidates to write essays on abstract topics and engage in high-level debate and analysis. The subjective nature of the questions and the limited number of fellowships available add to its difficulty.
Q10: What makes the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam so challenging?
Ans: The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is known for its difficulty due to its rigorous three-part format: theory, service, and blind tasting. Candidates must demonstrate expert-level knowledge and skills in wine, and the pass rate is very low even after multiple attempts.
