The most ambitious students around the world dream about entering an elite global institution or a prestigious government service role. However, to get such an entry, you must survive the toughest exams in the world. This involves taking tests such as China’s Gaokao exam, the American USMLE, and the UPSC exam in India. The competition is fierce, and even the most prepared students feel the pressure during this time. Every year, several students in India of candidates spend months, even years, studying for these tests.
If you’re trying to understand what makes these exams so difficult and what it takes to succeed, this guide will help. Below, we will walk you through the top 10 toughest exams in the world, their selection rates, and practical insights to help you prepare smarter.
Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World
Did you know that some of the toughest exams in the world are held in India? These include IIT JEE and GATE, to name a few. These are considered difficult because of their vast syllabi, conceptual depth, and extremely low acceptance rates. Preparing for the exams requires endurance and precision in the long run.
On that note, here’s a list of the top 10 toughest exams in the world.
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1. Gaokao (China)
The Gaokao exam in China has been rated the world’s toughest exam and is considered difficult due to its vast scope and statistically brutal competition. The exam, which spans over 2 days, requires intense mental and physical endurance to maintain performance.
It helps students gain admission to top-tier institutions with low acceptance rates like Tsinghua University and Peking University. It covers subjects that require the interested candidates to master knowledge across literature, science, and social sciences.
With nearly 13 million candidates competing annually for limited university slots, success is the single, high-stakes path to highly coveted, low-acceptance institutions like Tsinghua University and Peking University. First implemented in 1952, the Gaokao is the definitive gatekeeper to elite educational opportunities in China.
There is immense competition, and nearly 13 million candidates seeking a degree or an MA course in China appear for the exam annually. First introduced in 1952, the Gaokao is the definitive gatekeeper to elite educational opportunities in China.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Determine eligibility for admission to Chinese universities |
| Acceptance Rate | Less than 0.1% for top universities |
| Pass Percentage | Varies |
| Candidate Pool | 13.35 million |
| Level | National level |
| Frequency | Once a year, usually in June |
| Mode | Multiple-choice or fill-in-the-gap |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
2. Joint Entrance Examination - Advanced (India)
The JEE Advanced is an entrance exam held for seeking admission into engineering courses across the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and other top engineering institutions. The exam is considered difficult because of its extensive syllabus, which covers topics related to Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry.
JEE Advanced is conducted annually and is often listed among the topmost in the category of the toughest exams in the world. Its questions often involve multi-concept, application-based, and analytical problems. Candidates can attempt this exam a maximum of two times for two consecutive years with better conceptual understanding. This hardest exam in the world, generally includes multiple-choice questions, numerical answer questions, and other questions to test deep conceptual understanding.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Select candidates for admission to undergraduate engineering programs |
| Selection Rate | 10% for GEN-EWS 27% for OBC-NCL 15% for SC 7.5% for ST 40.5%: Open for all |
| Pass Percentage | 20.56% |
| Candidate Pool | 1,80,422 |
| Level | Highly advanced; assesses knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. |
| Frequency | Annually, usually in late May. |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
| Duration | Paper 1 and Paper 2 of three hours duration each |
3. UPSC Civil Services Exam (India)
The UPSC Civil Services Exam is held to recruit candidates for all kinds of top government services, such as the IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. It is considered the world’s hardest exam due to its extensive syllabus, high level of competition, and the multifaceted selection process. Every year, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) organises this exam across India.
It comprises three specific stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). The exam generally tests a candidate’s knowledge, analytical ability, and other relevant personality traits. This makes it one of the most difficult exams in the world.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Recruit candidates for various prestigious administrative positions in the Government of India |
| Selection Rate | Approximately 1.09% |
| Pass Percentage | Varies |
| Candidate Pool | 9,92,599 |
| Level | National, postgraduate degree level eligibility |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode | Paper-based written exam for Prelims and Mains, and a personal interview |
| Duration | Prelims: 2 hours Mains: 3 hours Interview: 20-30 minutes |
4. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam (UK)
The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam is an immensely challenging and prestigious academic competition held annually at All Souls College, University of Oxford. It’s the toughest exam in the world because it is held for recent Oxford graduates and postgraduate students to showcase their exceptional intellectual abilities and academic excellence. The fellowship lasts seven years and cannot be renewed. It offers benefits such as a stipend, free board, accommodation, and membership in the college’s governing body.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Select graduates for a 7-year fellowship |
| Selection Rate | 2 fellows are elected from a pool of 150+ candidates each year. |
| Pass Percentage | Varies |
| Candidate Pool | 80 to 150 |
| Frequency | Immediately before the 10th week of the autumn term |
| Mode | Written exam, viva, and election |
| Duration | Two days |
5. USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) – USA
The USMLE is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. It is one of the most challenging medical licensing exams globally due to its comprehensive coverage and high standards.
The USMLE exam assesses a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles that are important in health and disease, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centred skills. The steps test the candidate’s understanding of basic sciences, clinical knowledge, clinical skills, and clinical management and decision-making. It’s the toughest exam in the world that is specifically designed for international medical graduates and US medical graduates to practise medicine in the USA.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Analyse a candidate’s ability to ensure efficient patient care |
| Selection Rate | 90% (2023) |
| Pass Percentage | 99.5% |
| Candidate Pool | 34,000 (2023) |
| Mode | Computer-based testing |
| Duration | Step 1: Eight hours Step 2 CK: Nine hours Step 3: Two days |
6. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
The Master Sommelier Diploma is regarded as one of the toughest exams in the world. The exam is considered difficult because it tests a particular individual’s ability in three levels: wine knowledge, blind tasting ability, and service skills. Candidates must pass a theory exam, a wine tasting test, and showcase their practical serving abilities. The Master Sommelier Diploma exam usually consists of three parts:
- Theory examination (oral only)
- Deductive tasting of six wines
- Practical wine service examination
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Certify individuals with the highest level of expertise in wine knowledge |
| Selection Rate | 75% |
| Pass Percentage | 10% |
| Candidate Pool | 23 |
| Mode | Oral theory, blind tasting, and practical service |
| Duration | Within 3 years |
7. Chartered Accountant (CA) Exams – India
The Chartered Accountant exams in India are conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It's quite difficult because the test demands extensive expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, and corporate laws. It’s the most toughest exam in world that consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. The low pass rates of this exam often reflect its tough nature. Successful candidates gain access to several lucrative career opportunities in finance and accounting.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Select individuals to provide high-quality financial and business advisory services |
| Pass Percentage | 15.09% |
| Candidate Pool | 82,662 |
| Frequency | Thrice a year |
| Mode | Offline (pen and paper) |
8. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
The CCIE is Cisco’s highest-level certification, and the world’s hardest exam that focuses on the skills required for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex network infrastructures. Candidates must pass a written exam and then qualify for an intensive hands-on lab exam lasting 8 hours. Pass rates are low due to the technical depth and difficulty, making it a badge of excellence for networking professionals worldwide.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Certify professionals as expert-level network engineers |
| Selection Rate | Varies |
| Pass Percentage | 65-75% |
| Candidate Pool | 2,100+ |
| Mode | Written exam (computer-based) |
| Duration | 8 hours |
9. Mensa International Test
Mensa International is considered the toughest exam in the world because it admits only those members who have scored in the top 2% on standardised intelligence tests. The official Mensa test generally includes pattern recognition, logic, and verbal reasoning components. These supervised tests are conducted by local chapters multiple times a year worldwide.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Select individuals who score the highest in standardised intelligence tests |
| Selection Rate | Top 2% IQ percentile for eligibility |
| Pass Percentage | 98th percentile |
| Candidate Pool | NA |
| Frequency | Multiple test sessions annually |
| Mode | Supervised written or computer-based test |
| Duration | 25 minutes |
10. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA is a globally recognised professional credential offered by the CFA Institute. It covers different financial topics such as ethical standards, investment tools, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The test is considered tough because of its rigorous curriculum, low passing rates, and complex exam structure.
The programme is divided into three difficult levels that have separate exams respectively. These exams are generally conducted multiple times a year and include computer-based testing.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Equip finance and investment professionals with comprehensive knowledge, |
| Selection Rate | 45% (2025) |
| Pass Percentage | Level I: 43% Level II: 54% Level III: 49% |
| Candidate Pool | 26,000 |
| Frequency | 6 times (all levels) |
| Mode | Computer-based testing |
| Duration | 300 hours per level |
Top Toughest Exam in India in 2026
India is known for having a highly competitive education system. That is why several national-level degree or diploma examinations play a key role in shaping a candidate’s future. These exams evaluate a particular individual’s aptitude, knowledge, quantitative ability, and language proficiency. While JEE and UPSC still top the list of being the toughest exams in the world, here is a look at a few other exams of similar difficulty levels in India:
1. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
NEET is the national-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India. It's the toughest exam in the world because it tests a person’s knowledge in three complex subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. It is highly competitive, with millions of applicants seeking limited seats in medical colleges annually. The NEET exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for those seeking admission to undergraduate medical education in all medical institutions.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Serve as a standardised medical entrance examination in India |
| Selection Rate | 91.2% |
| Pass Percentage | 56% |
| Candidate Pool | 2,209,318 |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode | Pen and paper-based |
| Duration | 3 hours |
2. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
The GATE exam is a national-level entrance test for those seeking admission to postgraduate engineering programmes (M.E./M.Tech/PhD). This aptitude test is considered the toughest because it admits only those students who are capable of studying across top Indian institutes like the IITs, NITs, and IISc.
They also compete for recruitment in various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). It evaluates the comprehensive understanding of students regarding engineering subjects, general aptitude, and engineering mathematics. The exam also covers multiple engineering disciplines with a comprehensive syllabus for each.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Select students for admission to postgraduate programs |
| Selection Rate | Varies every year |
| Pass Percentage | Varies |
| Candidate Pool | 8,26,239 (2024) |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Mode | Computer-based exam |
| Duration | 3 hours |
Tips to Crack The Toughest Exams in the World
From the guide, we can conclude that the Gaokao Exam in China, Civil Services Exam (CSE)/UPSC, IIT JEE Advanced, All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam and USMLE are some of the toughest exams in the world. Students interested in attempting these exams need to prepare hard and have a deep mastery of complex subjects to pass on their first attempt. These exams should not be considered as mere assessments of a candidate but as a key player in deciding the future of the candidate.
The best thing to do to be successful is to start early and build a strong foundation in the subjects of your choice. You may also practice mock tests to simulate real exam pressure for further preparation.
If you want more assistance in attempting the world’s hardest exams, contact our experts or book a free session now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Which is the toughest no. 1 exam in the world?
Gaokao, China’s college entrance exam, is considered to be the toughest exam in the world. Every year, over 13 million students attempt this exam, which has an acceptance rate of only 0.1%. The intense test spans 2 days and even attracts over 70-year-old retirees.
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Which are the toughest 3 exams in India?
JEE Advanced, NEET, and GATE are considered the toughest three exams in India. These specific exams have very low pass rates and often require years of rigorous preparation.
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Which is Asia’s toughest exam?
The Gaokao, China's National College Entrance Examination, is widely considered the toughest exam in Asia and the world due to its extremely low acceptance rates into top universities.
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Is UPSC harder than Gaokao?
Usually, both exam types test mental endurance, but in different ways. For instance, Gaokao compresses the challenge into a short, high-intensity burst. UPSC, on the other hand, requires long-term persistence and resilience.
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Can Indians give the Gaokao exam?
No, an Indian citizen cannot give the Gaokao exam to get admission to Chinese universities. That’s because Gaokao is exclusively for Chinese students who have completed their senior high school education in China.
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Which is tougher, JEE or NEET?
The difficulty level of JEE and NEET exams is quite subjective and depends on individual strengths. NEET has lower seat availability, which makes it quite competitive. JEE, on the other hand, requires complex conceptual understanding and analytical skills. In a way, both tests can be considered some of the toughest exams in the world.
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