Did you know that the 3/10 toughest exams in the world are from India!? Exams are the constant nightmares of student life. We have all encountered various exams at different levels of our student lives. And these are sometimes school examinations, university entrance exams, and sometimes for a job.
3 of the top 10 toughest exams in the world are from India. Although the rest are administered outside the country, a large number of Indians attend them every year.
Ever wondered which is the toughest exam in the world and why these are so difficult to crack? We have compiled a list of the top 10 toughest exams in the world and a quick route map to crack them.
Here is an easy guide for the toughest exam in the world.
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Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 2024
There is no standard unit to assess the difficulty scale of each exam. Every toughest exam in the world has its objectives, standards, grading and other factors that make it distinct.
However, considering the difficulty in scoring and passing the test, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the top 10 toughest exams in the world. Since they serve different purposes, we have categorised each separately, with their relevant information.
Toughest Exam in the world list for 2024
| Examination | Administering Body/Country |
| Mensa International | Accepted Worldwide |
| GRE | Accepted Worldwide |
| CFA | Accepted Worldwide |
| California Bar Exam | Accepted Worldwide |
| CCIE | Accepted Worldwide |
| Gaokao Exam | China |
| JLPT Exam | Japan |
| UPSC Exam | India |
| IIT JEE Exam | India |
| GATE Exam | India |
The test pattern, duration, eligibility, and purpose of each toughest exam in the world vary from one another. So, it is important to look at each of the toughest exams in the world in detail.
Also Read: Top 10 Exams to Study Abroad
Top 5 Toughest Exams in World
We have divided the list of the top 10 toughest exams in the world into two based on their reach. While the top 5 of the world’s toughest exams are accepted worldwide, the other 5 are country-specific tests.
The bifurcation of the top 5 toughest exams in the world is purely for your ease of understanding.
Now check out the top 5 toughest exams across the globe below.
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1. Mensa International (M1)
The Mensa International is not a test but an international organisation for a group of top test scorers. Mensa is the oldest high-IQ society in the world, with over 150,000 members from 90+ countries.
Did you know that there are 3,881 members in Mensa India?
The organisation is a non-political platform for social, cultural, and intellectual interaction. People who score 98 percentile or above in a standardised IQ test can only join the team. So, the organising body, score scale, duration and other factors vary according to your test preference.
The most popular IQ tests and their Mensa score cutoffs are given below:
| Stanford-Binet | 132 and above |
| Cattell | 148 and above |
The Mensa accepts the top 2% of the test scores, which is challenging for everyone. And this is what makes it come under the toughest exam in the world.
So, the minimum score can vary depending on the test you attempt.
2. GRE
The Graduate Record Examinations is a standardised test for graduate admission. Around 7 lakh students attempt the GRE every year. It is a common admission requirement in the universities of the USA, Canada and a few other countries.Â
 Numerous graduate and business schools accept the score of this toughest exam in the world. Mostly, students applying for a master’s in MBA, JD, or doctoral programs take the GRE Test.Â
The test scores provide a measure to assess the potential of the applicants to join a graduate program. The score supplements your undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other application materials.
It is commonly opted for fields such as:
- Business and Management: Most MBA or Master of Business Administration programs require GRE test scores as admission requirements.Â
- Engineering: GRE scores are often asked while applying for engineering graduate programs.
- Natural Sciences: Natural Sciences include fields like biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Most universities may require the score of GRE to join a program in natural science.
- Social Sciences: Although not common, certain universities ask the scores of this toughest exam in the world while applying for a social science degree such as psychology, sociology and political science.
- Humanities: Literature, philosophy, and history graduate programs may consider GRE scores.
- Education: Some graduate programs in education often accept GRE scores.
The test is widely accepted in the United States, Canada and many other countries. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test assesses your aptitude to join a graduate school.
Below are the details of the GRE General Test:
| Administered By | Educational Testing Services |
| Test Mode | Online |
| Duration | 3 Hours and 45 minutes |
| Total Score | 340 |
| Application fee | INR 22,550 |
You can attempt the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within 12 months.
Apart from taking the GRE General Test, you can also take the GRE Subject. GRE Subjects are subject-specific tests. Although the test pattern differs for each subject, the test duration, 2 hours and 50 minutes, remains constant.Â
Also Read: GRE Exam Preparation 2024: Section-wise Tips
3. CFA
The CFA or the Chartered Financial Analyst is a globally recognised qualification in the field of finance and investment.
The CFA is mostly attempted by students with a finance, accounting, economics, or business background.
The test consists of three levels each has its own difficulty level making it the toughest exam in the world too.
Check out the test details below:
- Level I consist of two sessions of 2 hours and 15 minutes each.
- Level II consists of two sessions with 2 hours and 12 minutes each.
- Level III consists of two sessions with 2 hours and 12 minutes each.
Once you have qualified in the toughest exam in the world, you will be eligible for work profiles, including senior and executive positions in investment management, asset management, and risk management.
4. California Bar Exam
The California Bar Exam is also the toughest exam in the world, authorised for individuals seeking to become lawyers and practice in California.
The exam is held under the supervision of the Supreme Court of California. The State Bar’s Committee of Bar Examiners is responsible for developing, administering, and grading the test.
Approximately 16,000 people attempt the California Bar Exam each year, and the success rate is approximately 50%. In July 2024, 51.5 percent of applicants passed this toughest exam in the world.
The test happens over 2 days:
- Day 1 consists of essay questions and a 90-minute performance test.
- Day 2 consists of the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE). The MBE consist of 200 questions.
The major topics covered are:
- Uniform Commercial Code
- Business Associations
- Civil Procedure
- Evidence
- Professional Responsibility
- Wills and Succession
Check out the test details below:
| Application Fee | INR 70,844 ($850 for non-attorneys) INR 1,25,019 ($1,500 for attorneys) |
| California Bar Exam 2024 Test Dates | July 2024 |
| California Bar Exam 2024 Result Declaration | November 2024 |
After passing the California Bar Exam and meeting other admission requirements, you can apply for admission to the State Bar of California to become a licensed attorney.
5. CCIE
CCIE, or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems. CCIE is a high-level certification for IT professionals. Top providers of CCIE technology include Cisco, Juniper, HP, and Dell.
The certification program is divided into 6 tracks or areas of expertise: Routing and Switching, Service Provider, Security, Collaboration, Data Center, and Wireless. You can choose the test according to your area.
This toughest exam in the world contains two sessions: a qualifying and hands-on lab exams.
The test details are:
| Features | Qualifying Exam | Hands-on Lab Exam |
| Test Mode | Written | Lab Test |
| Duration | 2 Hours | 8 Hours |
| Number of Questions | 90-100 | Varies |
| Application Fee | INR 33,345 ($400) | INR 1,33,382 – 1,50,054 ($1600-1900) |
Your testing fee for the lab test can vary depending on whether you opt for a Cisco kit option or a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) option.
Top 5 Toughest Exams: Country-specific
In addition to the global tests, certain country-specific exams also come under the toughest exam in the world. Although the tests apply to the country which administers the tests, their level of difficulty and competence make them exceptional.
These are the top 5 toughest exams in the world that are administered by different countries. It is interesting to note that, three of them are administered in India.Â
1. Gaokao Exam in China
The Gaokao Exam (高考; ‘Higher Exam’), or the Nationwide Unified Examination for Admissions to General Universities and Colleges, is the National Higher Education Entrance Examination conducted by the People’s Republic of China for undergraduate admissions.
Eligibility: Final-year high school students in mainland China take the toughest exam in the world to enter higher education institutions (HEIs).Â
Duration: The test lasts approximately 9 hours and 2 days. The number of days varies depending on the province. The exam will take place on June 7 and June 8, 2024.
Subjects: This toughest exam in the world covers a variety of subjects, including Chinese, Mathematics, and a foreign language (usually English). In addition to these core subjects, students can choose their major subjects such as the sciences, humanities, and social sciences exams.
Success rate: The passing score for the Gaokao is very low. Less than 0.25% of students qualify to join some of China’s most elite colleges. This is why it is one of the toughest yet most popular exams to study in China.
Passing Score: The minimum score to pass the Gaokao exam can vary by province and year. Each province may have its own grading and scoring system, and a single numerical value does not typically represent the overall scores.
Check out the table for more details about this toughest exam in the world:
| Administered By | Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China |
| Purpose | College Entrance Examination |
| Duration | 9 Hours |
| Acceptance rate | 85% (in 2022) |
| Application fee | INR 1700 (Â¥150) |
Despite being the toughest exam in the world, the Gaokao is the most widely taken exam in the history of China, with 12.91 million candidates in 2023.
2. JLPT Exam
The JLPT is a new addition in the toughest exam in the world. JLPT is a Japanese-Language Proficiency Test administered in the country.
It is a standardised criterion-referenced test to evaluate the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers.
The test is administered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.
Unlike other language proficiency tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL, the JLPT only has two modules: Reading and Listening.
The JLPT has five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5. N5 is the easiest level and the toughness increases continuously, reaching the toughest level of N1.
Language knowledge, especially in Vocabulary and Grammar is essential to clear the test.
This toughest exam in the world is often taken by candidates who wish to study, work or emigrate to the country. It also applies to certain firms abroad.
Upcoming Test Dates: The test happens twice a year. However, not all cities provide both test dates.
The test dates for 2024 are:
- First test: 7th July 2024
- Second test: 1st December 2024
The test details are:
| Administered By | Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services |
| Test Purpose | Japanese Language Proficiency Test |
| Duration | Varies across each level |
| Validity | Unlimited |
| Test Fee | N1 – INR 1,947 N2 – INR 1,829 N3 – INR 1,682 N4 – INR 1,534 N5 – INR 1,416 |
3. CSE or UPSC Exam
The CSE is the Civil Service Exam conducted by the UPSC or the Union Public Service Commission. It is the national test in India to get into an administrative position in the country, such as IAS, IPS and IFS.
The exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Mains and an Interview round.
CSE Preliminary has two papers: General Studies I and General Studies II (CSAT).
Check the table for details on this toughest exam in the world:
| Administered By | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Duration | 2 Hours (for each paper) |
| Total Marks | 200 (for each paper) |
Candidates who clear the cutoff are eligible for the Civil Service Mains Exam. The test contains 9 papers and is conducted over 5-7 days.
Check the table for details on CSE Mains:
| Administered By | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (for each paper) |
| Total Marks | 250-300 (for each paper) |
Once selected, the candidates have to attend the interview round. The Interview usually takes place within 3 – 4 months after the Civil Service Mains exam. The maximum score for the interview is 275.
The upcoming test dates of the Civil Service Exams are released now.
Check out the table for Civil Service Exam 2024 test dates.
| Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2024 | 16th June 2024 |
| Civil Services Main Exam 2024 | 20 September 2024 |
Note: The earlier proposed date for UPSC Prelims was May 2024, but it was cancelled due to the Lok Sabha election.
Civil Service Exam interview dates are yet to be announced.
4. IIT JEE or JEE Advanced Exam
IIT JEE is the entrance examination to get into any of the 23 IITs in India.
IITs, or the Indian Institute of Technology, does the country’s central government fund India’s prestigious technical institutes. To get into an IIT, students need to clear the JEE exam.
JEE, or the Joint Entrance Exam, is a national-level entrance test for engineering colleges in India. It has two parts: JEE Main and JEE Advance.
Students who cleared the JEE Main are eligible to attend the JEE Advanced.
Read the important information on JEE Main:
| Administered By | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Mode | Computer-based |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Application fee | INR 1000 for general candidates INR 900 for general EWS and OBC (NCL) candidates INR 800 for female candidates |
The JEE Main is conducted twice a year: the JEE January Session and the JEE April Session.
The upcoming test dates for JEE Main 2024 are given below.
| JEE Main 2025 January Session | January – February 2024 |
| JEE Main 2025 April Session | 15th April 2025 |
The top 2.5 Lakh students who cleared the JEE Main can attempt the JEE Advanced. Seven IITs usually conduct JEE Advanced on a rotational basis.
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Roorkee
- IIT Madras
- IIT Kanpur
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Guwahati
Read the important information on JEE Advanced:
| Administered By | IITs |
| Mode | Computer-based |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | Varies every year |
| Application Fee | INR 3200 for general candidates INR 1600 for female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates |
The test is conducted once a year.
The upcoming test date for JEE Advanced 2025 is given below.
| Date of Examination | 4th Week of May 2025 |
Students who clear the test with a higher score are eligible to seek admission into an IIT. However, there can be additional entry requirements too.
In addition to the 23 IITs, the JEE is also a gateway to other institutions such as the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Centrally Funded Technical Institute (CFTI), and Government-funded Technical Institutes (GFTI). So, the test is one of the most important exams in the country, even if it is the toughest exam in India and the second toughest exam in the world.
5. GATE Exam
The GATE, or Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, is among the toughest exam in the world, which is primarily for postgraduate admissions to the fields of Engineering and Sciences. It is also used for screening into entry-level engineering jobs.
GATE is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science and seven Indian Institutes of Technologies (IIT) on behalf of the National Coordination Board – GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
The seven IITs are:
- Roorkee
- Delhi
- Guwahati
- Kanpur
- Kharagpur
- Chennai (Madras)
- Mumbai (Bombay)
The test is offered once a year. The test usually occurs in February.
The test details are given:
| Administered By | Indian Institute of Science and seven Indian Institutes of Technologies |
| Test Mode | Online |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Application Fee | INR 1800 for general candidates INR 900 for Female/ST/SC/PwD candidates |
| GATE 2025 Examination | Feb 2025 |
How to Apply for Your Exams?
Applications can be a tricky part of exam preparation. If not planned accordingly, they can hamper your whole plan. So, it is extremely important to complete your application on time with proper preparation.
We have compiled important guidelines for your exam application process. These can guide you through your procedures, but make sure to tailor them according to your exam.Â
Check out the application guidelines below:
- Check Eligibility: Before starting your application process, check out the eligibility requirements for the test. Check if you satisfy all the entry requirements.
- Check the Application Deadline: Once you decide to take a test, check its application timeline. Review the complete timeline, from the beginning of the application notification, application start date, application end date, fee payment date and all other important dates.
- Gather Relevant Documents: Gather all the relevant documents before starting your application. If you lack any, try to create them early. For example, making government-issued documents can take some time. So, prepare all the documents beforehand.Â
- Read Application Instructions Carefully: Read all the instructions carefully before starting your application. Do not skip them. This will help you prevent errors.Â
- Apply Early: Once you check and understand the deadline, try to finish your application early. Do not wait until the eleventh hour. Try to wrap up your application at least a day before the deadline. Applying on the last day is risky since there can be chances of any technical issues. It can also stress you out.
- Make your Fee Payment: Most exams require an essential fee. This can vary according to the test or the candidate. Check the payment methods available. Most exams offer both online and offline payment modes. You can pay using your credit/debit card or through net banking services. Make sure to make the payment on time.
- Cross-check Information: After completing your application process, double-check all the information carefully. In case you find any mistakes, try if you could edit them at the moment. If not, most exam application portals provide an editing window later. Wait for the editing window to open and edit them carefully.
- Confirmation Mail/Receipt: After completing your application process, you will receive a confirmation/ acknowledgement mail. If you applied offline, you can receive a receipt of the application. Save and print the document for future reference.Â
- Seek Help If Needed: If you find any technical difficulties or other discrepancies regarding the application, promptly contact the exam authorities for clarification or resolution. Seek help immediately to avoid any further issues.
- Keep Yourself Updated on New Trends: Once you finish the application, stay aware of the exam updates. You can check the official website of the exam for the latest updates.
Tips for Exam Preparation
If you intend to attempt an exam in the future, then this is the time for you to plan your preparation period accordingly. Before starting your study time, it is important to understand how to begin your exciting journey.
We have compiled a list of things to consider while preparing for your exam. Tailor them according to your exam type and personal preferences.
Check out the exam preparation tips below:
- Arrange Your Study Space: Before starting your exam preparation, make sure you have a good study space. This should be an area that allows you to concentrate and study properly without any distractions. You can opt for a room with proper lighting and airflow. This will help you keep positive and motivated throughout your preparation.
- Familiarise Yourself with the Exam: Do not make a study plan without understanding the exam first. Make sure you know the exam pattern. Understand the test duration, sections, types of questions and other important information regarding the exam.
- Prepare a Timetable: You should always draft a timetable for your preparation. This can help you to keep track of the portions you covered and are supposed to cover after that. This will also help you to stay motivated according to the plan.Â
- Prepare Realistic Study Plans: While creating a study plan is important, ensuring the plan is simple and performable is also significant. Do not prepare an extravagant plan. This will either end in total burnout or in disappointment.
- Practice Notemaking: Cultivate a habit of making notes. This will help you remember the points better and aid you in your revision process.
- Use Maps, Flow Charts and Diagrams: When making notes or even studying a concept, it is recommended to create maps or flowcharts to remember the flow of ideas. This will also help you to remember the points later.
- Attempt Previous Year’s Question Papers, Mock Tests and Sample Papers: Solving old question papers will allow you to understand the test pattern and question types. This will also help you familiarise yourself with the exam and its details. Try solving as many mock tests, previous year’s question papers and sample tests as possible.
- Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses: One of the significant outcomes of attempting mock tests is understanding your strong and weak points. Figure out the difficult areas and work on them separately.
- Take Breaks: When preparing for any exam, balancing your study plan with your daily routines is important. Do not burn yourself out by staying overnight or studying continuously for hours. Take short breaks in between to restore your spirit.
- Start Your Revisions Early: Make time for revisions once you complete your exam preparation. Go through the entire syllabus and remember all the critical points. You can use your study notes and flowcharts here.
You can draft your study plans according to your priorities. Consider the exam, your learning time and other factors while preparing.
Sum Up
Exams can be a difficult part of your student or work life. But at the end of the day, it gives you fruitful outcomes.
Persistent practice is the key to cracking any exam. Especially being students who aspire to study abroad, it is essential to take numerous exams in your journey.
While planning to apply to a foreign university, most study-abroad programs ask for a language proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo), entrance test (GRE, GMAT, USMLE, or LSAT) and other qualifying exams.
Make sure you turn your exam preparation as useful as their outcomes. Exam study time can be a good time to cultivate healthy learning habits. Let them be among your key takeaways from the tests.
If you are still panicking about your exams, then do not waste your time finding the right mentor for your journey ahead. Leap’s study abroad consultants can pave the path ahead to find the right exams and right choices for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Which is the toughest exam in the world?
A. The answer to the toughest exam in the world is subjective. It can vary depending on your potential and weak points. In general, the Gaokao Exam is considered as the toughest exam in the world. It is a national-level examination conducted by China for its undergraduate admissions. The Gaokao is known for its comprehensive coverage, level of difficulty, and intense competition. Remember that opinions on the toughest exam may differ, and exams in different fields and countries could be challenging for various reasons.
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Q. Is IIT JEE the world’s toughest exam?
A. No, the toughest exam in the world is the Gaokao Exam in China. However, JEE Advanced is also a difficult test to pass. The top 2.5 Lakh students who cleared the JEE Main can attend the JEE Advanced. Only 0.5 to 2.5% of students clear the JEE Advances. This is a gateway into IITs in India. Students who clear JEE Advance can also apply to NITs and other government engineering colleges in the country.
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Q. How many students get selected for the JEE Advance?
A. The top 2.5 Lakh students who cleared the JEE Main can attempt the JEE Advanced. The students who cleared the JEE Main are eligible to take the next level of the test – JEE Advances. Students who cleared the JEE Advance are eligible to apply for the IITs.
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Q. What is the difference between a GRE and a GMAT?
A. The basic difference between the GMAT and the GRE is that the GMAT is mostly used for admissions into business schools. At the same time, the GRE is typically for admissions into graduate programs, including business and law schools. Most universities prefer either of the tests
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Q. What exam should I take to get into a medical school in the US?
A. To get a medical school, you should clear the USMLE. The USMLE, or the United States Medical Licensing Examination, is a standard test for medical licensure in the USA. The Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners administer the test.
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Q. What is the application cost for the California Bar Exam?
A. The application cost for the California Bar Test varies for attorneys and non-attorneys. The revised test for attorneys is $850, which is approximately INR 70,844. On the other hand, the application fee for attorneys is $1,500, which is approximately INR 1,25,019.
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Q. Can I take the USMLE exam from India?
A. Yes, the USMLE Exam is administered at Prometric centres worldwide. You can take steps 1 and 2 from any of these centres. Most students clear steps 1 and 2 during their initial medical school years. However, step 3 has to be cleared from the United States.
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Q. What is CCIE?
A. CCIE or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert is a certification program Cisco Systems offers. CCIE is a high-level certification for IT professionals. Top providers of CCIE technology include Cisco, Juniper, HP, and Dell. The test contains both written and lab tests.
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Q. Do Indians need CFA to practice as a chartered accountant?
A. Yes, the CFA is a universally standardised test. The CFA or the Chartered Financial Analyst are globally recognised qualifications in finance and investment. The CFA is attempted mostly by students with a background in finance, accounting, economics, or business.
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Q. What is the difference between Jee Main and JEE Advanced?A. JEE Main is the primary test for engineering colleges. The top 2.5 Lakh students who cleared the JEE Main can attempt the JEE Advanced. Seven IITs usually conduct JEE Advanced on a rotational basis. While JEE Main is conducted twice a year, JEE Advanced occurs only once yearly.
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Q. Which is the toughest exam in India?
A. JEE Advanced or IIT JEE is the toughest exam in India. The JEE exam has two phases: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. The top 2.5 Lakh students who cleared the JEE Main are qualified to attempt the JEE Advanced, an entrance exam for the IITs for India.
