You may have heard about the toughest exams in the world, but do you know why they are considered the hardest to crack? The difficulty level of an exam depends on the person appearing for it. You may find an exam challenging, while your friend may find the same test a cakewalk. For example, if an exam is exclusive to a particular stream, they expect to see the candidates’ in-depth understanding of the stream.
Regardless of your IQ level and academic background, some tests are considered the most challenging exams in the world. This article puts together some of the toughest exams in the world based on an overall analysis.
The test can be taken online and offline depending on where you choose to study and appear for this exam.
Toughest Exams In The World!
Have you ever wondered what it takes to pass the most challenging exams on the planet? These tests are not just about knowledge—they push your limits, test your perseverance, and demand an unmatched level of preparation. From gruelling syllabi to intense competition, these exams are designed to identify the best.
Whether you are curious about what makes these exams so challenging or seeking inspiration to overcome your hurdles, this list offers a glimpse into the world’s toughest exams and their key details.
Gaokao
This is the world’s largest and most challenging exam, and over 9.75 million students have registered for this annual exam in China. If you want to pursue your tertiary education in China, you may want to look for universities with a high acceptance rate. On the contrary, the Gaokao is a national college entrance exam that screens and selects students of high calibre to enroll them into higher education institutions in the country. The Gaokao is often compared to the USA’s SATs. Even though both exams are very different, the three-digit Gaokao score may be accepted in some European and American universities.
| Parameter | Details |
| Duration and Format | 9 hours, conducted over 2-3 days |
| Pass Rate | Low |
| Subjects Covered | Science, Math, Language |
Union Services Public Commission (UPSC)
If you are looking for alternatives to university education in India, consider appearing for UPSC. The Indian Government organises this exam to fill posts across varied departments such as the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Revenue Service, etc. There are three stages to crack this exam: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview Stage. Qualified candidates who appear for the extraordinarily hard level of the Mains examination, which has seven subjective papers, are considered to have great potential. Those who have successfully cleared the second level then move to an interview round with a panel that tests personality, awareness, and logic. Every year, over 5 lakh (5,00,000) students appear for this exam and compete for only 1000 seats in the commission. This makes it one of the tough exams in the world!
| Parameter | Details |
| Duration and Format | 3 hours, 2 MCQ-type papers: General Studies Paper-1, General Studies Paper-2 (CSAT) |
| Pass Rate | 0.20% |
| Subjects Covered | History, Geography, General Sciences, Government, Social Development, Economics, General Knowledge, and Communication Skills |
Mensa
Mensa is a high-intelligence society whose members have a higher IQ than the 98th percentile, i.e. amongst the top 2% of the world. This is why Mensa is the most challenging exam in the world. The exam was founded in 1946 by the Australian barrister Roland Berrill and the British scientist and lawyer Dr Lancelot Ware at Lincoln College in Oxford, England. There is no age barrier to appearing or cracking this examination, and it is open to all individuals from all nationalities. The youngest person to have been accepted to Mensa was Elise Tan-Roberts, who was 2 years and 4 months old at the time of acceptance.
| Parameter | Details |
| Duration and Format | 25 minutes, 35 problems |
| Pass Rate | 0.02% |
| Subjects Covered | Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Abstract/Logical Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning |
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) programme is a rigorous three-level professional certification and is one of the toughest finance exams in the world. The Level I exam features 180 multiple-choice questions completed over 4.5 hours in a computer-based format, while all three levels maintain a comprehensive six-hour testing structure. The curriculum builds progressively: Level I covers foundational concepts across ten key areas, including ethics, economics, and investment analysis; Level II explores asset valuation; and Level III focuses on portfolio management with specialised pathways. Achieving the prestigious CFA charter requires not only passing all three exams but also accumulating 48 months of relevant professional experience, making it an actual test of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
| Parameter | Details |
| Duration and Format | Level 1: 4 hours and 30 minutesLevel 2: 4 hours and 24 minutesLevel 3: 4 hours and 24 minutes |
| Pass Rate | Level 1: 40-45% |
| Subjects Covered | Economics, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Portfolio Management |
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
If you are considering pursuing a Masters abroad, you may have to appear for the GRE depending on the requirements of your university. This exam is mainly conducted to check the proficiency of candidates applying to study abroad, and it is one of the most recognised entrance exams for studying abroad. It is mainly conducted for master’s level and PhD programs at higher education institutions. The test is divided into six sections.
Six sections include:
- Analytical Writing
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Experimental or Research Section
| Parameter | Details |
| Duration and Format | 1 hour and 58 minutes |
| Pass Rate | The GRE is not a pass/fail test; scores are scaled, and competitive programs often seek scores above the 50th percentile, though requirements vary by institution and field. |
| Subjects Covered | Analytical WritingVerbal ReasoningQuantitative Reasoning |
Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE)
The CCIE is one of the toughest exams in the world and is organised by Cisco Systems for higher networking professionals. The CCIE Certification was introduced to support the industry in identifying the top-ranking internetwork experts globally and evaluating them on infrastructure and network design. The exam is divided into 6 parts and is conducted in two phases.
| Parameter | Details |
| Duration and Format | 2 hours, 6 series of tests |
| Pass Rate | 30% |
| Subjects Covered | Network Infrastructure, Software Defined Infrastructure, Infrastructure Structure, and Services |
| Fun Fact: The Origins of Gaokao The Gaokao traces its roots back to ancient Chinese civil service exams (Keju), which were designed to select officials based on merit. This historical legacy makes it not just an exam but a cornerstone of opportunity and social mobility in modern China. |
Strategies And Methods To Crack Tough Exams
Whether it’s a competitive entrance exam, a professional certification, or an academic test, success requires more than just hard work—it demands strategic preparation. Adopting effective methods and practical strategies allows you to optimise your efforts, stay focused, and confidently approach these challenges. This guide outlines proven techniques and approaches to help you explore even the toughest exams, turning what seems daunting into an achievable goal.
Study Smart
- Make a simple schedule that works for you – break down your study time into manageable chunks and tackle the tough stuff when you’re most alert.
- Know what you’re up against – understand the exam format and what topics matter most. This helps you study the right things instead of wasting time.
- Quality beats quantity – focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising. If you get the basics right, everything else becomes easier!
- Practice makes perfect – take mock tests to build confidence and speed. They’re like dress rehearsals for the real thing.
Stay Healthy
- Take care of yourself – get enough sleep, eat well, and move around. A healthy body helps keep your mind sharp.
- Don’t forget to breathe – take short breaks between study sessions. Even a 5-minute walk can help clear your head.
Exam Day Tips
- Have a game plan – scan the whole paper first and tackle questions strategically. Start with what you know best to build momentum.
- Keep calm – remember, you’ve prepared for this! If you feel stressed, take a deep breath and focus on one question at a time.
Remember: Good preparation is about being consistent, not perfect. Focus on understanding rather than memorising, and don’t forget to care for yourself along the way!
Factors That Make an Exam Challenging
Exams can be perceived as tough due to various factors that challenge students’ knowledge, skills, and endurance. Here are some key elements that contribute to the difficulty of exams:
- Extensive Syllabus: Exams like UPSC cover vast topics (history, economics, science), requiring the integration of diverse knowledge.
- Lengthy Process: Multi-stage exams (e.g., Preliminary, Main, Personality Test in UPSC) demand sustained preparation, leading to fatigue.
- High Competition: As seen in UPSC and Gaokao, Limited seats and numerous candidates raise the stakes and require exceptional performance.
- Unpredictable Questions: Unexpected, critical-thinking-based questions test adaptability and preparation depth.
- Subjective Evaluation: Written responses, like essays, rely on clear articulation and are subject to grader interpretation.
- Psychological Pressure: High-stakes exams like Gaokao create immense stress due to their significant impact on future opportunities.
- Negative Marking: Penalties for incorrect answers increase pressure and require strategic decision-making.
- Learning Outcomes: Challenging exams are designed to push limits, fostering resilience and readiness for future challenges.
FAQs
Which is the world’s toughest exam?
The Gaokao Exam of China is widely regarded as the world’s toughest exam due to its rigorous syllabus, intense competition, and immense societal importance. Other equally challenging exams include India’s IIT-JEE and UPSC Civil Services Exam, recognised globally for their difficulty. These exams are known for their vast syllabi, success rates below 1%, and the required years of dedicated preparation.
Which exams are some of the toughest exams in India?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), and Chartered Accountant (CA) Exam are widely recognised as some of the toughest exams in India.
How many hours are needed to prepare for the GRE syllabus?
The time required to prepare for the GRE depends on your current skill level and familiarity with the test format. On average, students dedicate 2-3 months of focused study, spending 2-3 hours per day, totalling around 150-200 hours. However, this can vary based on individual needs and the intensity of the study plan.
What Are Some of the Toughest Medical Exams in the World?
The USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), FPGEE (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination), and BDS Entrance Exams (e.g., NEET MDS) are widely regarded as some of the toughest medical exams in the world. These exams are known for their rigorous syllabi, intense competition, and the high preparation required to succeed.
What makes the Gaokao one of the toughest exams?
The Gaokao is considered one of the toughest exams due to its extensive syllabus, intense competition, and life-changing implications for university admissions in China. With over 9 hours of testing spread across 2-3 days, it demands exceptional preparation and resilience.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further