Exams are universally recognised as formidable hurdles in education and career advancement. Whether one is a student navigating the rigors of high school or college assessments, or a professional vying for coveted positions in the government or private sectors, the weight of examinations is palpable. Each exam, be it for academic pursuits or career aspirations, presents its unique challenges and demands, shaping the trajectory of individuals’ lives in profound ways. This article includes information about the top 10 toughest exams in the world.
The landscape of examinations spans a broad spectrum of complexity and rigour. From entrance exams for postgraduate studies to assessments for coveted job positions, each evaluation carries its own distinct set of difficulties and rewards. Candidates often find themselves grappling with multiple rounds of assessments, including written tests, interviews, and more, as they vie for sought-after opportunities.
According to recent updates from the World Ranking Website, the Gaokao Exam in China stands out as the pinnacle of academic challenges, earning the distinction of being hailed as one of the toughest exams in the world. This acknowledgement underscores the formidable nature of examinations globally, emphasizing the demanding nature of academic and professional pursuits.
List of Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 2024
| Exam | Location | Difficulty Level |
| Gaokao | China | Very High |
| IIT-JEE | India | Very High |
| UPSC/CSE | India | Very High |
| Mensa IQ Test | Worldwide | Very High |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examination) | Worldwide | High |
| CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) | Worldwide | High |
| CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert) | Worldwide | High |
| GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) | India | High |
| All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam | Oxford, UK | High |
| Master Sommelier Diploma Exam | Worldwide | High |
Gaokao Exam
In China, the mention of university admission exams often brings to mind the gruelling competition of the “Gaokao” exam, which takes place annually in June. This is one of the toughest exams in the world which spans two days and encompasses a range of subjects including required disciplines like mathematics, Japanese language, and foreign language, alongside elective courses. Although the Gaokao isn’t standardized nationally, it’s administered by each province and serves as the primary determinant for university admissions. While only 10% of institutions rely solely on Gaokao scores for admissions, an increasing number are incorporating their entrance examinations into the process.
To address the persistent issue of cheating, particularly prevalent in the Gaokao due to its high stakes and intense pressure, authorities are turning to innovative solutions. Drones are being deployed to detect any instances of dishonesty during the exam. These drones utilize radio signal detection technology to pinpoint individuals attempting to cheat, a method aimed at maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
The significance of the Gaokao cannot be overstated in the lives of millions of Chinese students who undertake it each year. The exam’s reputation for its difficulty and the resulting stress it imposes is profound, with some students reportedly collapsing from exhaustion during the exam itself. Tragically, the extreme pressure of the Gaokao has also been linked to instances of suicide among students.
The Gaokao’s format, spanning two consecutive days, places a heavy emphasis on rote memorization. Given its immense influence on future opportunities, the exam results carry lifelong implications for students, determining their path forward in higher education and beyond. In essence, the Gaokao represents a pivotal moment that can shape the trajectory of a student’s entire future, making it a deeply consequential and emotionally charged experience for all involved.
IIT-JEE
The IIT-JEE in India holds the prestigious position as one of the most challenging examinations globally, often ranking second on the list of toughest exams in the world. Within India itself, it stands as the foremost rigorous examination. This national-level test serves as the gateway to admission into the renowned Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), exclusively for aspiring engineering students.
One notable benefit of excelling in this examination is the opportunity for the Siemens scholarship, which is awarded to deserving candidates. This scholarship plays a vital role in supporting students throughout their bachelor’s degree in engineering, easing the financial burden associated with higher education.
The IIT-JEE examination comprises two integral parts: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. These segments assess candidates’ proficiency across various disciplines, ensuring that only the most capable individuals secure admission to these prestigious institutions.
UPSC/ CSE
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is renowned as ‘the mother of all exams’ and is one of the toughest exams in the world which is esteemed as a formidable challenge to overcome. It stands as a coveted goal for countless young aspirants, as success in this examination opens doors to a remarkable opportunity and platform for serving society and catalyzing change.
This examination is often referred to as a ‘Generalist’s’ test, demanding a strong foundation in the basics acquired from NCERT textbooks during school years, supplemented by a deeper understanding gleaned from standard reference books. Additionally, staying well-informed about current affairs, both domestic and international, through diligent reading of newspapers and magazines, is imperative.
The formidable nature of this examination primarily stems from the intense competition it attracts. According to the 71st Annual Report released by UPSC, the statistics reveal the staggering numbers involved. For instance, in the 2020-21 cycle, there were 10,56,835 applicants for the UPSC CSE Prelims (including IFoS(P)), out of which 4,86,952 appeared.
Similarly, in 2019-20, there were 11,54,769 applications, with 5,74,980 candidates appearing for the examination. Despite these daunting figures, only a fraction managed to progress to the interview stage, with a minuscule number ultimately receiving recommendations. The magnitude of competition and the slim odds of success indeed present a formidable challenge for aspirants.
UPSC/CSE Annual Calendar 2024
Mensa
Mensa is an international organisation that unites people who have scored highly on IQ testing; it is not only an exam. For people with an intelligence quotient of at least 2%, it acts as a community. The group is renowned for its stringent examination procedures, which centre on determining a person’s IQ and degree of intelligence.
Mensa which is one the toughest exams in the world accepts people only based on their intellectual prowess, regardless of caste, colour, religion, or race. It takes great satisfaction in an apolitical culture that places a premium on intellectual brilliance and meritocracy.
The Mensa exam is renowned for its difficulty, designed to challenge participants and accurately measure their cognitive abilities. Through this challenging process, Mensa identifies individuals with exceptional intelligence, fostering a vibrant community of like-minded individuals dedicated to intellectual pursuits.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The Graduate Record Examination, organized by ETS, stands as one of the toughest exams in the world. Designed to evaluate individuals’ preparedness for graduate studies, particularly in the United States, it has earned a reputation for its rigorous nature.
Originally geared towards American universities, the GRE has expanded its reach and is now recognized in over 90 countries across the globe. This widespread acknowledgement underscores its significance as a measure for gauging candidates’ capabilities and prospects in higher education, transcending borders to become a universally embraced standard.
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exam is renowned in financial circles for its rigorous nature, often cited as one of the toughest exams in the world. It is also listed in the Guinness World Records due to its reputation for durability. Every year, more than 100,000 people attempt to pass this esteemed exam from more than 100 countries, including several in Asia.
Achieving the CFA credential is widely seen as a mark of integrity and esteem in finance and investment management. The primary aim of the CFA exam is to assess finance professionals’ grasp of essential financial instruments and procedures. A successful outcome on this examination unlocks numerous opportunities both in India and internationally, offering individuals various career paths in the banking sector.
CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert)
The CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert) is administered by Cisco Systems and is renowned as one of the most challenging exams globally, often ranked among the top 10 toughest exams in the world. It’s designed to assess networking experts’ abilities to design, manage, secure, and enhance complex network infrastructures. Divided into six sections, the exam evaluates proficiency in areas such as collaboration, security, safety protocols, and routing techniques.
This rigorous exam follows a two-stage process. Candidates must first pass the initial stage to proceed to the second stage. Success in the first stage qualifies individuals to advance to the more advanced level of assessment. Overall, the CCIE certification is highly respected within the IT industry, serving as a benchmark for expertise in networking technologies and practices.
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, India)
In India, one of the toughest exams in the world to crack is the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). It’s a national-level online examination designed to evaluate students’ proficiency in technical and engineering subjects. Known for its high level of difficulty and competitiveness, GATE poses a significant challenge for aspiring engineers. Many students find it daunting to even pass the test, requiring extensive study sessions and additional classes to succeed. The exam’s complexity demands rigorous preparation and a deep understanding of engineering concepts.
All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam
For decades, Oxford University has held its prestigious exam during the autumn season, a tradition steeped in history. Widely regarded as one of the most challenging tests globally, this rigorous examination sets a high bar for candidates. Each year, a mere 80 applicants vie for the coveted spots, with typically only 1 or 2 emerging victorious.
The exam format demands considerable intellectual prowess from candidates. Applicants are tasked with crafting four essays on topics of their choice, provided they are relevant and logical. With each essay allocated a generous time limit of nearly three hours, candidates must demonstrate both depth of understanding and the ability to articulate their thoughts effectively.
This venerable examination serves as a hallmark of academic excellence, attracting the brightest minds from around the world. Its stringent selection process ensures that only the most capable individuals are admitted, upholding the University’s esteemed reputation for scholarly achievement.
Exam for the Master Sommelier Diploma
The Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) oversees the Master Sommelier Diploma exam, which is well known for its exacting evaluation of candidates’ proficiency with libations and sommelier services, especially in the areas of wine selection and food pairing.
The exam serves a broader purpose beyond individual achievement, aiming to elevate the standards of knowledge and service excellence within the hospitality industry, encompassing lodging, dining, and accommodations. Despite numerous attempts and retakes by applicants, the exam maintains a notably low average passing rate, typically hovering below 10%.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned examinations are the toughest exams in the world The Gaokao Exam in China reigns as a pinnacle of academic rigour, followed closely by India’s IIT-JEE and UPSC/CSE, testing the mettle of aspiring scholars and civil servants. Mensa’s IQ test stands as a global measure of intellectual prowess, while the GRE evaluates readiness for graduate studies with unwavering stringency.
In the financial sector, the CFA exam and the IT realm’s CCIE certification demand unparalleled expertise, setting benchmarks for proficiency. India’s GATE exam, alongside the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam at Oxford University, upholds standards of excellence in engineering and academia respectively.
Moreover, the Master Sommelier Diploma exam epitomizes exacting standards in the hospitality industry, reflecting a commitment to service excellence. Each of these examinations represents not just a test of knowledge, but a crucible wherein aspirations are forged and futures shaped, underscoring the indomitable spirit of human endeavour and the pursuit of excellence.
FAQs
Q1. Which is Asia’s most difficult exam?
Ans. The Gaokao Exam in China is one of the toughest exams in the world. Gaokao is an annual standardised test in China that is mandatory for admission to all of the country’s Higher Educational Institutes.
Q2. Is Gaokao tougher than JEE?
Ans. The Gaokao Exam in China is a 10-hour exam that spans 2 days. We would say that IIT JEE is slightly tougher than Gaokao. The questions of the IIT JEE exam are much tougher than Gaokao. But sometimes the questions asked in gaokao are of a higher level, hence making it difficult.
Q2. Is UPSC the world’s toughest exam?
Ans. UPSC is regarded as the toughest exam in the world by aspirants due to its low success ratio and rigorous selection process. It takes years of preparation to clear the UPSC CSE exam.
