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In 2024, Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World include the Gaokao Exam in China, IIT JEE Advanced, Civil Services Exam (CSE)/UPSC, USMLE, All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam, Master Sommelier Diploma Exam, ICAI CA Exams, CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), Mensa International, and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Did you know that two of the top three toughest exams in the world are Indian? The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) and JEE Advanced are considered among the most challenging. The selection rate for some of these exams is less than 1%, with only a few students passing these tough exams.
The toughest exam in the world is the Gaokao Exam in China. Gaokao is a yearly standardized test required for admission to all Higher Educational Institutes in China. This article will be useful if you are looking for information about the toughest exams in the world. Keep reading to learn more about the toughest exam in the world and discover the top 10 toughest exams in the world.
Also Check: Top 10 Toughest Exams in India to Crack in 2024
List of Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World
Here is a list of the top 10 toughest exams in the world that are extremely difficult to pass:
- Gaokao Exam in China
- IIT JEE Advanced
- Civil Services Exam (CSE)/UPSC
- All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam
- USMLE
- Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
- ICAI CA/ICMAI Exams
- CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
- Mensa International
- CFA
Let’s take a closer look at these top 10 toughest exams in the world, ranked by difficulty
1. Gaokao Exam in China
The Gaokao Exam, also known as the National College Entrance Exam (NCEE), is considered one of the toughest exams in the world. This world toughest exam is for high school seniors aiming to enter college. The Gaokao, held annually over two days in early June, is so significant that the whole country practically pauses during this period.
As one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world, students preparing for the Gaokao face intense pressure. Success in this toughest exam in the world can lead to excellent career opportunities and even better marriage prospects. The high stakes make the Gaokao Exam a crucial event for students who aspire to secure their future through higher education.
| Gaokao Exam | |
| Country of exam | China |
| Purpose | College Entrance exam for high school students |
| Duration of exam | 9 hours |
| Number of candidates (2024) | 13,420,000 |
| Pass percentage (2023) | 84.97% |
Summary of Success Rate in GAOKO Exam
| Year | Number of examinees | Accepted students | Success Rate |
| 2015 | 9,420,000 | 7,378,500 | 78.33% |
| 2016 | 9,400,000 | 7,486,100 | 79.64% |
| 2017 | 9,400,000 | 7,614,900 | 81.01% |
| 2018 | 9,750,000 | 7,909,900 | 81.13% |
| 2019 | 10,310,000 | 9,149,000 | 88.74% |
| 2020 | 10,710,000 | 9,675,000 | 90.34% |
| 2021 | 10,780,000 | 10,013,200 | 92.89% |
| 2022 | 11,930,000 | 10,145,400 | 85.04% |
| 2023 | 12,910,000 | 10,970,000 | 84.97% |
| 2024 | 13,420,000 | – | – |
2. IIT – JEE Advanced
The IIT JEE Advanced is one of the toughest exams in the world and ranks among the top 10 toughest exams in the world. Students aiming to get into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) must take the IIT-JEE Advanced exam. This national-level exam is the sole entrance test for undergraduate courses leading to a bachelor’s degree, integrated master’s degree, or Bachelor-Master Dual Degree in Engineering, Science, or Architecture. Admission to IITs is a multi-stage process that starts with the JEE Mains exam, followed by the JEE Advanced exam. Aspirants must stay updated with the latest news about the JEE Advanced exam.
- Country: India
- Purpose: UG admission to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Duration of Exam: 3 hours
- Number of Candidates: 1,80,372 (2023)
- Pass Percentage (2024): 26.77%
Why is the IIT JEE Exam Considered One of the World’s Toughest Exams?
- Sheer Number of Applicants: Hundreds of thousands of students take the JEE Mains, the first stage. Only a small percentage qualify for the JEE Advanced, which is necessary for admission to IITs. This intense competition means even a small mistake can be costly.
- Depth and Difficulty of Material: The IIT-JEE covers advanced topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Solving these problems requires a deep understanding of the principles and the ability to apply them creatively, not just rote memorization.
- Time Management and Pressure: The exam is designed to test a student’s ability to perform under pressure. With limited time and many questions, candidates must excel at time management and maintain focus while solving complex problems.
These factors make the IIT-JEE a demanding exam, requiring dedication, deep knowledge, and the ability to work well under pressure. It’s a major challenge for students who aspire to secure a seat in an IIT.
Do Check: Is IIT-JEE the Most Toughest Exam in the World | List of Top IIT Colleges in India in 2024
Summary of Success Rate in JEE Advanced Exam
| Year | Registered | Appeared | Qualified | % Qualified |
| 2015 | 124,741 | 117,238 | 26,354 | 22.47 |
| 2016 | 155,797 | 147,678 | 36,566 | 24.76 |
| 2017 | 171,814 | 159,540 | 51,040 | 31.99 |
| 2018 | 165,656 | 155,158 | 31,988 | 20.62 |
| 2019 | 174,432 | 161,319 | 38,705 | 23.99 |
| 2020 | 160,838 | 150,838 | 43,204 | 28.64 |
| 2021 | 151,193 | 141,699 | 41,862 | 29.54 |
| 2022 | 160,038 | 155,538 | 40,712 | 26.17 |
| 2023 | 189,744 | 180,372 | 43,773 | 24.26 |
| 2024 | 186,584 | 180,200 | 48,248 | 26.77 |
3. Civil Services Exam (CSE)
The Civil Services Exam, also known as the IAS exam, is considered the toughest exam in India and one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this national-level exam is held in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and an interview. The exam recruits candidates for prestigious positions like the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Police Services (IPS), and other Central Civil Services. IAS officers lead the ministries and departments in both the union and state governments, highlighting the exam’s importance and difficulty.
Civil Services Exam (CSE) Details
| Category | Information |
| Country | India |
| Purpose | Recruitment to IAS, IPS, IFS, and other administrative posts |
| Duration of Exam | 2-3 hours |
| Number of Candidates (2021) | 10,93,948 |
| Selected for Service (2021) | 685 |
| Pass Percentage | 0.2% |
Why is UPSC CSE Considered the World’s Toughest Exam?
- Vast Syllabus: The UPSC syllabus covers an extensive range of topics including Indian history, polity, science, current affairs, and ethics. It requires a broad and deep understanding of various subjects.
- Three-Stage Process: The exam consists of three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview, each with its own challenges, filtering candidates progressively.
- Intense Competition: With hundreds of thousands of aspirants and limited positions, the competition is fierce. Strategic preparation and the ability to perform under pressure are essential.
Success in the UPSC CSE demands intellectual prowess, determination, and a commitment to contributing to India’s growth. Victorious candidates earn immense prestige and embark on fulfilling careers shaping the nation’s future.
4. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam
The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam is another contender for the world’s toughest exam. Known for its rigorous competition and dual focus on specialized and broad knowledge, this exam demands originality, critical thinking, and the ability to tackle unconventional questions under immense pressure.
Why is the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam One of the Toughest Exams in the World?
- Exclusivity and Competition: Only a few applicants are shortlisted each year, making the competition extremely fierce. It attracts brilliant minds from the Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Dual Focus: The exam tests excellence in two areas:
- Specialist Papers: These exams assess in-depth knowledge in a specific field like Classics, Law, or History.
- General Papers: These essays require critical and creative thinking beyond one’s specialty.
- Originality and Depth: Candidates must showcase critical thinking, insightful analysis, and original engagement with complex ideas.
- Unconventional Questions: The exam features unique and thought-provoking questions that test intellectual agility.
- Pressure for Excellence: Given the fellowship’s high prestige, candidates face immense pressure to perform exceptionally, especially as young scholars.
The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam’s combination of high competition, versatile knowledge requirements, and the demand for excellence makes it one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world.
Also Check: Various Entrance Exams for B.Tech after 12th
5. USMLE
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a demanding set of exams that doctors must pass to practice medicine in the US. Known for its high standards and detailed content, the USMLE has a pass rate of around 94-97% across its steps, making it one of the world’s toughest exams. Candidates usually spend several months to over a year preparing, highlighting its challenging nature. The exam’s competitiveness plays a key role in residency admissions and career progress. Covering broad medical knowledge and clinical skills across various specialties, the USMLE’s global impact solidifies its reputation as one of the toughest exams in the world.
Why is USMLE Considered One of the World’s Toughest Exams?
Pass Rates: The USMLE has varying pass rates across its three steps, reflecting its difficulty. For instance:
- Step 1: Pass rates are around 94-96% for first-time US and Canadian medical school graduates.
- Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge): Pass rates are around 94-97%.
- Step 3: Pass rates are around 96-97% for first-time test-takers.
Preparation Time: Candidates spend extensive time preparing for each step of the USMLE. Medical students typically dedicate several months to over a year of intense study and practice.
Competitiveness: USMLE Step 1 is particularly competitive, with scores heavily influencing residency program selections. Medical graduates often aim for high scores due to the competitive nature of residency placements in various specialties.
Content Depth: The breadth and depth of knowledge required for the USMLE are substantial. The exam covers foundational sciences, clinical diagnosis, treatment protocols, ethical considerations, and patient management across diverse medical specialties.
Career Impact: Passing the USMLE is crucial for medical professionals seeking licensure in the US. Success in these exams opens doors to residency programs and impacts future career opportunities and specialization choices.
6. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination consists of three parts: a theory examination (oral, not written), a deductive tasting of six wines, and a practical wine service examination. Candidates must score at least 75% on each section and demonstrate high technical and social skills. The pass rate for the theory section is approximately 10%, making it one of the toughest exams in the world.
| Master Sommelier Diploma Exam | |
| Country | USA |
| Purpose | To become a certified Sommelier |
| Duration of Exam | Part 1 – 50 mins, Part 3 – 25 mins |
| Pass Percentage | 10% (theory) |
| Official Website | https://www.mastersommeliers.org/courses/master-sommelier-diploma-examination |
7. ICAI CA / ICMAI CMA Exams
The Chartered Accountant (CA) and Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) exams in India are two of the toughest exams in the world. Conducted by ICAI and ICMAI respectively, these exams have a low pass percentage and are crucial for careers in accounting, auditing, cost management, finance, and taxation.
| Parameter | Chartered Accountant (CA) Exam | Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) Exam |
| Country | India | India |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) | The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) |
| Purpose | Accounting, Auditing, Cost Management, Finance, Taxation | Accounting, Auditing, Cost Management, Finance, Taxation |
| Duration of Exam | 2 to 3 hours per paper | 2 to 3 hours per paper |
| Pass Percentage | CA Final (Nov 2023): 9.42% | CMA Final (Dec 2023): 10.53% (2016 Syllabus), 25.76% (2022 Syllabus) |
8. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification is for senior networking professionals who design, build, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot complex enterprise networking infrastructures. Divided into six tracks, this certification is considered one of the toughest exams in the world.
Also Check: Upcoming Government Exams in India
| Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert | |
| Purpose | Technical certifications for senior networking professionals |
| Duration of Exam | 2 hours |
| Number of Candidates | 8,000/year |
| Pass Percentage | 26% |
| Official Website | https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/expert.html |
9. Mensa International
Founded in 1946 in England, Mensa is a society for individuals who have scored in the top 2% on an approved intelligence test. It is not an exam but a non-political, non-religious organization dedicated to fostering human intelligence. Mensa has over 145,000 members in approximately 90 countries worldwide. The society aims to identify and nurture human intelligence for the benefit of humanity, encourage research on intelligence, and provide an intellectually stimulating environment for its members.
10. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is highly sought after by investment professionals globally. Recognized as one of the toughest exams in the world, the CFA course is respected in finance and investment management. Candidates gain deep insights into the finance and investment industry. To become a CFA charter holder, candidates must pass three levels of exams (CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, CFA Level 3) administered by the CFA Institute.
| Aspect | Details |
| Country | Globally |
| Purpose | Assess investment analysis and portfolio management skills |
| Duration of Exam | 3 x 4-hour sessions (one for each level) |
| Number of Candidates (February 2024) | 16,932 |
| Pass Percentage | 44% |
FAQs on Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World
Which is the world's toughest exam?
The toughest exam in the world can vary, but the National College Entrance Exam (Gaokao) in China is often considered the hardest due to its extensive syllabus and high competition. Other difficult exams include the IIT-JEE, UPSC Civil Services, and USMLE. The toughest exam is subjective and depends on individual strengths and preparation.
Which countries have the hardest exams?
Countries known for tough exams include: China: Gaokao India: IIT-JEE, UPSC Civil Services, NEET South Korea: CSAT Japan: National Center Test for University Admissions Singapore: PSLE, A-Levels
Which exams feature in India's Toughest Exam List?
India's top 10 toughest exams are: UPSC Civil Services Exam JEE Advanced GATE IIM CAT CLAT CA Exam UGC NET NEET National Institute of Design Entrance Exam NDA
Which is tougher: Chartered Accountancy (CA) or Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Admissions?
Both are challenging in different ways: CA: Focuses on accounting and finance, has multiple levels, and low pass rates. IIT: Requires strong knowledge in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with extremely high competition.
Which is the most difficult exam in the world?
The Gaokao (China's National College Entrance Exam) is often cited as the toughest due to its extensive syllabus, high stakes, intense competition, and long preparation time.
How is the Mensa IQ Test structured?
The Mensa IQ Test measures cognitive abilities with questions on logic, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. About 2% of test-takers pass.
What are the passing rates for the CFA exams?
The CFA exams have low pass rates: around 40% for Level I, 45% for Level II, and 50% for Level III. They test knowledge in finance, economics, ethics, and portfolio management.
