Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

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) are rated among the top 10 toughest exams in the world in 2025.

Did you know among the top 3 toughest exams in the world, two of them are Indian: the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) and JEE Advanced? The selection rate in a few exams is lower than 1%. Only some lucky students manage to pass these hardest exams. 

The most difficult exam in the world is Gaokao Exam in China. Gaokao is an annual standardised test in China that is mandatory for admission to all of the country's Higher Educational Institutes. This article will be helpful for you, if you are exploring information about the hardest exam in the world. In this article, we are going to be discussing the list of the top 10 toughest exams in World including the difficulty level, selection rate and other information.

Did You Know: Indian students mostly prefer the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia to study. Every year 100,000+ users appear for IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT to complete their MBA and MS. These are NOT the toughest exams in the world. But they surely help Indian students to land and study abroad.

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List of Toughest Exams in the World - Overview

There is no common yardstick to compare the difficulty level of different exams and decide the toughest exam in the world, as they serve independent purposes. Here we have covered the list of world toughest exams to give you an idea about the hardest exams in the world that students are required to take at various stages of life. 

Note that, there are some eligibility to appear in any of these toughest exams. Some of them are open to all but many of them are country-specific exams. There is no doubt that you need to do a lot more preparation to crack any exam.

Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

Below, we have mentioned the list of 10 toughest exams in world which are the hardest to crack. Applicants need to do hard preparation to pass these exams

1. Gaokao Exam in China

2. IIT JEE Advanced

3. Civil Services Exam (CSE)/UPSC

4. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam

5. USMLE

6. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam

7. ICAI CA/ ICMAI Exams

8. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)

9. Mensa International

10. CFA

Let us explore these toughest exams in the world(rank-wise) in detail:

1. Gaokao Exam in China

Considered one of the toughest exams in the world, the National College Entrance Exam (NCEE) or Gaokao is a college entrance exam for students who are in their final year of high school. Held annually, over two days when the country comes to a standstill, students who are looking to pursue undergraduate studies are required to appear for the Gaokao Exam. 

The maximum score in this exam is 750. Students need more than 600 points to secure a place at the best universities in China. If you didn't get the required score, you can appear in this exam again. The Gaokao is typically a two-day exam, requiring students to perform at their best under immense pressure. A high score on the Gaokao exam will give you options to choose from major universities and courses.

Why Gaokao Exam is the Toughest Exam in the World

• High Competition: More than 13 million Chinese students appear in the exam for about 50,000 to 60,000 seats in top national universities in China. It means for every seat, 260 students are competing. The success rate will be near 0.003% to 0.004%.
• Exam Pressure: The exam duration is 9 hours. The exam authority conducts this exam in 2 to 3 days. In these three days, students face intense exam pressure. It's really tough for any kids to such stress after preparing for an exam.

We have kept the Gaokao Exam on the first rank in the list of the top 10 toughest exams in the world, as not every applicant manages to pass this exam due to its difficulty level.

Since, the article includes the all the major toughest exam in world, you can also check Top 10 Easiest Exams in World.

2. JEE Advanced Exam

The IIT JEE Advanced is one of the toughest exams in India and the second most difficult exam in the world. Candidates looking to get admission to the reputed Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are required to appear for the IIT-JEE Advanced exam. The JEE Advanced is a national-level entrance exam to get admission into undergraduate engineering courses offered by IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology).

Every year, more than 1 million students appear for the JEE Main exam and only 10 to 20% of them manage to pass the exam and appear in JEE Advanced exam. Candidates should note that undergraduate admissions to IITs involve a multi-tier selection process that includes qualifying for the JEE Mains exam followed by the JEE Advanced exam. Due to the difficulty level and popularity of this exam. We have kept this exam on 2nd rank in the list of the top 10 toughest exams in world. Check out some of the latest data below:

Why is IIT JEE Exam One of the World's Toughest Exams?

• High Number of Applicants: Lakhs of students appear for the JEE Mains, the first stage. But only a tiny fraction qualify for JEE Advanced, which selects students for the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This intense competition makes even a slight slip-up costly.
• Depth and Difficulty of Material: The IIT-JEE goes beyond basic concepts and delves into advanced topics within Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Solving these problems requires not just rote memorization but a strong grasp of underlying principles and the ability to apply them creatively.
• Time Management and Pressure: The exam format is designed to assess a student's ability to perform under pressure. With a limited timeframe and a large number of questions, candidates need to be exceptional at time management and maintaining focus while tackling complex problems.

These elements combine to make the IIT-JEE a truly demanding exam, requiring dedication, in-depth knowledge, and the ability to perform under pressure. It's a significant hurdle for students aiming to secure a coveted seat in an IIT.

Here is the success rate summary of the JEE Advanced Exam

Also Read:

• 20 Top Engineering Colleges in the World
• Top 10 Engineering Courses Abroad

3. UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE)

When you hear the question, which is the toughest exam in India? UPSC Civil Services Exam comes to your mind. The toughest exam in India is the UPSC Civil Services Exam. It is popularly known as IAS exam in a common language. Aspirants who are looking to serve the country in administrative posts need to pass this exam.

Conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Civil Services Exam is a national-level exam held in three stages, Prelims, Mains and an interview round. The purpose of this exam is to recruit young bureaucrats as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and various other Central Civil Services. Just to give you an idea about the importance of the exam - all the ministries and the departments in the union and state governments are headed by the IAS officers which makes this exam the toughest exam in India.

Why UPSC CSE Exam is Considered the World's Toughest Exam?

• Tough Syllabus: UPSC Syllabus is tough. It covers a lot of subjects, like Indian history, government, science, current events, and even ethics. You need to know a read about each subject to do well. It's one of the hardest exams in India.
• High Competition: A large number of candidates apply each year. Around 900+ candidates compete for just 1 job! This makes the competition intense.
• Tough Selection Process: The rigorous selection process, including the written exam and interview, filters out only the most deserving candidates.

Conquering the UPSC CSE is no small feat. It requires a combination of intellectual prowess, unwavering determination, and a genuine desire to contribute to India's growth. Those who emerge victorious not only earn immense prestige but also embark on a fulfilling career path, shaping the future of the nation's bureaucracy.

4. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam 

The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam is a unique combination of high competition, a dual focus on specialized and broad knowledge, a demand for originality and critical thinking, unconventional questions, and immense pressure for excellence. This amalgamation makes it a truly challenging test of intellectual brilliance for aspiring scholars.

Why is All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam Considered One of the Toughest Exams in the World? 

Imagine this: You're a brilliant historian, but suddenly you're presented with a philosophical question about the nature of consciousness or a literary analysis prompt requiring you to draw connections across diverse disciplines. This is the kind of versatility and intellectual agility expected in the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam. The following are the key factors which make the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam - One of the toughest exams in the world:

• Exclusivity and Competition: Only a handful of applicants are shortlisted each year, making the competition fierce. It attracts brilliant minds across the Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Dual Focus: The exam format requires excellence in two areas:
  • Specialist Papers: These in-depth exams test your mastery of knowledge within your chosen field (e.g., Classics, Law, History).
  • General Papers: These broad-ranging essays push you to think critically and creatively outside your specific area of expertise.
• Originality and Depth: The expectation isn't just about regurgitating facts. You need to demonstrate critical thinking, insightful analysis, and the ability to engage with complex ideas in a fresh and original way.
• Unconventional Questions: Gone are the days of rote memorization and standard answers. The exam throws unique and thought-provoking questions at you, requiring you to think on your feet and showcase your intellectual agility.
• Pressure for Excellence: Given the high prestige of the fellowship, the pressure to perform at an exceptional level is immense. This can be particularly demanding for young scholars at the beginning of their careers.

5. USMLE

Why is USMLE Considered A World's Toughest Exam? 

• Pass Rates: Across its three steps, the USMLE has varying pass rates that reflect its difficulty. For instance, Step 1 has historically had pass rates around 94-96% for first-time US and Canadian medical school graduates, indicating a significant challenge even for well-prepared candidates. Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) typically sees pass rates around 94-97%, while Step 3 has pass rates around 96-97% for first-time test-takers.

• Preparation Time: Candidates typically spend extensive time preparing for each step of the USMLE. On average, medical students report dedicating several months to over a year of intense study and practice to feel adequately prepared for the exams.

• Competitiveness: The USMLE Step 1 is particularly competitive, with scores heavily influencing residency program selections. Medical graduates often feel pressured to achieve high scores due to the competitive nature of residency placements in various specialities.

• 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 specialities.

• Career Impact: Passing the USMLE is a critical milestone for medical professionals seeking licensure in the US. Success in these exams not only opens doors to residency programs but also impacts future career opportunities and specialization choices.

6. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam

The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination consists of three parts: a theory examination (an oral examination and not written), a deductive tasting of six wines, and a practical wine service examination. The minimum passing score for each of the three sections is 75%. Candidates are required to exhibit a high standard of both technical and social skills throughout the examination and demonstrate the courtesy and charm of a Master Sommelier. It is also essential that the candidate demonstrate excellent salesmanship. Students who pass the Advanced Sommelier Examination (on average about 25%-30%) are eligible to apply to take the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination itself. The pass rate for the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination-THEORY is approximately 10%.

Why is the Master Sommelier Diploma Among the World's Toughest Exams?

• Comprehensive Knowledge: This exam requires detailed knowledge of a variety of Grapes, winemaking, wine service etiquette and wine pairing with food.
• High Standards: This exam was first conducted in the year 1969. In these 50+ years, only 269 people in the world were able to crack this exam. This shows the high standard of the Master Sommelier Diploma exam, making it a challenging hurdle to overcome.
• Hard Preparation: A lot of time and effort is required to prepare for this exam which includes extensive study, practice, and mentorship.
• High Competition: After passing this exam, candidates can earn crores as a salary package. Due to this, every year many students appear for the exam.

7. ICAI CA/ ICMAI CMA Exams

Conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the ICAI exam or CA exam and the Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) exam conducted by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) are two of the toughest exams in India that cater to a similar audience base. Commerce graduates looking to pursue a career in accounting, auditing, cost management, finance or taxation are required to appear for either of these professional courses. Not only do both exams follow an identical course structure but they also register low pass percentages every year. Both exams are conducted at three different levels as per the CA/CMA courses. To be certified as a CA/ CMA, candidates have to clear all the course levels. The three-course levels are

• CA/ CMA Foundation course
• CA/ CMA Intermediate examination 
• CA/ CMA Final examination 

Why is the ICAI CA/ ICMAI CMA Exams Among the World's Toughest Exams?

• Vast Syllabus: The syllabus of both exams covers a wide range of subjects such as accounting, auditing, taxation, law, economics, finance, and more. To study The syllabus delves into intricate details and requires a comprehensive understanding of complex concepts.
• Limited Seats: The number of seats available for the CA and CMA courses is limited, leading to intense competition among aspirants.

8. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE certification) is a series of technical certifications for senior networking professionals who design, build, implement, maintain and troubleshoot complex enterprise networking infrastructures. The CCIE certification program is divided into six separate series, or tracks, and includes the following: collaboration, data centre, routing and switching, security, service provider, and wireless.

9. Mensa International

Founded in 1946 in England, Mensa is not an exam it is a society of members who have scored in the upper 2% of the general population on an approved intelligence test. The society is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions. There are over 145,000 Mensans in roughly 90 countries throughout the world. The sole purpose of the group is to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity; encourage research into the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence and provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members.

10. CFA

Chartered Financial Analyst or CFA is one of the most sought-after designations for investment professionals across the globe. The CFA course is regarded as the world’s most respected and recognized designation in finance and investment management. Candidates pursuing the course gain insights into the finance and investment industry to add value to their skills. Candidates are required to clear three-course levels (CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, CFA Level 3) to be awarded the charter holder designation by the CFA Institute.

Also Read: CFA Salary in USA

From the article, we can conclude that the Gaokao Exam in China, IIT JEE Advanced, Civil Services Exam (CSE)/UPSC, All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam and USMLE are the top five toughest exams in the world. Students need to prepare hard and a deep mastery of complex subjects to crack any of the world's toughest exams. These exams are not just assessments of a candidate but a key player in deciding the future of the test taker.

That's all about the topic. We hope that you have got the information, you are looking for. Candidates can get in touch with us with their queries about the 'Toughest Exams in the World' in the comments section below.