Latest update: In 2025, 29 provincial-level regions in China have adopted the “3+1+2” model, covering 98% of all Gaokao candidates, up from partial rollouts in earlier years.
Some exams are just hard, and then there are the ones that truly push you to your limits. The toughest exams in the world don’t just check what you have studied; they test your patience, speed, and ability to stay focused under pressure.
Take the UPSC exam in India, and only 1 out of every 1,000 applicants clears it. China’s Gaokao is taken by over 10 million students every year, but only a small fraction get into top universities. These exams aren’t impossible, but they’re close.
Whether it’s for civil services, medicine, law, or engineering, these tests are known for low pass rates, intense prep, and huge competition. If you have ever wondered which exams are the hardest to crack, this list has your answer.
Here is a look at the Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World in 2025:
Gaokao Exam (China) – A make-or-break test for Chinese students.
JEE Advanced Exam (India) – The gateway to India’s top engineering colleges.
Mensa IQ Test (Global) – The ultimate measure of intelligence.
CFA (Global) – One of the hardest finance exams with a low pass rate.
These exams demand focus, strategic preparation, and exceptional intellect. If you are curious about what makes them so challenging, let’s break them down in detail.
10 Toughest Exams in the World
The following exams are considered the hardest due to their strict selection process, challenging syllabus, and intense competition. Each test demands strategic preparation, critical thinking, and perseverance.
1. Gaokao (China)
The Gaokao is China’s national college entrance exam and is considered one of the most stressful and competitive exams in the world. It determines admission to Chinese universities and is a decisive factor in a student’s future prospects. The exam covers multiple subjects, including Chinese, Mathematics, and a foreign language.
Pass Rate
Acceptance into top universities:0.05% to 0.3%
Overall pass rate: ~25%
Fees:
Fees range from¥100–¥250 CNY (approx. INR 1,200– INR 3,000)
Exam Structure
Compulsory Subjects: Chinese, Mathematics, and a foreign language (usually English).
Elective Subjects: Science Stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or Arts Stream (History, Politics, Geography).
Duration: 9 hours across 2 or 3 days.
Why It’s Tough & Tips for Success
Challenges
Tips for Success
Extremely high competition with 10+ million students appearing every year.
Follow a structured study plan and prioritize weak subjects.
The exam requires memorization of vast amounts of information.
Use mnemonics and memory techniques to retain critical information.
Intense pressure results determine university admissions.
Practice stress management techniques like meditation and exercise.
Some questions require creative thinking and problem-solving rather than rote learning.
Solve past exam papers and focus on logical reasoning.
2. JEE Advanced Exam (India)
JEE Advanced is India’s toughest engineering entrance exam, used for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Only the top 2.5 lakh scorers in JEE Main are allowed to appear, and even fewer are cut.
Pass Rate
~30.1% overall qualified (54,378 out of 180,422 appeared in 2025)
Fees
Indian candidates: INR 1,600 – INR 3,200 (based on category)
Foreign candidates: Up to USD 300
Exam Structure
Mode: Computer-based
Papers: 2 (both mandatory)
Duration: 3 hours per paper (6 hours total)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Why It’s Tough & Tips for Success
Challenges
Tips for Success
High competition with 1.5M students appearing and <1% securing IIT admission.
Start early with a 3-4 year study plan and focus on fundamentals.
Requires deep conceptual understanding rather than memorization.
Solve previous years’ questions and strengthen problem-solving skills.
Negative marking system increases difficulty.
Practice mock tests regularly to improve accuracy.
High-stakes exam that determines entry into IITs.
Follow a structured timetable and maintain consistent revision.
3. Civil Services Exam (UPSC, India)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam is one of the world’s most rigorous government exams. It selects candidates for prestigious positions such as IAS, IPS, and IFS in India’s bureaucracy.
The exam requires knowledge across diverse subjects like history, geography, polity, economy, and current affairs.
Pass Rate
Over 1 million apply every year
Less than 0.2% finally get selected
Fees:
Preliminary: INR 100.
Mains: INR 200.
No fee for SC/ST/Female/PwD candidates
Exam Structure
Preliminary Exam: Two objective papers (General Studies & CSAT).
Mains Exam: Nine descriptive papers covering various subjects.
Interview: Personality test assessing leadership and decision-making.
Why It’s Tough & Tips for Success
Challenges
Tips for Success
Covers vast subjects, including governance, history, and current affairs.
Read NCERT books and newspapers daily (The Hindu, Indian Express).
Three-stage exam with a year-long process.
Follow a well-structured study plan for Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Intense competition with 1M+ aspirants and only 1,000 selections.
Attempt mock tests and analyze mistakes.
Requires strong analytical and writing skills for the Mains.
Improve essay-writing and answer structuring.
4. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam (Oxford, UK)
Oxford’s All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam is often called one of the toughest exams in the world. Every year, only two (sometimes none or three) candidates are selected from a few dozen applicants for a prestigious seven-year research fellowship at All Souls College.
The exam assesses advanced critical thinking, reasoning, and essay-writing abilities, with no fixed syllabus.
Pass Rate
Candidates/year: Several dozen, often ~50 to 150
Fellowships awarded: typically 2 (occasionally 1 or 3; sometimes none)
Success rate: < 1%, roughly 1–2% in some estimates
Fees:
No registration fee for eligible candidates.
Exam Structure:
Duration: 4 written papers over 2 days, each 3 hours
2 general papers exploring broad intellectual prompts
Viva voce: Shortlisted candidates (typically 4–6) face a 25-minute oral with multiple Fellows
The one-word essay (e.g., “water”, “bias”, “integrity”), once part of the exam, has been scrapped.
Why It’s Tough & Tips for Success
Challenges
Tips for Success
No fixed syllabus, tests pure intellectual depth.
Read philosophy, history, and politics extensively.
Requires exceptional analytical and essay-writing skills.
Practice writing structured, persuasive essays.
The one-word essay prompt demands deep interpretation.
Develop critical reasoning and originality in thought.
5. USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination, USA)
The USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is a multi-step exam required for medical graduates to practice medicine in the United States. The test is globally recognized for its rigorous assessment of medical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and patient care abilities.
Pass Rate
Step 1: ~94% (U.S. MD) | ~67% (international)
Step 2 CK: ~96% (U.S. MD) | ~80% (international)
Step 3: ~97% (U.S. MD) | ~86% (international)
Fees:
Steps 1 & 2 CK: $1,000–$1,500 each
Step 3: $895 (as of 2025)
Total Cost: ~$3,500–$4,000 ( INR 2.9–3.3 lakh, approx.)
Exam Structure
Step 1: Focuses on basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, etc.)
Step 2 CK: Clinical knowledge and diagnostic skills
Step 3: Assesses readiness for independent practice
Total Duration: Taken in 3 parts over multiple years
Why It’s Tough & Tips for Success
Challenges
Tips for Success
Requires 4+ years of medical knowledge.
Use First Aid USMLE and UWorld practice tests.
Covers a vast range of medical concepts.
Revise high-yield topics frequently.
Clinical decision-making and patient interactions are tested.
Practice case studies and clinical scenarios.
6. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
The Master Sommelier Diploma is considered one of the toughest professional qualifications in the world, demanding mastery of theory, tasting, and service. It tests expertise in wine regions, service, tasting, and identification, requiring candidates to memorize thousands of wines by taste, aroma, and origin.
Pass Rate
Overall pass rate hovers around 3–8%; often cited as approximately 8%, meaning only about 1 in 70 candidates pass overall.
Fees:
Approximately $1,000 per attempt.
Exam Structure
Theory (oral): Test on viticulture, wine regions, laws, spirits, cigars 75% needed to pass.
Service (practical): Tableside service, wine recommendations, handling customer scenarios.
Blind tasting: Identify six wines by taste, varietal, region, and vintage within 25 minutes.
Each section requires ≥ 75% to pass.
Why It’s Tough & Tips for Success
Challenges
Tips for Success
Requires identification of wines blindly.
Train with daily wine-tasting sessions.
Memorization of 10,000+ wine varieties.
Study global wine history and production.
One of the rarest certifications, only 300 people have passed in 50 years.
Practice under a certified Master Sommelier mentor.
7. ICAI CA / ICMAI CMA (India)
The Chartered Accountant (CA) and Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) exams are India’s most challenging finance and accounting certifications. They test knowledge in taxation, auditing, cost management, and corporate finance, with multiple levels of assessment.
Pass Rate
Group I: 74,887 appeared → 20,479 passed, i.e., 27.35%
Group II: 58,891 appeared → 21,408 passed, i.e,. 36.35%
Both Groups: 35,819 appeared → 7,122 passed, i.e,. 19.88%
Pass requirement: minimum 40% per paper + 50% aggregate in each group
Why It’s Tough & Tips for Success
Challenges
Tips for Success
An extensive syllabus covering accounting, law, taxation, and auditing.
Focus on concept clarity and practical applications.
Low pass rates require multiple attempts for most candidates.
Attempt mock tests and solve previous years’ papers.
The Final exam demands in-depth case study analysis.
Strengthen financial modeling and taxation laws knowledge.
8. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is one of the most prestigious and technically demanding networking certifications in the world. It validates an engineer’s ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex enterprise networking solutions.
The exam is divided into two parts: a written qualifying test and an intensive 8-hour hands-on lab that pushes candidates to their limits.
Written Exam (2 hours): Covers advanced networking topics like routing, switching, security, automation, and enterprise networking.
Lab Exam (8 hours):
First Section (3 hours): Diagnosing complex networking issues using real Cisco equipment.
Second Section (5 hours): Implementing a full-fledged network based on a given scenario.
Why It’s Tough & Tips for Success
Challenges
Tips for Success
Requires deep knowledge of multiple networking domains.
Gain hands-on experience with Cisco labs and real equipment.
The 8-hour lab test demands extensive troubleshooting skills.
Practice with CCIE workbooks and real-time simulations.
Low pass rates often require multiple attempts.
Join CCIE bootcamps and peer study groups.
9. Mensa IQ Test
The Mensa IQ Test is an elite intelligence assessment designed to identify individuals with superior cognitive abilities. Mensa, the world's largest and oldest high-IQ society, only accepts individuals who score in the top 2% of the global population.
The test primarily measures logical reasoning, pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills, making it one of the most selective IQ assessments in the world.
Pass Rate
Only 2% of test-takers qualify for Mensa membership.
You must score above the 98th percentile on an approved IQ test
Fees:
Typically ranges between $40–$60 (approx. INR 3,300– INR 5,000) depending on location.
Exam Structure
Time Limit: 75 to 120 minutes
Two types of tests:
Culture-fair test: Includes abstract, non-verbal puzzles to ensure fairness across all cultures.
Standard IQ test: Includes verbal reasoning, number series, and pattern recognition questions.
No prior knowledge is tested; pure intelligence is assessed.
Why It’s Tough & Tips for Success
Challenges
Tips for Success
Requires a high IQ score (130+ on most scales).
Practice with official Mensa sample questions.
Focuses on abstract reasoning and complex problem-solving.
Train with logical puzzles, brain teasers, and pattern games.
Time pressure, only 30-45 minutes to complete.
Develop fast problem-solving techniques.
No fixed syllabus, tests innate intelligence, not knowledge.
Improve mental agility through chess, math puzzles, and strategy games.
10. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Exam
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam is regarded as the toughest finance certification globally, designed for professionals aiming for expertise in investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management.
Conducted by the CFA Institute, the exam consists of three levels, each progressively more complex, covering topics like equity valuation, fixed income, risk management, derivatives, and corporate finance.
Pass Rate
Level I (May 2025): 45% passed (24,227 appeared)
Level II (May 2025): 54% passed (15,000 appeared)
Level III (Feb 2025): 49% passed (11,131 appeared)
Less than 10% of candidates complete all three levels successfully.
Fees:
Total cost for all three exams: USD 3,520 - 4,600 (approx. INR 2.95–3.85 lakh) depending on your registration window and deadlines.
One-time enrollment fee: USD 350 (approx. INR 29,000), applies to Level I for exams scheduled before February 2026.
Exam Structure
Level 1:
240 multiple-choice questions covering financial concepts, ethics, and investment tools.
Level 2:
Focuses on applying financial concepts to real-world case studies.
Contains vignette-style (long passage) questions.
Level 3:
Emphasizes portfolio management and investment decision-making.
Includes essay-based and case-study-based questions.
Why It’s Tough & Tips for Success
Challenges
Tips for Success
Requires over 900+ hours of study across all three levels.
Follow a structured study plan using CFA Institute materials.
Extremely low pass rates (10-30%).
Attempt mock tests and practice time management.
Covers a vast syllabus across multiple financial disciplines.
Focus on high-weightage topics like ethics, equity, and portfolio management.
Requires a deep understanding of complex financial instruments.
Use practical applications, invest in stocks, and analyze market trends.
Other Extremely Challenging Exams Around the World
While the top 8 toughest exams stand out, several other rigorous assessments test candidates' intellect, skills, and endurance.
Here are some other exams that are exceptionally difficult, spanning medical, law, finance, and competitive entrance tests across the world.
Honorable Mentions: The World’s Most Difficult Exams
A must for top MBA programs, testing complex problem-solving, logic, and analytical writing under tight time constraints.
IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test, Italy & Europe)
High-stakes medical entrance exam for non-EU students, demanding expertise in biology, chemistry, and logical reasoning.
IIM CAT (Common Admission Test, India)
India’s toughest MBA entrance exam with extreme competition and sections on logical reasoning, quantitative skills, and verbal ability.
STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia, Malaysia)
Malaysia’s hardest pre-university exam, with an A-Level-style curriculum in science, mathematics, and humanities.
How to Prepare for the World’s Toughest Exams
With pass rates as low as 2-5% in exams like Gaokao and UPSC, smart preparation is key. Here’s how to boost your chances of success:
Break Down the Syllabus – Massive subjects like CFA and JEE Advanced can feel overwhelming. Split them into small, manageable sections to stay organized.
Master Time Management – Try the Pomodoro Technique: 25-minute study sprints with 5-minute breaks to boost focus without burnout.
Take Mock Tests – Many CAT toppers attempt 20-30 mocks before the real exam. Simulating exam conditions improves accuracy and speed.
Revise Smartly – Use spaced repetition to improve recall by 80%. Reviewing information at strategic intervals strengthens long-term memory.
Consider Professional Coaching – Tough exams like UPSC and CA often have higher success rates among coached candidates. Expert guidance can simplify complex topics.
Study in Groups – Group discussions help clarify doubts, strengthen concepts, and keep motivation high. Teaching others reinforces your own learning.
Prioritize Sleep & Exercise – A 7-8 hour sleep cycle and regular physical activity sharpen focus and improve memory retention.
Manage Stress Effectively – Deep breathing, mindfulness, and journaling can enhance concentration and keep anxiety in check during high-pressure exams.
By following these strategies, you can maximize efficiency, retain knowledge better, and stay mentally sharp for the toughest exams in the world.
Conclusion
When we talk about the Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World in 2025, it's not just about low pass rates or complex questions. What makes these exams brutal is the mix of academic pressure, competition, and life-changing outcomes.
From Gaokao to JEE Advanced, UPSC, and CFA, each exam demands serious prep, focus, and stamina. But remember, cracking them isn’t just about intelligence. It’s about how well you manage time, stress, and strategy.
upGrad Abroad helps you stay focused, organized, and motivated throughout your exam journey.Get expert support, proven strategies, and the resources you need to achieve your goals.
1. What is the toughest exam in the world right now?
The Gaokao, China’s national college entrance exam, is widely seen as the toughest due to its sheer scale, high stakes, and extreme competition. With over 10 million test-takers and a tiny acceptance rate at top universities, it’s often described as a make-or-break moment in a student’s life.
2. Which are the 3 toughest exams in India apart from JEE?
Apart from JEE Advanced, UPSC Civil Services Exam, ICAI CA, and NEET are often listed as the most challenging. These exams demand years of preparation, deep subject knowledge, and mental resilience. The low selection rates only make them harder to crack.
3. Is IIT-JEE the hardest exam in the world?
JEE Advanced is among the hardest, especially because of its conceptual difficulty and low selection rate. However, when compared globally, exams like Gaokao and the All Souls Fellowship Exam may surpass it in terms of pressure, duration, or intellectual challenge.
4. Which is the 2nd toughest exam globally?
There’s no official ranking, but many argue that UPSC or All Souls Prize Fellowship could be contenders for second place. Both demand in-depth analytical thinking and have extremely low success rates. The context and purpose of the exam often determine its difficulty.
5. What makes an exam “tough” or difficult?
It's not just about how hard the questions are. Factors like competition, syllabus depth, duration, pass rates, and what’s at stake all contribute. An exam with easier questions can still be brutal if millions are competing for a few seats.
6. Why do exams like UPSC or Gaokao have such low pass rates?
These exams filter out the top percentile of candidates for elite roles, civil servants, university admissions, etc. Naturally, the bar is set high, and the evaluation process is rigorous. They’re built to be selective, not inclusive.
7. Can international students appear for these exams?
Some, yes. For example, international students can take the CFA, USMLE, or Mensa tests. However, exams like the Gaokao or UPSC are typically for citizens or residents. Always check the specific eligibility criteria on the official site before planning.
8. Is cracking a tough exam all about intelligence?
Not really. Discipline, consistency, time management, and stress-handling matter just as much, if not more. Many average students have cleared exams like JEE or UPSC through strategy and smart work, not just raw IQ.
9. What is the toughest medical exam in the world?
USMLE (for the USA) and NEET-PG (India) are two major contenders. USMLE is spread across multiple steps and tests everything from basic sciences to patient management. NEET-PG is a single-shot exam with limited seats and high competition.
10. Do coaching classes help with difficult exams?
They can help by giving structure, mentorship, and mock practice, but they’re not magic bullets. Self-study, understanding the exam pattern, and staying consistent are still the biggest factors. Plenty of toppers have succeeded without coaching.
11. How early should I start preparing for these kinds of exams?
Ideally, start 1–2 years in advance, especially for exams like JEE, UPSC, or CFA. That gives you enough time to cover the syllabus, revise, and attempt mock tests. The earlier you start, the more balanced and less stressful your prep will be.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them w...
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