List of Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World in 2024: Latest Guide
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Are you ready to discover the toughest exams in the world? In this blog, we unveil the top 10 toughest exams in the world for 2024. Among the top are the Gaokao in China with a pass rate of around 25%, and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam, which sees a mere 10% pass rate for all three levels, GATE, GRE and more. Dive in to see what it takes to conquer these formidable challenges!
Toughest Exams in the World: Top 10 Toughest Exams
We've all experienced the anxiety of preparing for tough exams and awaiting results. But have you ever wondered, "What are the toughest exams in the world?" Here, we present a comprehensive list of the top 10 toughest exams in the world, recognized for their extreme difficulty and rigorous preparation.
Notably, the toughest exam in the world as per Guinness book is the CFA exam. Discover which countries have the hardest exams and what it takes to succeed in the following table:
| Exam | Accepted Locations | Qualification Rate | Duration of Exam | Brief Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaokao Exam | China | 0.25% | 9 hours | Held annually, over two days for students looking to pursue undergraduate studies |
| IIT JEE Advanced Exam | India | 24% | 3 hours | National engineering entrance examination for Indian Institutes of Technology. |
| UPSC/Civil Services Exam | India | 0.20% | 2-3 hours | Central government exam for Civil Services, known for its comprehensive syllabus and depth. |
| Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) | India | 18% | 3 hours | National-level exam for engineering and technology students applying to postgraduate programmes. |
| Graduate Record Examination (GRE) | India | 40% | 3 hours 45 minutes | A standardized test for graduate and business school admissions in the Overseas. |
| Master Sommelier Diploma Exam | World-wide | 10% | Part 1: 50 minutes Part 2: No time limit Part 3: 25 minutes |
Exam for wine experts to assess knowledge and skills in wine tasting, pairing, and service. |
| ICAI CA/ ICMAI Exam | World-wide | Group 1: 11% Group 2: 32% |
2-3 hours for each paper | An exam for finance professionals that covers investment management & financial analysis. |
| Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert | World-wide | 30% | 2 hours | Certification exam for networking experts, testing knowledge of Cisco networking solutions. |
| Mensa International | World-wide | 2% | 40 minutes | The high IQ society membership test assesses intelligence quotient (IQ) level. |
| Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam | World-wide | 10% | 135 minutes | Tests your reading, math, writing, and thinking skills for a master's or PhD program. |
Know the exams you need to study abroad! Read this blog: Top 10 Exams to be written to study abroad!
Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World: Which Countries Have the Hardest Exams?
1. Toughest Exam: Gaokao Exam in China
China's Gaokao, one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world, takes place in June and spans 2 days, testing math, Japanese, foreign language, and elective courses. Known for its intense pressure, high difficulty, and high cheating rates, drones are used to detect fraud. Despite being held in all provinces and crucial for university admissions, the Gaokao's extreme stress has led to instances of students fainting and even suicides, making it one of the toughest exams in the world.
| Country of Exam | China |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Exam for high school students to enter colleges |
| Number of Students Attended (2023) | 12.91 million |
| Dates of Exam | 7 - 8 June every year |
2. Toughest Exam: IIT JEE Advanced
The IIT JEE Advanced, one of the top 10 tough exams in the world, is a national-level test in India for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). As part of a multi-tiered selection process starting with JEE Mains, this challenging exam determines entry into undergraduate engineering, science, and architecture programs.
Known for its rigorous difficulty, it also offers Siemens scholarships to successful candidates, highlighting India's reputation for having some of the hardest exams.
| Country of Exam | India |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Entry to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for undergraduates |
| Number of Students Attended (2024) | 1,80,200 |
| Dates of Exam (2024) | 26 May |
3. Toughest Exam: UPSC/Civil Services
India's Civil Services Exam, also known as the IAS exam, is one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world. Conducted by the UPSC, it consists of prelims, mains, and an interview round, aiming to recruit candidates for the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Police Services (IPS), and other central civil services.
As the most prestigious and challenging exam in India, it places IAS officers at the helm of all union and state government ministries and departments, solidifying India's reputation for having some of the hardest exams in the world.
| Country of Exam | India |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Recruitment for administrative positions including IFS, IPS, and IAS Recruitment to administrative posts such as IAS, IPS and IFS |
| Number of Applicants (2024) | 46,00,000 |
| Dates of Exam (2024) | 16 June |
4. Toughest Exam: GATE
The GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is one of the top 10 tough exams in the world, held in India and other countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Known for its extreme competitiveness, GATE assesses students' understanding of engineering concepts and is crucial for admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and IISC.
Conducted by the Indian Institute of Science and 7 IITs, this challenging 3-hour exam also gauges skills for some colleges in Germany and Singapore, reinforcing India's reputation for having some of the hardest exams in the world.
| Country of Exam | India |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Admission to Post Graduate studies recruitment |
| Number of Students (2024) | 6,53,292 |
| Dates of Exam (2024) | 3 February |
5. Toughest Exam: GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), administered by ETS, is one of the top 10 tough exams in the world, required for admission to graduate or business schools globally. Accepted in over 90 countries, including the US, it tests students' readiness for MS or MBA programs. This challenging 3-hour and 45-minute exam, available year-round at test centers or online, underscores why countries like the US are known for having some of the hardest exams in the world.
| Country of Exam | Accepted World-wide |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Admission to MS and MBA Programs |
| Number of Students (2023) | 1,13,304 |
| Dates of Exam (2024) | 7 - 20 April |
6. Toughest Exam: Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination has three parts: an oral theory exam, a deductive tasting of six wines, and a practical wine service exam, each requiring a minimum score of 75% to pass. Candidates must display high technical and social skills, courtesy, charm, and excellent salesmanship. After passing the Advanced Sommelier Examination, which has a pass rate of about 25%-30%, candidates can apply for the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination, where the theory exam pass rate is approximately 10%.
7. Toughest Exam: ICAI CA/ ICMAI Exam
The ICAI exam (CA) and the ICMAI exam (CMA) are two of India's toughest exams for commerce graduates aiming for careers in accounting, auditing, cost management, finance, or taxation. Both exams have low pass rates and are conducted at three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final, with certification requiring passing all levels.
| Parameters | Chartered Accountant (CA) Exam | Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Country | 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 | |
| Duration of Exam | 2 to 3 hours duration for each paper | Foundation: 120 mins Intermediate and Final exam: 180 mins |
| Pass percentage (Both Groups) | CA Final (Nov 2023): 9.42% | (2016 Syllabus) CMA Final {Dec 2023}: 10.53% (2022 Syllabus) CMA Final {Dec 2023}: 25.76% |
8. Toughest Exam: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification is for senior networking professionals who design, implement, and maintain complex enterprise networks. It includes six tracks: collaboration, data center, routing and switching, security, service provider, and wireless.
9. Toughest Exam: Mensa International
Founded in 1946 in England, Mensa is a society for individuals who score in the top 2% on an approved intelligence test. It is non-political, free from racial or religious distinctions, and has over 145,000 members in about 90 countries. The group's purpose is to foster human intelligence, encourage research, and provide a stimulating environment for its members. There are over 1,500 Mensa members in India. Visit their official website for more information and to take the Mensa IQ Challenge.
10. Toughest Exam: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly sought after by investment professionals globally and is considered the most respected in finance and investment management. Candidates must clear three levels (CFA Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) to earn the charter holder designation from the CFA Institute.
Confused about choosing your country to study? Worry not, read this to know complete details: 7 Best Countries To Study Abroad for Indian Students!
Toughest Medical Exam in the World: Top 5 Toughest Medical Exams
Aspiring to become a medical professional involves navigating some of the tough exams in the world. Here's a look at the top 5 toughest medical exams in the world, renowned for their rigorous standards and challenging content, testing the limits of even the most dedicated students.
| Medical Exam | Exam Dates (2024) | Passing Rate | Duration Of Exam | Application Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Medical Licensing Examination(USMLE) | Based on Self-picked slot by the candidate | 50 - 60% | Step 1: 8 hours Step 2: 9 hours |
₹81456.42 for each step |
| National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) | 5 May | 56% | 3 hours 20 minutes | ₹1700 |
| Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) | First Exam: Jan 12 Last Exam: Sept 14 |
0.02% | 7.5 hours | ₹27,060 |
| Foreign Pre-Medical Entrance Test (FPMT) | July - Aug | 5% - 35% | 3 hours | No Application Fees |
| Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) | Jan | 47% | 1 hour 30 minutes | ₹1600 |
Just Cracked Your Medical Exam? Before you start your medical career journey, consider reading about the Top Medical Colleges in the World!
Also Read: Top 10 Money-Saving Tips While living Abroad!
Tips To Crack the Toughest Exams in the World
If you plan to attempt one of the tough exams in the world, now is the time to organize your preparation period accordingly. Before diving into your study sessions, it's crucial to understand how to embark on this exciting journey. Check out the exam preparation tips below:
- Arrange Your Study Space: Ensure you have a conducive study space before starting your preparation. Opt for a room with proper lighting and airflow to maintain positivity and motivation while tackling the top 10 toughest exams in the world.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Exam: Understand the exam pattern, including the duration, sections, types of questions, and other essential details, whether you're preparing for the toughest medical exam in the world or any other challenging test.
- Prepare a Timetable: Drafting a timetable can help track your progress and stay motivated. It ensures you cover all portions systematically, essential for conquering the toughest exams in the world.
- Practice Note Making: Making notes aids memory retention and is beneficial during the revision process.
- Use Maps, Flow Charts, and Diagrams: Visual aids like maps and flowcharts help remember concepts and ideas, crucial for mastering complex subjects in the toughest medical exam in the world.
- Attempt Previous Year's Question Papers, Mock Tests, and Sample Papers: Solving old question papers familiarizes you with the exam pattern and question types, vital for the toughest exams in the world.
- Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify your strong and weak points through mock tests and work on the difficult areas separately.
- Take Adequate Breaks: Balance your study plan with breaks to avoid burnout. Short breaks can restore your energy and keep you focused.
- Start Your Revisions Early: Allocate time for revisions to go through the entire syllabus and remember all critical points. Use your study notes and flowcharts for effective revisions, especially for the toughest medical exam in the world.
Crack The Toughest Exams With GetGIS
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Frequently Asked Questions
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