Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World in 2025

Some exams are so difficult that they challenge even the best students. Whether it’s because of the huge amount of material to study, the intense competition, or the tricky questions, these exams are known for being some of the hardest in the world. In 2025, many people are preparing for these tough tests that can have a big impact on their future.

So, what makes these exams so hard?

• High competition: Thousands, sometimes millions, of people take these exams, and only a few succeed.
• Hard material: The subjects covered are often vast and deep, requiring serious study.
• Big stakes: These exams can determine your career path or educational future, adding to the pressure.

Here are the top 10 toughest exams around the world and what makes them so challenging.

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Toughest Exams in the World

Exams have always been a measure of skill, knowledge, and endurance, but some tests go beyond academics.

How Were These Exams Ranked?

• The pass rate and overall competition.
• The depth and complexity of the syllabus.
• The number of stages in the selection process.
• The exam’s global recognition and career impact.

Exam Name	Fees (Original Currency)	Competition
Gaokao (China)	¥200	Extremely high
IIT-JEE (India)	₹1,000 (Mains), ₹2,900 (Advanced)	Millions of candidates
UPSC (India)	₹100 (Prelims), ₹200 (Mains)	Less than 1% success rate
CFA (Global)	$900 per level	High, worldwide
Mensa IQ Test (Global)	$40 to $60	Global, competitive
LNAT (UK)	£75 (UK) / £120 (Intl.)	Thousands of applicants
GATE (India)	₹1,800	Thousands, high difficulty
USMLE (USA)	$1,000 per step	Highly competitive
All Souls Prize Fellowship (UK)	No fee	Global, demanding
Master Sommelier Diploma (Global)	$1,000	Extremely high competition

Note: INR conversions are approximate and may vary based on exchange rates.

1. Gaokao (China)

The Gaokao, or National College Entrance Examination, is China’s main test for university admissions. It plays a major role in determining which students qualify for top institutions like Tsinghua University and Peking University. Success can impact a student’s career opportunities significantly, making it a life-changing exam.

Difficulty Level:
Gaokao is tough because of its vast syllabus, intense competition, and limited top university seats. The exam requires deep understanding, critical thinking, and application of concepts, not just memorization.

Exam Structure:

• Duration: 2 to 3 days.
• Subjects: Chinese, Mathematics, Foreign Language (English), and either Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or Humanities (History, Geography, Politics).
• Format: Written exam with a mix of subjective and objective questions.
• Stages: Single-stage exam held once a year.

Fees:

• Approximately 200 CNY (varies by region).

Passing Rate:

• Less than 2% qualify for top-tier universities.
• Around 11 million students take the exam yearly.

Preparation Duration:

• Most students begin focused preparation 2-3 years in advance.

Notable Challenges:

• The syllabus is massive, covering multiple subjects in detail.
• High pressure due to the importance of results in university admissions.
• Competition is intense, with millions competing for limited seats.

Tips for Success:

• Break down subjects into smaller topics for easier understanding.
• Practice with previous years’ papers and mock tests regularly.
• Focus on weak areas early and revise regularly.
• Manage stress with breaks, healthy sleep, and physical activity.

2. IIT-JEE (India)

The IIT-Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) is India’s top engineering entrance test for admission into the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The exam is highly respected due to the IITs’ reputation for producing world-class engineers.

Difficulty Level:
The IIT-JEE is challenging because of its complex, application-based questions. It requires strong conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills across multiple subjects.

Exam Structure:

• Two Stages:
  • JEE Main: The qualifying round for JEE Advanced.
  • JEE Advanced: The final selection stage for IIT admissions.
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.
• Format:
  • JEE Main: Objective (MCQs).
  • JEE Advanced: MCQs, numerical-based questions, and matrix match.

Fees:

• JEE Main: ₹1,000 for male candidates, ₹500 for female candidates.
• JEE Advanced: ₹2,900 for general category candidates.

Passing Rate:

• Over 1.1 million students take JEE Main yearly.
• About 2.5 lakh qualify for JEE Advanced.
• Less than 1% secure a seat in the IITs.

Preparation Duration:

• Most students begin preparation from Grade 11 (around 2 years).

Notable Challenges:

• Advanced-level questions requiring critical thinking and application.
• Heavy syllabus spread across three subjects with deep concepts.
• Limited seats in top IITs, increasing the pressure to perform.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on building strong concepts rather than rote learning.
• Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests frequently.
• Time yourself during practice to build speed and accuracy.
• Revise formulas and concepts regularly for better retention.

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3. UPSC Civil Services Exam (India)

The UPSC Civil Services Exam selects candidates for India’s top administrative roles, including IAS, IPS, and IFS officers. It is known for its vast syllabus and highly selective nature, making it one of the toughest exams in the world.

Difficulty Level:
UPSC is difficult due to the wide range of subjects covered, including history, polity, geography, economics, ethics, and current affairs. The multi-stage selection process further adds to its complexity.

Exam Structure:

• Preliminary Exam: Two objective papers—General Studies and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test).
• Mains Exam: Nine descriptive papers, including one optional subject and an essay paper.
• Personality Test: Final interview stage to assess leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.

Fees:

• Preliminary: ₹100.
• Mains: ₹200.
• Reserved categories and female candidates often receive fee exemptions.

Passing Rate:

• Around 1 million candidates appear each year.
• Only 10,000 clear the prelims.
• Final success rate is around 0.2%.

Preparation Duration:

• Most candidates prepare for 1-2 years before attempting the exam.

Notable Challenges:

• Extremely vast syllabus covering multiple subjects and current affairs.
• Multi-stage process, making it lengthy and mentally demanding.
• The need for writing skills, general knowledge, and interview readiness.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on building a daily habit of reading newspapers and staying updated on current events.
• Prepare with a clear timetable, giving attention to both prelims and mains syllabus.
• Practice writing answers regularly to improve clarity and time management.
• Take mock interviews for the personality test stage.

4. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exam is a globally recognized certification for finance professionals. It tests expertise in investment management, financial analysis, and ethical standards. Earning the CFA credential can open doors to top roles in portfolio management, risk analysis, and financial consulting.

Difficulty Level:
The CFA exam is tough because of its wide syllabus, detailed questions, and multi-level structure. Each level requires both theoretical understanding and practical application of financial concepts. The pass rates are low, making it even more competitive.

Exam Structure:

• Three Levels: Level I, Level II, Level III.
• Subjects Covered: Ethics, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Reporting, Corporate Finance, Portfolio Management, and Derivatives.
• Format:
  • Level I: 180 multiple-choice questions over two sessions.
  • Level II: Vignette-style multiple-choice questions.
  • Level III: Case-study-based questions with essay-style responses.

Fees:

• Enrollment Fee: $350 (one-time).
• Exam Fees: $900 - $1,200 per level, depending on the registration date.

Passing Rate:

• Level I: Around 42%.
• Level II: Around 45%.
• Level III: Around 48%.

Preparation Duration:

• Typically 300-400 hours of study per level.
• Most candidates take 2-4 years to complete all three levels.

Notable Challenges:

• Complex financial concepts across multiple areas.
• High commitment with lengthy preparation time.
• Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world financial scenarios.

Tips for Success:

• Start early and break the syllabus into smaller sections.
• Focus on the Ethics section, as it carries significant weight in all levels.
• Practice with mock tests and CFA Institute-provided question banks.
• Join a study group or seek mentorship from CFA charterholders.

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5. Mensa IQ Test

The Mensa IQ Test measures human intelligence and logical reasoning. It is designed to identify individuals in the top 2% of the population based on cognitive abilities. Mensa membership is often seen as a mark of exceptional intelligence.

Difficulty Level:
The test is difficult because it assesses abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, and logical thinking rather than learned knowledge. No formal study materials exist, which makes it hard to prepare.

Exam Structure:

• Duration: Approximately 30-50 minutes.
• Format:
  • Non-verbal puzzles (patterns, sequences).
  • Logical and spatial reasoning questions.
• Scoring:
  • A score above 130 on the standard IQ scale is required for Mensa membership.

Fees:

• Typically ranges between $40 - $60, depending on location.

Passing Rate:

• Only the top 2% of test-takers qualify for Mensa membership.

Preparation Duration:

• No set preparation timeline, but candidates often practice with brain teasers and logic puzzles beforehand.

Notable Challenges:

• No specific syllabus or study material.
• Heavy focus on pattern recognition and abstract thinking.
• Strict time constraints for solving complex puzzles.

Tips for Success:

• Solve logic puzzles, pattern-based questions, and brain teasers regularly.
• Stay calm under pressure—thinking clearly matters more than speed.
• Avoid overthinking—trust your instincts on visual reasoning questions.

6. LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test – UK)

The LNAT is a standardized test used by top UK law schools, including Oxford, Cambridge, and King’s College London, to assess a candidate’s critical thinking and reasoning skills. It is not a test of legal knowledge but rather tests aptitude for legal studies.

Difficulty Level:
The LNAT is challenging due to its focus on critical analysis, argument evaluation, and logical reasoning. The test measures how well you can think, not what you know.

Exam Structure:

• Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Format:
  • Section A: 42 multiple-choice questions based on 12 argumentative passages.
  • Section B: Essay writing on a chosen topic from a list of three.

Fees:

• UK and EU: £75.
• Outside UK/EU: £120.

Passing Rate:

• There is no official pass/fail mark.
• Top law schools often look for scores above 26-28 out of 42 for Section A.

Preparation Duration:

• Most students prepare for 2-3 months before the exam.

Notable Challenges:

• Time pressure to analyze long passages quickly.
• Writing a well-structured essay without prior preparation.
• No fixed syllabus, making the test strategy-driven rather than content-based.

Tips for Success:

• Practice reading comprehension with newspapers and opinion articles.
• Focus on summarizing arguments and identifying bias.
• Time yourself while writing essays to improve speed and clarity.
• Review past LNAT papers to understand question patterns better.

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7. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering – India)

The GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national-level exam in India for admission to postgraduate engineering programs and PSU recruitment. It evaluates a candidate’s understanding of core engineering subjects and technical concepts. The exam is widely respected and also opens opportunities for higher studies abroad.

Difficulty Level:
GATE is challenging due to its in-depth technical syllabus, covering undergraduate engineering concepts across multiple branches. The competition is intense, with lakhs of candidates appearing every year for limited seats and job roles.

Exam Structure:

• Duration: 3 hours.
• Format:
  • 65 questions (MCQs, MSQs, NATs).
  • Total Marks: 100.
• Subjects: Engineering core subjects, general aptitude, and mathematics.
• Marking: Negative marking for MCQs.

Fees:

• ₹1,800 for general candidates.
• ₹900 for female and reserved category candidates.

Passing Rate:

• Around 15-18% of candidates qualify.
• Over 8 lakh candidates appear annually.

Preparation Duration:

• Most candidates prepare for 6 months to 1 year.

Notable Challenges:

• Vast syllabus covering core technical concepts.
• Balancing technical and general aptitude sections.
• High accuracy needed due to negative marking.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on conceptual clarity in core subjects.
• Solve previous years’ question papers.
• Prioritize topics with higher weightage.
• Attempt regular mock tests for time management.

8. USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

The USMLE is a three-step exam required for medical graduates who want to practice medicine in the United States. It assesses a doctor’s ability to apply medical knowledge and principles to patient care and clinical situations.

Difficulty Level:
The USMLE is considered highly challenging due to its multi-step process and focus on practical, real-world clinical scenarios. It requires both theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply it during patient care.

Exam Structure:

• Step 1: Basic science concepts, multiple-choice questions.
• Step 2 (CK): Clinical knowledge and skills.
• Step 3: Patient management, diagnosis, and decision-making.

Fees:

• Step 1 and Step 2: Around $1,000 each.
• Step 3: $915.

Passing Rate:

• Step 1: Around 94% for US graduates and 76% for international medical graduates.
• Step 2: 92-96%.
• Step 3: 97%.

Preparation Duration:

• Typically 12-18 months of study for Step 1.

Notable Challenges:

• Massive syllabus covering all core medical subjects.
• Application-based questions with clinical scenarios.
• Consistent high performance required across all steps.

Tips for Success:

• Start early with USMLE First Aid and UWorld practice questions.
• Focus on case-based learning.
• Take practice exams like NBME to track progress.
• Manage stress with regular breaks and time planning.

9. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam (UK)

The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam is conducted by All Souls College, Oxford. It is known for its extreme difficulty and intellectual depth, designed to select the brightest minds for a research fellowship.

Difficulty Level:
This exam is considered one of the toughest globally due to its abstract, thought-provoking essay questions. It requires original thinking, deep analytical skills, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly.

Exam Structure:

• Duration: Two days.
• Format:
  • Four papers: Two general and two specialized.
  • Essays on abstract topics and philosophical questions.
• No Syllabus: The questions test pure reasoning, creativity, and subject expertise.

Fees:

• No registration fee for eligible candidates.

Passing Rate:

• Historically, 0-2 Fellows are selected annually out of a few dozen applicants.

Preparation Duration:

• No formal preparation structure; it focuses on intellectual capacity.

Notable Challenges:

• No defined syllabus or reference material.
• The expectation of original, philosophical, and analytical thinking.
• Extremely selective with minimal fellowships awarded.

Tips for Success:

• Develop strong writing skills and analytical thinking.
• Practice essay writing on abstract topics.
• Read broadly across philosophy, history, and literature.
• Engage in intellectual debates to sharpen reasoning skills.

10. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam

The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is one of the toughest certification exams in the hospitality industry. It tests wine knowledge, tasting skills, and service expertise at the highest professional level. The exam is required for those seeking the title of Master Sommelier, a rare and prestigious credential.

Difficulty Level:
The exam is extremely challenging due to its broad coverage of global wines, regions, grape varieties, and food pairings. It also tests practical service skills and blind tasting abilities with extreme precision.

Exam Structure:

• Three Parts:
  • Theory Exam: Written questions on global wines, regions, and grape varieties.
  • Blind Tasting: Identify wines based on appearance, aroma, and taste.
  • Service Exam: Test of professional wine service and pairings.

Fees:

• Approximately $1,000 per attempt.

Passing Rate:

• Less than 10% pass the exam.
• Only 269 Master Sommeliers have been certified worldwide as of now.

Preparation Duration:

• Typically takes 3-5 years of dedicated study and practice.

Notable Challenges:

• Requires mastery of global wines, regions, and tasting skills.
• Blind tasting demands exceptional sensory accuracy.
• Service skills must meet the highest professional standards.

Tips for Success:

• Train regularly with blind tastings using wines from different regions.
• Study global wine maps, production methods, and grape varieties.
• Develop practical service skills through real-world experience.
• Join professional wine study groups and mentorship programs.

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How to Prepare for the World’s Toughest Exams

Some exams like Gaokao and UPSC have pass rates as low as 2-5%. This makes solid preparation even more important. Here’s how you can prepare effectively:

• Split your syllabus into smaller sections for easier focus. Exams like CFA and JEE Advanced cover vast topics. Studying step by step makes it easier to manage.
• Use time-management methods like the Pomodoro Technique. It involves studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This method helps you stay focused without burning out.
• Taking mock exams helps you get familiar with the exam pattern. Many CAT toppers attempt 20-30 practice tests before the actual exam.
• Regular revision strengthens memory. Studies show spaced repetition can improve recall by 80%.
• Professional coaching can simplify complex topics. Tough exams like UPSC and CA often have higher success rates among coached candidates.
• Group discussions help clarify doubts. Sharing knowledge with peers keeps you motivated.
• Sleeping for 7-8 hours and regular exercise can improve focus. Physical well-being plays a big role in mental sharpness.
• Manage stress with deep breathing, mindfulness, or journaling. Staying calm improves decision-making during exams.

What Makes an Exam Globally Competitive?

Some exams are known worldwide for their difficulty and the level of preparation they demand. But what makes an exam globally competitive?

• Low Pass Rates:
  • Gaokao (China): Less than 2% qualify for top universities.
  • UPSC (India): Only 0.2% succeed in all stages.
  • CFA Level 1: Around 42% clear it on the first attempt.
• Multiple Testing Stages:
  • Exams like UPSC and CA have multiple stages.
  • These may include preliminary tests, mains exams, and interviews.
  • Each stage requires different strategies and preparation levels.
• Broad and Complex Syllabus:
  • Exams like JEE Advanced and CFA cover vast subjects.
  • They test both basic concepts and advanced-level knowledge.
• Global Participation:
  • Tests like SAT, IELTS, and GMAT are taken in over 140+ countries.
  • High participation makes them more competitive.
• Career Impact:
  • Passing some exams can lead to prestigious careers.
  • For example, clearing the USMLE allows doctors to practice in the USA.
  • Cracking CA (India) opens doors to top financial roles.
• Time Pressure:
  • Some exams test both speed and accuracy.
  • For example, NEET requires solving 200 questions in just 3 hours.

Why Do Students Attempt These Challenging Exams?

The reasons go beyond academics and often reflect personal goals, career ambitions, and long-term rewards.

Career Advancement and Elite Institutions

• Top Universities: Exams like Gaokao (China) and JEE Advanced (India) open doors to prestigious institutions such as Tsinghua University and IITs.
• Professional Certifications: Clearing exams like CFA, USMLE, or CA can lead to global career opportunities and specialized roles.
• Higher Earning Potential: Qualifying from top programs often results in better salary packages. For example, CFA charterholders report average salaries exceeding $100,000 annually.

Personal Growth and Skill Development

• Critical Thinking: These exams test reasoning, analytical thinking, and decision-making.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Handling complex problems under pressure strengthens mental endurance.
• Resilience and Discipline: The preparation process builds self-control, patience, and focus.

Financial and Prestige Benefits

• Scholarships and Grants: Many tough exams provide merit-based scholarships. For example, securing top ranks in NEET or JEE can lead to tuition-free education.
• Prestige and Recognition: Success in competitive exams often brings social respect and personal satisfaction.
• Stability and Job Security: Clearing exams like CA or Bar Exams often ensures stable career prospects with professional credibility.

Chasing Excellence

• For many, these exams are a way to test personal limits and prove their capabilities.
• Some students take them to challenge themselves and explore their full potential.

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You Prepare for Competitive Exams

upGrad Abroad provides everything you need in one place. You get access to expert study materials, practical tools, and professional mentorship that keeps you on track. 

What You’ll Get with upGrad Abroad

• Access helpful blogs, eBooks, and webinars for exams.
• Clear explanations on exam patterns, scoring, and preparation strategies.
• Full support for university applications, from writing your SOP to finding scholarships.

Popular Exams Covered

• IELTS, GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, PTE
• USMLE, OET, PLAB, LSAT
• ACT, CFA, NEET, JEE

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