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) are recognized as some of the most challenging examinations globally in 2025.

It is noteworthy that among the three most challenging examinations globally, two are from India: the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) and JEE Advanced. The acceptance rates for certain examinations are below 1%, with only a fortunate few students succeeding in these exceptionally difficult assessments. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

The most arduous examination worldwide is the Gaokao Exam in China. This annual standardized test is essential for admission to all higher education institutions in the country. This article aims to provide valuable insights for those seeking information about the most challenging examination globally. We will discuss the top ten toughest exams in the world, including their difficulty levels, selection rates, and additional relevant details.

It is interesting to note that Indian students predominantly choose to study in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Australia. Each year, over 100,000 candidates take the IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT examinations to pursue their MBA and MS degrees. While these are not classified as the toughest exams in the world, they certainly assist Indian students in securing opportunities to study abroad. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

List of Toughest Exams in the World – Overview

The absence of a universal standard to evaluate the difficulty of various examinations makes it challenging to determine the most arduous exam globally, as each serves distinct objectives. In this context, we present a compilation of the most challenging examinations worldwide to provide insight into the hardest assessments that students encounter at different phases of their educational journey.

Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

The following is a compilation of the ten most challenging examinations globally, recognized for their difficulty. Candidates must engage in rigorous preparation to successfully navigate these assessments.

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

Regarded as one of the most challenging examinations globally, the National College Entrance Exam (NCEE), commonly known as Gaokao, serves as a college admission test for students in their final year of high school. Conducted annually over a two-day period during which the nation effectively pauses, this examination is mandatory for those aspiring to pursue undergraduate education. The highest attainable score on the Gaokao is 750, with students needing to achieve over 600 points to gain admission to the most prestigious universities in China. Should a candidate not meet the required score, they have the opportunity to retake the exam. Typically spanning two days, the Gaokao demands that students perform optimally under significant pressure. Achieving a high score on this examination opens up a range of options for enrollment in major universities and various academic programs. Reasons for Gaokao’s Status as the Most Difficult Exam Worldwide Intense Competition: Each year, over 13 million students in China compete for approximately 50,000 to 60,000 spots in leading national universities. This translates to roughly 260 candidates vying for each available seat, resulting in a success rate of approximately 0.003% to 0.004%. Exam Stress: The total duration of the exam is 9 hours, administered over 2 to 3 days. During this period, students endure considerable exam-related stress, which can be exceptionally challenging for young individuals after extensive preparation. The Gaokao is ranked first among the top ten most difficult examinations in the world, as not all candidates succeed in passing due to its high level of difficulty. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

Gaokao Exam Overview

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.

2. JEE Advanced Exam

The IIT JEE Advanced is recognized as one of the most challenging examinations in India and is regarded as the second most difficult examination globally. Aspiring candidates seeking admission to the esteemed Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) must take the IIT-JEE Advanced examination. This examination serves as a national-level entrance assessment for undergraduate engineering programs offered by the IITs.

Annually, over 1 million students participate in the JEE Main examination, with only 10 to 20% successfully qualifying to take the JEE Advanced examination. It is important for candidates to understand that the admission process for undergraduate programs at IITs consists of multiple stages, beginning with the JEE Mains examination, followed by the JEE Advanced examination. Given the examination’s challenging nature and widespread recognition, it has earned the distinction of being ranked second among the top ten most difficult examinations in the world. Please refer to the latest data provided below. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

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

A High Volume of Candidates: Millions of students participate in the JEE Mains, which serves as the initial phase of the examination. However, only a small percentage advance to the JEE Advanced, the examination that determines admission to the esteemed Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This fierce competition means that even minor errors can have significant consequences.

Complexity and Rigor of Content: The IIT-JEE assessment transcends fundamental concepts, exploring advanced subjects in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Successfully addressing these challenges necessitates not only memorization but also a profound understanding of core principles and the capacity to apply them innovatively. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

Time Management and Stress: The structure of the exam is intended to evaluate a student’s performance under pressure. Given the restricted time and the extensive number of questions, candidates must excel in time management and sustain concentration while solving intricate problems.

These factors collectively render the IIT-JEE a highly challenging examination, demanding commitment, comprehensive knowledge, and the ability to perform effectively under stress. It represents a significant obstacle for students aspiring to secure a prestigious position in an IIT.

Here is the summary of the success rate for the JEE Advanced Exam.

3. UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE)

The question of which examination is the most challenging in India often leads to the UPSC Civil Services Exam being mentioned. Widely recognized as the IAS exam in everyday conversation, the UPSC Civil Services Exam is indeed regarded as the most difficult examination in the country. Candidates aspiring to hold administrative positions and serve the nation must successfully navigate this examination. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

Administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Civil Services Exam is a national-level assessment conducted in three phases: Prelims, Mains, and an interview. The primary objective of this examination is to select young individuals for various bureaucratic roles, including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Central Civil Services. To illustrate the significance of this exam, it is noteworthy that all ministries and departments within both the union and state governments are led by IAS officers, further solidifying its reputation as the most challenging exam in India.

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

Challenging Curriculum: The UPSC syllabus is notably demanding, encompassing a wide array of subjects such as Indian history, governance, science, contemporary issues, and ethics. A comprehensive understanding of each topic is essential for success, making it one of the most challenging examinations in India.

Intense Competition: Each year, a significant number of candidates apply, with over 900 individuals vying for a single position. This results in a highly competitive environment.

Stringent Selection Process: The thorough selection procedure, which includes a written examination and an interview, ensures that only the most qualified candidates are chosen.

Achieving success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a considerable challenge. It necessitates a blend of intellectual capability, steadfast resolve, and a sincere commitment to contributing to the development of India. Those who succeed not only gain substantial recognition but also embark on a rewarding career, influencing the future of the country’s administrative framework. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

4. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam 

The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam represents a distinctive blend of intense competition, emphasizing both specialized and general knowledge. It requires originality and critical thinking, features unconventional questions, and imposes significant pressure to achieve excellence. This combination renders it a formidable assessment of intellectual prowess for prospective scholars.

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

Envision this scenario:

You are an accomplished historian, yet you find yourself confronted with a philosophical inquiry regarding the essence of consciousness or a literary analysis task that necessitates drawing connections across various fields. This exemplifies the versatility and intellectual flexibility anticipated in the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam. The following elements contribute to the reputation of the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam as one of the most challenging assessments globally:

Exclusivity and Competition:

Each year, only a select number of candidates are shortlisted, resulting in intense competition. The exam draws exceptional intellects from the Humanities and Social Sciences.Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

Dual Focus: The structure of the exam demands proficiency in two distinct areas:
Specialist Papers: These comprehensive assessments evaluate your command of knowledge within your selected discipline (e.g., Classics, Law, History).
General Papers: These expansive essays challenge you to think critically and creatively beyond your specific field of study. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

Originality and Depth:

The expectation extends beyond mere memorization of facts. Candidates must exhibit critical thinking, insightful analysis, and the capacity to engage with intricate concepts in an innovative and original manner.

Unconventional Questions:

The era of rote learning and standard responses is over. The exam presents distinctive and stimulating questions, compelling you to think quickly and demonstrate your intellectual adaptability.

Pressure for Excellence:

Due to the fellowship’s esteemed status, the demand for outstanding performance is substantial. This can be particularly taxing for emerging scholars at the outset of their academic journeys.

5. USMLE

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) represents a demanding series of assessments that physicians must successfully complete to obtain the right to practice medicine in the United States. Renowned for its stringent standards and comprehensive content, the USMLE features a pass rate ranging from approximately 94% to 97% across its various components, highlighting its challenging nature. Candidates generally dedicate several months to over a year in preparation, underscoring the exam’s rigorous demands. The competitive landscape of the USMLE is further emphasized by its significant influence on residency program admissions and career advancement. By encompassing a wide array of medical knowledge and clinical skills across multiple specialties, the USMLE’s effect on medical careers globally reinforces its status as one of the most challenging examinations in the world. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

Reasons for the USMLE’s Reputation as One of the Most Challenging Exams Globally:

Pass Rates: The USMLE exhibits varying pass rates across its three steps, indicative of its difficulty. For example, Step 1 has historically recorded pass rates of approximately 94% to 96% for first-time graduates from US and Canadian medical schools, signifying a considerable challenge even for those who are well-prepared. Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) generally maintains pass rates around 94% to 97%, while Step 3 sees pass rates of approximately 96% to 97% for first-time examinees. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

Preparation Duration:

Candidates often invest a significant amount of time preparing for each step of the USMLE. On average, medical students report committing several months to over a year of intensive study and practice to ensure they are adequately prepared for the examinations.

Competitiveness:

The USMLE Step 1 is especially competitive, with scores playing a crucial role in the selection process for residency programs. Medical graduates frequently experience pressure to attain high scores due to the competitive nature of residency placements across various specialties.

Content Complexity:

The extensive knowledge required for the USMLE is considerable. The examination encompasses foundational sciences, clinical diagnosis, treatment protocols, ethical considerations, and patient management across a diverse range of medical specialties. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

Career Significance:

Successfully passing the USMLE is a pivotal achievement for medical professionals.

6. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam

The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination is comprised of three components: a theoretical assessment conducted orally, a deductive tasting involving six wines, and a practical examination focused on wine service. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass each of these sections. Candidates must display a high level of both technical proficiency and interpersonal skills during the examination, embodying the courtesy and charm expected of a Master Sommelier. Additionally, it is crucial for candidates to exhibit exceptional salesmanship. Those who successfully complete the Advanced Sommelier Examination, which has a pass rate of approximately 25% to 30%, may apply to take the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination. The pass rate for the theory component of the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination is around 10%.

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

1. Extensive Expertise: This examination necessitates an in-depth understanding of various grape varieties, the winemaking process, wine service protocols, and the art of pairing wine with food.
   Elevated Criteria: Initially administered in 1969, this examination has seen only 269 individuals worldwide successfully achieve certification over the past five decades. This statistic underscores the rigorous standards associated with the Master Sommelier Diploma exam, presenting a formidable challenge for candidates. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World
   Intensive Preparation: Preparing for this examination demands significant dedication and effort, encompassing thorough study, practical experience, and guidance from mentors.
   Intense Competition: Successful candidates can command substantial salary packages, often reaching crores, which attracts a large number of students to the examination each year.

7. ICAI CA/ ICMAI CMA Exams

Administered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the ICAI exam, commonly referred to as the CA exam, along with the Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) exam overseen by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), are recognized as two of the most challenging examinations in India, targeting a similar demographic. Graduates in commerce aspiring to establish careers in accounting, auditing, cost management, finance, or taxation must undertake one of these professional courses. Both examinations not only share a comparable curriculum but also consistently exhibit low pass rates annually. Each examination is structured into three distinct levels corresponding to the CA/CMA programs. To obtain certification as a CA or CMA, candidates must successfully complete all levels of the course. The three levels of the course are:

1. CA/CMA Foundation course
2. CA/CMA Intermediate examination
3. CA/CMA Final examination

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

1. Extensive Curriculum: The curriculum for both examinations encompasses a broad array of subjects, including accounting, auditing, taxation, law, economics, finance, and additional areas. Studying this curriculum involves exploring intricate details and necessitates a thorough comprehension of complex concepts. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World
   Restricted Enrollment: The availability of seats for the CA and CMA programs is restricted, resulting in significant competition among candidates.

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

Established in 1946 in England, Mensa is not an examination but rather a society comprised of individuals who have achieved scores in the top 2% of the general population on a recognized intelligence assessment. The organization maintains a non-political stance and is devoid of any racial or religious biases. With a membership exceeding 145,000 across approximately 90 countries globally, the primary objective of Mensa is to identify and nurture human intelligence for the betterment of society; to promote research into the nature, attributes, and applications of intelligence; and to offer a stimulating intellectual and social atmosphere for its members. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

10. CFA

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly esteemed among investment professionals worldwide. Recognized as the premier qualification in finance and investment management, the CFA program equips candidates with essential knowledge and skills pertinent to the finance and investment sector. To obtain the charter holder designation from the CFA Institute, candidates must successfully complete three levels of examinations: CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3.

The article indicates that the Gaokao Exam in China, IIT JEE Advanced, the Civil Services Exam (CSE)/UPSC, the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam, and the USMLE rank among the five most challenging examinations globally. To succeed in these rigorous assessments, students must engage in extensive preparation and attain a profound understanding of intricate subjects. These examinations serve not only as evaluations of candidates but also play a crucial role in shaping the future of those who undertake them. Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

This concludes our discussion on the topic. We trust that you have found the information you were seeking. Candidates are encouraged to reach out with any inquiries regarding the ‘Toughest Exams in the World’ in the comments section below.