World’s Toughest Exams: The Tests That Push You to the Edge!

Ever wondered what the hardest exams in the world are? These aren’t your average tests—they’re relentless challenges that demand years of grinding, razor-sharp focus, and nerves tougher than steel. From the Gaokao Exam in China to India’s UPSC Exam and IIT JEE, the top 10 hardest exams in the world boast pass rates as low as 0.1%, earning their place among the most difficult exams in world. Curious about the world most toughest exam, the top 5 toughest exams in world, or the toughest exams in the world 2025? This guide breaks down what makes these top exams in world so legendary. India shines with two heavyweights—the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) and IIT JEE Advanced—ranking among the top three globally, showing just how fierce the competition gets. Buckle up to explore the top toughest exams in world list and discover what it takes to tame these monsters!

The Gaokao Exam is widely seen as the world’s toughest exam, a high-stakes college entrance test that can make or break a student’s future in China. Meanwhile, the IIT JEE Advanced opens doors to India’s elite Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), hitting students with physics, chemistry, and math problems that leave even geniuses rattled. The UPSC Exam, dubbed India’s toughest, recruits for prestigious roles like IAS, IPS, and IFS, with a syllabus so massive it feels like swallowing a library whole. Beyond these, exams like the CFA Exam, USMLE, and Master Sommelier Diploma Exam test niche skills in finance, medicine, and wine expertise, each packing its own brutal punch. This article maps out the top 10 toughest exams in world, diving into their difficulty, pass rates, and why they rank among the hardest exams in the world 2024. If you’re itching to know about the top 20 toughest exams in world or wondering which is the toughest exam in the world, stick around for the full scoop on these worlds toughest exam battles.

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Toughest Exams in the World 2025 – Overview

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to pin down the world hardest exam, since each test has its own mission—some get you into top universities, others unlock dream careers. But the top toughest exams in world share a brutal truth: they’re incredibly hard to beat. These toughest exams in world don’t just test what you know—they push your endurance, strategy, and mental grit to the limit. From the Gaokao Exam’s life-changing stakes to the UPSC Exam’s year-long slog, the hardest exams in India and beyond demand everything you’ve got. This guide takes you inside the top 10 hardest exams in the world in 2025, unpacking their punishing syllabi, cutthroat competition, and what sets them apart in the top toughest exams in world ranking. Whether you’re eyeing the top 5 toughest exam in world or curious about the top 20 hardest exams in the world, this is your ultimate guide to the most hardest exams in the world.

Top 10 Hardest Exams in the World

Here’s the top 10 toughest exams in world, ranked for their merciless difficulty, insane competition, and stakes that can change your life. These are the toughest exams in the world that only the best can conquer, from the Gaokao Exam to the CFA Exam. Let’s dive into the top toughest exams in world list and find out why they’re so feared, starting with the world’s toughest exam and rolling through the hardest exams in the world 2024.

1. Gaokao Exam in China

The Gaokao Exam, or National College Entrance Exam (NCEE), is hands-down the world’s toughest exam. It’s the annual test that Chinese high school seniors face to get into universities, and it’s a do-or-die moment that can shape their entire future. Spanning two grueling days, the Gaokao Exam practically freezes China—construction halts, traffic gets rerouted, and parents set up camp outside exam centers. Over 13 million students tackle it yearly, making it one of the most difficult exams in world. The Gaokao Exam questions cover Chinese, math, English, sciences, and politics, demanding deep knowledge and split-second thinking. You need a score above 600 out of 750 to aim for top schools like Tsinghua or Peking, but with only 50,000–60,000 seats, the pass rate for elite universities is a brutal 0.003–0.004%. Gaokao Exam topper stories make headlines, and for many rural families, a high score is the only shot at a better life. The 9-hour ordeal, spread over 2–3 days, heaps on the pressure, cementing the Gaokao Exam as the world most toughest exam.

Why It’s Tough:

• High Competition: In 2024, 13.4 million students took the Gaokao Exam, battling for 50,000–60,000 seats at top universities—260 students per seat, with a pass rate of 0.003–0.004%.
• Extreme Pressure: The Gaokao Exam’s 9-hour marathon over 2–3 days tests your stamina. Cities go quiet, and the stakes feel like life or death.
• Life-Defining Stakes: A great score unlocks elite universities and careers; a low one might mean retaking the exam or settling for less.

Overview of Gaokao Exam

• Country: China
• Purpose: College Entrance for high school students
• Duration: 9 hours over 2–3 days
• Candidates (2024): 13,420,000
• Pass Percentage (Top Universities): 0.003–0.004%

The Gaokao Exam is a beast, claiming the top spot in the top 10 hardest exams in the world.

2. IIT JEE Advanced

The IIT JEE Advanced is your ticket to India’s prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and it’s the 2nd toughest exam in world. This national-level engineering entrance test is notorious for its fierce competition and mind-bending questions, making it a star in any top 10 toughest exams in world list. Over 1 million students take the JEE Main each year, but only 10–20% make it to JEE Advanced, where the real fight begins. In 2024, 180,200 students showed up, with just 26.77% passing. The IIT JEE hammers you with advanced physics, chemistry, and math, requiring not just memorization but creative problem-solving and a rock-solid grasp of concepts. The 3-hour exam forces you to crack complex problems under a tight clock, making it one of the hardest exams in India. Kids start prepping as early as Grade 9, logging 6–10 hours daily in coaching centers, giving up weekends and holidays. Passing JEE Advanced means a shot at world-class engineering programs, but the road is a mental marathon.

Why It’s Tough:

• Massive Applicant Pool: Over 1 million take JEE Main, but only a fraction reach JEE Advanced, with 180,200 appearing in 2024 and 26.77% passing.
• Complex Questions: The IIT JEE dives deep into physics, chemistry, and math, demanding clever solutions and real understanding.
• Time Crunch: The 3-hour exam tests your speed and precision under intense pressure.

Overview of IIT JEE Advanced

• Country: India
• Purpose: UG admission to IITs
• Duration: 3 hours
• Candidates (2024): 180,200
• Pass Percentage (2024): 26.77%

Success Rate Summary (JEE Advanced):

Year	Registered	Appeared	Qualified	% Qualified
2016	155,797	147,678	36,566	24.76
2017	171,814	159,540	51,040	31.99
2018	165,656	155,158	31,988	20.62
2019	174,432	161,319	38,705	23.99
2020	160,838	150,838	43,204	28.64
2021	151,193	141,699	41,862	29.54
2022	160,038	155,538	40,712	26.17
2023	189,744	180,372	43,773	24.26
2024	186,584	180,200	48,248	26.77

The IIT JEE is a relentless grind, locking in its spot among the top 5 toughest exams in world.

3. UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE)

The UPSC Exam, or Civil Services Exam (CSE), is India’s toughest hurdle and a serious contender for the world toughest exam. Run by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), it recruits for elite roles like IAS, IPS, and IFS, making it a pillar of the top 10 hardest exams in the world. The UPSC Exam is a year-long ordeal with three stages: Prelims (4 hours), Mains (27 hours), and a high-pressure interview. In 2024, 583,213 candidates took UPSC Prelims, but only 1,009 made the cut—a pass rate of just 0.173%. The syllabus is a monster, spanning history, geography, politics, ethics, science, current affairs, and more. It’s like trying to cram a whole library into your brain while battling nearly a million others, with 900+ candidates vying for one spot. Toppers dedicate 2–3 years to full-time prep, ditching social lives and hobbies to master this exam. Passing means a prestigious career shaping India’s future, but the journey tests every bit of your smarts and guts.

Why It’s Tough:

• Vast Syllabus: The UPSC Exam covers Indian history, government, science, ethics, and current events, demanding mastery across fields.
• Insane Competition: With 583,213 candidates in 2024 and only 1,009 selected, the pass rate is 0.173%.
• Multi-Stage Marathon: Prelims, Mains, and interview test your knowledge, writing, and leadership under crushing pressure.

Overview of UPSC CSE

• Country: India
• Purpose: Recruitment for IAS, IPS, IFS
• Duration: 31 hours (Prelims: 4 hours, Mains: 27 hours)
• Candidates (2024 Prelims): 583,213
• Selected (2024): 1,009
• Pass Percentage: 0.173%

The UPSC Exam is a mental and emotional gauntlet, earning its place among the toughest exams in the world.

4. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam

The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam at Oxford University is a rare, brain-busting challenge that ranks high in the top toughest exams in world ranking. It picks just two Prize Fellows each year for a 7-year research fellowship at All Souls College, making it one of the most difficult exams in world. Only about 150 candidates apply annually, but with just 2 spots, the pass rate is a slim 1.33%. The exam stretches over multiple days, with 2–3 papers (3–4 hours each) covering specialist papers in fields like history, law, or classics, and general papers with abstract, cross-disciplinary essays. Picture a historian tackling a philosophical question about consciousness or a literary analysis spanning multiple fields—that’s the kind of mental gymnastics required. The All Souls Exam demands originality, sharp thinking, and the ability to handle wild-card questions under intense pressure, making it a mind-bender in the top 20 toughest exams in world.

Why It’s Tough:

• Exclusivity: Only 150 candidates apply, but just 2 are picked, with a 1.33% pass rate.
• Unpredictable Questions: The exam blends deep expertise with broad, creative thinking through unique prompts.
• Intellectual Depth: You need to go beyond facts, delivering fresh insights and original ideas.

Overview of All Souls Exam

• Country: United Kingdom
• Purpose: Select Examination Fellows at All Souls College, Oxford
• Duration: Multiple days (2–3 papers, 3–4 hours each)
• Candidates (Annual): ~150
• Selected (Annual): Usually 2
• Pass Percentage: ~1.33%

The All Souls Exam is a cerebral marathon, securing its spot in the top 10 toughest exam in world.

5. USMLE

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step beast for aspiring doctors in the U.S., ranking among the hardest exams in the world. It’s a must-pass to practice medicine and a key player in the top 5 toughest exam in world. The USMLE spans basic sciences, clinical knowledge, and patient management across all medical specialties, with each step testing your stamina and precision. Step 1 and Step 2 are 8-hour marathons, while Step 3 stretches over two days. Pass rates hover at 94–97% for U.S. graduates but plummet to 50–60% for international candidates, showing its toughness. Students spend 6 months to a year prepping per step, juggling med school and hospital shifts. Scores heavily sway residency placements, upping the stakes. The USMLE’s vast scope and career-defining weight make it a grueling test of skill and endurance, locking in its place among the top hardest exams in the world.

Why It’s Tough:

• Broad Scope: Tests foundational sciences, clinical diagnosis, ethics, and patient management across specialties.
• High Stakes: Scores shape residency placements, with pass rates varying widely.
• Long Prep: Demands months to years of intense study alongside medical training.

Overview of USMLE

• Country: USA
• Purpose: Medical licensing
• Duration: 8 hours (Steps 1 & 2), 2 days (Step 3)
• Pass Rates: ~94–97% (U.S. grads), ~50–60% (international)

The USMLE is a punishing journey, earning its spot in the top 10 hardest exams in the world in 2025.

6. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam

The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is a niche but ferocious test for wine experts, ranking among the worlds toughest exam lists. Aiming to certify sommeliers, this exam is no stroll through a vineyard—it’s a high-stakes gauntlet with a 10% pass rate for its theory section. Since 1969, only 269 people worldwide have passed, proving its place among hardest exams in world. The exam has three parts: a 50-minute oral theory test, a deductive tasting of six wines, and a 25-minute practical wine service test, each needing a 75% score. Candidates must master grape varieties, winemaking, wine service etiquette, and food pairing, all while showing the charm and salesmanship of a Master Sommelier. Prep takes years of study, tasting, and mentorship, and the big salaries awaiting winners fuel fierce competition. The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is a rare jewel in the top 10 toughest exams in world.

Why It’s Tough:

• Deep Knowledge: Demands encyclopedic wine knowledge and flawless service skills.
• Rare Success: Only 269 have passed in over 50 years, with a 10% theory pass rate.
• Intense Prep: Requires years of dedicated study and practice.

Overview of Master Sommelier Exam

• Country: USA
• Purpose: Certify sommeliers
• Duration: Part 1 (50 mins), Part 2 (varies), Part 3 (25 mins)
• Pass Percentage (Theory): ~10%

The Master Sommelier Exam is a unique beast, securing its spot in top toughest exams in world 2024.

7. ICAI CA/ICMAI CMA Exams

India’s ICAI CA and ICMAI CMA Exams are a nightmare for commerce grads chasing careers in accounting, auditing, finance, or taxation. These exams are giants among hardest exams in India and rank in the top 20 hardest exams in the world. Both follow a three-level path—Foundation, Intermediate, and Final—with pass rates so low they’re brutal. The CA Final (Nov 2023) had a 9.42% pass rate, while CMA Final (Dec 2023) ranged from 10.53–25.76%. The syllabus is enormous, covering accounting, auditing, taxation, law, economics, and finance, with details so intricate they demand total mastery. Limited seats spark fierce competition, and candidates often spend years climbing the levels. These exams test not just brains but sheer endurance, making them feared in the top toughest exams in world list.

Why It’s Tough:

• Huge Syllabus: Spans complex subjects with real-world, nitty-gritty details.
• Low Pass Rates: CA Final: 9.42%; CMA Final: 10.53–25.76%.
• Limited Seats: Intense competition for scarce spots cranks up the pressure.

Overview of CA/CMA Exams

Parameters	Chartered Accountant (CA) Exam	Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) Exam
Country	India	India
Conducting Body	Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)	Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)
Purpose	Accounting, Auditing, Finance, Taxation	Accounting, Cost Management, Finance
Duration	Foundation: 120 mins; Intermediate/Final: 180 mins	Foundation: 120 mins; Intermediate/Final: 180 mins
Pass Percentage	CA Final (Nov 2023): 9.42%	CMA Final (Dec 2023): 10.53–25.76%

The CA and CMA Exams are a slog, earning their place in top 10 exams in world.

8. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)

The CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) is a tech juggernaut among top 10 toughest exams in world, certifying senior networking pros who design, build, and troubleshoot complex systems. With a 26% pass rate, it’s a standout in hardest exams in the world 2024. The exam includes a 2-hour written test and a notoriously brutal hands-on lab, testing routing, switching, security, and more. Around 8,000 candidates take it yearly, and passing unlocks top tech roles. The CCIE’s technical depth and real-world problem-solving demands make it a monster, requiring months of prep and hands-on experience. It’s a high-stakes challenge that cements its spot in the top toughest exams in world list.

Why It’s Tough:

• Technical Depth: Tests advanced networking skills with a 26% pass rate.
• Lab Challenge: The hands-on lab is a real-world pressure cooker.
• High Stakes: Passing opens doors to elite tech careers.

Overview of CCIE

• Country: USA
• Purpose: Technical certifications for networking pros
• Duration: 2 hours (written), plus lab
• Candidates (Annual): ~8,000
• Pass Percentage: 26%
• Official Website: Cisco CCIE

The CCIE is a tech titan, ranking high in top 20 exams in world.

9. Mensa International

Mensa International isn’t an exam but a society for the top 2% of IQ scorers, making its test one of the most hardest exams in the world. Founded in 1946, Mensa boasts over 145,000 members across 90 countries, all scoring an IQ of 130+ on an approved intelligence test. The Mensa test probes logic, verbal, numerical, and spatial skills, with no prep materials allowed—it’s raw brainpower or bust. Only 2% of people make the cut, making it a unique challenge that’s more about flexing your mental muscle than building a career. The Mensa test’s abstract nature and sky-high bar secure its spot in the top 100 exams in world.

Why It’s Tough:

• High Bar: An IQ of 130+ is needed, hit by just 2% of people.
• Abstract Thinking: Tests pure intelligence with no study guides.
• Pure Challenge: It’s about pushing your cognitive limits, not practical skills.

Overview of Mensa Test

• Country: Worldwide
• Purpose: Join Mensa society for top 2% intelligence
• Duration: Varies
• Minimum Score: IQ 130

The Mensa test is a brainy outlier in top 10 hardest exams in the world.

10. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

The CFA Exam is the gold standard for finance pros, testing investment analysis and portfolio management skills across three punishing levels. A global heavyweight in top 20 toughest exams in world, it draws over 150,000 candidates yearly, with only 15% clearing all levels. Each level is a 4-hour session, grilling you on corporate finance, ethics, derivatives, accounting, and more, with a 44% pass rate per level. Candidates log 900+ hours of study over 4+ years, often while working full-time. Passing earns a CFA charter, opening doors to top investment banking and global finance roles. The CFA Exam’s technical depth, endless grind, and high stakes make it a marathon, locking in its spot in the top 10 hardest exams in the world in 2025.

Why It’s Tough:

• Three Levels: Each tests complex finance topics with a 44% pass rate.
• Long Grind: Takes 4+ years and 900+ hours of study.
• High Stakes: The CFA charter unlocks elite finance careers.

Overview of CFA Exam

• Country: Worldwide
• Purpose: Investment analysis and portfolio management
• Duration: 3 x 4-hour sessions
• Candidates (Feb 2024): 16,932
• Pass Percentage: 44%

The CFA Exam is a relentless haul, rounding out the top 10 toughest exams in world.

Bonus: Other Hardest Exams in the World

Beyond the top 10 toughest exams in world, here are niche tests just as brutal, fleshing out the top 20 hardest exams in the world:

• Suneung (South Korea): An 8-hour university entrance test with a 2–4% pass rate for top schools, bringing South Korea to a standstill.
• California Bar Exam (USA): A 2–3 day law test with an 18% pass rate, among hardest exams in world.
• GAMSAT (Australia/UK/Ireland): A 5.5-hour medicine entrance test mixing science and humanities.
• ENS Entrance Exam (France): A multi-day test for elite university admission, with a <4% pass rate.
• GATE (India): A 3-hour engineering test for postgraduate admission, known for fierce competition.
• NEET (India): A medical entrance test with over 1 million candidates fighting for few seats.
• LSAT (USA): A law school admission test with tricky logic games.
• GMAT (Global): A business school test with tough quantitative and verbal sections.
• MCAT (USA): A medical school admission test covering sciences and reasoning.
• Actuarial Exams (SOA, IFoA): Up to 10–12 exams over a decade to become an actuary.
• GRE Physics/MIT PhD Entrance: A killer for physics PhD hopefuls, needing top GRE scores.
• Certified Management Consultant (CMC) Exam: A business test with real-world case analysis.

These exams cement their place in the top 100 exams in world for their insane difficulty.

Toughest Exams in the World: Key Details

Here’s a table summarizing eligibility and details for the top 10 hardest exams in the world in 2025:

Rank	Exam Name	Country	Duration	Minimum Score Required	Purpose
1	Gaokao Exam	China	2 days	~450–600/750 (top universities)	College Entrance
2	IIT JEE Advanced	India	3 hours	75% in Class 12 + top JEE Main percentile	IIT Admission
3	UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE)	India	2–3 hours	Top 0.1% of candidates	IAS, IPS, IFS Recruitment
4	All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam	UK	Multiple days	Top 2 candidates	Oxford Fellowship
5	USMLE	USA	8 hours (Steps 1 & 2), 2 days (Step 3)	Varies by step	Medical Licensing
6	Master Sommelier Diploma Exam	USA	Varies	75% per section	Certify Sommeliers
7	ICAI CA Exams	India	2–3 hours	50% per subject	Chartered Accountant Certification
8	CCIE	USA	2 hours (written) + lab	Pass written + lab (~20% lab pass rate)	Networking Certification
9	Mensa International	Worldwide	Varies	IQ 130	Join Mensa Society
10	CFA Exam	Worldwide	3 x 4-hour sessions	~40% per level	Finance Designation

Why Are These Toughest Exams in World So Hard?

The world’s toughest exams share some ruthless traits:

• Low Pass Rates: From Gaokao Exam’s 0.003% to UPSC Exam’s 0.173%, victory is rare.
• Huge Syllabi: Exams like IIT JEE, UPSC Exam, and CFA Exam demand you conquer vast, complex fields.
• Intense Pressure: Gaokao Exam and Suneung stop entire cities, while USMLE and California Bar Exam test your endurance under stress.
• High Stakes: Passing means elite careers or top universities, but failing can set you back years.

These toughest exams in the world are life-altering challenges that demand resilience, discipline, and unshakable mental strength.

Push Your Limits, Choose Your Path

Cracking a world’s toughest exam isn’t just about studying hard—it’s about grit, heart, and a clear vision for your future. These top toughest exams in world 2024 test your ability to beat the odds, whether you’re facing the Gaokao Exam, UPSC Exam, or CFA Exam. Get started right: check out degrees on platforms like Mastersportal, map out a study plan, and go after your dreams with everything you’ve got. The hardest exams in the world show what you’re truly capable of when you give it your all. If you’re ready to chase something big, start now—find your path and carve out an epic journey with the right degree and mindset.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) of Toughest Exams in World

What are the 5 top the toughest exams in the world?

The top 5 toughest exams in world are Gaokao Exam, IIT JEE Advanced, UPSC Civil Services Exam, All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam, and USMLE.

Which is the world’s the toughest exam?

The Gaokao Exam is often called the world’s toughest exam for its 0.003% pass rate, massive competition, and intense pressure.

Which countries have the hardest exams?

China (Gaokao Exam), India (UPSC Exam, IIT JEE, NEET, GATE), South Korea (Suneung), USA (USMLE, California Bar Exam, LSAT, MCAT), and the UK (All Souls Exam) host the hardest exams in the world.

Which exams feature in most the toughest exam in India list?

UPSC Exam, IIT JEE Advanced, ICAI CA Exams, GATE, and NEET top the hardest exams in India lists.

Is NEET one of the toughest exams in India?

Yes, NEET is among the hardest exams in India, with over 1 million candidates battling for limited medical and dental seats.

What makes the Gaokao one of the toughest exams?

The Gaokao Exam’s huge scale (13.4 million candidates), 9-hour duration, and life-changing stakes make it the world hardest exam.

Is GRE a the toughest exam in the world?

The GRE is tough but doesn’t crack the top 10 hardest exams in the world. It’s key for MBA and MS admissions, needing a 300+ score for top programs.

Which are top 20 the toughest exams in the world?

Beyond the top 10 toughest exams in world, add Suneung, California Bar Exam, GAMSAT, ENS Entrance Exam, GATE, NEET, LSAT, GMAT, MCAT, Actuarial Exams, GRE Physics/MIT PhD Entrance, and Certified Management Consultant (CMC) Exam to the top 20 hardest exams in the world.

Which are the 3 toughest exams in India?

The UPSC Exam, IIT JEE Advanced, and ICAI CA Exams are the top 3 toughest exams in India.

Is the CFA harder than an MBA?

Yes, many find the CFA Exam tougher due to its technical depth, low pass rates, and heavy study demands compared to MBA programs.

How long should I study for the USMLE?

Most prep for USMLE takes 6–12 months per step, depending on your medical background and clinical experience.

Can international students take the California Bar Exam?

Yes, international students can take the California Bar Exam with the right law education or a U.S.-based LLM.

Which exam is tougher: UPSC or IIT-JEE?

The UPSC Exam has a lower pass rate (0.173%) and a broader syllabus, while IIT JEE is intense for math, physics, and chemistry. Both are among hardest exams in India.

What is the best degree to pass the CFA exam?

Degrees in finance, economics, accounting, or business give you a solid edge for the CFA Exam.

Must Check : 

• Seasons in India and their Months

• Sex Ratio in India

• Muslim Population in India

• National Sport of India

• Top Toughest Exams in India

Seasons in India and their Months

Currently Sex Ratio in India 2025

Muslim Population in India

The National Sport of India

List of Top Toughest Exams in India