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Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 2025

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Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 2025 - Overview:

When we talk about Toughest Exams in the World, we all have different answer as per our experiences. But Do you know about top 10 toughest exams in the world? Let's know about some of the most toughest exams in the world of year 2025.

An important aspect of a student's life is exams. They can be rigorous and exacting. Exams are among the many assessments that scholars must pass in order to graduate from high school and find admissions for post-graduation programs. Each exam is distinct from the others in terms of its advantages and degree of difficulty. You will discover the top 10 most difficult tests in the globe in 2025 by reading this article.

Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 2025 List and Comparison

Let's check Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 2025 List with Details:

Rank Exam Name Full Name Who Takes This Exam
1 Gaokao National Higher Education Entrance Examination High school students in China
2 IIT-JEE Advanced Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Exam High school students aiming for IITs in India
3 Civil Services Exam (CSE) Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Exam Graduates in India aiming for administrative roles
4 All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam All Souls College Prize Fellowship Examination Highly qualified candidates for academic fellowship
5 USMLE United States Medical Licensing Examination Medical graduates in the USA
6 Master Sommelier Diploma Exam Master Sommelier Diploma Examination Wine professionals seeking Master Sommelier status
7 ICAI CA/ ICMAI CMA Exams Institute of Chartered Accountants of India / Institute of Cost Accountants of India / Cost and Management Accountants Exam Accounting and finance professionals in India
8 CCIE Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Network engineers worldwide
9 Mensa International Mensa IQ Test Individuals seeking membership in Mensa
10 CFA Chartered Financial Analyst Finance professionals seeking CFA certification

List of Toughest Exams in the World - Overview

As you are aware, there are tests in every nation that are difficult to pass on your first try. This part will teach you about the most difficult examinations in the world and the nation or organization that administers them. The world's toughest exam detail is mentioned below:

Gaokao (National Higher Education Entrance Examination):

The Gaokao is China's rigorous national college entrance exam, taken by millions of high school students annually. It determines university admissions and is renowned for its challenging nature. The exam covers a broad range of subjects, including Chinese, mathematics, and a chosen foreign language, with immense pressure on students to perform well. Success in Gaokao is crucial for higher education and future career opportunities in China. Here’s an informative table for the Gaokao:

Aspect Details
Country of Exam China
Purpose Determines university admissions in China
Duration of the Exam 2-3 days
Number of Candidates Appearing Every Year Approximately 10 million
Passing Percentage Not officially defined; varies by university cut-offs
Accepted Students Depends on the university; varies widely
Success Rate in % Approximately 20-30% gain admission to top universities

IIT-JEE Advanced (Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Exam):

IIT-JEE Advanced is a highly competitive exam for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It tests candidates’ understanding of advanced physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Known for its complexity and high difficulty level, it is a critical exam for students aiming for top-tier engineering programs in India. Preparation involves extensive study and practice, making it one of the toughest exams globally. Check out some aspect about IIT-JEE Advanced 2025:

Aspect Details
Country of Exam India
Purpose Admission to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
Duration of the Exam 6 hours (2 papers of 3 hours each)
Number of Candidates Appearing Every Year Approximately 200,000
Passing Percentage Typically around 0.5-1% (based on the number of candidates qualifying)
Accepted Students Depends on IITs and branch; varies each year
Success Rate in % Approximately 1% gain admission to IITs

Civil Services Exam (Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Exam):

The Civil Services Exam (CSE) in India is a prestigious and demanding exam for entry into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other government positions. The exam includes three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. It covers a wide range of subjects including general studies, current affairs, and optional subjects. The exam is known for its tough competition and extensive syllabus. So, before choosing this exam let's check one details about Civil Services Exam: 

Aspect Details
Country of Exam India
Purpose Recruitment for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other top government positions
Duration of the Exam Preliminary (2 hours per paper), Mains (9 days), Interview (30-45 minutes)
Number of Candidates Appearing Every Year Approximately 1,000,000
Passing Percentage Typically around 0.5-1% (based on the number of candidates qualifying)
Accepted Students Approximately 1,000-2,000 selected annually
Success Rate in % Approximately 0.5% gain appointment to IAS, IFS, and other services

All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam:

The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam is an elite academic examination conducted by All Souls College, Oxford. It is designed for exceptionally talented individuals seeking a prestigious fellowship. The exam tests candidates on a broad range of intellectual skills and knowledge, with a focus on original thinking and academic prowess. The competition is fierce, attracting some of the brightest minds from around the world. Check out some details about All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam: 

Aspect Details
Country of Exam United Kingdom
Purpose Awarding of a prestigious academic fellowship at All Souls College, Oxford
Duration of the Exam Multiple stages: initial written exam (1 day), followed by oral exams and interviews
Number of Candidates Appearing Every Year Varies; typically a few hundred top scholars
Passing Percentage Extremely low, as only a few fellowships are awarded
Accepted Students 1-2 fellows per year, depending on the college’s decision
Success Rate in % Less than 1% of applicants are awarded fellowships

USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination):

The USMLE is a crucial examination for medical graduates aiming to practice medicine in the United States. It comprises three steps: Step 1 assesses basic medical sciences, Step 2 evaluates clinical knowledge and skills, and Step 3 tests the ability to manage patients. The exam is known for its rigorous content and high standards, making it a challenging hurdle for aspiring doctors seeking licensure in the US. Let's know some Important aspect about USMLE:

Aspect Details
Country of Exam United States
Purpose Licensure for medical professionals to practice in the US
Duration of the Exam Step 1 (1 day), Step 2 (2 days), Step 3 (2 days)
Number of Candidates Appearing Every Year Approximately 50,000
Passing Percentage Generally around 90% for each step
Accepted Students N/A (Licensure; no specific acceptance rate)
Success Rate in % High passing rates, but requires extensive preparation and clinical experience

Master Sommelier Diploma Exam:

The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is a prestigious certification for wine professionals, focusing on advanced wine knowledge and service skills. The exam includes a theory component, a tasting test, and a practical service assessment. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional expertise in wine regions, varietals, and pairing, making it one of the most difficult exams in the hospitality industry. Achieving this title denotes mastery in the field of sommelier practice. Know more about Master Sommelier Diploma Exam:

Aspect Details
Country of Exam Worldwide
Purpose Certification for advanced wine professionals
Duration of the Exam Three parts: Theory (2 hours), Tasting (30 minutes), Practical Service (45 minutes)
Number of Candidates Appearing Every Year Fewer than 200 globally
Passing Percentage Less than 10%
Accepted Students Very limited; only those who pass all three parts
Success Rate in % Approximately 5-10%

ICAI CA/ ICMAI CMA Exams (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India / Institute of Cost Accountants of India):

The ICAI CA and ICMAI CMA exams are crucial for individuals pursuing careers in accounting and financial management in India. These exams test knowledge in areas such as accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. Known for their rigorous curriculum and extensive coverage, these exams require thorough preparation and are essential for becoming a Chartered Accountant or Cost Management Accountant in India. Check out the table mentioned below for ICAI CA/ ICMAI CMA Exams:

Aspect Details
Country of Exam India
Purpose Certification for Chartered Accountants (ICAI CA) and Cost Management Accountants (ICMAI CMA)
Duration of the Exam CA: Three levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Final); each exam lasts 3-4 hours. CMA: Three levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Final); each exam lasts 3 hours.
Number of Candidates Appearing Every Year Approximately 500,000 (combined for CA and CMA)
Passing Percentage Typically around 10-20% for CA; 20-30% for CMA
Accepted Students Varies; depends on clearing all levels and practical experience
Success Rate in % Approximately 10-20% for CA; 20-30% for CMA

CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert):

The CCIE certification is a highly esteemed credential for network engineers, administered by Cisco Systems. It involves a written exam and a hands-on lab test that assess advanced networking skills and troubleshooting abilities. The CCIE is recognized for its challenging content and practical difficulty, making it one of the highest achievements in networking certification. Earning this credential signifies exceptional expertise in network design and management. Know more about CCIE:

Aspect Details
Country of Exam Worldwide
Purpose Certification for expert-level network engineers
Duration of the Exam Written Exam (2 hours), Lab Exam (8 hours)
Number of Candidates Appearing Every Year Fewer than 10,000
Passing Percentage Typically around 5-10%
Accepted Students N/A (Certification; no specific acceptance rate)
Success Rate in % Approximately 5-10%

Mensa International IQ Test:

The Mensa International IQ Test is designed to identify individuals with high intellectual potential. It assesses logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and pattern recognition. Candidates must achieve a score in the top 2% of the population to gain membership in Mensa, the world’s largest high IQ society. The test is known for its challenging nature and serves as a measure of exceptional cognitive abilities. Consider the below table for more details about Mensa International IQ Test:

Aspect Details
Country of Exam Worldwide
Purpose Identify individuals with high intellectual potential
Duration of the Exam Approximately 30-60 minutes
Number of Candidates Appearing Every Year Varies; tens of thousands globally
Passing Percentage N/A (Tests are designed to select the top 2% of the population)
Accepted Students Top 2% of test takers based on IQ scores
Success Rate in % Approximately 2%

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst):

The CFA exam is a rigorous test for finance and investment professionals. It consists of three levels, each focusing on different aspects of financial analysis, portfolio management, and ethical standards. The exam is renowned for its challenging content, extensive study requirements, and high standards. Achieving CFA certification signifies a high level of expertise in financial analysis and is highly respected in the global finance industry. Know about CFA exam in detail:

Aspect Details
Country of Exam Worldwide
Purpose Certification for finance and investment professionals
Duration of the Exam Three levels: each level involves a 6-hour exam
Number of Candidates Appearing Every Year Approximately 200,000
Passing Percentage Level I: ~40-50%, Level II: ~40-50%, Level III: ~50%
Accepted Students N/A (Certification; depends on passing all three levels)
Success Rate in % Approximately 10-20% overall

FAQ

1. What makes an exam considered "tough"?
Exams are deemed tough due to their complex content, high stakes, intense competition, and the rigorous preparation required. 

2. How long is the preparation for the Gaokao?
Preparation for the Gaokao typically spans several years, with students studying intensely throughout high school. 

3. What subjects are covered in IIT-JEE Advanced?
IIT-JEE Advanced covers advanced physics, chemistry, and mathematics, testing deep understanding and problem-solving skills. 

4. How many stages are there in the UPSC CSE?
The UPSC CSE comprises three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview, each evaluating different aspects of candidates' abilities. 

5. What is the focus of the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam?
The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam focuses on intellectual ability, academic knowledge, and original thinking. 

6. How many steps are involved in the USMLE?
The USMLE involves three steps: Step 1 (basic sciences), Step 2 (clinical knowledge), and Step 3 (patient management). 

7. What does the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam test?
The exam tests advanced knowledge of wine regions, varietals, tasting skills, and practical service abilities. 

8. What are the ICAI CA and ICMAI CMA exams for?
These exams are for individuals pursuing careers in accounting and financial management in India. 

9. How difficult is the CCIE certification exam?
The CCIE certification exam is highly challenging, requiring advanced networking knowledge and hands-on lab skills. 

10. What is required to join Mensa International?
To join Mensa, individuals must score in the top 2% on an approved IQ test. 

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