Compilation of the Most Formidable Examinations Globally – Introduction
Toughest Exams Worldwide: As there exists no universal standard to gauge the level of difficulty across all examinations, since they serve distinct objectives, this article will undertake an individual assessment of various exams. Its purpose is to provide insights into the most challenging examinations worldwide that students encounter during different phases of their lives.
Challenging Examinations Worldwide
Examinations play a pivotal role in the academic journey of students. Whether you are in the midst of high school, on the verge of graduation, or contemplating postgraduate studies, you have likely encountered various assessments during your educational and professional pursuits. Furthermore, many governmental and private sector positions entail a rigorous selection process, encompassing written tests, interviews, or a combination of both, due to the high volume of applicants. Consequently, whether you are a student striving for a degree or a graduate embarking on a job search, you will inevitably encounter demanding assessments. In this article, we will delve into the most formidable examinations across the globe, shedding light on the exceptionally challenging tests that set themselves apart from the rest.
Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World
- Gaokao Exam in China
- IIT JEE Advanced
- Civil Services Exam (CSE)/UPSC
- GATE
- GRE
- Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
- ICAI CA Exams
- CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
- Mensa International
- CFA
Gaokao Exam in China:
Revered as one of the most arduous examinations globally, the National College Entrance Exam (NCEE), or Gaokao, serves as the gateway to higher education for Chinese high school seniors. This annual two-day assessment brings the entire nation to a halt, demanding the participation of students aspiring to pursue undergraduate studies. Held in early June, excelling in the Gaokao opens doors to promising career prospects and even enhances marriage prospects.
Country of Examination:
China
Objective:
Admission test for high school students seeking entry into college
Examination Duration:
A rigorous 9-hour evaluation
Annual Candidate Count:
A staggering 12 million candidates per year
Pass Percentage:
Exact statistics unavailable
IIT JEE Advanced:
The IIT JEE Advanced stands as one of India’s most formidable examinations. Aspiring candidates striving for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are mandated to take the IIT-JEE Advanced exam. This national-level assessment serves as the sole pathway to pursue undergraduate degrees, integrated master’s programs, or bachelor-master dual degrees in fields spanning engineering, science, and architecture. Prospective IIT undergraduates must navigate a multi-tier selection process, commencing with qualification in the JEE Mains and culminating in the challenging JEE Advanced examination.
Country:
India
Objective:
Undergraduate admissions to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
Examination Duration:
A demanding 3-hour assessment
Number of 2022 Candidates:
Approximately 155,538 candidates
Pass Percentage:
A commendable 26.17%
Civil Services Exam (CSE):
Renowned as one of the world’s most rigorous exams, the Civil Services Exam (IAS exam) is designed for Indian aspirants seeking to serve their nation in prominent administrative roles. Administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Civil Services Exam is a national-level evaluation conducted in three phases: Prelims, Mains, and an interview, aimed at recruiting candidates for esteemed positions such as Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Police Services (IPS), and Central Civil Services. The exam’s significance is underscored by the fact that IAS officers head various ministries and departments in both central and state governments, establishing it as an exceedingly prestigious and challenging examination.
Country:
India
Objective:
Recruitment for administrative roles, including IAS, IPS, and IFS
Examination Duration:
A 2-3 hour test
Number of Applicants:
A staggering 10,93,948 candidates applied for UPSC in 2021
Candidates Selected for Service:
In 2021, 685 candidates were selected
Pass Percentage:
A daunting 0.2%
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering):
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, or GATE, is a prominent online national-level examination conducted to facilitate admissions into Master of Engineering (ME), Master in Technology (MTech), and direct PhD programs across esteemed institutions in India. These institutions encompass Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and various other universities. Furthermore, GATE holds significance as it is instrumental in recruitment processes for public sector companies. GATE 2023 serves as the primary examination for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate courses in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other renowned educational institutions across India, further solidifying its reputation as one of the most challenging exams on a global scale.
Country:
India
Objective:
Admission to postgraduate studies and recruitment
Examination Duration:
A rigorous 3-hour assessment
Number of Registered Candidates:
An impressive 8,45,432 candidates registered for GATE 2022
Candidates Selected:
In total, 1,12,678 candidates achieved success.
GRE (Graduate Record Exam):
Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is a standardized, computer-based, multiple-choice examination that holds significant importance as an admission requirement for graduate and business schools globally. This widely recognized test is particularly popular among individuals aspiring to pursue Master of Science (MS) studies or graduate programs such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) abroad. The GRE, whose full name is the Graduate Record Examination, offers multiple test dates throughout the year, providing candidates with the flexibility to take the exam at designated GRE test centers or from the comfort and safety of their homes through the ‘GRE at Home’ option.
Country of Acceptance:
Accepted across the world
Objective:
Essential for admission into MBA and MS programs
Examination Duration:
A comprehensive 3 hours and 45 minutes
GRE Exam Fee:
Cost varies by location (e.g., INR 22,550 in India)
Master Sommelier Diploma Exam:
The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination comprises three distinct components: a theory examination, an oral assessment (not a written exam), a deductive wine tasting involving six wines, and a practical wine service evaluation. A minimum passing score of 75% is required in each of these sections. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a high level of technical and social skills throughout the examination, including the display of the courtesy and charm expected of a Master Sommelier. Exceptional salesmanship is also a crucial aspect of the assessment. Individuals who successfully clear the Advanced Sommelier Examination (typically achieved by 25%-30% of candidates) become eligible to apply for the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination itself. The pass rate for the theory section of the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination is approximately 10%.
Country:
USA
Objective:
Attaining certification as a Sommelier
Examination Duration:
Part 1 – 50 minutes
Part 2 – Not applicable
Part 3 – 25 minutes
Pass Percentage (Theory):
Approximately 10%
ICAI CA Exams:
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) conducts the ICAI CA Exams for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the Chartered Accountancy profession in India. Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), a CA qualification holds equivalence to a postgraduate degree. The CA examination is structured into three different levels, and candidates must successfully pass all these levels to earn the designation of Chartered Accountant. The three levels in the CA course are as follows: CA Foundation course examination (comprising four papers), CA Intermediate examination (with eight papers based on the New Syllabus and eight papers based on the Old Syllabus), and CA Final examination (featuring eight papers based on the New Syllabus and eight papers based on the Old Syllabus).
Country:
India
Objective:
Providing training and certification for Chartered Accountants in India
Examination Duration:
2 hours
Pass Percentage:
Around 14%
CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert):
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification program is aimed at senior networking professionals with expertise in designing, building, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex enterprise networking infrastructures. It encompasses six separate series or tracks, including collaboration, data center, routing and switching, security, service provider, and wireless.
Country:
USA
Objective:
Technical certifications for senior networking professionals
Examination Duration:
2 hours
Number of Candidates:
Approximately 8,000 candidates per year
Pass Percentage:
Around 26%
Mensa International:
Established in 1946 in England, Mensa is not an examination but rather a society comprising members who have achieved scores in the top 2% of the general population on approved intelligence tests. This non-political and non-discriminatory society boasts over 145,000 Mensans across approximately 90 countries worldwide. Its primary mission is to identify and promote human intelligence for the betterment of humanity, encourage research on the nature, characteristics, and applications of intelligence, and provide an intellectually stimulating and socially engaging environment for its members. Interestingly, there are over 1,500 Mensa members in India. An IQ Challenge is available on their official website for those interested.
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst):
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly sought after by investment professionals worldwide. Regarded as one of the most prestigious and widely recognized designations in finance and investment management, the CFA course equips candidates with valuable insights into the finance and investment industry, enhancing their expertise. Candidates are required to successfully complete three course levels (CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, CFA Level 3) to earn the esteemed charter holder designation conferred by the CFA Institute.