List Of 10 Toughest Exams In The World: Gaokao Exam Of China Is Harder Than UPSC

10 Toughest Exams In The World: Some exams in the world are so difficult that very few people can pass them. These are not just tests of knowledge but also perseverance, concentration and sustained diligence. These tests, which range from India's UPSC and JEE Advanced to China's Gaoka, are used to determine who is admitted to the top universities or most influential government positions. They have very high competition, lengthy syllabuses and challenging questions. 

The Gaokao exam in China is reportedly even more difficult than the UPSC due to its rigorous structure, time constraints and high standards. Exams like the CFA and GRE are also well-known throughout the world for testing advanced academic or financial skills. While CCIE and GATE concentrate on engineering and technology, Mensa tests assess raw intelligence. The Master's Sommelier Exam assesses expert-level wine knowledge under pressure, and Oxford's All Souls Fellowship tests creative thinking.

10 Toughest Exams In The World

These exams are taken by millions, but only a few succeed. They represent the highest level of challenge in education, jobs or professional certification. This list shows the top 10 toughest exams that push human ability to its limits. These data have been taken from educational sites like collegesearch. In Gradding, Leapscholar and more.

1. Gaokao (China)

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The Gaokao, also known as National College Entrance Examination, is regarded as the most difficult exam globally. It takes place in China and decides admission to the best universities in the nation. Depending on the chosen stream, students are tested on Chinese, English, mathematics and other subjects during the two-day exam. Students study for years to pass it under extreme pressure and competition. It is more competitive than even UPSC because only top scorers are admitted to prestigious universities like Tsinghua or Peking University.

2. JEE Advanced (India)

The entrance exam for India's esteemed IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) is the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced. Only those who pass JEE Main with high rankings can appear in JEE Advanced. The test assesses a deep understanding of mathematics, physics and chemistry. With lakhs of students competing for a few thousand spots annually, it's very difficult because of the difficult questions, poor grades, and restricted seating.

3. UPSC (India)

To hire elite civil servants such as IAS, IPS and IFS officers in India, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is administered. Preliminary, Mains (which consists of nine papers) and a Personality Test (interview) are the three steps in the process. Numerous topics, including history, politics, economics and general studies, are covered in the test. It is one of the most difficult tests because of its extensive syllabus and lengthy preparation period, and its success rate is extremely low (less than 1%).

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4. Mensa International (Worldwide)

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The world's oldest and most well-known high-IQ society is Mensa. To become a member, a person has to score in the top 2% of the population on a supervised IQ test. These logical tests evaluate memory, problem-solving skills and critical thinking. It's challenging because there isn't a set curriculum and only highly intelligent individuals are eligible.

5. GRE – Graduate Record Examination (Worldwide)

For graduate programs in nations like the US and Canada, the GRE is an international entrance exam. It assesses quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. Pupils must comprehend advanced logic, math, and English. It's challenging because prestigious universities like Stanford and MIT demand extremely high scores, and the competition is fierce globally.

6. CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst (Worldwide)

The CFA Institute administers the CFA exam, which is intended for finance professionals. Economics, financial analysis, ethics, portfolio management, and accounting are among the topics covered in its three levels. It takes years to finish all three levels, and each one gets more difficult. It is one of the most difficult exams in the finance industry due to its extremely low pass rate and extensive syllabus.

7. CCIE – Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (Worldwide)

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Cisco offers the CCIE, a highly regarded networking certification. It includes a written exam followed by an 8-hour lab test. Real-time configuration and troubleshooting of intricate network systems is required of candidates. Although it's challenging due to the practical skills required and the preparation costs, the IT industry places a high value on it.

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

In India, engineering graduates who wish to work for PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) or pursue post-graduate studies must take the GATE national exam. It tests both general aptitude and comprehension of engineering courses at the undergraduate level. Particularly for top ranks, the competition is fierce and demands a thorough comprehension of technical subjects.

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9. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam (Oxford University, UK)

This exam is conducted by Oxford’s All Souls College and is known for its difficulty and uniqueness. It includes essay-style papers with abstract questions like “What is war?” or “Is science culturally constructed?” Only two fellowships are awarded each year, and the exam requires strong logic, writing skills, and original thinking, making it a rare intellectual challenge.

10. Master’s Sommelier Diploma Exam (Worldwide)

Professionals in wine tasting and hospitality are the target audience for this test. It is divided into three parts: blind wine tasting, service and theory. Candidates are required to recognise wines solely by their aroma and flavour. Preparation requires years of experience and commitment, and the pass rate is less than 10%. In the hospitality and beverage sector, it is regarded as the most challenging exam.