Top 7 Toughest Exams in the World

by priyanka roshan | july 26, 2024

The world is full of challenging exams that test human endurance, intelligence, and perseverance. 

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Known for their difficulty and rigorous preparation, here are the top 7 toughest exams globally:

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7. GATE (India)

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is for postgraduate engineering programs in India, testing various undergraduate subjects. Its high level of technical detail makes it one of the toughest exams.

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6. CFA (Worldwide)

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam is a three-level certification covering financial topics like ethics, economics, and portfolio management. Low pass rates highlight its difficulty.

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5. GRE (Worldwide)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for many graduate schools. It tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, known for its diverse content and time constraints.

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4. Mensa (Worldwide)

The Mensa entrance exam assesses logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills. Only the top 2% of test-takers are admitted to this high IQ society.

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3. IIT-JEE (India)

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for the Indian Institutes of Technology tests knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Its low acceptance rate and rigorous preparation make it exceptionally tough.

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2. UPSC (India)

The UPSC Civil Services Examination selects candidates for prestigious government positions like IAS, IPS, and IFS. It has three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview, with an extensive syllabus and high competition.

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1. Gaokao (China)

The Gaokao is China's national college entrance exam, known for its comprehensive scope, including subjects like Chinese, Mathematics, and foreign languages. High scores are essential for admission to elite universities.

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