Examinations are a vital component of the education system across the globe as they mark certain milestones in students’ academic and professional lives. Some examinations are known to be very difficult, while some are considered to be nearly impossible for students to pass.
But what really makes an exam tough?
Is it because of complexity, intense competition, exhausting study periods, or the overall tension involved?
This is what we are going to talk about in this MSM Unify blog. We will take a look at the world’s toughest exam lists, explore what makes them so challenging, and give you a better understanding of why they stand out.
What are the factors that make an exam tough?
Exams can be really challenging for many reasons. While some exams test your ability with the content, there are others that make it tougher by competition, pressure, and the time needed to fully prepare.
- Complexity of the content: Subjects have difficult concepts that demand deep understanding
- Competition level: More candidates compete for fewer positions
- Time constraints: Giving very little time to clear a specific exam in an effective manner
- Severe preparations: Some exams demand more time for preparation and practice
- Mental pressures: Stress and anxiety can affect concentration and performance
- High stakes: The result will have a great impact on the individual’s future prospects
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Which is the toughest exam in the world?
The Gaokao Exam in China is widely regarded as one of the toughest exams in the world. The National College Entrance Exam, or Gaokao, is a test that students undertake in their last year of high school.
Students seeking to pursue undergraduate degrees must sit for the Gaokao. The maximum mark is 750, and above 600 marks are necessary to join the best universities. A student who does not make the cut in the exam may reappear for the examination. Getting good marks in Gaokao can lead one to join the best colleges and preferred courses.
Did you know that two of the three toughest exams, besides the Gaokao, are Indian: the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) and JEE Advanced?
- Country of exam: China
- Duration: 2 days (9 hours total)
- Exam level: National
- Conducted by: Chinese Ministry of Education
- Exam eligibility: High school students in China
- Purpose of the exam: To determine admission to Chinese universities
- Exam pass percentage: approximately 0.003 to 0.004%
List of the world’s toughest exams
Below is a table with the list of the world’s toughest exams and their key information.
| Exam name | Country | Duration | Purpose |
| Gaokao | China | 2 days (9 hours) | College entrance for high school students |
| IIT JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) | India | 3 hours | Admission to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) |
| UPSC Exam (Union Public Service Commission) | India | 2 – 3 hours per paper | Recruitment for administrative posts like IAS, IPS, IFS |
| Mensa International | Worldwide | 90 minutes | Membership to Mensa (high IQ society) |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examination) | Worldwide | 3 hours 45 minutes | Graduate school admission in the US and other countries |
| CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) | Worldwide | 4 hours 30 minutes | Certification for investment and financial professionals |
| CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) | United States of America | 2 – 3 hours | Certification for network engineers |
| GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) | India | 3 hours | Admission to M.Tech and recruitment for public sector jobs |
| USMLE Exam (United States Medical Licensing Exam) | United States of America | 8 hours | Medical licensing for doctors in the US |
| California Bar Exam | United States of America | 4 hours | Law license for practicing law in California |
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Essential insights into the world’s toughest exam – IIT JEE Advanced
The IIT JEE Advanced exam is just one of the hardest in India to clear for admission into prestigious IITs. A national-level competitive examination was conducted for pretender students who applied for undergraduate degrees in engineering, science, or even architecture. Qualifying for JEE Mains is required for candidates taking the JEE Advanced.
- Country of exam: India
- Duration: 3 hours
- Exam level: National
- Conducted by: Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Exam eligibility: Candidates must first qualify for the JEE Main exam
- Purpose of the exam: To determine admission to undergraduate engineering programs at IITs
- Exam pass percentage: Approximately 10-15% of candidates qualify for IITs
Navigating the toughest exam in the world – Civil Services Exam (CSE)
The exam is organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and serves as the access gateway for aspirants to serve the Indian government, which is very important and has key administrative positions like the IAS, IPS, and IFS.
This exam has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the final interview. With this selection process, this examination is regarded as one of the toughest examinations in the world, and very few have managed to qualify.
- Country of exam: India
- Duration: 2-3 hours per paper
- Exam level: National
- Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam eligibility: Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree
- Purpose of the exam: To recruit certain candidates for different administrative services such as the IAS, IPS, and IFS
- Exam pass percentage: Less than 1% of candidates pass
Conclusion
With proper guidance, care, and support, students can easily crack the world’s toughest exams. At MSM Unify overseas education consultants, we understand that some exams are among the toughest exams in the world, and we take pride in walking with our students every step of the way.
Be it expert advice, resources, or guidance, we have it all for the successful navigation of challenges that will propel you toward your academic and professional goals. The traces of success are just around the corner with MSM Unify in your lives.
FAQs
1. Can you list out some of the toughest exams in the world?
Some of the world’s toughest exams include Gaokao (China), IIT JEE Advanced (India), and UPSC Civil Services Exam (India): all three are highly competitive, have very vast syllabi, and intense pressure.
2. How do I study for the world’s toughest examinations?
To succeed in these tough exams, it’s essential to have a strong study plan, consistent practice, and time management skills. MSM Unify provides students with expert coaching and resources toward that redirection in preparing for the toughest examinations.
3. What makes the Gaokao intense?
The Gaokao is such a tough exam because it comprises a very broad syllabus on subjects such as mathematics, science, and even literature. There’s so much pressure attached to the exam because it practically decides one’s alumni candidates into the top colleges in China.
4. What is the advantage of clearing IIT JEE Advanced?
Clearing the IIT JEE Advanced is primarily about getting into one of the most prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology. It actually opens the doors to world-class education and careers in engineering technology.
5. How can students improve their chances of success in competitive exams?
Regular study, practice, and deliberate strategizing constitute the most important recipe for successful competitive examinations. MSM Unify provides specific coaching and resources so that students can sharpen their skills and achieve great academic success.
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