Toughest Exam in World: Exams are an essential part of a student’s life. All of you would have taken tests at some point throughout your time as students and beyond, regardless of whether you are finishing high school, aiming to graduate, or intend to continue post-graduate courses. As part of the selection process (exam) for jobs that receive several applications, many government and private sector jobs additionally call for applicants to show up for multiple selection rounds, including written exams, interviews, or both. Therefore, you will need to take tests whether you’re a student hoping to graduate or a graduate searching for work. The most challenging tests in the world will be covered in this post.
Table of Content
- The Gaokao: China’s National College Entrance Exam
- IIT-JEE
- UPSC
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
- Mensa IQ Test
- The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam
- Cambridge University’s Mathematical Tripos
- The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
- GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, India)
- CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
- FAQs
The Gaokao: China's National College Entrance Exam
The Gaokao, often referred to as the “world’s toughest exam,” is China’s National College Entrance Exam. This annual standardized test holds immense significance in Chinese society, as it serves as the primary determinant for admission to higher education institutions, including prestigious universities. The Gaokao is known for its rigorous nature, intense competition, and profound impact on students’ lives.
Due to its difficulty level, some European and American universities have also started to accept Gaokao scores. In the Gaokao exam 2013, candidates were asked to write an essay on how Edison would have reacted to the invention of mobile phones if he teleported himself to the 21st century.
IIT-JEE
Indian engineering aspirants must pass the IIT Joint Entrance Examination (IIT JEE), which is more than just a test. The IIT JEE is an entry point to some of the most esteemed engineering institutes in the nation and is renowned for its unmatched level of difficulty and intense rivalry.
The JEE exam most certainly lives up to the definition of the word “tough” as it serves as the entrance exam for Engineering programs at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Only 13376 places at the IITs were available for the 8.6 lakh students that enrolled for the JEE in 2023. Acceptance rates hover around a meagre 1%. Adding to all this, the gigantic syllabus and outright unpredictability of the questions in JEE give you the perfect recipe for one of the toughest exams in India as well as the world. Candidates acing the exam can also get a hold of the Siemens Scholarship that can fund their bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
UPSC
To fill positions in many ministries, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), etc., the Indian Government holds the UPSC examination. There are three impenetrable levels in it. Prelims, the first level, consists of two objective general-topic papers. Candidates that meet the requirements show up for the seventh and final subjective paper in the Mains test, which is at the most difficult level. Those who pass the second stage advance to an interview round with a panel that gauges their personality, alertness, and logical thinking. You should be aware that around 5 lakh applicants compete for less than 1000 seats in the Prelims of the UPSC exams. In addition, IES is administered by UPSC for recruiting engineers in government departments.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The Graduate Record Examination, commonly known as the GRE, is a standardized test that plays a crucial role in the admissions process for graduate programs in universities around the world. Designed to assess a candidate’s readiness for advanced academic study, the GRE measures skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
Majorly conducted to check the proficiency of candidates applying to study abroad, the GRE holds a lot of importance in the lives of those aspiring to pursue an international degree. It is mainly conducted for master’s level and PhD programs at institutions abroad. As the exam is widely accepted across various US universities, thousands of students prepare and sit for this particular test making it a tough nut to crack.
Mensa IQ Test
Amongst the world’s oldest societies, Mensa is a high-intelligence IQ society whose members have a higher IQ than the 98th percentile, i.e. amongst the top 2% of the world. Mensa has a renowned presence in almost every country across the globe. The IQ test administered by society is an extremely demanding test that analyses one’s intelligence on parameters of reasoning, problem-solving and logic.
The Mensa IQ exam stands as a gateway to one of the most prestigious high IQ societies in the world. Mensa, derived from the Latin word for “table,” is a global organization that celebrates and cultivates high intellectual capabilities. The Mensa IQ exam serves as a measure of cognitive prowess, assessing candidates’ ability to solve complex problems, think critically, and process information swiftly.
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation stands as a testament to expertise and proficiency in the field of finance. Offered by the CFA Institute, the CFA program is renowned for its rigor and comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and ethical standards. The journey to becoming a CFA charterholder involves successfully navigating a series of three levels of exams, each representing a significant challenge in its own right.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is said to be the world’s most difficult and brutal exam in the field of Finance. Every year, a whopping 1,00,000 candidates attempt to crack CFA in over 100 countries. Consisting of three levels, it is designed to test Finance professionals about the necessary financial tools and techniques.
Cambridge University's Mathematical Tripos
Cambridge University’s Mathematical Tripos stands as a testament to the pursuit of intellectual excellence and rigorous mathematical exploration. Rooted in a rich history dating back to the 18th century, the Mathematical Tripos is a renowned examination for mathematics undergraduates at the University of Cambridge. Beyond being a mere examination, the Tripos is a tradition that has shaped the landscape of mathematical education and research.
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a series of standardized exams designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and clinical abilities of medical students and graduates seeking to practice medicine in the United States. Administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), the USMLE plays a pivotal role in determining a candidate’s eligibility to pursue a medical career within the U.S.
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, India)
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive examination conducted jointly by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB)-GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. GATE serves as a qualifying test for admission to various postgraduate programs in engineering, technology, and architecture in prestigious institutions across India, as well as for recruitment in several government and public sector organizations.
CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
CCIE, or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, is a prestigious and globally recognized certification in the field of networking. Offered by Cisco Systems, a leading provider of networking solutions, CCIE is considered one of the most advanced and challenging certifications for networking professionals. It validates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, managing, and troubleshooting complex network infrastructures.
FAQs
Stress management techniques include deep breathing, mindfulness, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. It’s essential to stay organized, practice mock tests, and avoid last-minute cramming.
Yes, most tough exams allow retakes. However, the frequency and eligibility criteria for retaking exams vary. It’s crucial to review your performance, identify weak areas, and adjust your preparation strategy before attempting a retake.
No, tough exams often go beyond academic knowledge. They assess critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and stress tolerance. Candidates need a well-rounded skill set to excel.
Conquering tough exams can lead to prestigious academic and career opportunities. It showcases your expertise in a particular field, boosts confidence, and opens doors to high-paying jobs, advanced degrees, and recognition within your industry.
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