Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World [2025 New List] 

What makes some exams stand out as incredibly difficult challenges that push human potential beyond limits? In a realm filled with many academic or professional examinations competing for recognition, certain assessments have earned legendary status due to their extreme difficulty levels, minuscule pass rates, and life-altering stakes attached.

For instance: China’s Gaokao where 13 million students compete against each other in an exhaustive nine-hour test; India hosts three notoriously difficult examinations – the IIT JEE Advanced, UPSC Civil Services Exam & GATE which shape millions of aspirants’ future prospects every year! These tests are considered ultimate trials for human capabilities.

In 2024 alone, over one million students competed in just the IIT-JEE advanced test with only a mere 3.9% acceptance rate while UPSC maintained its reputation amidst ten million applicants at sub-1%. Let’s delve into the top 10 toughest exams in the world for the year 2025, where success demands not just knowledge but extraordinary mental strength and years of rigorous preparation alongside unwavering commitment to excellence.

Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 2025

Goakoa

The goakoa from China is a two to three-day grueling exam lasting up to nine hours. High school candidates take this exam to gain admission into the best universities in the country. Candidates are tested in various subjects ranging from literature and mathematics to foreign languages. The exam consists of “3+1+2” introduced in 2019 replacing the “3+3” system.

This system consists of three compulsory subjects: Chinese Language, Mathematics, and Foreign Language, with one elective subject from Physics and History and another two subjects from Chemistry, Biology, and Politics. With extreme cutthroat competition where 13 million students compete for 50,000-60,000 university seats, making it one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world.

IIT-JEE Advanced (India)

IIT-JEE Advanced, a pivotal examination for most engineering aspirants in India, this exam puts aspirants into formidable academic challenges, it forms part of a multi-stage selection process for admission to top engineering colleges in India, mainly IITs ( Indian Institute of Technology) which are premier engineering institutes. The first stage is JEE mains where 12,25,529 applicants appeared in 2024, out of which 180,200  nearly got qualified for JEE advanced, and in the final stage of this selection funnel, 48,248 got qualified, resulting in an acceptance rate of 3.9 %!

IIT-JEE Advanced ranks consistently among the top 10 toughest exams in the world. Candidates are tested in multidisciplinary subjects in Science that is  Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry, questions are designed to test a thorough and deep understanding of the subjects, with the exam consisting of two papers of 3 hours, in MCQ format.

UPSC Civil Services Examination (India)

UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) also known as CSE (Civil Service examination)  another renowned Indian exam on our list, this daunting examination has gained a reputation as one of the toughest examinations in the world. The examination is designed to choose top civil servants to serve the nation in posts such as IAS and IPS.  Known for its rigorous evaluation and expansive syllabus that includes history, geography, economics, science, and current affairs, usually candidates have to dedicate years of their lives to prepare for this examination.

The examination process consists of three stages: Prelims (objective), Mains (descriptive) which includes nine papers testing in-depth understanding and writing skills; followed by a Personality Test or interview that assesses one’s suitability to serve as an administrator of public affairs, making it not just about academic knowledge but also evaluating communication abilities. With less than a 1% acceptance rate among 10 million applicants! It is the most challenging examination on our list.  This UPSC Civil Services Examination has become a symbolic representation of perseverance, discipline, and hardwood, for candidates who are putting their lives into it, becoming a benchmark for intellectual achievement.

All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam (United Kingdom)

The All Souls Prize Fellowship exam is quite a special one on our list, known for its intellectually rigorous essay-based papers. Successful candidates are selected for fellowship positions in esteemed institutions like All Souls College. This being one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world employs a highly selective process to choose individuals with extraordinary intellectual abilities. Successful fellows are rewarded with a seven-year fellowship with a stipend and accommodation facilities.

Candidates are asked to write essays on abstract and broad topics such as “What is a gift ?”, “Does trust have a history ?”, the exam is spread across two days with two papers, one which is general and the other which is broad and general. The whole process is an intellectually challenging process, with a mere 1% acceptance rate.

USMLE

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a rigorous, multi-step assessment that stands out globally not only for being comprehensive but also challenging. This examination serves as an essential prerequisite for medical licensure within the U.S., consisting of three distinct steps designed meticulously:

Step One Focusing on fundamental sciences such as Anatomy, Pathology, or Pharmacology requires candidates to answer two hundred eighty multiple-choice questions in a grueling span of eight hours – showcasing not just endurance but also depth and breadth of knowledge. This is followed by the second step (CK), which assesses clinical skills needed for patient care, making it one of the world’s toughest examinations with another intense nine-hour examination comprising three hundred sixteen more such queries!

Finally, there’s  Step Three which tests independence and management capabilities over two days – day one includes six blocks of thirty-eight-thirty-nine questions each followed by a nerve-wracking second day involving realistic clinical case simulations. High performance in these steps is crucial for securing competitive residency positions as it directly impacts your future career trajectory!

The USMLE demands intense preparation and exhaustive testing processes, making this examination one of the toughest exams globally that shapes not just careers but also character by pushing aspirants beyond their limits towards excellence.

Mensa

The admission test to join Mensa International is renowned for its difficulty as it aims at identifying those who possess exceptionally high intelligence levels. To qualify and become part of this exclusive society, candidates must score above the 98th percentile on an approved intelligence assessment – a feat that signifies their higher-than-average reasoning ability! The test typically comprises multiple-choice questions designed to assess logical thinking, pattern recognition skills as well problem-solving capabilities.

For instance, the Mensa IQ Challenge involves tackling thirty-five puzzles within just twenty-five minutes with the difficulty level increasing progressively – a task that truly tests one’s mettle! The stringent time constraints and escalating challenge of questions make this test an arduous endeavor requiring not only innate intelligence but also quick-thinking adaptability.

Despite thorough preparation, many find it demanding which is reflective of its role in selecting the top two percent population for Mensa membership – truly making them part of a select few! This rigorous selection process ensures that Mensa remains an exclusive society bringing together individuals with exceptional cognitive prowess and intellectual acumen who can think on their feet.

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is a highly respected accolade within international finance that requires passing three progressively difficult exam levels: ‘Level I’, focusing on financial basics and ethics; the second or ‘**Level II’**, delving into asset valuation, followed by thirdly,’ **Level III* emphasizing portfolio management techniques.

These exams are one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world, with pass rates ranging from 35% to 49%. However, merely clearing these hurdles isn’t enough; candidates must also complete approximately two years (totaling around 4000 hours) of qualified work experience spread across three years before they can earn the charter.

The CFA designation holds immense value in investment banking, portfolio management, and financial consulting domains. It underscores not only technical prowess but also a commitment to professional ethics – two cornerstones that define success within the finance industry! Recognized worldwide for its rigor and prestige, this credential often opens doors towards enhanced career prospects leading up the ladder in global finances.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is a highly respected IT certification, established in 1993 and still relevant today! To achieve this prestigious accreditation involves passing both comprehensive written examinations as well as intensive eight-hour hands-on lab assessments designed to meticulously evaluate expertise thoroughly in complex network infrastructure technologies under pressure while maintaining optimal performance amidst dynamic environments; these characteristics earn its position among the top 10 toughest exams in the world.

The CCIE examination process consists of two main parts: the Written Exam and Lab Practical Assessment, offered at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide with different tracks based on specializations such as Routing & Switching (CCIE-R&S), Data Center, etc., each having its specific exams to clear for achieving accreditation status within respective domains of IT industry.

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is more than just an examination; it serves as a pivotal moment in transforming lives across India. Whether your ambition lies within prestigious IITs or pursuing research at esteemed institutions like the Indian Institute of Science, GATE can open doors to these opportunities and beyond! In 2025, with IIT Roorkee taking charge as an organizer, candidates will face this challenge on February 1st, 2nd, 15th & 16 th.

What sets the GATE apart? It’s not merely about knowledge but also applying concepts under pressure. A three-hour exam offering 30 subjects, including multiple choice questions and numerical problems designed to test your core understanding truly reflects real-world scenarios where quick thinking matters most! With fierce competition, and a score valid for an impressive span of ‘three years’, GATE has become the launchpad towards higher education opportunities abroad and  financial stability much more. 

Conquering this exam requires resilience and strategic preparation that spans months together but those who succeed reap limitless rewards

California Bar Examination

The  California Bar Examination is an intriguing challenge that aspiring lawyers face to gain entry into one of America’s most influential states – California! Administered twice annually on February and July dates, this exam has earned a reputation as being complex yet competitive with its demanding nature. In 2025, the event will take place from  February  26th & 27th, followed by another round in July, specifically scheduled for the last two days of that month.

The exam itself is a thrilling ride over these consecutive days. The first day tests your essay-writing prowess with five one-hour questions and then puts you through an intense performance test lasting 90 minutes, assessing how well you can apply legal principles in real-life scenarios – just like any seasoned lawyer would! On the second day comes a barrage of multiple-choice queries covering diverse areas within the law.

In fact, during 2024, only about half (53.8%) managed to crack it; showcasing how challenging this exam truly is! It doesn’t merely test your legal knowledge but also pushes you on critical thinking and time management under pressure – skills every successful lawyer must possess without fail. With discussions brewing around introducing a new format from 2025, the California Bar Exam remains an exciting yet crucial hurdle for those seeking to practice law in this dynamic state!

Conclusion

Behind every pass rate or statistic in those top 10 toughest exams in the world there lies a story – one filled with countless hours dedicated to studying, sacrificed weekends spent revising notes under pressure, unwavering determination that never faltered even when faced against overwhelming odds. These tests are more than just academic hurdles; they’re life-defining moments shaping careers and setting the bar for excellence across various domains worldwide.

The USMLE presents a threefold challenge to medical aspirants, testing their clinical prowess in an intricate manner while CFA demands analytical rigor from financial experts. The UPSC exams of India present candidates with stages that feel like gauntlets – each stage more challenging than the last before finally opening doors into prestigious institutions and setting future leaders on a path toward distinction.

The journey these tests demand is transformative, pushing individuals beyond their limits to achieve personal victories. For those who succeed in overcoming such formidable challenges? They gain entry not just into elite circles but also shape the next generation of global experts across diverse fields – from medicine and finance to civil services.