Gaokao (China) China's National College Entrance Examination determines university admissions. Its comprehensive nature and intense competition make it notoriously difficult.
IIT-JEE (India)
IIT-JEE (India)
The Joint Entrance Examination for Indian Institutes of Technology tests advanced math and science. Its selectivity and depth of knowledge required make it exceptionally challenging.
UPSC (India)
UPSC (India)
The Union Public Service Commission exam for civil services in India is known for its vast syllabus, multiple stages, and low selection rate.
Bar Exam (USA)
Bar Exam (USA)
This test for aspiring lawyers is grueling due to its comprehensive coverage of laws, lengthy duration, and high stakes for professional certification.
GATE (India)
GATE (India)
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering challenges candidates with advanced engineering concepts and problem-solving, crucial for postgraduate admissions and jobs.
The Medical College Admission Test challenges pre-med students with its broad scope, covering science, critical analysis, and reasoning skills.
CFA (Global)
CFA (Global)
The Chartered Financial Analyst exam series is tough due to its depth in finance, requiring extensive study and practical application over multiple levels.
All Souls Fellowship Exam
All Souls Fellowship Exam
This Oxford University exam is legendary for its difficulty, featuring abstract questions that test candidates' ability to think originally and critically.
These specialized tests for graduate school admissions delve deep into specific fields, requiring mastery of advanced concepts in subjects like Physics or Mathematics.
CCIE (Global)
CCIE (Global)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert exam is one of the toughest in IT, with a gruelling lab exam that tests practical networking skills under time pressure.
These exams represent the pinnacle of academic and professional challenges, testing not just knowledge but also endurance, critical thinking, and application skills.