Top 13 Toughest Exams in the World 2024

We have all grown up preparing for difficult exams, anxiously waiting for the results and worrying if we managed to get the grades we were aiming for. We are sure some of you must have thought to yourselves, “What are the toughest exams in the world?” We have a comprehensive list of exams all over the world that many deem to be the hardest exams in the world. These tests have gained global acclaim for being extremely demanding, not just mentally but also physically, with the amount of time one has to put into preparing for them. Let us explore these difficult exams and see what exactly qualifies for the world’s toughest exams!

The Top 13 Hardest Exams in the World in 2024

There are many exams conducted around the world. However, some stand out from all the exams conducted in the world. These exams are usually regarded as one of the hardest exams in the world to appear for. This is usually due to the intense course module or exam module for the exam. Here are the top 13 toughest exams in the world that you should know about:

Out of the top hardest exams in the world, these are some exams that are conducted worldwide, and anyone from any nationality can partake in these exams and also appear for them. Here are the top toughest exams in the world, their application fees, and purpose:

1. Mensa iQ Test/Mensa International 

Dates for 2024: Different timings in different parts of the world

Exam Level: Worldwide

Conducted By: Mensa International

Exam Eligibility: No qualification is needed.

Purpose of the Exam: To test your IQ and belong to an elite community of people with internationally high IQs.

Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes

Application Fees: $50

As compared to many other tests on this list, the Mensa Test challenges your IQ or Intelligence Quotient. This test is truly one of the world’s toughest exams to crack. Mensa Members are also chosen through this examination. Exam participants whose IQs are higher than the 98th percentile globally are chosen to become Mensa Members. Thus, only 2% of the world is qualified to become Members. Being one of the hardest exams to pass, exam participants are tested on various parameters such as problem-solving, reasoning, and logic.

What makes the MENSA IQ test one of the toughest exams in the world?

1. The test focuses on assessing pure intelligence (IQ) rather than learned knowledge, making it difficult to prepare for.

2. Only the top 2% of scorers are eligible for Mensa membership, ensuring extremely high competition.

3. It challenges a wide range of cognitive abilities such as pattern recognition, logical reasoning, and problem-solving, all under time constraints.

2. Graduate Record Examination - GRE 

Dates for 2024: This can be taken at any time of the year, depending on the availability of slots.

Exam Level: Worldwide

Conducted By: Educational Testing Services (ETS)

Exam Eligibility: Undergraduate degree from a college or university.

Purpose of the Exam: An entrance exam to get into colleges for MS

Duration: 3 hours 45 min

The Graduate Record Examination, also commonly known as the GRE, is also considered one of the hardest exams in the world. GRE is conducted every year for the master's or PhD level for students across the world. The exam is conducted as an entrance examination for students who are looking to pursue a degree abroad, especially for universities in the US. 

Many universities accept GRE scores, and some universities give GRE waivers. However, the major chunk belongs to universities in the US, which is why thousands of students prepare for the test globally! 

What makes the GRE one of the world’s toughest exams in the world?

1. The exam tests a wide range of skills, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, making it challenging for candidates to excel in all areas.

2. High scores are required for admission into top universities, which leads to intense competition among test-takers.

3. The GRE demands both speed and accuracy, as it requires solving complex problems under strict time constraints.

Know more about this in our blog on the ultimate guide to preparing for the GRE!

3. Chartered Financial Analyst - CFA 

Dates for 2024: Feb-May-Aug-Nov

Exam Level: Worldwide

Conducted By: CFA Institute

Exam Eligibility: Undergraduate degree/be in the final year of undergraduate degree/hold four years of qualified work experience/hold four years of combined work experience and college.

Purpose of the Exam: For CFA Charter qualification

Duration: 6 hours - total 240 questions

Application Fees: $940

CFA, also known as Chartered Financial Analyst, is also known to be one of the hardest exams in the world. It is a way of testing the financial knowledge of the aspiring finance professionals. It was reported that in 2023, 16,959 students sat for the level 1 exam. Out of the 16,959 students, only 38% managed to proceed to the next level. Aspiring finance professionals have to undergo three levels. Each exam is six hours long and has a huge sum of 240 questions. After you have passed all three levels, you will still need a cumulative of 48 months or four years of professional experience to attain the CFA Charter.

Why is the CFA regarded as one of the world’s toughest exams?

1. The exam spans three levels, each covering a vast and complex syllabus that includes topics like ethics, financial analysis, and portfolio management.

2. Candidates often require years of preparation, with pass rates for each level typically falling below 50%, reflecting its difficulty.

3. The CFA requires not just theoretical understanding but also real-world application of financial concepts, making it highly demanding for test-takers.

4. Bar Exam 

Dates for 2024: March 2024

Exam Level: Worldwide

Conducted By: Bar Institution

Exam Eligibility: Undergraduate degree in law from an institution approved by the Bar Council.

Purpose of the Exam: To assess one’s knowledge of law so they can qualify to practice law

Duration: 3.5 hours

Application Fees: $405

The bar exam is considered one of the most difficult exams in the world when it comes to the field of law. The exam is conducted all over the world and is regularly updated and changed according to the country’s laws, regulations and customs. The exam is conducted over a period of two days and covers subjects like criminal laws, contacts, evidence and more. The exam is so tough one can make a list of the toughest bar exams in the world.

The bar exam conducted in California is considered one of the toughest bar exams in the world. The South Korea Bar exam is another contender for the hardest exams in the world and is on the podium for difficult exams. The South Korean exam has a low acceptance rate of a mere 40%.

Why is the Bar Exam regarded as one of the toughest exams in the world?

1. The exam covers an extensive range of legal subjects, requiring deep understanding and memorization of complex laws, procedures, and case rulings.

2. It includes both multiple-choice and essay sections, demanding strong analytical and writing skills under strict time limits.

3. The pass rates are often low, especially in jurisdictions with highly rigorous exams, making it extremely challenging for aspiring lawyers.

5. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam 

Dates for 2024: 3-5 Sep 2024

Exam Level: Open to all, held in the UK and USA

Conducted By: The Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS)

Exam Eligibility: Students who pass the Advanced Sommelier Exam must also have passed 10th grade with more than 45% grades.

Purpose of the Exam: To ensure that the individual has a better knowledge of beverages and a robust overall understanding of the hospitality industry.

Duration: 50 minutes

Application Fees: $1059

The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is one of the toughest exams in the world in its own right! The term “sommelier” refers to a professional wine steward or server, someone who has been trained and is knowledgeable about the world of wines and spirits. The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is the test that aspiring sommeliers must take in order to gain certification in it. The exam is divided into three sections: theory (not written, but rather an oral examination), an examination of wine tasting of six wines, and a wine service examination. 

One would wonder about our claims of this being one of the toughest exams in the world! But you would gain some clarity when you realise that the Master Sommelier exam has only about an odd 200 people who have passed it since its inception more than 40 years ago in 1969. Many students give two to three times to pass, and some do so even six times!

Why is the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam regarded as one of the toughest exams in the world?

1. The exam consists of three rigorous sections: theory, tasting, and practical service, requiring an exceptional level of knowledge and skill in each.

2. Candidates must demonstrate mastery over a vast range of wines, regions, and vintages, alongside flawless blind-tasting abilities.

3. The pass rate is extremely low, with many experienced sommeliers needing multiple attempts to pass, making it one of the most elite certifications in the world of wine.

6. JLPT (Japan)

Dates for 2024: Sunday, 7th July 2024, and Sunday, 1st December 2024

Exam Level: Japan and 40 overseas countries

Conducted By: The Japan Foundation

Exam Eligibility: Open to all non-native Japanese speakers

Purpose of the Exam: Japanese language proficiency test to ensure the individual is aware of the Japanese language

Duration: 1.5 hours

Application Fees: $100

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a surprise entry in this list, but it is fully deserving of its spot. The test is similar to the more popular English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and more. Unlike these tests, however, the JLPT is divided into five levels from N5 to N1, where N5 is the easiest and N1 the hardest. The N1 JLPT test is one of the hardest exams in the world and rightly deserves its reputation as a member of difficult exams. 

There are instances where even native Japanese speakers have studied with N2 and N1 tests, which should be enough proof for you to gauge how difficult these tests are! The tests are divided into sections titled “Reading” and “Listening” and are composed of multiple-choice questions. The test is to verify Japanese language proficiency within Japan as well as abroad for potential job or education opportunities.

What makes the JLPT test one of the world’s toughest exams?

1. The highest level (N1) requires an advanced understanding of Japanese, including thousands of kanji, complex grammar structures, and vocabulary.

2. The listening and reading sections demand quick comprehension and interpretation of nuanced language, leaving little room for error under time pressure.

3. Passing rates for the N1 level are low, reflecting the intense preparation and deep linguistic skills required to succeed.

7. Gaokao (China)

Dates for 2024: June 7 - June 8, 2024

Exam Level: All China

Conducted By: China Ministry of Education

Exam Eligibility: After Secondary School

Purpose of the Exam: Entrance exam to get into Chinese universities

Duration: 9 hours taken in the span of 2-3 days

Application Fees: $50

China is renowned for the brilliant minds it produces day in and day out. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that it would also be home to one of the toughest exams in the world. The Gaokao is the standard test every student must take to enter college in China. In lieu of tough exams in the world, the Gaokao hits another ceiling altogether! The “higher education” or Gaokao happens in early June, and in this period of two days, the whole of Mainland China comes to a standstill.

The students who ace this test, one of the toughest exams in the world, are almost guaranteed great career prospects, while those who don’t often struggle. This string of tough exams in the world is highly anticipated, so much so that TV show hosts discuss the exam in great detail, and ambulances are placed outside of exam centres in case of any nervous mishaps. The exam is gruelling but highly important as the three-digit score one receives at the end can determine the students’ career trajectories!

What makes Gaokao (China) one of the world’s toughest exams?

1. The exam covers an extensive range of subjects, including Chinese, mathematics, science, and foreign languages, requiring years of intense preparation.

2. Gaokao scores are the primary factor determining university admissions in China, creating immense pressure for millions of students each year.

3. The exam’s length (up to nine hours over two to three days) and the competition for top scores make it one of the most gruelling academic challenges globally.

8. UPSC Civil Services Examination (India)

Dates for 2024: 26 May 2024 - Preliminary | 20 Sept 2024 - Mains

Exam Level: All India

Conducted By: Union Public Service Commission

Exam Eligibility: Postgraduate

Purpose of the Exam: To join the Civil Services in India

Duration: 3 hours

Application Fees: Rs. 100 for Indian students

One cannot outrun the mention of UPSC when talking about the hardest exams in the world. The exam is a means to recruit the top contenders for highly acclaimed administrative positions in the Central Government of India. This series of difficult exams covers positions such as Indian Administrative Service(IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and is conducted over three different sets of tests. 

These tests are the Preliminary Exams, the Main Exam and the interview or personality test follows. The subjects covered within the UPSC exam are quite vast and can range from Geography to Botany to even ethics and ancient history! Approximately 1.4 million hopefuls took one of the toughest exams in the world, UPSC, out of which just 14,624 were selected to attempt the second round.

Why is the UPSC Exam regarded as one of the toughest exams in the world?

1. The exam spans multiple stages—preliminary, mains, and interview—each testing a wide array of subjects, from history and politics to current affairs and ethics.

2. The syllabus is vast and requires deep knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to apply concepts to real-world situations.

3. With a success rate of less than 1%, the extreme competition and comprehensive nature of the exam make it one of the most challenging for aspiring civil servants in India.

9. IIT-JEE (India)

Dates for 2024: JEE Main 2024 - Session 1: January 24th, 2024, to February 1st, 2024 | JEE Main 2024 - Session 2: April 4th, 2024, to April 15th, 2024 | JEE (Advanced) 2024: The JEE (Advanced) - Sunday, May 26th, 2024

Exam Level: within India

Conducted By: National Testing Agency (NTA)

Exam Eligibility: School graduates in the Science field in India.

Purpose of the Exam: To enter the top engineering colleges in India

Duration: 3 hours

Application Fees: Rs. 1000 for male candidates and Rs. 800 for female candidates

The Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination is perhaps the toughest engineering exam in the world! IITs in India hold a special place in the hearts and minds of every Indian and are regarded as the holy grail of engineering colleges. This toughest engineering exam in the world tests students in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, demanding elite knowledge and a sharp brain. The IIT-JEE is conducted in two stages - the first is the Main level, and the second is the Advanced. 

For 2024, the official cutoff percentage for IIT-JEE Main was 90.77% for the General category, 73% for OBC, 51% for SC, and 37% for ST, 75% for EWS. The JEE Main scores enable one to gain admission to the many colleges offering bachelor’s in engineering around India. The JEE Advanced, however, is the toughest engineering exam in the world and is only reserved for admission in one of India’s 12 IITs.

What makes the IIT-JEE test one of the toughest exams in the world?

1. The exam covers highly advanced topics in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, requiring a deep conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability.

2. With millions of students competing for limited seats in the prestigious IITs, the competition is fierce, leading to a success rate of less than 1%.

3. The questions are designed to test not only knowledge but also analytical thinking, creativity, and speed, making it exceptionally difficult for even the best-prepared candidates.

10. GATE (India)

Dates for 2024: February every year
Exam Level: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and more
Conducted By: Indian Institute of Science and 7 IITs
Exam Eligibility: Undergraduate degree from an accredited university.
Purpose of the Exam: To get admitted to top colleges such as IITs, IISC, IIITs, NITs, and other prestigious institutions in India
Duration: 3 hours
Application Fees: Rs. 1800

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in India is one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world for engineering. India is known for its preference for aspiring and successful candidates pursuing the engineering field. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that there are a host of engineering exams in India that test candidates on their knowledge. The test is held in other countries as well, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, UAE and more, but the one conducted in India is perhaps the toughest engineering exam in the world, perhaps due to the intense competition in the country. 

Candidates are tested in areas such as Mathematics, Engineering, Science, and General Aptitude. Some colleges in Germany and Singapore use GATE scores to gauge a candidate’s skills as well. Engineering graduates usually take the exam for their pursuit of a postgraduate degree, and the computer-based test consists of MCQs and numerical questions and lasts more than three hours, making it one of the most difficult exams in the world. 

Why is the GATE exam known as one of the most difficult exams in the world?

1. The exam covers a broad range of subjects in engineering, science, and mathematics, requiring in-depth technical knowledge and analytical skills.

2. With over 25 disciplines to choose from, candidates must master both core and specialised topics, making the preparation highly demanding.

3. The intense competition, with thousands of candidates vying for admission to prestigious institutions, combined with a low qualifying rate, makes GATE one of the toughest exams globally.

11. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam

Dates for 2024: October every year

Exam Level: Global

Conducted By: University of Oxford

Exam Eligibility: Open to all graduates from any university

Purpose of the Exam: To award a prestigious fellowship at All Souls College, Oxford

Duration: Multiple papers over two days

Application Fees: None

The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam is often regarded as one of the world’s toughest exams. Conducted by the University of Oxford, this unique and highly competitive exam is open to graduates from any university, offering the rare opportunity to become a fellow at All Souls College, Oxford, one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world. What makes this exam particularly daunting is the broad scope of its subjects and the deep level of intellectual rigour required.

What makes the All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam one of the toughest exams in the world?

1. The exam involves multiple papers across two days, requiring candidates to demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability across diverse fields such as philosophy, law, history, and more.

2. The highly selective nature, with only a few fellowships awarded every few years, adds to the challenge, as some years see no successful candidates at all.

3. The infamous "Essay" paper, where candidates write an essay on a single word, tests originality, depth of knowledge, and critical thinking, making it exceptionally difficult.

12. ICAI CA/ ICMAI CMA Exam

Dates for 2024: May and November every year

Exam Level: National (India)

Conducted By: Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) / Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)

Exam Eligibility: Completion of specific education levels; different stages require different qualifications

Purpose of the Exam: To qualify as a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost Management Accountant (CMA)

Duration: Multiple stages with exams lasting 3-4 hours each

Application Fees: Rs. 2000 (varies by stage)

The ICAI CA (Chartered Accountant) and ICMAI CMA (Cost Management Accountant) exams are two of the toughest exams in the world in the field of finance and accounting. Conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), respectively, these exams are essential for anyone aspiring to become a professional CA or CMA in India.

Both exam series are divided into multiple stages—Foundation, Intermediate, and Final—each progressively more difficult. Candidates are rigorously tested on subjects like Financial Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, Law, and Cost Management, requiring not just academic knowledge but also a deep understanding of practical applications. The difficulty level of these exams is highlighted by their low pass rates, often below 10%, making them one of the world's toughest exams. Students must devote years of disciplined study and often go through several attempts to clear all stages.

Why is the ICAI CA/ ICMAI CMA regarded as one of the world’s toughest exam?

1. The exams are divided into multiple levels - Foundation, Intermediate, and Final - each covering an extensive and complex syllabus in accounting, law, taxation, and auditing.

2. Pass rates are extremely low, often below 10%, reflecting the high difficulty and the rigorous preparation required to succeed at each stage.

3. The exams demand not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical application of concepts, making it one of the most challenging professional qualifications to achieve.

13. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)

Dates for 2024: Throughout the year

Exam Level: Global

Conducted By: Cisco Systems

Exam Eligibility: No formal prerequisites, but recommended 5-7 years of experience in networking

Purpose of the Exam: To become a certified Cisco expert in various networking domains

Duration: Written exam: 2 hours; Lab exam: 8 hours

Application Fees: Written exam: $450; Lab exam: $1,600

The CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) exam is renowned as one of the toughest exams in the world, specifically in the realm of IT and networking. Offered by Cisco Systems, the exam is designed for networking professionals who wish to attain expert-level certification in areas such as routing and switching, security, service provider, collaboration, and data centres.

The CCIE certification process is split into two parts: the written exam and the notorious 8-hour lab exam. While the written exam assesses theoretical knowledge, the lab exam tests candidates' ability to design, implement, troubleshoot, and optimise complex network infrastructures. The hands-on nature of the lab exam, coupled with its extreme difficulty, pushes even experienced professionals to their limits.

What makes the CCIE one of the toughest exams in the world?

1. The pass rate is extremely low, with many candidates needing multiple attempts to succeed, reflecting the complexity and high standards required.

2. It requires deep expertise in networking protocols and practical problem-solving abilities, making it one of the most demanding certifications in the IT industry.

So these were the top 13 toughest exams in the world. We believe we have done justice to our representation of the toughest exams in the world. We made sure to provide as diverse a viewpoint as possible and introduce you to exams you may not have heard of before. Giving difficult exams can be quite a rewarding experience for any student as it not only tests you on your knowledge and skills but also teaches you the importance of perseverance and consistency.

Regularly studying every day and utilising multiple hours of hard work can seem like a daunting task; check out our blog on dealing with exam stress, but it can be a beneficial experience for your personal and professional development. These might be some of the toughest exams in the world, but you need not worry, as once you go through our entrance exam guides, you will have good clarity.

Focus Better with the Ideal Living Environment

As you tackle tough exams, ensure you have the perfect study environment. Explore a variety of our top student accommodation options to help you focus better.

1. Canvas Greystar Canvas River Street Tower, Manchester
2. Almero Student Mansions Ladybarn House, Manchester
3. Vita Student Circle Square, Manchester
4. Collegiate Clarendon Street, Nottingham
5. Vita Student Park Place, Cardiff