Top 10 Hardest Exams in the World 2025
Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World (2025 Edition)
๐ Introduction
Every year, millions of students and professionals face exams that push their limits of knowledge, endurance, and stress. Some of these tests are so difficult that only a tiny fraction of candidates succeed. In this post, we explore the Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World in 2025, known for their intense competition, vast syllabus, and low pass rates.
1. Gaokao (China)
Full Name: National College Entrance Exam
Why Itโs Tough:
- Lasts up to 12 hours over 2โ3 days
- Determines college admission and future career
- Pressure from family and society
- Only top scorers get into elite Chinese universities
Subjects:
- Chinese Language & Literature
- Mathematics
- Foreign Language (usually English)
- Optional Subjects (based on stream):
โ Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Science stream)
โ Politics, History, Geography (Arts stream)
Preparation Strategy:
- Start 2โ3 years early
- Daily mock tests and essay practice
- Focus on time management and endurance
Recommended Resources:
- ใไบๅนด้ซ่ไธๅนดๆจกๆใ (5-Year Gaokao, 3-Year Simulation)
- ใ้ซ่ๆปกๅไฝๆๅคงๅ จใ (Gaokao High Score Essay Collection)
- Past year Gaokao papers by province
๐ Official Info โ China Education Ministry
2. ๐ฎ๐ณ UPSC Civil Services Exam (India)
Full Name: Union Public Service Commission Exam
Why Itโs Tough:
- Three stages: Prelims, Mains, Interview
- Covers everything from history to science to ethics
- Prepares candidates for IAS, IPS, IFS roles
- Less than 0.1% clear all stages
Prelims:
- General Studies: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Current Affairs
- CSAT: Comprehension, Reasoning, Basic Maths
Mains:
- Essay
- General Studies IโIV (Society, Polity, Ethics, Governance, Security, etc.)
- Optional Subject (any one)
- Qualifying English & Indian Language Paper
Interview: Personality Test based on current affairs and decision-making
Preparation Strategy:
- Prepare over 12โ18 months
- Read newspapers daily (The Hindu/Indian Express)
- Practice answer writing & join test series
Best Books:
- Indian Polity โ M. Laxmikanth
- Indian Economy โ Ramesh Singh
- Geography โ G.C. Leong + NCERTs
- NCERTs (Class 6โ12)
- Ethics โ Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude
๐ Visit UPSC Official Website
3. ๐ฎ๐ณ IIT JEE Advanced (India)
Full Name: Joint Entrance Exam (Advanced)
Why Itโs Tough:
- Entry to IITs, Indiaโs top tech institutes
- Tests deep understanding of Physics, Chemistry, Math
- Over 1 million candidates, <2% qualify
Subjects:
- Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electricity & Magnetism
- Chemistry: Organic, Inorganic, Physical
- Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Vectors
Preparation Strategy:
- 2-year focused study plan (Class 11โ12)
- Conceptual clarity and problem solving
- Time-bound mock tests weekly
Best Books:
- Concepts of Physics โ H.C. Verma
- IIT Mathematics โ M.L. Khanna
- Physical Chemistry โ O.P. Tandon
- Organic Chemistry โ Morrison & Boyd
- Previous Year Papers (JEE Advanced)
๐ Visit JEE Advanced Official Site
4. ๐ CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
Country: Global
Why Itโs Tough:
- Three levels, each 6-hour exam
- Average 4 years to complete
- Requires financial analysis, ethics, investment skills
- Low pass rate (Level 1 ~40%)
Topics across Levels IโIII:
- Ethics & Professional Standards
- Quantitative Methods
- Economics
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Corporate Finance
- Equity & Fixed Income
- Derivatives & Alternative Investments
- Portfolio Management
Preparation Strategy:
- Spend 300+ hours per level
- Use CFA Institute curriculum + mock exams
- Focus heavily on Ethics and Portfolio Management
Best Books:
- CFA Institute Official Curriculum
- Kaplan Schweser Notes
- Wileyโs CFA Review Series
- CFA Institute Question Bank & Practice Exams
๐ CFA Institute Official Website
5. ๐บ๐ธ USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam)
Why Itโs Tough:
- Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 exams
- Required for medical license in the U.S.
- Covers in-depth medical knowledge, clinical reasoning
Step 1:
- Basic Sciences: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Behavioral Science
Step 2 CK:
- Clinical Knowledge: Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Psychiatry
Step 3:
- Advanced Clinical Decision Making
- Case Management and Diagnosis
Preparation Strategy:
- Master Step 1 and Step 2 CK concepts
- Use high-yield Qbanks and flashcards
- Simulate clinical decision-making
Best Books:
- First Aid for the USMLE Step 1
- UWorld QBank (for all steps)
- Boards and Beyond (Videos)
- Pathoma (Pathology)
- USMLE Rx
๐ Visit USMLE Official Website
6. ๐ GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
Country: Global
Why Itโs Tough:
-
- Used for graduate admission in top universities
- Verbal reasoning, analytical writing, quantitative skills
- High competition for top scores
Sections:
-
- Verbal Reasoning: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence
- Quantitative Reasoning: Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Data Analysis
- Analytical Writing: Issue and Argument Essays
Preparation Strategy:
- Practice both quant and verbal daily
- Write weekly analytical essays
- Focus on vocabulary and time management
Best Books:
- ETS Official GRE Guide
- Manhattan 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems
- Magoosh GRE Prep
- Barronโs GRE
- Word Power Made Easy โ Norman Lewis
7. ๐ Mensa IQ Test
Why Itโs Tough:
- Only top 2% in IQ qualify for Mensa
- No specific preparation possible
- Strict time limits and abstract problem-solving
Focus Areas:
- Logical Reasoning
- Pattern Recognition
- Mathematical and Verbal Analogies
- Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Preparation Strategy:
- No fixed syllabus โ practice IQ puzzles
- Focus on pattern and logic puzzles
- Practice under strict time limits
Best Books:
- Mensa Puzzle Book Series
- The Ultimate IQ Test Book โ Ken Russell & Philip Carter
- IQ and Aptitude Tests โ Philip Carter
- Official Mensa Practice Tests (online)
๐ Mensa International Website
8. ๐ฌ๐ง All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam (Oxford University, UK)
Why Itโs Tough:
- Considered one of the hardest academic exams
- Questions like โWhat is war?โ โ requires deep philosophical thinking
- Only 1โ2 students selected annually
Paper Types:
- General Essay Paper: Abstract or philosophical questions (e.g., “What is war?”)
- Specialist Subject Paper (e.g., History, Law, or Classics)
Preparation Strategy:
- Practice abstract and general essays weekly
- Read academic texts in history, law, and philosophy
- Improve articulation and reasoning
Best Resources:
- Previous All Souls Essay Papers
- Oxford Essay Collections
- Books by Plato, Hobbes, Rawls
- Journals: History Today, The Economist, JSTOR
9. ๐บ๐ธ California Bar Exam
Why Itโs Tough:
- One of the hardest law exams in the U.S.
- Only ~40% pass rate
- 2-day long, tests legal writing and reasoning
Sections:
- Multistate Bar Exam (MBE): Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Torts, Contracts, Evidence, Real Property, Constitutional Law
- California-Specific Essay Questions
- Performance Test (legal reasoning and writing)
Preparation Strategy:
- 10โ12 week structured revision plan
- Write essays daily and analyze model answers
- Focus on time-bound MBE practice
Best Books:
- Barbri / Themis Bar Review
- Strategies and Tactics for the MBE โ Emanuel
- BarEssays.com (real graded California bar essays)
- Rigos Bar Review Series
๐ California Bar Official Site
10. ๐ท Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
Country: Global
Why Itโs Tough:
- Blind tasting, theory, and service exam
- Extremely low pass rate
- Less than 300 people passed since 1969
Three Parts:
- Theory: Wine laws, regions, varietals, winemaking, history
- Service: Proper wine presentation, food pairing, decanting, sparkling wine service
- Blind Tasting: Identification of 6 wines by variety, origin, vintage, and quality
Preparation Strategy:
- Years of tasting and service experience required
- Daily blind tastings and flashcards
- Simulate oral theory sessions with peers
Best Resources:
- The Wine Bible โ Karen MacNeil
- Windows on the World Wine Course โ Kevin Zraly
- GuildSomm.com (for maps, videos, forums)
- Master Sommelier Study Guides (official site)
๐ Court of Master Sommeliers
โ Conclusion
Whether it’s getting into a top university, becoming a civil servant, or earning a globally recognized license, these exams test the limits of dedication and intelligence. If you’re preparing for one of them, remember โ it’s not just about hard work, but smart strategy and mental resilience.
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Hi, Iโm Hamid Ali, an MSc in Biotechnology and a passionate Lecturer of Biology with over 11 years of teaching experience. I have dedicated my career to making complex biological concepts accessible and engaging for students and readers alike.
Beyond the classroom, Iโm an avid blogger, sharing insights, educational resources, and my love for science to inspire lifelong learning. When Iโm not teaching or writing, I enjoy exploring new advancements in biotechnology and contributing to meaningful discussions in the scientific community.
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