Toughest exams in the world | Unlocking the secrets

Mastering the toughest exams in world

People who are striving for knowledge and career success frequently encounter difficult obstacles in the shape of demanding exams. These exams measure more than just academic ability. They also require a thorough understanding of the concepts and the capacity to apply the knowledge learned to practical situations. In this blog, we will discuss the subtleties of the toughest exams in the world that have a reputation for being extraordinarily difficult.

10 most challenging exams in the world

The following are important details about some of the toughest exams in the world.

Mensa International

At the forefront of intellectual challenges stands the Mensa International IQ test. Designed to identify individuals with exceptional intelligence, Mensa membership is reserved for those who score in the top 2% of the population. The exam encompasses various cognitive abilities, including logical reasoning, mathematical aptitude, and verbal proficiency. Navigating through this mental labyrinth requires a high level of intelligence and a strategic and analytical approach.

Mensa is famous as a global organization for outstanding test scorers rather than an exam. It is the world’s oldest high-IQ group, with more than 150,000 members from over 90 nations. Mensa India has 3,881 members.

The organization serves as a nonpartisan forum for intellectual, cultural, and social exchange. Only those with a standardized IQ test result of 98 percentile or higher are eligible to join the squad. The testing body, scoring system, length, and other elements change based on your test preference.

Ideal scores

• Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale- Alfred Binet and Théodore Simon altered the original Binet-Simon Scale to become the Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scale, commonly known as the Stanford–Binet. It is an intelligence test based on cognitive ability. The test organizers conduct it individually.

Stanford-Binet ideal score- 132 and above

• Cattell IQ test- This test assesses cognitive abilities independent of environmental and societal factors.

Cattell IQ test ideal score- 148 and above

IIT JEE Advanced

For aspiring engineers in India, the Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (IIT JEE Advanced) is a formidable test. Well-known engineering entrance toughest exams in the world, it assesses candidates’ understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The competition is fierce, with thousands of students vying for a limited number of coveted seats at the prestigious IITs.

The entrance exam for admission to any of India’s 23 IITs is called IIT JEE. India’s national entrance exam for engineering colleges is called the Joint Entrance Exam, or JEE. The JEE Main and JEE Advance are its two components. The JEE Advanced is open to students who passed the JEE Main.

The Indian Institute of Technology, or IIT, is one of the esteemed technological institutes in India, funded by the national government. Students must pass the JEE exam to get admitted to an IIT.

JEE Main

• Administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Mode- Computer-based
• Duration- 3 Hours
• Total Marks- 300
• Application fee- INR 1000 for general candidates
• INR 900 for general EWS and OBC (NCL) candidates, INR 800 for female candidates

JEE Advanced

• Administered by- IITs
• Mode- Computer-based
• Duration- 3 Hours
• Total marks- Varies every year
• Application fee- INR 3200 for general candidates, INR 1600 for female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates

Civil Services Exam (CSE/UPSC)

Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Civil Services Exam in India is famous for its comprehensive nature. Aspiring civil servants undergo a grueling selection process that includes three stages – Prelims, Mains, and an interview. The exam evaluates candidates in various subjects, including history, geography, economics, and current affairs. It demands in-depth knowledge, effective time management, and analytical skills.

One must pass the national exam to be considered for an administrative post in India, such as IAS, IPS, or IFS. General Studies I and General Studies II are the two CSE Preliminary (CSAT) papers.

CSE Prelims

• Administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Duration- 2 Hours (for each paper)
• Total marks- 200 (for each paper)

CSE Mains

• Administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Duration- 3 Hours (for each paper)
• Total marks- 250-300 (for each paper)

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)

Engineers seeking to pursue advanced studies or secure positions in top public sector undertakings face the challenge of the GATE. Covering a vast array of engineering disciplines, GATE requires candidates to demonstrate a profound understanding of their chosen field. Success in this exam opens doors to postgraduate programs in premier institutions and lucrative career opportunities.

Postgraduate admissions in engineering and science is the main purpose of this standardized exam. Another use for it is entry-level engineering employment screening. The exam is available once a year. Usually, the test takes place in February.

Exam details

• Administered by IIT
• Test mode- Online
• Duration- 3 Hours
• Application fee- INR 1800 for general candidates, INR 900 for Female/ST/SC/PWD candidates

Gaokao Exam

In China, the Gaokao Exam is an academic marathon that determines a student’s eligibility for admission to higher education institutions. This single examination, held annually, covers subjects such as Chinese, mathematics, and a choice of science or liberal arts. The intense competition and the high stakes associated with Gaokao make it one of the toughest exams in the world, with students investing years in preparation.

It is a national-level exam for undergraduate admissions, also known as the Nationwide Unified Examination for Admissions to General Universities and Colleges (Higher Exam). Senior high school students in China take the exam to get admission to higher education institutes (HEIs).

The exam lasts for two to three days and roughly nine hours. The province determines how many days are required. Typically, the exam takes place in June. A general score is 750, while each province has a different minimum yearly score.

Exam details

• Administered by China
• Purpose- College entrance examination
• Duration- 9 Hours
• Acceptance rate- 85% (in 2022)
• Application fee- INR 1700 (¥150)

Master Sommelier Diploma Exam

Beyond academia, the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam sets a high bar for those aspiring to become masters of the art and science of wine. Conducted by the Court of Master Sommeliers, this exam evaluates candidates on blind tastings, theoretical knowledge, and practical skills, demanding an unparalleled level of expertise in enology.

This level is available to anyone with a few years of experience working in a restaurant. It consists of two days of instruction, followed by a multiple-choice test and a wine service exam. For candidates to receive an overall pass, they must complete both requirements. The fundamentals of winemaking, grape varietals, the main wine areas, wine and food pairing, and the fundamental information about beer, sake, and liquors are just a few topics covered. Candidates who pass the exam receive a certificate and an ‘Introductory’ lapel pin.

Exam details

• Started- 1969
• The exam consists of three parts- theory, practical, and tasting.
• Students receive a prestigious certificate demonstrating excellence in wine tasting. It has only been awarded to 273 individuals.
• Minimum score- 90% in each section.

CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)

In the world of information technology, the CCIE certification by Cisco is one of the most challenging certifications to obtain. Focused on networking, the CCIE exam assesses candidates’ ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex network infrastructures. With both written and practical components, success in the CCIE exam signifies a mastery of networking concepts and technologies.

For IT workers, the CCIE certification is at a high level. Leading suppliers of CCIE technology are Juniper, HP, Dell, and Cisco. Six tracks, or competence areas, comprise the certification program- Routing and Switching, Service Provider, Security, Collaboration, Data Center, and Wireless. You can select the test based on your field of expertise.

Exam details

• The test has two sections- a qualifying exam and a practical lab exam.
• Test mode- Written, Lab test
• Duration- 2 hours (written), 8 hours (lab exam)
• Number of questions- 90-100    

Application fee- 

• For written test- INR 33,345 ($450)
• For lab test- INR 1,33,382 – 1,50,054 ($1600-1900)

CA exams

Aspiring chartered accountants face a series of rigorous examinations that test their financial acumen and regulatory knowledge. Conducted by professional bodies in various countries, the Chartered Accountancy (CA) exams demand expertise in accounting principles, taxation, and auditing. Achieving CA status is a testament to the candidate’s proficiency in navigating the intricacies of financial management and compliance.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) administers the ICAI test, commonly called the CA exam. It is for candidates seeking admission to the chartered accountancy profession in India. According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), a postgraduate degree is equivalent to a CA qualification. According to the CA courses, there are three exam levels. Those who wish to become certified as chartered accountants must pass every stage of the program.

Exam details

• Exam name- ICAI CA Exam
• Conducting body- Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
• Exam level- National
• Exam frequency- Twice a year
• Exam mode- Online

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

GRE is a significant hurdle for individuals aspiring to pursue graduate studies in the United States. Assessing quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills, the GRE is a standardized test that has a crucial role in the admissions process for a wide range of graduate programs.

A standardized exam for graduate entrance is the Graduate Record Examination. In the world, graduate and professional schools most frequently use it as their entrance exam.

US, Canada, and many other nations widely accept this exam. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is responsible for administering the test. The exam evaluates your suitability for graduate school admission.

Exam details

• Administered by Educational Testing Service
• Test mode- Online
• Duration- 3 Hours and 45 minutes
• Total score- 340
• Application fee- INR 18,340 ($220)

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Exam

The CFA designation is highly esteemed in the finance industry, and obtaining it requires passing three challenging exams. The CFA exams demand a deep understanding of financial markets and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. It covers areas such as ethics, investment tools, and portfolio management.

The Chartered Financial Analyst, or CFA, credential has wide acceptance in the finance and investing field. Students with a business, finance, accounting, or economics background are more likely to attempt the CFA. There are three levels to the test. Upon fulfilling all three components, you will obtain a CFA charter.

Exam details

Section	Format	Time
Level I	180 multiple-choice questions	Two 135-minute sessions
Level II	Vignettes with 88 accompanying multiple-choice questions	Two sessions split into two hours and 12 minutes each
Level III	Vignettes with accompanying multiple-choice and essay questions	Two sessions split into two hours and 12 minutes each

Key takeaways

• Individuals worldwide face diverse and challenging exams that demand dedication, intelligence, and resilience.
• The toughest exams in the world have become benchmarks of excellence in their respective fields, setting a standard for proficiency and mastery.
• Success in these exams opens doors to prestigious opportunities and signifies a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

If you enjoyed reading this blog about toughest exams in the world and would like to share your thoughts or have questions, we invite you to join the conversation in the comments section below. For more information about international courses or any other queries, feel free to reach out to us. Click here to contact us, and our dedicated team will be delighted to assist you.

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FAQs

Q1. Are global tough exams regularly updated to reflect changes in industries?

Ans- Yes, many tough exams undergo periodic updates to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with changes in industries, technology, and best practices.

Q2. Are there any specific strategies or tips to crack tough exams successfully?

Ans: Strategies might vary, but common tips include effective time management, a structured study plan, regular practice tests, seeking expert guidance, and maintaining a healthy balance between study and rest.

Q3. Does GATE serve as a dual-purpose examination for engineers in India?

Ans: The GATE serves as a dual-purpose examination for engineers in India. Primarily used for postgraduate admissions in engineering and science, it also serves as a screening test for engineering employment at the entry-level.