This brief article will discuss the 5 toughest exams in the world. If you want to read the detailed analysis of the toughest exams in the world and the role of generative AI in the realm of education and exam, then read 15 Toughest Exams in The World.
5. IIT JEE
Difficulty Level: 4.6
The IIT JEE (Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination) is another highly competitive entrance exam that evaluates students’ knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The exam’s difficulty arises from its extensive syllabus, complex problem-solving requirements, and intense competition among millions of aspirants vying for limited seats in prestigious engineering programs.
4. GATE
Difficulty level: 4.7
GATE, a national-level admission test for undergraduate engineering students seeking postgraduate courses, is a collaborative effort between the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science. This exam is considered hard because of its unpredictable nature of questioning. GATE assesses individuals’ potential and knowledge across subjects like math, science, engineering, and general aptitude. The exam’s questions are known for their difficulty level, surpassing even those IIT JEE exams. Successfully cracking GATE requires extensive preparation and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
3. IES
Difficulty level: 4.8
The Indian Engineering Services (IES) is a prestigious group of civil services that cater to engineering and technical roles within the government of India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, the IES exam is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and competitive engineering exams in the country. What makes it tougher to crack is the intense level of competition. Each year, a large number of candidates vie for a limited number of vacancies. In fact, the competition ratio for IES is approximately 1:300, indicating that for every available vacancy, around 300 candidates compete for it. This fierce competition sets the IES exam apart from other engineering exams, including the GATE exam.
2. UMSLE
Difficulty Level: 4.9
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a comprehensive three-part test that medical students, both domestic and international, must undertake to obtain medical licensure in the United States. Most people regard this exam hard to crack worldwide due to its extensive content and demanding structure. The USMLE covers over ten different medical disciplines and has 3 steps. The first step spans eight hours and encompasses eight sections. Step 2 is a two-day exam lasting nine hours, divided into two components. Lastly, Step 3 concludes the test with another two-day examination, also lasting nine hours.
1. Gaokao
Difficulty Level: 5
The Gaokao exam is widely known as the toughest exam in the world. It is the national college entrance examination in China. What makes Gaokao the toughest exam in the world is its comprehensive syllabus, the immense pressure to achieve high scores, and its significant impact on future academic and career prospects. The Gaokao covers subjects such as Chinese literature, mathematics, a foreign language, and additional subjects depending on the student’s chosen stream. Due to the challenging nature of the Gaokao exam, several European and American colleges have started considering Gaokao scores for admissions.
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