Some exams might feel like easy peasy lemon squeezy but for the hardest exams in the world? They’re more like difficult, difficult, lemon difficult. These tests are infamous for their complexity, designed to push your critical thinking, problem-solving, and deep understanding to the absolute limit.
And sometimes, the hardest exams in the world are an unavoidable hurdle—the only ticket to securing those all-important qualifications and advancing their careers. In this blog, we’ll be sharing the toughest exams in the world and what makes these tests so daunting. Could you rise to the challenge?
- What Are the Most Difficult Exams in the World?
- How to Pass a Difficult Exam
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Are the Most Difficult Exams in the World?
No matter what path you choose, there’s no escaping challenging exams at some point. And if you’re aiming for a high-stakes profession like law, medicine, or engineering, get ready—those tests are designed to push you to your limits. They’re all about proving you’ve mastered the skills and knowledge your chosen field demands.
Around the world, countries have created some pretty intense exams to separate the best of the best from everyone else. Let’s dive into the top seven hardest exams in the world and see what you might be up against!
1. Gaokao Exam
Country: China
Purpose: College entrance exam for high school
Pass rate: 85%
When it comes to university admission exams in China, it’s no surprise that people think of some of the hardest exams in the world. Take the infamous Gaokao, for example. Held every June, this grueling two-day test covers mandatory subjects like math, Japanese language, and foreign language, along with elective courses.
Though not a standardized nationwide test, it’s administered across all provinces and primarily determines university admissions. Even though only 10% of colleges rely on these scores, more institutions are adding entrance exams into the mix. In 2024 alone, a record-breaking 13 million students took one of the hardest exams in the world.
The Gaokao is so intense that drones are now used to detect cheating, reflecting its reputation for difficulty and its high-stakes environment. Takers face immense pressure that sometimes leads to alarming consequences like fainting in the exam hall or worse. The test is a memorization marathon, with results that can shape a student’s future for years to come—truly a make-or-break moment in their academic journey.
2. IIT JEE or JEE Advanced Exam
Country: India
Purpose: Undergraduate admission to Indian Institutes of Technology
Pass rate: 27%
If you’re dreaming of getting into one of India’s prestigious IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology), you’ll have to face one of the hardest exams in the world—the IIT JEE (Joint Entrance Exam). These elite technical institutes, funded by India’s central government, are a gateway to a bright future, but the path starts with clearing this notoriously tough entrance exam.
The IIT JEE is a national-level test that happens in two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Only students who pass the JEE Main can move on to tackle the JEE Advanced, which is even more challenging. Together, they make the IIT JEE one of the hardest exams in the world for aspiring engineers.
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Country: Originally designed for US institutions but is now accepted in over 90 countries
Purpose: Standardized test to assess readiness for graduate-level work
Pass rate: The GRE isn’t a pass/fail test. Instead, GRE scores are used by graduate programs to assess applicants’ readiness for advanced study.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE), conducted by ETS, is widely regarded as one of the hardest exams in the world. If you’re planning to pursue a Master’s, MBA, or PhD abroad—especially in the USA—a strong GRE score is often your first step toward your dream program. For example, getting into a top institution like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may hinge on your GRE performance.
GRE’s challenging syllabus structure is what makes it one of the hardest exams in the world. The test evaluates your Verbal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, Critical Thinking, and Analytical Writing skills. With hundreds of test-takers competing for spots at top universities or for migration opportunities, the GRE demands rigorous preparation to stand out.
And if you need a second chance, you can retake the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times a year.
4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Country: United States
Purpose: Designed to assess and certify the competence of financial professionals
Pass rate: 38% (first level)
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam is often considered one of the hardest exams in the world, and for good reason. Every year, over 100,000 applicants from nearly 100 countries, including those in Asia, take on this grueling challenge. Known as the gold standard in Finance and Investment Management, the CFA designation is highly respected and opens doors to countless opportunities in the finance industry. In fact, many CFA Charterholders see their salaries jump by 53% after passing Level III.
To earn the CFA Charter, you’ll need to pass three levels of exams—CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3. Each level features a demanding 6-hour test, with 240 questions for the first two levels and a mix of objective and subjective questions for the third.
On top of that, you’ll need 48 months of professional experience to qualify. Most candidates take about four attempts to clear all three levels, which is why the CFA exam is widely recognized as one of the hardest exams in the world. If you’re up for the challenge, becoming a CFA Charter holder is a prestigious milestone in any finance professional’s career.
5. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam
Country: United Kingdom
Purpose: Select individuals for fellowships at All Souls College, one of Oxford’s most prestigious and historic colleges
Pass rate: 2-4% (depending on the number of applicants)
Oxford University’s All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam is one of the hardest exams in the world, held every autumn with a rich history spanning decades. Oxford uses this exam to award a coveted 7-year fellowship, but the odds are tough—out of about 80 candidates, only one or two are selected each year.
To apply, you’ll need to submit four essays on any topic within the humanities, with just 3 hours to complete each one. Because the questions are abstract and thought-provoking, preparing for this exam is no easy feat. Only those with a solid background in the humanities are eligible to take part.
The questions in this exam are not straightforward; they’re subjective and don’t have clear-cut right or wrong answers. For example, “Is Edward Snowden a hero or a villain?” The exam is designed to find individuals with exceptional skills in debate and analysis—those who can think critically and present their ideas.
You’ll need to demonstrate a broad knowledge, independence of thought, and the ability to carefully explain complex ideas. If you pass this rigorous test, you’ll be invited for a viva, where you’ll explain your answers orally.
6. Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE)
Country: Originated in the US; results are recognized globally
Purpose: Validate the skills and expertise of networking professionals in the field of network engineering
Pass rate: 10-20%
The Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) exam, administered by Cisco Systems, is known as one of the hardest exams in the world. It’s a series of tests designed for networking professionals to prove their ability to build, maintain, and troubleshoot complex network infrastructures.
Only experienced Cisco engineers are eligible to take this exam, and with more engineers vying for the certification and a low success rate, it’s one of the toughest exams in the world.
This test is split into six sections, assessing your skills in areas like collaboration, routing, and security. It’s conducted in two stages: those who pass the first stage are eligible for the second, which lasts 8 hours and has an incredibly low pass rate of just 1%.
Given how difficult this test is, prospective examinees are advised to have 7 to 10 years of industry experience and a deep understanding of networking technologies. If you manage to clear the test, you’ll earn the CCIE certification, widely regarded as the most prestigious certification in the networking field.
7. Exam for the Master Sommelier Diploma
Country: United Kingdom
Purpose: To certify individuals as experts in the field of wine, spirits, and beverage service
Pass rate: 3-8%
The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam, held by the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), is one of the hardest exams in the world, specifically designed to raise the level of service provided by sommeliers in wine and food pairing.
This rigorous exam aims to elevate the standards of knowledge and service across the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and more. With an average success rate of just 10%, even after several attempts, it’s clear this is no easy feat.
The exam consists of three main levels: Theory, Service, and Blind Tasting. In the final phase, you’ll be asked to identify the year, region, and area where a wine was made—this makes it one of the most challenging wine tests in the world.
Experts often need at least three attempts, and regular candidates might find themselves retaking the exam 5 or 6 times before passing. You must first pass the Theory level, and within three years, complete the remaining two parts: Practical Restaurant Wine Service and Salesmanship, and Practical Tasting.
If you don’t pass all three levels within the three-year period, you’ll need to retake the entire exam. Since the exam began in the UK in 1969, only 269 people have earned the prestigious title of Master Sommelier. It’s no surprise this exam is regarded as one of the hardest exams in the world!
How to Pass a Difficult Exam
If you’re planning to take on one of the hardest exams in the world, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of things to consider while preparing:
- Create your study space. Before you dive into your prep, make sure you have a proper study area. Pick a room with good lighting and airflow to keep you motivated and positive. A comfortable, distraction-free zone can really make a difference.
- Avoid distractions. Tough exams require focus, so avoid distractions like video games, social media, weekend trips, and binge-watching TV shows. You’ll need all your attention on your studies!
- Know the exam format. Familiarize yourself with the exam structure before you make a study plan. Understand the type of questions, the number of sections, the duration of the test, and any resources you’ll need. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
- Prepare a timetable. Time constraints can add to the pressure, so creating a timetable can really help. It’ll keep you on track, help you cover all the material, and let you see how much you’ve accomplished.
- Practice note-taking. Taking notes is a great way to solidify important points. It’s a useful tool for revision later on, so get in the habit of jotting down key information as you study. According to a study, visual aids like maps and flowcharts are super helpful when trying to understand concepts. These tools make it easier to remember important points when you’re revising.
- Answer mock tests and old question papers. Practice makes perfect, so take as many mock tests and sample papers as you can. This will give you a feel for the test format and the types of questions you might face.
- Remember to take breaks. It’s essential to balance your study time with regular breaks. Don’t push yourself to the limit with sleepless nights—take short breaks, stay hydrated, and recharge so you can stay focused.
Whether you’re a student or a working professional, preparing for exams can be tough. By following these tips and sticking to your plan, you’ll be better prepared for even the hardest exams in the world. Consistent practice is key! Make sure to build good study habits along the way, and if you’re feeling stressed, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at AdmissionSight for guidance. You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to prepare for one of the hardest exams in the world?
Preparation time varies depending on the exam and your current level of knowledge. For exams like the Gaokao or IIT JEE, preparation can take years, with many students starting in high school. For exams like the CFA or Master Sommelier, preparation might take several months to a few years, depending on how much prior experience you have in the field.
2. What is the hardest exam in the world?
The hardest exam in the world is subjective and can vary depending on an individual’s strengths and areas of expertise, but the hardest exams are infamous for their low passing rate, complexity of the material, and the years of experience needed to pass.
3. Are the toughest exams in the world worth it?
Taking some of the toughest exams in the world can feel overwhelming and exhausting, but the rewards are often more than worth the effort. The potential for career growth and financial rewards makes it all worthwhile.
Takeaways
- Some of the hardest exams in the world include the Gaokao Exam, the GRE, and the CFA exam.
- Whether you’re aiming for a career in law, finance, medicine, or technology, these exams can set you apart and pave the way for your future. Sure, the journey is challenging and requires determination, but the rewards—both personal and professional—make it all worth it.
- If you’re feeling the pressure of taking some of the hardest exams in the world, AdmissionSight is here to help. With our personalized coaching services, we provide expert guidance tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re preparing for college admissions or graduate school entrance exams.
Author
