Embarking on the journey towards academic or professional success often means tackling some seriously tough challenges, and a few hurdles are as notorious as the world’s toughest exams. These tests aren’t just about showing what you know; they’re about pushing the boundaries of your brainpower and resilience. Spanning continents and fields, they demand serious prep, unyielding grit, and maybe even a bit of genius. Let’s dive into the world of intellectual trials and uncover the top ten toughest exams that separate the best from the rest.
Gaokao Exam (China)
This gruelling exam is essential for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses in China. Held during the third and final year of high school, the Gaokao lasts approximately nine hours over two to three days (depending on the province). Less than 0.25% of students achieve the qualifying score for admission to China’s elite colleges. Interestingly, some European and American universities now accept Gaokao scores due to their difficulty and prestige.
IIT JEE Exam (India)
The Joint Entrance Examination for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is a formidable challenge. Lasting three hours, it requires continuous effort over two intense years. Only 1% of candidates succeed in this fiercely competitive exam.
UPSC Exam (India)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is a two-to-three-hour test that demands 12 months of advanced preparation. With a success rate of just around 0.1% to 0.3%, it selects candidates for prestigious civil service positions in India.
Mensa Admission Test (England)
Mensa, an international high-IQ society, administers a challenging one-to-two-hour test. It doesn’t rely on IQ scores but assesses cognitive abilities. Approximately 134,000 candidates take this test annually.
GRE (United States and Canada)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) spans three hours and 45 minutes. Candidates typically study for four to twelve weeks or one to five months. Scoring above the 50th percentile is considered a significant achievement. Around 700,000 students take the GRE each year.
CFA (United States and Canada)
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam lasts 4.5 hours and requires 300 hours of preparation. Approximately 43% of candidates pass this rigorous test, and there are 175,000 CFA charterholders.
CCIE (United States)
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) exam lasts around 120 minutes and demands nine to fifteen months of preparation. Only 26% of candidates succeed, with approximately 8,000 taking the exam annually.
GATE Exam (India)
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) spans three hours and necessitates six months of focused preparation. Approximately 18% of candidates pass this challenging engineering exam, with 700,000 appearing each year.
USMLE Exam (United States)
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is an eight-hour test that requires six to twelve months of preparation. A substantial 77% of candidates pass this crucial medical licencing exam, with 19,210 taking it annually.
California Bar Exam (United States)
Aspiring lawyers face the California Bar Exam, a four-hour test. Candidates dedicate 40 hours per week over eight to ten weeks to prepare. The pass rate hovers around 52.4%, with 7,164 individuals attempting this bar exam.
(Nigerian Tribune)