Top 10 Hardest Exams in the World (2025)
By NIGPOST
Exams are a way to test knowledge and hard work, but some are more challenging than others. These tough tests demand deep knowledge, dedication, and mental endurance, often requiring years of preparation.
China has the world’s toughest exam, the Gaokao, while India has three of the top 10 hardest exams.
Here’s a look at the most difficult exams in the world in 2025.
10. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam, run by the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), is the hardest wine exam globally. The pass rate is only 10%, even after multiple attempts.
Three levels: theory, service, and blind tasting
Final stage requires identifying the year, region, and type of wine
Candidates must pass all levels within three years
Since 1969, only 269 people have passed this exam.
9. All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam (Oxford University, UK)
Held annually by Oxford University, this exam offers a 7-year fellowship, but only one or two people are selected from about 80 applicants.
Candidates write four 3-hour essays on abstract humanities topics
Questions have no right or wrong answers (e.g., “Is Edward Snowden a hero or a villain?”)
Pass rate: 2.5%
Those who pass the written test must defend their answers in a viva (oral exam).
8. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, India)
GATE is a highly competitive online test for students pursuing M.Tech or PhD in India.
65 questions (10 general aptitude, 55 subject-related)
Duration: 3 hours
Pass rate: 18%
Top institutes like IITs, IISc, and IIMs accept GATE scores, and some German and Singaporean universities also recognize it.
7. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert)
The CCIE exam, conducted by Cisco, is for networking professionals.
Two stages: a written test and an 8-hour lab test
Covers routing, security, and infrastructure
Pass rate: 1%
It requires 7–10 years of experience in networking.
6. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
The CFA exam is one of the toughest in finance, with three levels of 6-hour exams.
Over 100,000 candidates from 100+ countries take the exam yearly
Requires 48 months of work experience
Takes four attempts on average to pass all levels
5. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The GRE is a standardized test for master’s and PhD programs abroad.
Accepted in 90+ countries
Measures verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, and critical thinking
Pass rate: 43%
4. Mensa IQ Test
Mensa International is an exclusive high-IQ society.
Candidates must score in the top 2% on an approved IQ test
Tests logical thinking and problem-solving
Pass rate: 0.02%
3. UPSC CSE (Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Exam, India)
This exam recruits for top Indian government positions like IAS, IPS, and IFS.
Three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview
Candidates get six attempts (OBC: nine attempts)
Pass rate: 0.2%
2. IIT-JEE (Joint Entrance Examination Advanced, India)
The IIT-JEE is India’s toughest engineering entrance exam.
Two levels: JEE Main & JEE Advanced
Pass rate: 26.17%
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology
1. Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam, China)
The Gaokao is the world’s hardest exam, required for university admission in China.
Takes two days (9 hours total)
Subjects: Math, Science, Literature, Political Science
Pass rate: less than 0.25%
Preparation starts as early as primary school, making it one of the most stressful exams.
Which of these exams do you think is the toughest? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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