Toughest Exams in the World: From UPSC To Bar Exam—USA Ranks 3rd; India's Rank Will Leave You In Shock

Gaokao is one of the most intense and high-stakes exams in the world. Taken by millions of students each year, the results determine their future opportunities in higher education. The pressure is immense as this exam covers a range of subjects, including Chinese, Mathematics, and a foreign language, with students often preparing for years. The competition is fierce, and the emotional toll is significant as it can affect the trajectory of a student’s entire life.

This exam is the gateway to India’s prestigious civil services. It includes a multi-phase process: a preliminary exam, a main exam, and an interview. Candidates face an enormous syllabus that spans subjects like history, geography, economics, and current affairs. The difficulty level, the vast range of topics, and the pressure to succeed push candidates to their mental and emotional limits.

Becoming a licensed attorney in the United States requires passing the Bar Exam, and this is no easy feat. The exam tests legal knowledge, reasoning skills, and the ability to apply complex laws. With various state-specific exams, candidates must also take a comprehensive multi-day test that covers everything from constitutional law to ethics, leaving candidates mentally exhausted by the end.

The Master Sommelier exam is often considered the most difficult certification exam in the world. Candidates are tested on their knowledge of wine, spirits, and service, but also their sensory skills and ability to taste and identify different wines. Out of the thousands who attempt it, only a handful pass each year. The pressure to perform and the depth of knowledge required make it one of the most grueling exams.

The A-Levels are essential for students aiming for entry into top universities globally. Known for their high level of difficulty, these exams require extensive preparation in subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, and English. Students spend months, if not years, preparing for the A-Levels, knowing that their future academic paths depend on their results.

The CFA exam is an arduous multi-level test that spans years. Each level is known for its extreme complexity, covering subjects like financial analysis, economics, portfolio management, and ethical considerations in finance. Candidates often take months to prepare for each level, with failure rates remaining high. The test demands precision, analytical ability, and deep subject knowledge.

This entrance exam is notorious for its difficulty. It requires extensive knowledge in science subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Students hoping to attend one of Japan’s prestigious medical universities must face an exam that tests not only their academic aptitude but also their stamina and ability to manage stress under pressure.

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