In a world, where professional experience and academic success are so much celebrated, passing certain examinations is considered an arduous task. These examinations can challenge the resolve and intellect of some of the bravest souls and minds of the world. These tests help in carving the roadmap for reaching the milestones of the future leaders, pioneers, and innovators These tests range from the intense pressure of Gaokao of China the intellectual marathon to crake the UPSC civil service examination of India, the following article will help in providing information regarding the some of the best and toughest exams of the world which are after passing ensure success and glory for the candidate. So be prepared to be amazed, inspired, and a bit intimidated. Although there are a large number of challenging exams in the world, the tests that will be discussed in this article are considered as the true test of skill, intellect, and endurance. These exams are so very difficult that they only allow the best of the best candidates from around the world. From IIT in India to the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam, to Gaokao in China, these teats are believed to be the gauntlet of ability and knowledge. Although a large number of students prepare for these examinations for years only a few of them can pass.
The selection of some of the toughest exams in the world can be very subjective and depends on the strengths and weaknesses of the individuals. However, some exams are known for their high level of competitiveness and difficulty. Here are the slits of the top 10 exams in the world.
Mensa IQ: The Mensa International of UK is created to test the intelligence and cognitive abilities of the individual. The test helps in identifying the individual with exceptional intellect and positioning them in the top 2% of the people in the world. Any candidate scoring a higher number on the test is awarded with the Mensa membership which provides opportunities to connect with intellectual peers and participate in activities and discussions. Candidates having a score of 98th percentile on standard tests qualify for Mensa.
| Mensa IQ Highlights | |
| Country | UK |
| No. of exam takers | The test is open to anyone who can demonstrate an IQ in the top two percent of the population |
| Exam pattern | As part of the test, 35 riddles in the form of visual patterns must be answered in the allotted 25 minutes for this test |
| Pass rate | India has around 3000 members who have qualified for Mensa membership. There are around 140,000 worldwide |
Master Sommelier Diploma Examination: The Court of Master Sommeliers takes the exam of the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination. The tests of three different levels. These are an Oral theory test, a deductive test of six wines, and a practical wine service test. This test is considered one of the most difficult tests in the world, as the intricacy and difficulty level rise at each level. The candidates appearing for the Master Sommelier level, the candidates are required to pass with 75%. The candidates are required to pass the last two parts of the exams after clearing the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination-THEORY. The candidates are required to take the full exam again in case the candidate fails to pass all three sections in three years.
| Master Sommelier Diploma Highlights | |
| Country | UK and USA |
| No. of exam takers | Students may apply to take the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination if they pass the Advanced Sommelier Examination, which typically has a pass rate of between 25% and 30% |
| Exam pattern | It consists of three levels: an oral theory test (there is no written test), a deductive tasting of six wines, and a practical wine service test |
| Pass rate | The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination-THEORY has a pass rate of about 10% |
All Souls Prize Fellowship Examination: It is considered one of the most intellectually rigorous tests and highly competitive. The test is considered at All Souls College. Oxford. The exam consists of four sets of written explanations each consisting of three hours. Two sets of papers belong to the subject selected by the candidate from the list of different subjects which include Law, History, Classical Studies, Economics, English Literature, Philosophy, and Politics. The paper generally contains essay-based questions in which the candidates are required to conduct in-depth analysis and requires originality. Fellows can do non-academic, and academic professions. The All Souls Prize Fellowship Examination is one of the most significant achievements for the students, and excellence is the first criterion for the selection of the candidates. Therefore, it is considered one of the toughest exams for the candidates.
| All Souls Prize Fellowship Highlights | |
| Country | UK |
| No. of exam takers | Oxford students can apply. |
| Exam pattern | The examination consists of written papers, a viva voce, and an assessment by the Fellowship |
| Pass rate | Every year, the college selects two fellows. They should be enrolled at Oxford or completed a first degree from the institute |
The California Bar Examination: The California Bar Examination is conducted for two continuous days by the State Bar of California. The exams cover a wide range of legal subjects and the candidates are required to score a minimum of 1440 out of 2000 points to clear the exam. The pass score required in this exam is generally higher than in other US states.
| California Bar Exam Highlights | |
| Country | US |
| No. of exam takers | 3000+ |
| Exam pattern | Five one-hour essay questions. One 90-minute Performance Test. The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), typically consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions |
| The pass rate | of 51.5% in 2023 |
Gaokao: Gaokao, also known as the National College Entrance Examination is conducted as a national examination for high school candidates. The exam is conducted every year in June, and the exam is very crucial for Chinese students willing to take admission in any undergraduate course in China. The examination includes subjects such as mathematics, Chinese, Foreign language, and science. The examination also includes subjects selected by the candidate as the main subject. The results scored by the students in Gaokao play a significant role in the education journey and career opportunities in China for the future.
| Gaokao Highlights | |
| Country | China |
| No. of exam takers | 10,00,000+ |
| Exam pattern | The two main subjects Chinese and math, are each worth 150 points. Other subjects are each worth 100 points |
| Pass rate | Under 1% for admission to top colleges |
Civil service examination (UPSC): “The UPSC Civil Services Examination” is one of the most competitive and highly prestigious examinations in India and is conducted by the “Union Public Service Commission”. The exam is conducted early basis and provides a way to opportunities to work in different prestigious administrative and civil services positions in the Indian government. The candidates passing the exam have the opportunity to join IFS, IPS, IAS, and many other esteemed civil service examinations to contribute to national development and governance. The civil services examination consists of three stages. These are the preliminary examination, main examination, and personality test also known as an interview. The examination evaluates the candidate in various subjects such as General studies, essay writing, and different optional subjects selected by the candidate. During the preliminary examination candidates are provided with objective-type questions, and in the main examination is a written test for the candidates. The third personality test evaluates the candidate's personality traits, communication skills, and ability to undertake administrative roles.
| UPSC Highlights | |
| Country | India |
| No. of exam takers | Approximately 10,00,000 |
| Exam pattern | Prelims, Mains, and Interview |
| Pass rate | Less than 1% |
Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) joints Entrance examination (JEE): Each student in India is very much aware of the highly competitive nature of the IIT-JEE exams in India. The IIT-JEE popularly known as JEE Advanced is one of the most competitive examinations conducted in India and provides admin opportunities for the students to different undergraduate engineering programs in different Indian institutes of Technology (IIT) in India. The students willing to appear in the JEE Advanced examinations are required to pass the JEE Mains. The examination helps in evaluating the knowledge and skills of the student in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
| IIT-JEE Highlights | |
| Country | India |
| No. of exam takers | 10 lakh + in JEE Main 2 lakh + in JEE Advanced |
| Exam pattern | MCQ-based |
| Pass rate | 25-30% in JEE Advanced |
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Examination: The CFA examination is considered the gateway to the financial world. The examination consists of three distinct stages that help in evaluating the candidate on various types of investment topics. It is considered one of the most difficult financial financial examinations and certifications. The exam requires the students to study for 300 hours to pass each level of the exam on average.
| CFA Exam Highlights | |
| Country | India |
| No. of Exam Takers | Over 250,000 candidates take the exam annually worldwide. |
| Exam Pattern | Each level of the exam features a mix of different formats, including multiple-choice questions, essays, and item-set questions, and covers topics from ethical and professional standards to portfolio management and wealth planning. |
| Pass Rate | Historically, the pass rates hover around 42% for Level I, 45% for Level II, and 56% for Level III, reflecting the exam's challenging nature. |
| Path to Certification | Candidates are required to pass all three levels and gain relevant work experience to earn their CFA charter, a journey that often takes four to five years. |
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE): It is a three-stage examination for getting a medical license in the United States, evaluating the ability of the Physician to use their knowledge, skill, concept, and other Principles to showcase their fundamental patient-centered abilities.
| USMLE Exam Highlights | |
| Country | USA |
| No. of Exam Takers | Medical students and graduates from the U.S. and around the world. |
| Exam Pattern | The USMLE consists of three steps, including multiple-choice questions and patient simulations. Step 1 tests basic science knowledge; Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) tests clinical science principles; Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills) assesses clinical skills through patient interactions, and Step 3 focuses on patient management in an ambulatory setting. |
| Pass Rate | Pass rates vary by step and applicant type but are generally high, with first-time takers from U.S. medical schools achieving rates above 90% for Steps 1 and 2 CK. |
| Path to Certification | Passing the USMLE is essential for any medical graduate seeking to practice medicine in the United States. |
Architecture Registration Examination (ARE): It is a multi-part licensing examination that is compulsory for the architect to pass to practice in the United States. The examination helps in evaluating the different aspects of architectural practice such as legal considerations, project management, and building designs.
| ARE Exam Highlights | |
| Country | USA |
| No. of Exam Takers | Aspiring architects seeking licensure in the U.S. |
| Exam Pattern | The ARE consists of six divisions, covering practice management, project management, programming & analysis, project planning & design, project development & documentation, and construction & evaluation. The exam format includes multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and hot-spot questions, as well as case studies. |
| Pass Rate | The pass rates for each division range from approximately 50% to 70%, depending on the division and year. |
| Path to Certification | In addition to passing the ARE, candidates must also complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and meet their state's licensure requirements to practice as a licensed architect. |
The examinations mentioned above are much more than just evaluation, they are the tools for testing the intellect, resilience, and the human spirit of the candidates. Conquering these examinations provides an opportunity for the candidate to join an elite group of individuals who are mastered in their fields and have demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and dedication. These toughest exams in the world provide a passage for some of the most talented and brilliant minds of mankind. The examinations test the intelligence, dedication, and ability of the candidate to handle pressure in their professional lives. Passing these exams ensures that the candidate is very much able to achieve the goals of life.