Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 2023

Are you aspiring to clear the toughest exams in the world? Are you ready to test your intellectual and academic capabilities? In a world where education is highly valued, some exams are a true measure of one's capabilities. Discover the toughest exams in the world , like the UPSC, Master Sommelier Diploma, Mensa's IQ test, CCIE certification, USMLE in the US, China's Gaokao, etc., in this blog. These  toughest exam  test a range of skills, including verbal reasoning, IT expertise, and critical analysis, highlighting the multifaceted nature of education worldwide. Successfully cracking these exams opens doors to prestigious institutions and career opportunities and reflects the exceptional skills of those who conquer them. Succeeding in tough exams opens doors to prestigious institutions and career opportunities, showcasing exceptional skills and setting one apart from the rest. Take advantage of this chance to prove yourself as one of the best.

 

Many government and private-sector job positions require candidates to undergo multiple selection rounds, including written and interview-based assessments. These assessments serve as a tool to manage the overwhelming number of job applications. As a result, fresh graduates and experienced professionals seeking employment must prepare for these mandatory exams. In this article, we will discuss the hardest exams in the world , each of which holds a unique degree of difficulty.     

 

Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 2023

These are the top 10 toughest exams in the world in 2023: Gaokao Exam (China), IIT JEE Advanced, Civil Services Exam (CSE)/UPSC, Master Sommelier Diploma, Mensa, CFA, All Souls Prize Fellowship, USMLE , Bar Exam and CCIE. Each exam is highly esteemed in its respective domain and presents unique challenges to test the intellect and determination of individuals across various fields and countries.    
 

UPSC Civil Services Exam (India) #1 Toughest Exam in the World

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Exam, also known as the UPSC exam, which is considered the  toughest exam in the world  given the number of aspirants and final selection. Indian aspirants aim to serve their country in administrative positions by passing this national-level test, held in three stages once a year: Prelims, Mains, and an interview round for recruitment to prestigious bodies such as Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Police Services (IPS), and Central Civil Services. Hindi and English are the most often chosen language mediums for the Civil Services interview exam. On the other hand, candidates ought to choose a language in which they feel more at ease. This signifies a benchmark that all union and state government ministries are led by IAS officers, making it not only incredibly prestigious but also exceptionally difficult; indeed, it is considered the  hardest exam in the world among all exams. Thus, in 2023, approximately 13 lakh students appeared for the UPSC prelims, 14,624 candidates qualified for the UPSC Mains exam 2023, and around 1105 candidates were selected in the 3rd round.

Particulars	Details
Country of exam	India
Full-Form	Union Public Service Commission Civil Service Examination
Conducting Authority	Union Public Service Commission, Government of India
Frequency Of exam	Once a Year
Medium of Exam	English & Hindi
Exam Duration	Preliminary: 2 Hours  Mains: 3 Hours

Exam Format: 

• The UPSC exam Phase 1 - Prelims exam has 2 papers, GS Paper 1 and CSAT. The exam consists of objective-type questions.  
• Phase 2- The main exam has 9 papers:- 1 Compulsory Indian Language, English, Essay paper, GS 1, GS 2, GS 3, GS 4, and Optional Papers 1 and 2. The question types for the main exam are subjective. 
• Phase 3 is an interview where the candidate’s personality is evaluated, such as clear and logical exposition,  mental alertness, balance of judgment, critical powers of assimilation, ability for social cohesion and leadership, etc. A panel of experts conducts the interview round for 20-30 minutes.

Challenges:

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in India can be challenging due to its highly competitive nature.     
 

• Aspirants often feel overwhelmed by the vast syllabus, so breaking it down and prioritizing topics is essential. 
• Often, a lot of information is available, which can lead to information overload. Focusing on relevant information from official sources is advisable to tackle this. 
• To prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, time management is crucial. Set study goals for each day or week, allocate enough time for each subject and stick to the plan. 
• To deal with stress and anxiety, include meditation and exercise in your daily routine and stay positive. 
• Candidates can overcome gaps in their academic background by identifying their weak areas and taking the necessary steps to improve. Standard textbooks can provide in-depth understanding, while seeking guidance from experts or teachers can help with complex topics.    
  
   

Gaokao (China) #2 Toughest Exam in the World

Gaokao, China's national College Entrance Exam, is for the final year of high school candidates to get admission to higher education in China. It is known to be one of the  toughest exams in the world , as only a small percentage of students can achieve high scores to get admission to top universities. The test duration is nine hours and assesses the candidate's mathematics and Chinese skills. Students must select at least 3 subjects but can take more if they want to. The test is conducted annually in early June over two days. The overall marks the candidate receives are the average sum of marks in all subjects, which decides if the candidate has passed or failed their exam.    
 

In 2023, there were 12.91 million candidates for the Gaokao exam, while the total number of available seats through the Gaokao was around 6-7 million.

Thus, the Gaokao exam ensures students are prepared for the university and can get the best jobs in China.    
 

Particulars	Details
Country of exam	China
Full-Form	National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) commonly known as Gaokao
Exam Conducted	Once a Year
Medium of Exam	English
Exam Duration	9 Hours (over two or three days)

 

Exam Format:

The Gaokao exam format is a standardized test that consists of various subjects. The Gaokao exam covers various subjects such as Chinese, Maths, Science, and English. The exam takes place in June and is known for its challenging nature.

• The exam is scored on a scale of 750 to 950 points. 
• The two subjects, Chinese and math, are worth 150 points each.
• Other subjects, like science and English, are worth 100 points each. 
• The science section has chemistry, physics, and biology questions. 
• The Chinese section has writing,  reading comprehension, and grammar questions.
•  The English section also has reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary questions. 

Challenges:

The Gaokao exam, being the  hardest exams in the world, has multiple challenges that a candidate needs to face, both academically and emotionally, to get the desired score.

• The vast population in China makes the competition intense.
• The exam duration is quite long, around nine hours, and access candidates, endurance, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities.
• The security protocols are strict to prevent exam integrity, as there were cases where paper leaks prevented many students from taking the exam.
• Gaokao exam difficulty level is relatively high, and there is immense pressure which leads to stress and anxiety among students to perform well.

 

IIT-JEE (India)#3 Toughest Exam in the World

The IIT JEE  exam is one of the toughest exams in the world as it leads to admission to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and some of the NITs. It is a national-level exam and the only exam for undergraduate admissions to an Integrated master's degree,  bachelor's degree, or Bachelor-Master Dual Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Science.

To get admission to IITs, students must undergo the multi-tier selection process, including qualifying JEE mains and the JEE Advanced exam.  There are approximately 13583 seats in 2023, and the total number of candidates was 680000.

Particulars	Details
Country of exam	India
Full-Form	Joint Entrance Examination Advanced
Conducting Authority	IIT Guwahati
Exam Conducted	Once a Year
Medium of Exam	English & Hindi
Duration	3 Hours

Exam Format: 

The IIT-JEE is a highly competitive exam for undergraduate engineering programs at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology. It is conducted in two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced.

• Paper Format: The JEE Main exam consists of two papers - Paper 1 (for B.E./B.Tech courses) and Paper 2 (for B.Arch/B.Planning courses).    
   
• Mode of Examination: JEE Main is conducted online (Computer Based Test) and offline (Pen and Paper Based Test) modes.

• Subjects: Paper 1 includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, while Paper 2 includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing.

• Question Type: The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical value-based questions. 

• Marking Scheme: For MCQs, four marks are awarded for each correct answer, while one mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for numerical value-based questions.

• There are 54 questions in both JEE advanced papers 1 and 2, followed by 18 questions in each of the three sections, including maths, chemistry, and physics. 

• JEE Main exam for BE/BTech courses has 90 MCQs worth 300 marks. Paper 2A for B.Arch has 82 questions worth 400 marks, and B.Plan has 105 MCQs of 400 marks. 

 

Candidates can take the exam in 13 languages which include:

1. Assamese
2. Bengali
3. Kannada
4. Malayalam
5. Marathi
6. Odia
7. Punjabi
8. Tamil
9. Telugu
10. Urdu 
11. Hindi
12. English
13. Gujarati 

Challenges:  

There are various challenges that students come across while getting ready for the IIT-JEE exam.

• The competition level for both NEET and IIT exams is exceptionally high as thousands of students compete for limited seats.
• The syllabus is vast and covers a wide range of topics. Thus, managing and covering the syllabus can be overwhelming.
• Students must balance school and exam preparation simultaneously to cover the syllabus, which requires effective time management.
• Students are under extreme pressure to perform well to secure a seat in a prestigious institution, which can negatively impact candidates' mental and emotional well-being.
• Candidates need to deeply understand complex concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Lack of clarity can hinder their problem-solving abilities.    
  
   

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CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) #4 Toughest Exam in the World

Considered one of the hardest exams in the world of networking, the CCIE EI Lab Exam evaluates candidates' abilities to design, deploy, operate, and optimize complex enterprise networks at a high level. CCIE is a globally recognized certification that can boost job prospects in countries like the USA, Singapore, Australia, and Dubai. Globally, there are roughly 55,000 certified individuals, with about 8,000 candidates taking the CCIE lab exam each year. According to Cisco, the pass rate for the CCIE exam is around 26%.

Introducing the CCIE Certification, an industry-driven initiative to strengthen the industry's recognition of highly regarded, worldwide internetwork experts; this certification primarily assesses these experts' infrastructure and network design skills. This certification is widely recognized because of the high regard for CCIE in the networking community.

The exam is widely regarded as one of the most  tough exams in the world , and there are several reasons for this. One of the main reasons is that the authorities responsible for the exam consistently update their testing tools and methods.    
 

• 1. The CCIE exam is divided into two phases.
• 2. The second phase, in particular, incorporates an 8-hour practical examination.
• 3. Cisco's findings confirm that they select and certify only 3% of candidates in CCIE.
• 4. Moreover, the second phase's inherent tediousness and difficulty reflect a mere 1% success rate.

Particulars	Details
Country of exam	USA, Singapore, Australia, and Dubai.
Full-Form	Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
Exam Duration	2 Hours
Type of Questions	MCQ

 

Exam Format: 

The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure (CCIE EI) Lab exam format has changed. There are now two modules instead of three. The first module is about design and includes scenario-based questions. The second module is called Deploy, Operate, and Optimize and involves building a network based on the design from the first module. Candidates must pass both modules separately to pass the exam. If a candidate fails, they will receive a score report indicating which modules they passed and failed.

• This exam evaluates a candidate's capacity to align technologies with customer requirements through multiple-choice questions. 
• In the former, it engages candidates directly in actual device configurations. The Design module spans three hours.
• The certification requirement comprises two test sets: the Written Exam, which lasts for 120 minutes and consists of 90–110 multiple-choice and simulation questions, 
• The Lab Exam, is a rigorous 8-hour laboratory examination conducted in a single day. Previously, CCIE Lab Exams consisted of two full-day tests.    
   

Challenges:

CCIE candidates face several challenges during the exam. One challenge is troubleshooting complex network issues requiring effective diagnosis and resolution skills.     
 

• Lack of preparation:  One common mistake in the CCIE exam is lack of preparation. It requires months of dedicated practice and hands-on experience with Cisco products rather than cramming a few nights before.
• Lack of Hands-On Experience:  The CCIE is a practical certification that requires hands-on lab experience in networking. Lack of practical experience is a common reason for failing to achieve CCIE. 
• Lack of Focus:  The CCIE exam demands strong focus and concentration. Candidates who struggle to focus during study sessions or exams may struggle to pass. 
• Poor Time Management:  The CCIE exam requires good time management to finish all questions in the allotted time. Poor time management can lead to unfinished questions or rushed answers, impacting the final score.
• Inadequate Practice:  Practice is essential for success in the CCIE exam. Candidates must practice effectively using real-world scenarios to become familiar with the exam format and question style.    
   

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)#5 Toughest Exam in the World

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly coveted by investment professionals worldwide. It is widely considered the most respected and recognized certification in finance and investment management. The program provides candidates with valuable insights into the finance and investment industry, enhancing their skills and knowledge. To earn the charter holder designation from the CFA Institute, candidates must successfully complete three levels of coursework - CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3.

As per the CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, there were 23,352 candidates worldwide who took the Level I CFA exam in May 2023, and around 39% passed the exam.

The CFA is more of a professional test for people in finance and investments than it is an actual exam. It's the hardest exam in the world, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The following points prove that the position of CFA is one of the world's  top 10 Toughest Exams in the world :

• Despite numerous, persistent attempts, each year, merely 1/5th of the applicants successfully pass the test.
• The test comprises three papers: two of them focus on objective types, while the remaining paper is dedicated to an essay-type format.
• In the past decade, merely 9% of applicants achieved a passing grade across all three levels.
• The CFA Institute imposes one of two criteria on test-takers: a prerequisite of either possessing four years' worth of pertinent work experience or demonstrating an appropriate amalgamation, through education and professional background, to meet their stringent requirements.

Particulars	Details
Country of exam	Worldwide
Full-Form	Chartered Financial Analyst
Conducting Authority	CFA Institute
Frequency	Bi-annually
Mode of Exam	Online
Medium of Exam	English
Exam Duration	90 Minutes

Exam Format:

The CFA Level comprises a variety of multiple-choice questions; these are divided into two sessions, with the possibility of an optional break between them. The Level 1 exam is specifically constructed from 180 MCQs, which are evenly distributed over two 135-minute sessions with an optional break between the sessions.

CFA level consists of various multiple choice questions, divided between 2 sessions with an optional break between the sessions. 

• Level 1  - The CFA Level 1 exam has 180 multiple-choice questions divided into two 135-minute sessions, with the option of taking a break in between.
• Level 2 - The CFA Level 2 exam has 22 sets of questions with 88 multiple-choice questions in total. It is divided into two sessions, each lasting 2 hours and 12 minutes.
• Level 3  - Level 3 has either 6 item sets and 5 essay sets or 5 item sets and 6 essay sets. The exam still includes 11 essays and 11 item sets worth 12 points each. The paper is split into two sessions of 2 hours and 12 minutes, with an optional break, totaling 4 hours and 24 minutes.

Challenges:

The CFA tests are challenging from the beginning, despite rumors that level 1 tests make the course easy. However, with practice and mental clarity, passing the exam is achievable.

• Overwhelming Content: The amount of material to cover can be overwhelming. With proper preparation, candidates can handle financial concepts and theories.
• Underestimating Difficulty level : Passing the CFA exams requires thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the material. It is a recipe for disaster to underestimate the complexity and attempt to wing it.
• Lack of Practice : Without sufficient mock exams and practice questions, mere reading and memorization will not prepare you adequately for the battle ahead. 
• Burnout and Procrastination : Attempting to cram everything last minute can lead to burnout, stress, and procrastination. Giving yourself ample time to prepare for CFA exams is important to avoid negative consequences.

All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam (Oxford University, UK) #6 Toughest Exam in the World

Oxford University conducts the All Souls Prize fellowship exam, known as one of the  toughest exams worldwide. Annually, on average, only 2 out of 80 candidates are selected to become members. The Fellowships are a total of 7 years and cannot be renewed.

Particulars	Details
Country of exam	UK
Name of Exam	Examination Fellows, formerly known as Prize Fellows
Conducting Body	Oxford University
Language	English
Duration	3 Hours

Exam Format:

The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam at Oxford University in the UK follows a specific format.  While the exact details may vary, the exam typically consists of a general paper and specialized papers in various subjects. 

• The general paper tests candidates' knowledge and understanding across various disciplines. It may include questions that are considered to be unanswerable, challenging candidates to think critically and creatively. 
• The specialized papers focus on specific subjects chosen by the candidates, allowing them to demonstrate their expertise in those areas. 
• It is a written exam which consists of 4 papers of 3 hours each. 
• Two papers are from the chosen subject, such as  Law, History, English Literature, Classical Studies, Politics, Economics, or Philosophy. 
• The other two exams are 'general,' and the questions are from various subjects.

Challenges:    

The All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam at Oxford University presents several challenges to students. One of the most notable challenges is the difficulty of the exam itself. Considered to be the hardest exam in the world, it requires a high level of intellectual rigor and critical thinking skills to succeed.     
 

• The exam covers many topics, including consciousness, chance, robotics, sports technology, genetics, human nature, quantum mechanics, and more. 
• The exam traditionally included a one-word essay question, which was known to be particularly challenging. However, in recent years, the college has decided to remove this element, as it was not considered a useful test of the qualities they are looking for in candidates. 
• The exam duration is quite long, as each exam lasts 3 hours.
• Candidates need to write an extended essay based on a single word.
• Candidates must thoroughly understand the subjects and have brainstorming skills to answer the questions.
• The questions are from out of left field, with no correct answers.    
  
   

Master Sommelier Diploma Exam #7 Toughest Exam in the World

The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is notable for being the most challenging wine exam globally.  This exam is for expert winemakers and comprises a four-level education and examination program. The Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination are available both in-person and online. It consists of students' introduction to the Court of Master Sommeliers, the Court of Master Sommeliers Service Standards, and the Court of Master Sommeliers Tasting Method. Master Sommeliers teach it. A total of 45 candidates from 16 states and 30 countries took the Master Sommelier Diploma exam invigilated by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. Only 10 have met the qualifications to get the title of Master Sommelier.

Particulars	Details
Country of exam	UK, US
Name of Exam	Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
Conducting Body	The Court of Master Sommeliers
Language	English

Exam Format: 

The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination is divided into three parts: Theoretical Knowledge, Practical Tasting, and Practical Service.    
 

• The Theory examination is mandatory for all candidates who are sitting for the first time or those who have reset and hold no portions. 
• The Practical and Tasting portions can be attempted only after passing the Theory examination. 

The Introductory Sommelier Course and exam are taken from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM over 2 days. The exam starts at 4:00 PM on day two, followed by results and a sparkling wine bash. The test consists of 70 multiple-choice questions consisting of course content and workbook, and candidates need to complete it in 45 minutes. Students need to get a minimum score of 60% in the Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination certificate and lapel pin.

Suppose students pass the Introductory Sommelier Course Examination. In that case, they can sit the Certified Sommelier Examination, which consists of three parts:    
 

• A theory exam (It is an oral exam that covers topics such as vinification, viticulture, wine regions, and service etiquette)
• Deductive tasting of six wines
• A practical wine service exam

 

Challenges:

The students taking the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam face several challenges throughout the process. 

• It is known to be extremely difficult, with a low pass rate. 
• Candidates need to have an in-depth knowledge of wines globally, impeccable service skills, and the ability to identify wines by tasting or their aroma.
• You have only three years to pass all the three parts. Otherwise, you need to start again for all the three sections.
• Candidates cannot discuss actual test questions but can discuss preparation. 
• Many candidates require multiple attempts over several years to pass all three sections. 
• Cheating incidents, like Jane Lopes', can result in invalid exam results and require retaking certain sections. This can greatly impact candidates' reputation and opportunities.

Mensa #8 Toughest Exam in the World    
 

Mensa was founded in 1946 at Lincoln College in Oxford, England, by Roland Berrill and Dr. Lancelot Ware. It is a non-profit society for individuals who score above the 98th percentile on IQ tests. 

The Mensa Admission Test is used for admission into Mensa and not to measure intelligence. A qualifying score means you've tested at or above the 98th percentile of the general population. Mensa has over 150,000 members worldwide across 90+ countries, including more than 1,500 in India.

Mensa is the largest 'High Intelligence' society, offering a platform for highly intelligent individuals to connect. Admission to Mensa requires scoring in the top 2 percentile of an IQ test.

Mensa is a multinational non-profit organization with some varying aspects. Their evaluation system assesses talent quality. There is no age restriction required to join it.  Gaining a Mensa membership requires achieving more than the specified percentile, making it one of the world's most challenging exams.

Particulars	Details
Full-Form	Mensa
Frequency	Once a Year
Conducting Body	International Board of Directors (IBD)
Mode of Exam	Offline

 

Exam Format :     
 

The Mensa exam consists of two tests: the standard test and the Culture Fair test.     
 

• The standard test includes sections on logic, reasoning, verbal intelligence, vocabulary, and math skills. It consists of 35 puzzles in the form of visual patterns that must be solved within a 25-minute time limit. 
• On the other hand, the Culture Fair test focuses on puzzles and patterns and is language-free. It contains various questions to test logic and reasoning and questions related to verbal intelligence, vocabulary, and math skills. 
• The standard test takes approximately two hours, while the Culture Fair test takes two to three hours.
• No specialized knowledge or math skills are needed. Each correct answer earns one point.    
   

Challenges:

To join Mensa, you must have an IQ of at least 132, which can be determined through the Mensa test. To be in the top 2% of testers, you would need a score of at least 132 on the Stanford-Binet test or at least 148 on the Cattell test. There are various challenges faced by candidates taking the  Mensa exam    
 

• The main challenge for Mensa exam candidates is meeting the cutoff requirement of scoring in the top two percent on an approved intelligence test.
• To join Mensa, candidates must display exceptional intellectual abilities.
• Candidates must take an approved test or submit a qualifying score from another approved test.
• Tests taken online or by anyone under sixteen are not accepted for Mensa entrance. 
• The controversial nature of intelligence testing, particularly regarding perceptual reasoning, poses additional challenges for candidates.

USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) #9 Toughest Exam in the World

The USMLE is a three-step test series for medical graduates to practice medicine in the U.S. Students planning to practice Medicine in the US must take the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), sponsored by the NBME and FSMB. It assesses medical knowledge, principles, and patient-centered skills. 

The USMLE is unique because it assesses your mastery of medical material, not just test-taking skills. It is taken at different stages of your medical education and requires comprehensive knowledge of the sciences and the ability to apply it clinically. Candidates who pass the exam receive a license for medical and healthcare practices.

In 2022, around 24,956 international medical students and graduates took the USMLE Step 1 exam, and 71% passed the exam. Around 14,077 international medical students and graduates took USMLE step 2 CK, and around 86% passed the exam. Thus, 12,287 international medical students and graduates took USMLE step 3, and 89% passed.

USMLE Exam Format:

The exam consists of three steps, with the first step taking eight hours, the second step taking nine hours, and the third step spanning two days (seven hours on day one and nine hours on day two).

Steps	Purpose	Format	Length
STEP 1	It evaluates applicants' understanding and application of key concepts in basic sciences to medical practice, with a focus on principles and mechanisms related to health, disease, and therapy.	Around 280 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are divided into seven blocks, each lasting for 60 minutes.   Prometric test centers worldwide administer computer-based tests.	Single-day test   For approximately eight hours
STEP 2	Examinee tests assess medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science for patient care under supervision, with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention.	Clinical Knowledge (CK)   Around 318 MCQs, divided into eight 60-minute blocks   Prometric test centers worldwide administer computer-based tests.	One-day test Session   -For approximately nine hours
STEP 3	It assesses examinees' ability to apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science necessary for independent medical practice, with a focus on patient management in ambulatory settings.       Day 1: FOUNDATIONS OF INDEPENDENT PRACTICE (FIP) evaluates the examinee's understanding of fundamental medical and scientific principles necessary for providing efficient healthcare.   Day 2: ADVANCED CLINICAL MEDICINE (ACM) evaluates the examinee's capacity to apply extensive health and disease knowledge in patient management, considering the changing presentation of disease over time.	Day 1 FIP: Approximately 232 MCQs, divided into six 60-minute blocks. Prometric test centers worldwide administer computer-based tests.   Day 2 ACM: Approximately 180 MCQs, divided into six 45-minute blocks 13 computer-based case simulations (CCS). Each simulation is allotted a maximum of 10 or 20 minutes of real-time       Prometric test centers worldwide administer computer-based tests.	One-day test session -Approximately seven hours   One-day test session For approximately nine-hour

Challenges:

The USMLE exam is one of the  tough exam in the world . Let us Learn about the challenges candidates face:    
 

• More basic science knowledge before clerkships leads to a lack of readiness.
• There is a risk of not identifying and providing early academic support to weaker students.
• clerkship or clinical shelf exam performance weaknesses; 
• extension of Step 1 study time; 
• There is a rise in student anxiety regarding choosing a residency specialty and a shorter time frame for board exams.

Three strategies can be employed to overcome these challenges: improved communication with stakeholders, designing curricula and assessments that blend basic and clinical sciences, and providing proactive coaching and advising to students.

 

Bar Exams (Various Countries) #10 Toughest Exam in the World

The bar exam is a professional exam for law school graduates to practice law in their jurisdiction. The bar association of each state conducts it in Australia. In Brazil, the exam consists of multiple-choice questions and essay questions. In Canada, it is regulated at the provincial or territorial level, and in India, it is conducted by the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), which includes 100 multiple-choice questions.

The bar exam has a reputation for being a complex exam. Passing this exam requires a diverse mindset and approach.    

 

Exam Format:

The bar exam typically consists of a 2-day exam held in February and July and includes the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE). 

• For most jurisdictions, the bar exam is held for 2 days on the last Tuesday & Wednesday every February and July. 
• But in a few states, it is a  2 ½- or 3-day exam. It is taken twice a year and consists of three parts: An essay question, interview, and multiple-choice questions. 
• The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) is a multiple-choice exam that tests knowledge of various legal subjects such as Constitutional Law, Contracts/Sales, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, and Federal Civil Procedure
• The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) includes the Multistate Essay Examination and two Multistate Performance Test tasks.

Challenges:    
 

The bar exam is a difficult nut to crack. Check out the challenges that bar exam candidates need to face.

• The pass rate for the exam is only 34%, which shows how difficult the exam is.
• Candidates need to have an in-depth knowledge of law, such as private law, criminal law, public law, etc., and analytical skills.
• The syllabus is vast as the test checks candidates' legal knowledge and skills.

Criteria of Ranking Toughest Exams in the World

When ranking the toughest exams in the world, several factors are considered to determine the  criteria for ranking toughest Exams. These factors typically include the exam's syllabus, pass rate, competition, and the rigorous preparation required to succeed. The number of candidates taking the exam and the acceptance rates also play a significant role in determining the toughness of an exam. Additionally, the significance of the exam in carving a niche in respective careers and its impact on upward social mobility are crucial criteria for ranking the toughest exams globally.     

 

Why Millions of Students Aspire For These Toughest Exams?

Millions of students aspire to take the toughest exams like the Gaokao in China, IIT JEE in India, and UPSC exam due to their unparalleled academic and career advancement opportunities. These exams are gateways to prestigious educational institutions and promising career prospects. Additionally, success in these exams is often associated with social status, recognition, and personal fulfillment, which further motivates students to aspire to conquer these academic challenges. The rigorous nature of these exams also fosters a culture of resilience, determination, and intellectual growth among the aspirants, preparing them for future professional endeavors.

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Conclusion:

When it comes to exams, some are more challenging than others. There are 10 exams in particular that are known to be the toughest. These include the IIT JEE Advanced, Gaokao Exam in China, Mensa, CFA, All Souls Prize Fellowship, UPSC Exam, Master Sommelier Diploma Exam, USMLE, and CCIE. These exams require a high level of knowledge and the ability to think critically and analytically to solve complex problems. Passing one of these exams can open the door to some of the most prestigious institutions in the world and can lead to unlimited career opportunities. 

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