Every student in this world faces Exams in their life. I am not talking about any class tests here. I am talking about the Competitive Exams and Entrance exams that help out in choosing careers making life achievements. Few exams test your knowledge and IQ. But whatever exam it is, students are always worried about the results. But what are the top 10 toughest exams in the world?
As we grow older, the level and difficulty of exams also increase. Exams are not limited to students. There’s no age limit for exams in the modern world. However some exams are easy, but some exams are so difficult that very few students could qualify. Sometimes, even an intelligent and bright candidate takes several attempts to clear any exam.
There are a few exams which are considered as the toughest exams in the world. They are ranked according to their difficulty level, duration of test, and chances to qualify them. So let’s see the list of the top 10 toughest exams in the world.
1. CFA- CHARTERED FINANCIAL ANALYST
The CFA is a post-graduate professional qualification, offered by American based CFA institute, for those who want to become an investment and financial professionals. It is considered as the most difficult exam in the world. One should complete his bachelor’s degree before applying for the CFA exam. The test consists of two objectives and one essay type subjective phase. Very few people can qualify for the CFA institute after several attempts.
2. ALL SOULS PRIZE FELLOWSHIP EXAM
This fellowship exam conducted by Oxford University’s All Souls College was once considered as the most difficult exam in the world. The applicants have to write a single essay based on just one word, which requires an extraordinary mind and factual knowledge. Undergraduate and postgraduate students of Oxford University are eligible to apply for this exam. Only two candidates are selected for fellowship every year.
3. MASTER SOMMELIER DIPLOMA EXAM
This exam was conducted for the first time in 1969 to improve the standards of beverage service by sommeliers. A Sommelier is a French word for trained wine professionals who work in Restaurants. This exam is conducted worldwide. Since its establishment in 1977, only 274 candidates have cleared this exam, that too in their 3rd or 4th attempt. The exam is divided into 3 sections: theory, service, and blind tasting (where students have to tell the year and region of the wine).
4. CCIE- CISCO CERTIFIED INTERNETWORKING EXPERT
Cisco Networks conducts this technical examination worldwide for the recruitment of Internet experts within their organization. It was first conducted in 1993 with a two-day program. The test is divided into 6 parts: Routing & Switching, Service Provider, Security, Collaboration, Data Center, and Wireless. This exam is conducted in two phases-
Written Exam: Duration 120 minutes, 90 – 110 questions with multiple choice and simulation.
Lab Exam: 8 hours Lab exam (within one day)
5. GAOKAO
The National College Entrance Examination, popularly know as the Gaokao examination, is a compulsory academic exam for every high school student in China. There’s no age restriction for this exam. If the student wants to pursue Higher Education, he/she must have to appear for this exam. It is ranked as the 8th most difficult exam to crack globally. The exams last about nine hours over a period of two or three days.
6. MENSA
The Mensa Society is the oldest and highest IQ society in the world. Every country has its own Mensa Society. The Mensa IQ Test is the most difficult IQ Test in the world and very few applicants are accepted into society. The minimum requirement to qualify for the Mensa Society is 98%. There is no age bar and its youngest member is 2 years old. You are allowed to appear only once for this exam. If you have to re-appear for this exam, you have to submit an application and you will be allowed to appear on the basis of any other IQ test.
7. GRE- GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATIONS
GRE is one of the most widely taken tests globally and also difficult to crack. The GRE scores are used by almost every University and institute in the USA and Canada. The score is valid for 5 years and is conducted over 160 countries so that students from other countries can also take admission to the US.
8. GATE- GRATITUDE APTITUDE TEST IN ENGINEERING
GATE is an Indian level entrance examination for students pursuing engineering. After completing a bachelor’s degree, students are eligible for appearing in GATE exams which allows them to take admissions in Post Graduate courses. The GATE score is valid for 3 years, which means you can use your GATE score even after 3years of the qualifying exam.
The test is a joint venture between The Indian Institute of Science and the 7 IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) across the country. The format of the exam is both, MCQs and numerical questions.
9. IIT-JEE – INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY JOINT ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
The Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination is an exam conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) and JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) is responsible for the admission process among 24 IITs, 32 NITs, 18 IIITs, and 19 Government funded institutes. The exam is divided into 2 objective papers: JEE MAINS and JEE ADVANCE of three hours each. It is totally objective and has a low clearing rate. Out of the 500000 candidates, just 10000 get selected.
10. UPSC- UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
All the top government officials of central services in India are appointed through UPSC exams by a central agency in India. Established in 1926, it is considered as the most difficult Examination within the country. UPSC is also responsible for conducting IES exams for the recruitment of engineers in technical departments of government. The qualifying rate for this exam is around 1000 out of 300000 candidates appearing annually.
So these are some of the top 10 toughest exams conducted by different Universities and Institutes around the world. But the list is not limited. There are many more exams that are considered difficult to prepare and clear. One such exam is MCAT which is a computer-based examination for medical students in the US, Australia, and other Carribbean countries. The study materials are very expensive and hard to prepare.
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Those who had qualified the above mentioned or any other exam are praiseworthy as they represent an extraordinary mind. We also praise and wish luck to those students who are preparing for their exams.
