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Introduction

India is known for some of the world's most difficult examinations. But, have you ever thought which is the most difficult one?There has always been a debate between UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), JEE, and CLAT for being the toughest one. These exams are known for their difficulty level, but the dilemma of which exam in India is the toughest still remains.  

Many people keep in view that the UPSC CSE is one of the most difficult exams in India. It is popularly known as the IAS exam. Only a small percentage of candidates make it to the final list due to the rigorous selection process and exceptionally low selection rate. In this blog, We will examine some of the other challenging tests in India, including IIT JEE, CA, NEET, AIIMS, GATE, NDA, CLAT, UGC-NET, and IES.

What is the Toughest Exam in India?

India is home to some of the most difficult exams in the world, known for their broad curricula, intense competition, and exacting evaluation procedures. These exams assess students dedication, knowledge, and abilities in a variety of fields, including management, engineering, medical, civil services, and law. Because of the fierce competition, success requires careful planning and unwavering willpower.

Top 10 India’s Toughest Exam List (2025)

Let’s explore the details of India’s top 10 toughest exams in India and what makes them difficult.

1. UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)

UPSC CSE is one of the toughest exams across the world, which is held by the Union Public Service Commission. It is the main body for recruiting candidates into civil services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and associated roles. 

The UPSC exam consists of three stages: 

1) Preliminary exam 2) Mains written exam 3) Interview Process 

Prelims consists of two-multiple choice-papers while mains have nine-descriptive papers which are to be written. The merit of the exam is based on mains and personality test scores, which tests consistency and problem-solving skills. Millions of students apply for this exam every year  with a selection rate under 1%.

2. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the national JEE exam. It is known as the 2nd toughest exam in India after UPSC. The JEE exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 for B.E/B.Tech and Paper 2 for B.Arch/B.Planning courses.

There are two levels for this exam: JEE Main selects students for NITs, IITs, and other government institutes whereas JEE Advanced selects students  for IITs, IISc, and RGIPT, with questions from various subjects like physics, chemistry, and math.

(Read More: 13 Hardest Degrees in the world for Indian Students)

3. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

The GATE exam is conducted by the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) committee, an all-India exam. The committee consists of diverse members from the National Coordinating Board and Department of Higher Education, the Ministry of Human Resource Development, and IISc.

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like Indian Oil, GAIl and Hindustan Petroleum will use the final GATE score to recruit students.

(Suggested Read: GRE vs. GATE: Which is better for study abroad?)

The exam pattern is based on multiple-choice questions, multiple-select questions, or numerical answer types. Generally, the exam is divided into 2 sections – General aptitude and candidate’s selected section.

4. Common Admission Test (CAT)

The CAT is conducted by IIM on a national-level rotational basis.It is a computer-based test for admission to the MBA degree. A student with a 50% aggregate score in a Bachelor’s degree can apply for the exam, and the aggregate score is 45% for reserved categories.

The CAT exam paper is divided into three sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, and Verbal Ability with Reading Comprehension. The questions include both multiple-choice and non-multiple-choice. 

5. National Defence Academy (NDA)

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is one of India’s toughest exams for students who want to get into the defense forces. Candidates who pass with flying colors have the opportunity to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force wings of the NDA.

In 2021, the Supreme court made a significant change in defense forces by allowing women to appear for the NDA exam for the first time. The exam is held twice a year and is ranked among the top 5 toughest exams in India. 

The exam includes a written test and an interview by the Service Selection Board (SSB). The NDA exam includes questions from the Mathematics and General Ability sections. The General Ability test includes various subjects like English and General Awareness, whereas the Mathematics paper is worth 300 marks. The General Ability Test includes 600 questions. The honour of serving the nation will be given to the best chosen candidates. 

6. Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)

For admission to undergraduate and graduate law programs at 24 national law universities throughout India, the Consortium of National Law Universities administers the CLAT exam every year.

The CLAT exam consists of 150 questions which are structured into five categories: general knowledge, mathematics, English, legal aptitude, and logical reasoning. It is generally conducted offline. One must meet the requirements to work in the government services, higher education, the judiciary and the legal profession. There is no fixed age limit for candidates, and all it requires is to have a minimum cut-off score. 

*(Note: Are you struggling to get a perfect score on the quantitative aptitude section of GRE? Check this out!)

7. Chartered Accountant (CA)

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in India is accountable for conducting the CA exam. It is mandatory to pass the CA test to become a prospective accountant in india. There are three levels in the exam: Foundation, Intermediate and Final. 

The Foundation course consists of four papers which are Multiple-choice questions whereas the Intermediate and Final exams are split into two groups of four papers each which involve both multiple-choice and descriptive questions. The CA test requires great determination and commitment. Candidates must clear each step with sheer dedication to become a Chartered Accountant. 

8. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)

NEET is one of the most difficult tests in India for the medical field, which is regulated  by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Every year, it is conducted to select and admit students for a variety of undergrad programs like veterinary, AYUSH, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS).

Know More: How to study MBBS abroad for International Students?

The main subjects covered in the question paper are Chemistry, physics, zoology, and botany. The exam is conducted for 720 marks. The competitiveness of the year is getting higher year by year. Although, there is no certain upper age limit for the NEET exam, applicants must be at least 17 years. 

9. UGC National Eligibility Test (UGC NET)

The University Grants Commission's (UGC) UGC NET test is regulated by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates who want to become junior research fellowships or an assistant professor can apply for this exam. It is held twice a year.

(Read More: How to apply for a Phd abroad?)

The interested candidates must complete their bachelor with at least 55% aggregate score. It consists of two papers and the exam is conducted Online. 

Paper 1 is the common paper which includes Reading comprehension, general awareness, reasoning skills, and teaching and research aptitude. Paper 2 focuses only on a certain topic. Candidates must at least score 40% of the points to be eligible and the minimum score for the reserved applicants is 35%.

10. National Institute of Design Entrance

The National Institute of Design conducts the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) nationwide. Individuals must pass the NIT DAT exam to get admitted to undergraduate and graduate programs. 

There will be two phases namely: NID DAT prelims and NID DAT mains. Both of them are qualifying stages. Candidates must be at least 19 years old before taking the test. The merit list is created by calculating both prelims and mains tests. 

(Note: Are you interested in pursuing Fashion Designing after your 12th grade? Read the blog to know the process.)

What is the Importance of Understanding Toughest exams? 

Recognizing the importance of understanding tough exams is like preparing for a battle before it begins. Competitive exams are mental battles, so it's crucial to have a clear concept of the exam before jumping in.

1. A Committed Study Plan

Many students compete for the UPSC exam across India making it one of the toughest exams. To stand out among the top 100 candidates requires a focused study plan without any long distractions. Dedicate extra time for complex topics while easy subjects can be reviewed quickly.  

2. Time Management

Managing your time effectively is crucial for such examinations.Allocate more time for difficult subjects which will help in avoiding last-minute rush and reduce stress-levels.  

3. Boost your Confidence

Having a familiarity with exam patterns and its challenges will increase confidence. A detailed study plan will reduce anxiety, leading to an enhanced performance. 

4. Identifying your strengths and weakness

Recognizing which parts of the UPSC are difficult allows candidates to work on their weaknesses, ensuring a strategic preparation for the hardest exams in India. 

5. Practice Mock Tests

Mock tests are the game-changers. Practice makes a man perfect and it helps students become accustomed to the paper pattern which will also build resilience for the actual test. 

A deep understanding of the challenges of tough exams in India will allow students to tailor their preparation and approach their studies with extra confidence.

Which is the Toughest Exam in India?

Criteria for Determining the Toughest Exams:

a. Depth of the Syllabus

Tough exams like UPSC covers a vast array of subjects including history, economics, science, and current affairs. It is mandatory to have a basic understanding across all these areas for success.

b. Depth

Few exams like GATE, require in-depth knowledge of specific subjects. You cannot skip through chapters as mastering the topic is very essential for such exams.

c. Number of Candidates

Competition: For exams like NEET, millions of students compete for a limited number of seats making the competition fierce. A slight edge in your marks will cost your admission to the reputed medical institutions. 

(You may also like: 15 Personality development tips for Students)

d. Succession Rates

Difficulty in Passing: Few exams like CA have low succession rates. Consistency and determination are the key to success, even after multiple attempts.

e. Duration of Preparation 

Preparation Duration: Tests like JEE advanced required a relentless preparation for 1-2years. A study plan is pivotal to perform well.

Tips and Strategies for Cracking Tough Exams

• Understand the Exam syllabus and Pattern: Make a clear note of the syllabus and exam pattern. Write down the important sections which have high marking.  
• Develop a Study Plan: Create a study schedule. Organise your time table according to the toughness of the subject. Focus more on weaker sections to make the journey easier.
• Quality Study Material: Rely only on quality study resources including textbooks, online portals, previous year question papers. 
• Regular Practice: Practice sample papers and mock tests to improve time management and accuracy. 
• Regular Revision: Keep revising the important topics on a regular basis to retain information effectively. 
• Maintain Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced lifestyle and self-care is very important during such times. Eat well, get enough sleep and manage the stress to perform better during the exams.  
• Seek Expert Guidance: Consider taking Online or Offline Coaching designed specially for exam preparation. Take expert insights that will help you understand key strategies and important points.
• Stay Updated with current events: Keep yourself updated with on-going issues, trending topics and current affairs through newspapers, magazines and online sources.

Conclusion

India is home to the most difficult exams. Each exam on the list requires sheer determination and a thorough preparation. Achieving success requires few secret mantras which include India hard work, strategic planning, consistent practice, effective time management, regular revision, seeking guidance, staying updated, and maintaining both mental and physical well-being. Every examination assesses various skills and one can crack any exam with the right mindset and preparation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which exam is considered the toughest exam in India?   

Ans. The UPSC exam can be considered the toughest in India. The selection rate is from 0.1 % to 0.3% in India. The final merit depends on the marks that you score in mains and interview process.

 Q2. Which exam is considered as the toughest exam in the world? 

Ans. The Gaokao exam conducted in China is considered the toughest in the world. This exam tests the critical thinking ability of the candidates. This is an entrance examination and it decides the future of many students.

Q3. What are the top 5 toughest exams in the world?  

Ans. The top 5 toughest exams in the world are the Gaokao exam, JEE, UPSC, GRE and GATE exam. These exams test the knowledge and critical thinking ability of the students. 

Q4. Which is the No. 1 exam in India?   

Ans. The UPSC civil services exam can be considered as the No.1 exam in the country. The selection percentage is also less than 1% making it the most difficult exam in India. 

Q5. Which is India’s No.1 competitive exam? 

Ans. India’s top competitive exam is the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). It recruits candidates for elite positions like IAS, IPS, and IFS. It has three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and interview.