Top 10 Toughest Entrance Exams in the World

Rajni Pandey | November 17, 2025

1. Gaokao (China)

[{"selector":"#anim-c616e039-da8e-41c7-95f7-01a12f28d3b3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6999,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] China’s Gaokao is feared for its vast syllabus, multi-day testing, and intense competition that decides admission to top universities. AI Generated Image

2. IIT-JEE Advanced (India)

[{"selector":"#anim-018f5f1a-9034-4819-8c56-fe3ad52df40a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6999,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] JEE Advanced demands deep conceptual understanding and fast problem-solving, with only a small fraction earning IIT seats. AI Generated Image

3. UPSC Civil Services (India)

[{"selector":"#anim-74fa1f3c-ef63-4325-aa59-bb5ce812350e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6999,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] UPSC tests knowledge, writing, reasoning, and personality across three stages, making it one of the world’s hardest selection exams. AI Generated Image

4. GATE (India)

[{"selector":"#anim-75231240-cca6-4e16-94a1-8d618ed3a468 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6999,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] GATE requires strong engineering fundamentals and analytical skills, with high pressure to score well for MTech and PSU careers. AI Generated Image

5. GRE (Global)

[{"selector":"#anim-90e18cc0-ea4f-4e55-b67f-4112eda6899d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6999,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The GRE evaluates advanced verbal, quant, and writing skills, and top global universities expect very high scores for admission. AI Generated Image

6. SAT/ACT (USA)

[{"selector":"#anim-cb582249-2e0b-4c63-b1c6-9d6d96868bf5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6999,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] SAT and ACT challenge students with tight timing and complex reasoning, and top US colleges seek near-perfect scores. AI Generated Image

7. CFA Exam (Global)

[{"selector":"#anim-67763706-5aaa-4bd9-833e-8e9e74f771bb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6999,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The CFA’s three levels test deep financial analysis with heavy reading loads and low pass rates across all stages. AI Generated Image

8. USMLE (USA)

[{"selector":"#anim-d736f004-c902-40dc-b99e-eca8710e42aa [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6999,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] USMLE is a multi-step medical licensing exam that demands strong clinical knowledge and precise decision-making. AI Generated Image

9. NEET (India)

[{"selector":"#anim-b3b6c238-4745-4417-8bbe-d07a6a9095c9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6999,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] NEET is India’s toughest medical entrance exam, with a huge syllabus and extremely high competition for limited seats. AI Generated Image

10. LSAT (Global)

[{"selector":"#anim-e42e0d60-cd27-4941-9b22-4dd1eb824544 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6999,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] LSAT focuses on logical reasoning and analytical reading, and top law schools require exceptionally high performance. AI Generated Image

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