Exams are used to measure a student level of knowledge on a particular subject or subjects. To pass exams gives a student the chance of success and attaining a level of progress.
These exams are in-depth and require a strong dedication to study.
The ‘difficulty’ of these examinations can often be subjective, depending not only on the academic rigor but also on personal dedication, and the academic background of the individual student writing the exams.
Passing them often takes years of study, determination, and sometimes many trails.
The country with the hardest exam is China, as it is home to the world’s No. 1 toughest exam — Gaokao, while India has 3 of the world’s top 10 toughest exams.
Here are the top 10 toughest examinations in the world in 2025:
1. China → Gaokao Exam
2. India → IIT JEE Exam
3. India → UPSC Exam
4. England → Mensa
5. US/Canada → GRE
6. US/Canada → CFA
7. US → CCIE
8. India → GATE
9. US → USMLE
10. US → California Bar Exam
Source: Erudera