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Top 10 Toughest Exam in India - Millions of Indians Dream Exams Ranked
by Aishwarya
Updated Aug 26, 2024
Top 10 Toughest Exam in India
India's education system is known for being very challenging, with exams playing a key role in students' futures. IIT JEE, GATE, and UPSC are the three of India's toughest exams among the top 10 hardest in the world. Other tough competitive exams in India include the ones listed below.
Union Public Service Commission (Civil Service)
The UPSC CSE is one of India's hardest national-level exams, leading to top positions like IAS, IFS, and IPS. It has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview. Each year, around 10-12 lakh candidates apply, but only a few thousand succeed. Its broad syllabus and need for deep knowledge make it very challenging.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body in India responsible for recruiting officers to the All India Services and Central Civil Services through exams. Established on October 1, 1926, and later renamed after independence, it operates under the Constitution of India, which grants it authority for appointments and personnel management. UPSC is headquartered at Dholpur House in New Delhi and reports directly to the President of India. It functions autonomously, similar to the higher judiciary and Election Commission.
Indian Institute of Technology – Joint Entrance Exam
The IIT JEE is the second toughest exam in India. It's a national exam for those who want to join the Indian Institutes of Technology. It has two parts: IIT Mains and JEE Advanced. JEE Mains, held twice a year by the National Testing Agency, is the first stage. JEE Advanced is the final stage.
The Joint Entrance Examination is an annual exam in India that tests students' knowledge in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Organized by one of the seven IITs on a rotating basis, it is the gateway to bachelor's programs at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other top institutions like IISc and IIPE. Known as one of the toughest exams globally, students often prepare for years, usually with the help of coaching institutes. In 2024, only 48,248 out of 180,200 candidates qualified, reflecting its high difficulty and low acceptance rate.
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering
GATE is the top exam for those wanting to pursue a Master’s or PhD in Engineering. It is a national exam for admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other institutions in India. The exam is very difficult and requires a deep understanding of concepts and strong preparation.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an entrance exam in India that tests students' understanding of engineering and science subjects for postgraduate admissions. It is conducted by the Indian Institute of Science and seven IITs on behalf of the government. A candidate's GATE score reflects their performance and is used for admission to postgraduate programs like M.Tech and Ph.D., with financial aid from the government. Many public sector companies in India also use GATE scores for hiring engineers. GATE is highly competitive and is recognized by some international institutions like Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
Common Admission Test
CAT is a tough exam for graduates who want to study at Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). With limited seats available, the competition is very high. It is a computer-based exam in India for admission to graduate management programs, like MBA, primarily at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
The test has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Conducted annually by one of the IIMs, the exam takes three hours, with one hour per section. Since 2014, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has managed the test. In 2020, due to COVID-19, the exam duration was shortened to two hours, with 40 minutes per section.
National Defence Academy
The NDA exam, run by the Services Selection Board, is a national test to recruit top candidates for the country’s top defense academy. It is very tough due to the high number of candidates. To join the military after high school, candidates must pass this exam.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, Maharashtra, is the first joint training institute for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Cadets train together before moving on to their specific service academies. NDA has produced many distinguished alumni, including 3 Param Vir Chakra and 12 Ashoka Chakra recipients, along with 27 service Chiefs of Staff. In August 2021, the Supreme Court allowed female candidates to take the NDA entrance exam. The 145th course graduated in November 2023, with cadets from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and friendly foreign countries.
Common Law Admission Test
CLAT is the key exam for getting into India's top National Law Universities. Aspiring lawyers need to pass it for admission. The test covers English, general knowledge, legal reasoning, and math.
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national entrance exam for admission to 25 out of 27 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India, excluding NLU Delhi and NLU Meghalaya, which have their own tests. CLAT was introduced in 2008 and is also used by some private law schools and public sector companies for recruitment. The exam is taken after the 12th grade for undergraduate law programs and after a law degree for Master of Laws (LL.M) programs. CLAT is one of India's toughest exams, with an acceptance rate of around 3%.
Chartered Accountant
The CA exam, run by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), has three levels. First is the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), then the Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC), which covers seven subjects. Finally, candidates take the CA Final Examination, which tests advanced topics like financial reporting and strategic management.
Chartered accountants are professionals in accounting, first established in Scotland in 1854. They work in various fields like auditing, taxation, and financial management, with some working in public practice, private companies, or government. The title is internationally recognized and similar to certified public accountants. Women could become chartered accountants after 1919, with Mary Harris Smith becoming the first in 1920. Chartered accountants must continue their education to stay competitive and can join special interest groups and networking opportunities. There are over 1.8 million chartered accountants and students worldwide.
UGC NET
The UGC NET exam, run by the National Testing Agency, is tough for those who want to become teachers. It is highly competitive, with many candidates taking the test.
The University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) is a test in India conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It determines if candidates are eligible for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), assistant professor roles, or PhD admissions in Indian universities. The exam covers 83 subjects and is held twice a year in June and December. Previously conducted by CBSE until July 2018, the NTA now manages the exam and issues e-certificates and JRF award letters online.
