Top 10 Toughest Exams In India [Updated 2023]

Introduction

Exam season in India is no joke. Get ready to explore the Top 10 Toughest exams in India. India is a country with a highly competitive education system, and the path to success is often paved with grueling and challenging exams. Whether it’s the dream of becoming a doctor, engineer, civil servant or pursuing a career in finance or management, these exams are considered to be the gateway to one’s desired profession.

The sheer level of difficulty of these exams is a testament to the level of dedication and hard work required to crack them. The intense competition, extensive syllabus, and strict exam procedures are a true test of a student’s intelligence, endurance, and perseverance.

In this blog, we will explore the top 10 toughest exams in India, examining the various aspects of each exam, such as their eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and success rates. I hope this blog will help you gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that these exams offer, and help you in making an informed decision about your career path. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of India’s toughest exams!

List of 10 Toughest Exams In India

1] Union Public Service Commission [UPSC]

The UPSC exam is a highly competitive exam conducted annually by the Union Government of India to fill various prestigious central government posts, such as the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Foreign Services (IFS), and other central services.

The exam has three stages: Preliminary, Main, and Interview. The Preliminary exam is an objective-type exam with two papers, each worth 200 marks. The Main exam is of the conventional essay type and consists of nine papers, totaling 1750 marks. The Interview, the final stage of the exam, is a personality test to assess the candidate’s overall personality, attitude, and views on various topics.

To qualify for the UPSC exam, a candidate must score a minimum of 50% in the Preliminary and Main exams and at least 25% in the Interview. The candidate must also score a minimum of 500 marks in the Main exam. The cutoff marks for selection vary annually, depending on the number of applicants. The UPSC also offers selection reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

In 2022, approximately 11.92 lakh students appeared for the Prelims, out of which only 1309 students qualified for the Mains for 1022 posts.

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2] Joint Entrance Examination [JEE]

The IIT JEE Entrance Examination is considered one of the toughest exams in India as it determines admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other top engineering colleges in the country. Each year, over one million students appear for the IIT JEE, making it one of the most competitive entrance exams worldwide.

The first JEE exam was Conducted in 1961

The IIT JEE is divided into two parts: the Mains Exam and the Advanced Exam. The Mains Exam is conducted and covers three subjects – Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. On the other hand, the Advanced Exam is more specialized, covering a diverse range of topics from various branches of engineering. Both exams are conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The syllabus for IIT JEE is extensive and continuously evolving. While the core syllabus remains constant, the NTA regularly updates it to account for technological and engineering advancements. The IIT JEE tests on a wide range of topics, including classical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum theory, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, organic and inorganic chemistry, and more.

To prepare for the IIT JEE, students need to have a comprehensive preparation strategy. This includes studying from the best IIT JEE books, attending IIT JEE coaching classes, solving previous year question papers, and taking mock tests. Moreover, to succeed in the IIT JEE, it is vital to remain focused and motivated throughout the preparation process.

In 2022 9,05,590 students appear for JEE mains and only 2,50,000 qualified of JEE advance

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3] National Eligibility cum Entrance Test [NEET]

The NEET-UG, which stands for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate, is a highly competitive national-level medical entrance examination in India that allows students to seek admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses (MBBS/BDS) in various government and private medical colleges across the country. The NTA conducts this exam, and the minimum cut-off marks that a candidate must achieve to qualify for NEET-UG are decided by the agency based on several factors such as the number of candidates appearing for the exam, the difficulty level of the exam, and the availability of seats in the medical colleges.

The NEET-UG exam comprises a single paper with 180 objective-type questions from the physics, chemistry, and biology (botany and zoology) syllabus. The duration of the exam is 3 hours, and each correct answer is awarded 4 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. This exam is conducted in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and several regional languages.

To be eligible to take the NEET-UG exam, a candidate must be an Indian citizen and must have passed or be appearing for their 12th grade or HSC. Candidates should have a cumulative total of 50% in their 10th and 12th grade examinations. For SC/ST/OBC/category candidates, the minimum qualifying mark is 40%. The minimum age requirement for this exam is 17 years, while the maximum age requirement is 25. Due to the high number of applicants and the limited number of available seats in medical colleges, the NEET-UG exam is considered one of the most competitive entrance examinations in India.

In 2022, 18,72,343 number of students Registered for NEET examination

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4] Chartered Accountant (CA) Examination

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) administers the Chartered Accountant (CA) examination, a rigorous and comprehensive program of study that is necessary for anyone who desires to become a professional accountant. The CA examination is divided into three levels, namely the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), the Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC), and the Final Examination.

The CPT is an entry-level examination that assesses the candidate’s basic knowledge and understanding of accounting subjects such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, company law, and economics. The exam is held twice a year in the months of June and December.

The IPCC has two groups: Group I and Group II.

Group I covers subjects like financial management, business law & taxation, advanced auditing & assurance, and information systems & control.

Group II covers subjects such as advanced accounting, corporate and allied laws, financial reporting, advanced taxation, and strategic performance management.

The Final CA examination tests the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge of advanced accounting, business strategies, and corporate laws. It consists of four papers, namely Financial Reporting, Strategic Financial Management, Advanced Auditing & Professional Ethics, and Corporate & Allied Laws.

To become a Chartered Accountant, the candidate must pass the CPT, IPCC, and Final examination. The candidate must hold a degree or postgraduate degree in commerce, economics, business administration, or management to be eligible to take the exam. Moreover, the candidate must have completed the prescribed coursework and training in accounting and auditing.

After passing the exams, the candidate must also complete three years of practical training as a CA and acquire a ‘Certificate of Practice’ before they are qualified to practice as a Chartered Accountant.

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5] Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level entrance examination in India that is administered jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB). The GATE exam is primarily conducted to evaluate the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate subjects in engineering and science fields.

The GATE exam is conducted annually in February, and the scores are valid for three years. The exam includes subjects such as Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and more.

The GATE examination is conducted once a year in the months of February and March. The exam process starts in October and the registration window is open from September to October. The examination is conducted in two days, on alternate weekends. The duration of the exam is three hours and it is conducted in two sessions. The first session is for the MCQs and the second session is for the numerical type problems.

The GATE exam is a computer-based test that evaluates a candidate’s knowledge of engineering concepts, analytical and problem-solving skills. The exam consists of 65 questions, which are a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type questions (NAT). The total duration of the exam is three hours, and the maximum marks are 100.

One of the unique features of the GATE exam is that it is not just a test of academic knowledge but also a gateway to numerous opportunities for higher education and research. Many reputed institutions in India and abroad accept GATE scores for admission to their postgraduate and doctoral programs in engineering, technology, and science. Moreover, several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as BHEL, ONGC, IOCL, GAIL, and others use GATE scores as a screening tool for recruiting graduate engineers at entry-level positions.

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6] National Defense Academy [NDA]

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is one of the most prestigious and sought-after competitive exams in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to recruit candidates into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. The NDA exam comprises a written examination followed by a rigorous selection process involving intelligence and psychological tests, group discussion, and personal interviews.

The written examination for NDA is a two-part test. The first part consists of Mathematics, while the second part includes General Ability Test (GAT), which further comprises English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, History, and Current Affairs. The exam is conducted in offline mode and is of a duration of 2.5 hours for each part.

Successful candidates must pass the interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). The interview tests the candidates on their motivation, leadership qualities, communication skills, and other similar attributes.

To be eligible to appear for the NDA exam, a candidate must be an unmarried Indian citizen and must have passed or be appearing for their 12th grade or equivalent from a recognized board. The age of the candidate should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years, as of the first day of the month in which the course is scheduled to commence. The candidate must also fulfill the physical and medical standards prescribed by the respective Services.

On an average 400000 students apply for NDA examinations and only 6000 students qualify for the Interview
The National Defense Academy Examination amongst Top 10 Toughest exams in India and requires rigorous preparation. Candidates must have sound knowledge of the subjects tested, as well as physical and mental strength to be successful.

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7] Common Law Admission Test [CLAT]

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam in India conducted every year to select candidates for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at various National Law Universities (NLUs) and other law schools in the country. The exam is conducted by one of the participating NLUs on a rotational basis, and the selection process is managed by the Consortium of National Law Universities.

The CLAT exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on various subjects, including English, General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Mathematics, and Logical Reasoning. The duration of the exam is two hours, and there is negative marking for incorrect answers. The test is conducted in online mode, and the result is declared in the form of a merit list based on the candidate’s score.

The CLAT exam is highly competitive, and only a small percentage of candidates who appear for the exam are able to secure admission to the NLUs. In addition to NLUs, other top law schools in India also accept CLAT scores for admission to their undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. A good score in the CLAT exam can open up a wide range of career opportunities for aspiring lawyers in the legal field.

8] University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test [UGC-NET]

The University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET) is an esteemed national-level exam in India that determines the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.

Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) twice a year, the UGC NET exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2.

While Paper 1 is a common test for all candidates and assesses their teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, and comprehension

Paper 2 evaluates their subject-specific knowledge through multiple-choice questions.

Candidates are required to appear for both papers, which are conducted in online mode, and each paper is of a duration of 3 hours. The exam is held in two shifts, and successful candidates can pursue a career in teaching or research in some of the top universities and colleges in India.

The UGC NET exam provides Indian nationals with a great opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills, helping them secure the job of their dreams.

9] National Institute of Design [NID] Entrance Examination

The highly competitive National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam is renowned as one of the top 10 toughest exams in India. This entrance exam is conducted by the prestigious National Institute of Design, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate design programs in various disciplines, including industrial design, communication design, and textile design.

To gain admission into the NID, only a limited number of candidates are selected based on their performance in the two-stage exam process. The preliminary exam evaluates the candidate’s aptitude in design, visual communication, and analytical reasoning through multiple-choice and subjective type tests. Candidates who qualify in the preliminary exam are called for the main exam, which assesses the candidate’s design skills, creativity, and ability to work under pressure through a hands-on studio test and an interview that evaluates their communication skills, personality, and knowledge of design.

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10] Common Admission Test [CAT]

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) conduct the Common Admission Test (CAT), which is a highly competitive national-level management entrance examination in India. Prestigious business schools across the country also consider CAT scores for admission to their postgraduate management programs.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into their premier MBA programs. The CAT is widely regarded as one of the most competitive examinations in India due to the sheer number of applicants and the difficulty of the exam.

The exam consists of three sections – Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning.

The CAT is designed to test and gauge a student’s abilities in a variety of areas, and assess how well they will be able to perform in management-based courses. The Quantitative Aptitude section tests a student’s numerical skills and problem-solving abilities, while the Verbal Ability section tests the student’s language skills and comprehension. The Logical Reasoning section tests the student’s ability to think critically, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions.

Reference: CAT Exam: Details, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility, Important Dates, Purpose! (iquanta.in)

Note:
It is important to be aware that there is no official list of the Top 10 Toughest exams in India, as the rankings are based entirely on the difficulty and competition level.

Other Toughest Exams In India

1] National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam [NIFT]

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam is a test that students can take to get admission into fashion design programs in India. The exam is held every year and tests students on their knowledge of design and fashion. It is a computer-based test and has multiple-choice questions. The test has several sections, such as Quantitative Ability, Analytical Ability, Communication Ability, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, and Creative Ability. The exam is considered quite competitive and challenging, and candidates need to prepare thoroughly to do well. Students who pass the exam have the opportunity to study at one of India’s premier fashion institutes and pursue their passion for design.

2] Company Secretary (CS) exam

The Company Secretary (CS) exam is a professional level exam conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) for aspirants who want to pursue a career in corporate governance and management. The exam consists of three levels: Foundation, Executive, and Professional. The Foundation level exam tests the basic understanding of business communication, legal and economic aspects. The Executive level covers topics like company law, tax laws, and corporate management, while the Professional level focuses on advanced subjects like corporate governance and strategic management. The exam is computer-based and consists of both objective and subjective questions. Candidates must clear all three levels and complete a mandatory training period to become a qualified Company Secretary.

Reference: CS Exam | Complete guide to Company Secretary CS Exam

Frequently asked Question about Top 10 Toughest Exams in India

Who Cannot apply for IAS?

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) has certain eligibility criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Non-Indian citizens, individuals who have not reached the minimum age of 21 or have crossed the maximum age limit of 32, those who have exhausted the maximum number of attempts, and those who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications are not eligible to apply. It is important to refer to the official UPSC website for the latest updates on eligibility criteria.

Is IAS harder than Jee?

Comparing the difficulty level of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is not straightforward as they are two entirely different types of exams, designed to test different skills and knowledge.

The IAS exam is a highly competitive exam that is known for its rigor and extensive syllabus. It tests the candidates’ aptitude in areas such as general studies, current affairs, and comprehension, as well as their ability to think analytically and apply their knowledge in real-life situations. The IAS exam is not just about knowledge, but also about attitude, approach, and overall personality. The exam also involves a series of stages, including preliminary, mains, and an interview, which require consistent and dedicated preparation.

On the other hand, the JEE is an entrance exam for admission to various engineering colleges in India. It primarily tests the candidates’ aptitude in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. The JEE syllabus is also extensive, but it is more focused on specific topics and requires a high level of conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.

Both exams require hard work, dedication, and extensive preparation. The level of difficulty varies from person to person, depending on their strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to note that clearing these exams is not the ultimate benchmark of one’s success in life, and there are numerous other career paths that one can choose based on their interests and abilities.

Who selects IAS officer?

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers are selected through the Civil Services Examination, which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India. The UPSC is responsible for the recruitment of candidates for various civil services in the country, including the IAS, Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), among others.

The selection process for the IAS officer includes three stages – preliminary examination, mains examination, and an interview. The preliminary examination consists of two objective-type papers, while the mains examination consists of nine papers that are a mix of both subjective and objective-type questions. The interview or the personality test is the final stage of the selection process, where the UPSC board evaluates the candidate’s suitability for the IAS based on their communication skills, personality, and overall approach.

After successfully completing the selection process, the candidates are allotted to different states or union territories based on their rank and preference, and they are trained at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie before they start their career as an IAS officer.

It’s important to note that the IAS officers are not selected by a single person or a body but through a rigorous and competitive process designed to select the best candidates for the job. The UPSC ensures a fair and transparent selection process, and it is one of the most respected and prestigious jobs in the country.

Can a below average student crack CAT?

Cracking the Common Admission Test (CAT) requires a combination of various skills, including analytical, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, as well as effective time management and good communication skills. While it is often perceived that only above-average students can crack CAT, it’s not entirely true.

It is possible for a below-average student to crack CAT, provided they are willing to work hard and adopt effective study strategies. The CAT exam does not test rote learning or memory-based knowledge, but rather focuses on testing the candidates’ aptitude and critical thinking skills. This means that it is not necessary to be a topper in academics to perform well in the CAT exam.

One way for a below-average student to crack CAT is to develop a structured study plan that focuses on improving their weak areas, gradually building their knowledge and skills. They can also seek guidance from coaching centers or online resources that offer guidance and practice materials. It’s also important to practice time management skills and attempt multiple mock tests to develop test-taking skills and increase their speed and accuracy.

However, it’s important to note that cracking the CAT exam is not just about scoring well, but also about performing well in the subsequent stages of the admission process, including the group discussion and personal interview. Good communication skills and a positive attitude can go a long way in impressing the interviewers.