The Most Difficult Exam in India, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the exam you think is the most difficult!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:24

In a nation celebrated for its rigorous academic landscape, identifying the most challenging exam can guide both current and future students in their educational and career planning. This insight can help allocate their time effectively for preparation and set realistic expectations about the challenges ahead. By highlighting the hardest exams, we provide a roadmap to the intellectual peaks aspiring professionals aim to conquer. With this ranking, users have the power to vote and see real-time updates on which exams are widely regarded as the toughest. This collective insight not only fosters a community of shared experiences and strategies but also aids newcomers in prioritizing their study efforts. Each vote helps paint a clearer picture of the academic hurdles, enhancing transparency and understanding amongst peers.

What Is the Most Difficult Exam in India?

1

44
votes
UPSC Civil Services Examination

Government of India

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is considered to be the toughest exam in India. The exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for various civil services like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others. The exam consists of three stages – preliminary, mains, and interview. The syllabus is vast and covers various subjects like history, geography, economics, polity, science, and technology.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most challenging and prestigious exams in India. It serves as the gateway to various civil services positions in the Indian government.

Exam Name: UPSC Civil Services Examination

Full Form: Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination

Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Exam Level: National Level

Exam Frequency: Yearly
2

21
votes
Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT JEE)

The IIT JEE is an entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for admission to undergraduate engineering courses. The exam is considered to be one of the toughest exams in India due to its high level of difficulty and competition. The syllabus includes physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
The Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT JEE) is an entrance exam conducted in India for admission to undergraduate engineering programs at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IITs). It is considered one of the most difficult exams in India and requires extensive preparation and knowledge in various subjects.

Difficulty Level: High

Duration: 3 hours

Mode of Examination: Computer-based (JEE Main and JEE Advanced)

Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Number of Attempts: 2 attempts (JEE Main)
3

19
votes
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)

NEET is an entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to medical and dental courses in India. The exam is considered to be tough due to the high level of competition and the vast syllabus that covers subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a competitive entrance examination conducted in India for students seeking admission into medical and dental undergraduate courses in government and private colleges across the country. It is considered one of the most difficult exams in India.

Total Marks: 720

Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper)

Level of Difficulty: High

Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Number of Questions: 180
4

15
votes
Common Admission Test (CAT)

CAT is an entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA programs. The exam is considered to be tough due to its high level of difficulty and competition. The syllabus includes sections on quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive management entrance exam conducted in India. It is designed to assess the aptitude of candidates for admission to prestigious business schools across the country. CAT is renowned for its difficulty level and is considered one of the most challenging exams in India.

Exam Duration: 3 hours

Exam Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)

Sections: Three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA)

Total Questions: Varies each year, typically around 100

Question Types: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs
5

16
votes
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

GATE is an entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for admission to postgraduate engineering courses. The exam is considered to be tough due to its high level of difficulty and competition. The syllabus includes subjects like mathematics, physics, and engineering.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national level examination conducted in India for testing the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering and science. It is primarily used for admissions to postgraduate programs in prestigious institutes and for recruitment by government and private organizations.

Exam Mode: Online (Computer-based)

Frequency: Annual (conducted once every year)

Disciplines: Multiple disciplines including Engineering, Technology, Architecture, and Science

Exam Duration: 3 hours

Number of Papers: Multiple papers (depending on the chosen discipline)
6

9
votes
Chartered Accountancy (CA) Exam

The CA exam is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for certification as a chartered accountant. The exam is considered to be tough due to its high level of difficulty and the vast syllabus that covers subjects like accountancy, taxation, and auditing.
The Chartered Accountancy (CA) Exam is considered one of the most difficult exams in India. It is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to grant the prestigious designation of Chartered Accountant (CA). It is a nationally recognized professional qualification in the field of accounting and finance.

Level: Professional

Duration: Minimum of 2.5 - 3 years

Exam Frequency: Twice a year (May and November)

Levels of Exam: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final

Subjects: Financial Reporting, Strategic Financial Management, Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics, Corporate and Economic Laws, etc.
Chartered Accountancy (CA) Exam in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most difficult test in Pakistan
7

7
votes
National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the National Defence Academy. The exam is considered to be tough due to its high level of difficulty and the vast syllabus that covers subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam is a highly challenging and prestigious competitive examination conducted in India. It serves as the primary selection process for admission into the National Defence Academy, which is the joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces.

Purpose: Selection process for admission into the National Defence Academy

Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Frequency: Conducted twice a year

Eligibility: 10+2 passed or appearing candidates

Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years
8

1
votes
Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Exam

The SSC CGL exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts in government departments and ministries. The exam is considered to be tough due to its high level of difficulty and the vast syllabus that covers subjects like mathematics, English, and reasoning.
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Exam is an annual competitive examination conducted in India. It is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit staff for various government departments and organizations.

Exam Level: National

Frequency: Annual

Exam Mode: Online

Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline

Age Limit: 18-32 years
9

6
votes
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Entrance Exam

The AIIMS entrance exam is conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses. The exam is considered to be tough due to its high level of difficulty and the vast syllabus that covers subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Entrance Exam is a national level medical entrance examination conducted in India. It serves as the admission test for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses in medicine and related fields at AIIMS institutions across the country. The exam is known for its high level of difficulty and strict evaluation process, which makes it one of the toughest entrance exams in India.

Exam Type: National Level Entrance Exam

Courses Offered: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medicine Courses

Difficulty Level: High

Frequency: Yearly

Mode of Exam: Computer Based Test
10

4
votes
Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam

The IFS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to the Indian Forest Service. The exam is considered to be tough due to its high level of difficulty and the vast syllabus that covers subjects like botany, zoology, and environmental science.
The Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam is a prestigious and highly competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. It serves as a gateway to the Indian Forest Service, one of the three All India Services alongside the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS). The IFS exam aims to select candidates who have the necessary knowledge, skills, and aptitude for managing and conserving the country's forests, wildlife, and natural resources.

Exam Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Exam Level: National

Exam Frequency: Once a year

Exam Language: English

Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)

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Discussion

Ranking factors for difficult exam

Competitiveness

The total number of applicants appearing for the exam versus the total number of seats available. A higher demand for limited seats makes the exam more competitive and difficult to crack.
Syllabus and Exam Pattern

The depth and breadth of the syllabus, as well as the complexity of the topics covered, play a significant role in determining the difficulty level of an exam. An exam having a vast syllabus or frequently changing exam patterns can make it difficult for students to prepare.
Question Difficulty

The complexity of questions, level of critical thinking and analytical reasoning required, and the time pressure to complete the exam are also essential factors to consider.
Selection Process

The number of stages in the selection process, such as preliminary exams, main exams, and interviews, can increase the overall difficulty of an exam. A multi-stage selection process can make an exam more challenging and competitive.
Success Rate

The overall success rate of candidates in the exam can be another indicator of the exam's difficulty. A lower success rate suggests a more challenging and competitive exam.
Preparation Time

The amount of time and dedication required to prepare for the exam can also contribute to its difficulty level. Some exams may require years of consistent hard work and study, while others may need just a few months of preparation.
Previous Year Cut-offs

Analyzing previous years' cut-offs can give an indication of how challenging the exam can be, as high cut-offs signal a more competitive exam.
Reputation

The reputation and recognition associated with the exam may affect the number of high-quality candidates competing for the same limited number of spots.
Coaching and Study Material Availability

Exams with limited or expensive resources for preparation, such as coaching centers, study materials, or mock tests, can be more difficult for candidates to excel in.
Application of Subject Knowledge

The degree to which the exam requires candidates to apply their subject knowledge to real-world situations instead of just rote learning can also increase the difficulty level.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult exam in India. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or exam is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1758 views
141 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

UPSC Civil Services Examination
Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination
Chartered Accountancy (CA) Exam
Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each exam once every 24 hours. The rank of each exam is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most difficult exam in india

India is a country known for its rigorous and competitive education system. With millions of students appearing for various exams every year, each exam is a crucial milestone in determining a student's academic and professional future. Among these exams, some are considered to be more challenging than others, and one such exam that stands out is the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, this exam is known for its extensive syllabus and tough selection process. It tests candidates on their knowledge of various subjects, including history, geography, economics, and politics, along with their analytical and problem-solving skills. With an acceptance rate of only around 0.1%, the UPSC Civil Services Examination is undoubtedly one of the most difficult exams in India.