{"id":39055,"date":"2023-09-01T10:11:06","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T04:41:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/?post_type=career-guidance&p=39055"},"modified":"2025-09-29T14:00:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T08:30:13","slug":"which-is-the-toughest-exam-in-india","status":"publish","type":"career-guidance","link":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/career-guidance\/which-is-the-toughest-exam-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Which is the Toughest Exam in India? Ranked and Compared in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

India is known for its long list of challenging competitive exams. But if you pause for a moment and really think about it, which one truly earns the title of the most toughest exam in India? It\u2019s a question that often leads to debate. Some say it\u2019s the UPSC Civil Services, others point to JEE or CLAT. And honestly, each has its own level of intensity, requiring months, sometimes years, of preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, regarding overall difficulty, the UPSC Civil Services Examination, often referred to as the IAS exam, is widely seen as the toughest exam in India. The reasons aren\u2019t hard to see: it covers an incredibly broad range of subjects, takes place in three demanding stages, and selects only a tiny fraction of the lakhs who apply. This exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, opens the door to roles like IAS, IPS, and IFS, which carry respect and responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll also take a closer look at other top-tier exams like IIT JEE, CA, NEET, AIIMS, GATE, NDA, CLAT, UGC-NET, and IES, all of which challenge candidates in different ways, testing not just what they know, but how well they handle pressure and stay consistent over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is the Toughest Exam in India?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

India hosts some of the most challenging examinations globally, recognized for their extensive syllabi, fierce competition, and stringent assessment methods. These tests evaluate students’ knowledge, skills, and commitment in diverse areas such as civil services, engineering, medicine, law, and management. The level of competition is intense, demanding thorough preparation and unwavering determination to achieve success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

List of Top 10 Toughest Exam in India (2025)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let’s explore the details of India’s top 10 toughest exam in india and what makes them difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. UPSC Civil Services Examination<\/a> (UPSC CSE)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Joint Entrance Exam (JEE)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Common Admission Test (CAT)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. National Defence Academy (NDA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Chartered Accountant (CA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. UGC National Eligibility Test (UGC NET)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. National Institute of Design Finance<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"which<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    1. UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The toughest exam in India is UPSC CSE<\/a>, held annually by the Union Public Service Commission for recruiting candidates into civil services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and associated roles. The eligibility to appear for UPSC is a recognized university graduation. It is known as the hardest exam in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The exam comprises three stages: preliminary, main written, and personality tests. Prelims contain two multiple-choice papers, while mains have nine descriptive papers. Merit is based on main and personality test scores, testing consistency and problem-solving skills, emphasizing current events and book knowledge. Despite many yearly applicants, the selection rate is under 1%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Candidates appeared<\/td>10 lakh (approx.)<\/td><\/tr>
    Selection rate<\/td>0.1 to 0.3%<\/td><\/tr>
    Level of exam<\/td>National<\/td><\/tr>
    Frequency of exam<\/td>Annual<\/td><\/tr>
    Mode of exam<\/td>Offline<\/td><\/tr>
    Duration of exam<\/td>Prelims – 2 hours each for both papers Mains – 3 hours each for 9 papers<\/td><\/tr>
    Purpose of exam<\/td>Recruitment for the posts of IAS, IPS, IFS, and central services as per the rules of the Department of Personnel & Training<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    2. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the national JEE exam, attracting numerous students annually. It is known as the hardest exam in India after UPSC. It consists of two papers: Paper 1 for B.E\/B. Tech and Paper 2 for B.Arch\/B.Planning courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are two levels: JEE Main for NITs, IITs, and other government institutes, and JEE Advanced for IITs, IISc, and RGIPT, with questions from physics, chemistry, and math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The number of JEE Advanced questions varies yearly, making it one of India’s toughest exams, fostering intense competition among candidates for top rankings and IIT admissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Candidates appeared<\/td>6 lakh approx.<\/td><\/tr>
    Selection rate<\/td>25 – 30%<\/td><\/tr>
    Level of exam<\/td>National<\/td><\/tr>
    Frequency of exam<\/td>Twice in a year<\/td><\/tr>
    Mode of exam<\/td>To get admission to engineering colleges<\/td><\/tr>
    Duration of exam<\/td>3 hours<\/td><\/tr>
    Purpose of exam<\/td>To get admission in engineering colleges<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Earn<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    3. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) committee conducts the GATE exam,<\/a> an all-India exam, in eight regions nationwide. The committee has diverse members from the National Coordinating Board and Department of Higher Education, the Ministry of Human Resource Development, and IISc.

    Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) will use the final GATE score. PSU recruits students for jobs like Indian oil, GAIL and Hindustan Petroleum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The exam pattern will be based on multiple-choice questions, multiple-select questions, or numerical answer types. There will be 2 sections – General aptitude and candidate\u2019s selected section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Candidates appeared<\/td>7 lakh approx.<\/td><\/tr>
    Selection rate<\/td>17%<\/td><\/tr>
    Level of exam<\/td>National<\/td><\/tr>
    Frequency of exam<\/td>Once a year<\/td><\/tr>
    Mode of exam<\/td>Online<\/td><\/tr>
    Duration of exam<\/td>3 hours<\/td><\/tr>
    Purpose of exam<\/td>To test student knowledge in Engineering and Science and for recruitment in companies like GAIL<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Recommended read: 7 Proven GATE Preparation Tips for a Winning Score<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Common Admission Test (CAT)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The CAT<\/a> is a national-level exam. IIM conducts it on a rotational basis. It is a computer-based test for admission to the Master in Business Administration (MBA). A student with a 50% aggregate score in a Bachelor’s degree can apply for the exam, and the aggregate score is 45% for reserved categories.

    The paper has 3 sections: quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning and data interpretation, verbal ability, and reading comprehension. The questions will be in the form of multiple-choice and non-multiple-choice questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This year, 66 questions are expected to be asked. CAT scores will be determined based on the scaling and normalization process, as the exam is conducted in multiple shifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Candidates appeared<\/td>2.30 lakh approx.<\/td><\/tr>
    Selection rate<\/td>2%<\/td><\/tr>
    Level of exam<\/td>National <\/td><\/tr>
    Frequency of exam<\/td>Annual<\/td><\/tr>
    Mode of exam<\/td>Online<\/td><\/tr>
    Duration of exam<\/td>2 hours<\/td><\/tr>
    Purpose of exam<\/td>Pursuing MBA courses in business schools<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    5. National Defence Academy (NDA)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has the authority to conduct the NDA exam, India’s toughest exam for the defence line. The selected candidates will get a chance to enter the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The exam is conducted twice a year. The Supreme Court recently gave a verdict in 2021 and allowed women to sit for the NDA<\/a> exam. It lies in the list of top 5 toughest exam in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The exam pattern will be based on a written test and a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. The written test will include questions from the mathematics and general ability sections. The general ability test syllabus contains topics from English and general awareness. The mathematics paper will be 300 marks, and the general ability test will have 600 questions. After being selected in this exam, the candidates will be able to serve the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Candidates appeared<\/td>3 lakh approx.<\/td><\/tr>
    Selection rate<\/td>0.1%<\/td><\/tr>
    Level of exam<\/td>National <\/td><\/tr>
    Frequency of exam<\/td>Twice a year<\/td><\/tr>
    Mode of exam<\/td>Offline<\/td><\/tr>
    Duration of exam<\/td>2.5 hours each for both papers<\/td><\/tr>
    Purpose of exam<\/td>To serve in the Army, Navy and
    Air Force wings of the NDA  <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Recommended read:<\/strong> NDA Previous Year Papers – PDF Download<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Consortium of National Law Universities administers the annual CLAT<\/a> exam for undergraduate and postgraduate law program admission at 24 national law universities in India.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The exam features 150 questions across five sections, which include the following segments
    1. Logical reasoning
    2. Legal aptitude
    3. English,
    4. General Knowledge
    5. Maths

    Conducted through offline mode, where qualifying candidates can pursue careers in law, judiciary, higher education, and civil services.\u00a0A minimum cut-off mark is necessary, with no maximum age limit for candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Candidates appeared<\/td>60,000 approx.<\/td><\/tr>
    Selection rate<\/td>3% approx.<\/td><\/tr>
    Level of exam<\/td>National<\/td><\/tr>
    Frequency of exam<\/td>Twice in a year<\/td><\/tr>
    Mode of exam<\/td>Offline<\/td><\/tr>
    Duration of exam<\/td>2 hours<\/td><\/tr>
    Purpose of exam<\/td>For admission to undergraduate and
    postgraduate law colleges<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    7. Chartered Accountant (CA)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    One of India’s toughest exam is the Chartered Accountant<\/a> exam. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has been conducting the CA exam since the beginning. The degree is equivalent to a postgraduate degree at Delhi University (DU). The candidates need to clear 3 levels – foundation, intermediate and final. It is held twice a year.

    The foundation course will be based on multiple-choice questions, but the other stages will include multiple-choice and descriptive questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The foundation exam has 4 papers, and the intermediate and final exam has two groups with 4 papers each. This exam is one of the toughest exam in India and demands more study time and hard work. The candidates must clear all the stages to fulfil their dream of becoming a chartered accountant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Candidates appeared<\/td>93,729 approx.<\/td><\/tr>
    Selection rate<\/td>25%<\/td><\/tr>
    Level of exam<\/td>National<\/td><\/tr>
    Frequency of exam<\/td>Twice a year<\/td><\/tr>
    Mode of exam<\/td>Online computer based<\/td><\/tr>
    Duration of exam<\/td>3 hours for the final exam<\/td><\/tr>
    Purpose of exam<\/td>Candidates who will qualify will become
    certified chartered accountants<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    8. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The National Testing Agency conducts the NEET<\/a> exam. It is the toughest exam in India for the medical field. Every year, it is conducted for admission to various undergraduate courses like Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), AYUSH, and veterinary courses. The questions revolve around Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, and Botany.

    The total mark is 720 for this exam. The competition and cut-off are both increasing at a fast pace. It is a single-stage exam. There is no defined maximum age limit, but the minimum age should be above or equal to 17 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Candidates<\/span> appeared<\/td>18 lakh approx.<\/td><\/tr>
    Selection rate<\/td>6.5 – 7%<\/td><\/tr>
    Level of exam<\/td>National<\/td><\/tr>
    Frequency of exam<\/td>Annual<\/td><\/tr>
    Mode of exam<\/td>Offline<\/td><\/tr>
    Duration of exam<\/td>3 hours<\/td><\/tr>
    Purpose of exam<\/td>For admission to undergraduate courses like
    Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS),
    Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), AYUSH,
    and veterinary courses.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Recommended read:<\/strong> Toughest Competitive Exams after 10th in India<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    9. UGC National Eligibility Test (UGC NET)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for conducting the UGC NET<\/a> exam for the University Grants Commission (UGC). The exam is conducted twice a year to become assistant professors or seek junior research fellowships.

    The required eligibility is that aspiring candidates must have 55% marks in their Master\u2019s degree. The exam has two papers, both of which are conducted online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The common paper includes questions about teaching and research aptitude, general awareness, reasoning ability, and reading comprehension. Paper 2 is subject-specific. To qualify for the paper, candidates need to get 40% marks. The reserved candidates should get 35% as the minimum mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Candidates appeared<\/td>5 lakh approx.<\/td><\/tr>
    Selection rate<\/td>9% approx.<\/td><\/tr>
    Level of exam<\/td>National <\/td><\/tr>
    Frequency of exam<\/td>Twice a year<\/td><\/tr>
    Mode of exam<\/td>Getting eligibility for the post of assistant
    professor and junior research fellowship
    award in Indian universities and colleges.<\/td><\/tr>
    Duration of exam<\/td>3 hours<\/td><\/tr>
    Purpose of exam<\/td>Getting eligibility for the posts of assistant
    professor and junior research fellowship
    award in Indian universities and colleges.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    10. National Institute of Design Entrance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is conducted at the national level by the National Institute of Design. The candidates take the NID DAT exam for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be two stages – NID DAT prelims and NID DAT mains. Both of these stages must be qualifying in nature. The candidates should have attained 19 years before applying for the exam. The merit list will be prepared based on the scores obtained in the prelims and mains. The NID conducts counselling in 2 stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Candidates appeared<\/td>15000<\/td><\/tr>
    Selection rate<\/td>14%<\/td><\/tr>
    Level of exam<\/td>National<\/td><\/tr>
    Frequency of exam<\/td>Annual<\/td><\/tr>
    Mode of exam<\/td>Offline<\/td><\/tr>
    Duration of exam<\/td>3 hours<\/td><\/tr>
    Purpose of exam<\/td>Admission for undergraduate and postgraduate design programs<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Recommend read:<\/strong> World’s Most Toughest Exams: Complete List<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why It’s Important to Know Exam Levels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Understanding the challenges of the toughest exam in India, such as the UPSC Civil Services Exam, can significantly improve preparation. Here\u2019s how recognizing its difficulty can help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Better Study Plans<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Knowing that the toughest exam in India requires extensive preparation helps students create focused study plans. For a challenging exam like UPSC, allocating more time to complex topics is essential, while easier subjects can be reviewed more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Time Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Understanding the toughness of the exam aids in effective time management. Students can allocate more study hours to difficult subjects, preventing last-minute cramming and reducing stress levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Confidence Boost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Familiarity with the expectations of the toughest exam in India can enhance confidence. A solid preparation plan and realistic goals help minimize anxiety, leading to improved performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Spotting Weaknesses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Identifying which areas of the UPSC syllabus are more challenging allows students to concentrate on improving their weaknesses, ensuring a comprehensive preparation for the toughest exam in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Mock Tests<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Taking mock tests that reflect the difficulties of the toughest exam in India is crucial. These practice exams help students get accustomed to the format and build the endurance needed for the actual test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Realistic Goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Understanding the challenges of the toughest exam in India sets achievable goals. This approach keeps students motivated and helps avoid burnout, allowing them to celebrate small victories along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    By grasping the challenges posed by the toughest exams in India, students can tailor their preparation effectively and approach their studies with confidence. For more insights on the UPSC Civil Services Exam, visit: UPSC Civil Services Exam Information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is the Criteria of Toughest Exam in India?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Criteria for the Toughest Exams in India are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Syllabus Breadth and Depth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n