China's Gaokao is a national university entrance exam known for its extreme difficulty. Students often prepare for years, studying up to 12 hours daily. The score can determine one's future career and life path.
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In many Indian states, especially during state board exams, students are required to remove shoes, socks, and even belts to prevent cheating. Flying squads conduct sudden raids to ensure exam integrity.
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The Baccalauréat in France includes an oral exam that can last an entire day. Students must answer philosophical questions and argue their points, testing logic more than memory.
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At Oxford and Cambridge, final exams can be written after years of study without intermediate tests. Students write essay after essay over days—all handwritten, with no notes or internet. Mental stamina is crucial.
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In Japan, entrance exams for elite schools start as early as kindergarten. These include group play, interviews, and even parental behavior analysis. It's not just a child's test—it's a family affair.
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During the Suneung exam (Korean SAT), the country virtually shuts down. Planes are grounded to reduce noise, offices open late, and police escort late students to centers. It's a national event.
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Nigeria's WAEC and NECO exams employ armed invigilators known as "flying squads" who patrol centers. Phones are banned, biometric scans are common, and sometimes even the military is involved to prevent leaks.
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