Hello everyone, and welcome back. During this module, I’ll be talking about the List of Top 10 Toughest Exams in India 2024. After reading this module, you’ll know about the toughest examinations to pass in India. So, let’s proceed to discuss them.
Toughest Exams in India
There are many competitive exams conducted in India every year to test the logical and problem-solving skills, and time management of the candidate giving the exam. No matter if you’re going to a university or studying abroad or a job, examinations are one of the most important factors in the selection of a candidate. Some exams are easy, while others are considered difficult to pass. This article discusses the top 10 toughest exams in India.
List of Top 10 Toughest Exams in India 2024
- UPSC Civil Services Exam
- IIT-JEE Examination
- GATE
- CAT or Common Admission Test
- NDA
- National Institute of Design Entrance Exam
- National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test
- UGC-NET Exam
- CLAT
- Chartered Accountant (CA) Exam
1. UPSC Civil Services Exam (IAS)
The first exam, on the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India is UPSC. UPSC Civil Services Exam (IAS) is one of the number one Toughest Exam in India, the UPSC IAS exam is one of the most difficult and competitive exams to be passed. The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). is responsible for conducting the examination. It contains three different rounds or levels: Preliminary exam (Prelims), Mains exam, and Interview or personality test. Indian History, Indian Geography, and Human Rights Laws are regarded as essential subjects for aspirants.
Nearly 8-10 lakh students are expected to take the exam. The applicants who pass all three levels are then offered IAS, IPS, and IFS positions based on their performance. I took the exam and its experience is shared by me below.
When I decided to take on the challenge of the UPSC examination, little did I know that it would be one of the most defining gests of my life. The Union Public Service Commission touted as one of the largest examinations in India, held the redoubtable position of being the toughest among the Top 10 Toughest exams in the country. Time after time, applicants like myself invested 2-3 times of devoted trouble to amass the knowledge needed for this laborious trip. As I excavated into the world of UPSC, I set up myself scuffling with the pen and paper mode, the offline battleground where dreams were made and shattered.
Multiple choice questions and descriptive questions peppered the test, leaving no room for complacency. The bilingual nature of the question paper, with both English and Hindi sections, added a redundant subcaste of complexity. The examination, a two-fold challenge, unfolded in the primary and the main stages. The timepiece ticking down, the primary stage demanded nippy answers within a tight 2-hour window for each paper. The Mains, on the other hand, extended the battle to a 3-hour skirmish for each paper, testing not just knowledge but also abidance.
Despite my best efforts, the result of the examination escaped me, meaning I failed to crack one of the top 10 toughest exams in India, UPSC. The total maximum score, a variable that danced tantalizingly out of reach, held the key to success in different papers. As I reflect on this trip, I carry the weight of disappointment, but also the precious assignments learned in the pursuit of a putatively fugitive palm.
| Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission |
| UPSC Prelims 2024 Exam Date | 26 May 2024 |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
| Exam Type | Post Graduate |
| Exam Level | All India Level |
2. IIT-JEE Examination (Indian Institute of Technology-Joint Entrance Exam)
The next exam, on the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India is IIT-JEE. The IIT-JEE Examination (Indian Institute of Technology-Joint Entrance Exam) is one of the 2nd Toughest Exam in India. The JEE exam is an engineering entrance exam that is conducted every year for all the students who want to take admissions to top IITs, NITs, and other engineering colleges or institutes.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the JEE examination. The exam includes two phases or levels: JEE-Mains & JEE-Advanced. Candidates must pass both levels to get admission to IIT. Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are the three subjects related to which questions are asked in the exam. I took the exams and successfully cleared it. Given below is my experience about my journey throughout the examinations.
Taking on the challenge of the IIT- JEE Examination was a vital moment in my trip as an aspiring mastermind. It’s fascinating how this test holds a significant place among the most pivotal assessments for engineering enthusiasts like myself. Having successfully conquered this redoubtable chain, I can proudly say that I’m now pursuing a B.Tech at a prestigious council.
IIT-JEE, standing proudly as the second toughest test in India on the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India, serves as a gateway to colorful recognized engineering sodalities across the nation. The examination is resolved into two phases JEE Mains and JEE Advance. It was interesting to navigate through the complications of these two parts, each with its own set of challenges. The inflexibility of JEE Mains, being twice a time, allowed me to showcase my capacities on two occasions. latterly, the one-time circumstance of JEE Advance ate those who triumphed in the primary stage.
The examination, conducted entirely online, presented a blend of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in both JEE Mains and JEE Advance. In JEE Mains, opting for the correct answer among four options was the key, while in JEE Advance, the complexity heightened as further than one option could be correct. The bilingual nature of the test, allowing campaigners to choose between English, Hindi, and other indigenous languages, added to its inclusivity.
Enduring the three-hour duration for each paper was both grueling and amping. The admixture of scores from both JEE Mains and JEE Advance eventually determined a seeker’s standing moment, as I pursue my B. Tech, I reflect on the rigorous trip of the IIT- JEE Examination, thankful for the experience that paved the way for my current academic trials.
In the end, I ended up in one of the finest engineering colleges after clearing the 2nd of the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India.
| Conducted By | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| IIT JEE Mains 2024 Exam Date | Session 1 – January 24 to February 1, 2024
Session 2 – April 1 to April 15, 2024 |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
| Exam Type | Under Graduate |
| Exam Level | All India Level |
| Eligibility | 75% aggregate marks in class 12 |
3. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
Following, on the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India is GATE. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is one of the 3rd Toughest Exam in India. The GATE is an entrance exam that is conducted for students to get admission to IITs (Indian Institute of Technology), NITs (National Institute of Technology), and many other institutions for pursuing Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Engineering, Architecture, and Science. It is conducted every year by the Indian Institute of Science. When a GATE score is obtained, it is valid for a maximum of 3 years.
The syllabus comprises technical subjects that you have studied during your undergraduate course, Engineering mathematics, and general aptitude. A friend of mine took the exam and mentioned below is his experience.
My friend recently took the GATE test (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), and it turned out to be quite a violent yet fulfilling experience. You know, GATE is like the golden ticket for engineering graduates aiming to pursue their master’s degree in their dream sodalities. Imagine the excitement and jitters! The test is held once a time, and my friend faced it head-on in the online mode. The question types varied between multiple-choice questions and numerical answer type questions, and everything had to be divided in English.
Picture this: Three hours of focused headpiece! That is the duration of the test, and let me tell you, it felt like a rollercoaster of intellectual challenges. The paper comprised 65 questions in total, each holding a piece of the mystification towards those coveted 100 marks. I can only imagine the satisfaction my friend must have felt after conquering the GATE test – a real corner on the trip to learning engineering.
| Conducted By | Indian Institute of Science |
| GATE 2024 Exam Date | 3, 4, 10, 11 Feb 2024 |
| Official Website | gate.iitkgp.ac.in |
| Exam Type | Post Graduate |
| Exam Level | All India Level |
| Eligibility | Graduation in Science or Engineering |
4. CAT or Common Admission Test
The list of the top 10 Toughest exams in India also includes CAT. CAT or Common Admission Test is one of the 4th Toughest Exam in India. The common Admission Test is an entrance test for students who want to get admission to top MBA colleges in India. The CAT scores are accepted by IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) and other non-IIM institutes that offer MBA courses like FMS, MDI, SPJAIN, IITs, etc.
Every year, over 300,000 applicants sit for the test, and there are approximately 6,000 seats in IIMs and other top non-IIMs. The syllabus for the CAT includes Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (DILR), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Quantitative Aptitude. Below is the experience of a friend of mine who took the exam.
My friend Sunny recently took the CAT test in 2023 and scored 76 marks out of 198, which placed him in the 99%ile in the CAT exam. This means he was in the top 1% of people who took this exam. Therefore, scoring nearly 40% of the marks earned him a 99%ile, demonstrating the difficulty level of the CAT exam.
The test has a total of 198 marks, with a marking system of +3 for every correct response and -1 for each incorrect answer. The CAT exam lasts 2 hours and is conducted in three slots: morning, afternoon, and evening. The conducting body also scales the scores based on the difficulty level of each slot. In most B-Schools, there are sectional and overall cut-offs that you need to clear to be considered for an interview call.
| Conducted By | Indian Institute of Management |
| CAT 2024 Exam Date | November 24, 2024 |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Exam Type | Post Graduate |
| Exam Level | All India Level |
5. NDA (National Defence Academy)
The next exam, on the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India is NDA. The NDA (National Defence Academy) Test is one of the 5th Toughest Exam in India. The NDA exam is conducted every year by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) for selecting candidates for the Air Force, Army & Navy. The candidates are selected based on the written examination which includes objective questions on Mathematics and a General Ability Test (GAT), a psychological test, an intelligence test, a personality test, and an interview.
The interview is conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB), which is part of the Ministry of Defence. Each year, there are two exams conducted for the recruitment of candidates. A friend of mine took the exam and mentioned below is his experience.
One of the most grueling examinations in our country is the National Defense Academy test, and guess what? My friend lately took on this redoubtable challenge! The NDA test holds the prestigious title of being the 5th toughest test in the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India. Shoveling into the details of the test, success depends entirely on the seeker’s knowledge and chops. Unexpectedly, numerous campaigners cleared the first round, showcasing the fidelity and hard work put into medication.
This test takes place twice a time, furnishing campaigners with two chances to prove their mettle. The test consists of two papers the mathematics paper, featuring 120 questions, and the GAT paper, comprising 150 questions. Each paper lasts for around 2.5 hours and is filled with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). What is intriguing is that the papers are available in both English and Hindi, making them more accessible for scholars from Hindi medium backgrounds.
The entire test carries a maximum total mark of 900, with qualifying marks varying for each attempt grounded on the difficulty position of the papers. It’s quite a trip, but my friend took it on with determination and adaptability!
| Conducted By | UPSC |
| NDA 2024 Exam Date | 1st NDA – April 21, 2024
2nd NDA – 3September 1, 2024 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Exam Type | Under Graduate |
| Exam Level | All India Level |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
6. National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam
Following, on the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India is NID-DAT. The National Institute of Design (NID) Test is one of the 6th Toughest Exam in India. The NID test is a design aptitude test conducted by the National Institute of Design Admission Committee to select candidates for Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) courses. The exam consists of two stages or levels: NID DAT Prelims & NID DAT Main.
Preliminary NID DAT is a pen and paper test and DAT is divided into two parts: the studio test and the interview. The main focus of the exam is to test the creativity of the students in designing. A friend of mine took the exam and mentioned below is his experience.
My friend recently took the National Institute of Design (NID) Design Aptitude Test (DAT), and allow me to tell you, it’s quite an experience! NID is like the pious grail for project enthusiasts, and the DAT test is the gateway to this prestigious association. The test, held once a time in offline mode, is a blend of existential and private questions, involving tasks like Drawing/ Sketching and Model Making.
The difficulty position isn’t too violent, more like a moderate challenge. The exclusive test lasts for 3 hours, and you can score up to 100 jokes. My friend mentioned that the questions were intriguing and allowed for a show of originality. Indeed though it’s a competitive test, the atmosphere was not exorbitantly stressful. It seems like the NID DAT is the full platform for those aiming to enter a top-notch project association. I can smell the excitement in my friend’s words, and I am eagerly waiting to hear about their effects!
| Conducted By | National Institute of Design |
| NID 2024 Exam Date | Prelims – 24 Dec 2023
Mains – 3 Mar–28 Apr 2024 |
| Official Website | admissions.nid.edu |
| Exam Type | Under Graduate & Post Graduate |
| Exam Level | All India Level |
| Eligibility | 12th with minimum 50% |
7. National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET)
The list of the top 10 Toughest exams in India also includes NEET. National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) Test is one of the 7th Toughest Exam in India. The NEET exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for selecting medical students who want to take admissions to MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) courses in the Private and Government Medical Colleges.
The syllabus of the NEET exam consists of objective questions on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. A friend of mine took the exam and mentioned below is his experience.
My friend recently took the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), generally known as NEET, which was formerly called the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT). NEET is a pre-medical test in India for scholars aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical courses. The test, lasting for 3 hours, is conducted annually, and my friend endured it firsthand. The mode of the test is offline, using pen and paper.
What is intriguing is that language isn’t a hedge, as the test is available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and other regional languages, this makes it in the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India. In this grueling examination, my friend aimed for a maximum score of 720 marks. The paper is divided into three sections Biology, with questions worth 360 marks, drugs with 120 marks, and Chemistry with 180 marks.
It was quite a comprehensive test, covering colorful aspects of the medical field. Taking this examination is a pivotal step for those aspiring to enter the medical field. Despite the intensity of the test, my friend faced it with determination, knowing that success in NEET is essential for pursuing a future in the medical line.
| Conducted By | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| NEET 2024 Exam Date | May 5, 2024 |
| Official Website | neet.nta.nic.in |
| Exam Type | Under Graduate |
| Exam Level | All India Level |
8. UGC-NET Exam (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test)
The next exam, on the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India is UGC-NET. UGC-NET Exam (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test) is one of the 8th Toughest Exam in India. As part of the recruitment process for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor positions in Indian Universities and Colleges, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC-NET test at a national level.
Qualified UGC NET students have the right to teach in schools and colleges across India. The exam covers questions on 81 subjects, thus, making it a tough exam to pass. A friend of mine took the exam and mentioned below is his experience.
My friend recently took the UGC – NET test, ranked as India’s eighth toughest test. This examination is a pivotal step for individuals aspiring to become Assistant Professors or secure a Junior Research Fellowship Assistant Professorship. The entire test is divided into two papers, each lasting about 3 hours, and is conducted twice a time.
Since we are talking about a test that is on the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India, my friend prepared for this grueling test, they encountered a blend of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) that tested their knowledge across colorful subjects. Paper 1 covered 100 marks, while Paper 2 constituted 200 marks, casting up to a total maximum score of 300. It was quite a violent experience, and I am eager to hear about their performance!
| Conducted By | National Testing Agency |
| UGC NET 2024 Exam Date | June 10 to June 21, 2024 |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
| Exam Type | Post Graduate |
| Exam Level | All India Level |
9. CLAT (Common-Law Admission Test)
The second-last exam, on the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India is CLAT. CLAT (Common-Law Admission Test) is one of the 9th Toughest Exam in India. The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) is responsible for conducting the Common-Law Admission Test (CLAT) exam. It is an entrance conducted for students who want to be admitted to LLB (Bachelor of Legislature Law) and LLM (Master of Laws) courses. The CLAT results are accepted by NLU and other law schools, as well.
It is estimated that 60,000 to 100,000 students take the CLAT exam each year, but only 3,000 are accepted into National Law Universities (NLUs). A friend of mine took the exam and mentioned below is his experience.
So, my friend just went through the LAW test, and let me tell you, it’s no walk in the demesne! The test is the gateway to the prestigious National Law Universities in India, where one can aspire to become a counsel or a judge. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the chain one needs to cross for this trip. The test, lasting a gruelling 2 hours, is packed with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering every niche and fissure of the Indian Constitution’s laws and regulations.
Picture this – my friend with a pen in hand, diving the CLAT offline, going through an ocean of MCQs, each demanding a sound understanding of legal generalities. The entire paper is in English, adding a redundant subcaste of a challenge for those oriented to Hindi. But hey, the English difficulty position is manageable. The test happens just formerly a time, and my friend brazened it out in the traditional pen and paper format. The stakes are high, with the CLAT test carrying an aggregate of 120 marks.
The marking scheme keeps you on your toes +1 for every correct answer and a penalty of -0.25 for each wrong one. It’s a game of perfection and knowledge, and my friend gave it their stylish shot!
| Conducted By | National Law Universities |
| CLAT 2023 Exam Date | 3 Dec 2023 |
| Official Website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
| Exam Type | Under Graduate & Post Graduate |
| Exam Level | All India Level |
10. Chartered Accountant (CA) Exam
Last but not least, on the list of the top 10 toughest exams in India is CA. The Chartered Accountant (CA) Test is one of the 10th Indian Toughest Exam. India’s Institute of Chartered Accountants is responsible for conducting the Chartered Accountant (CA) examination (ICAI). The examination comprises 3 stages or levels: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. The aspirants must qualify for all the 3 levels to become certified Chartered Accountants (CA). A friend of mine took the exam and mentioned below is his experience.
So, my friend recently took the Chartered Accountant (CA) test, and let me tell you, it’s no walk in the demesne. Being a Chartered Accountant is a big deal in any establishment, and the test is ignominious for being one of the toughest. Now, my friend had to attack four papers in aggregate. The first two, Paper 1 and Paper 2, were of the objective type, testing both their knowledge and logical chops. Moving on to Papers 3 and 4, these were more private, demanding a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
The entire examination unfolded in the digital realm, as it took place in online mode. Each paper carried a significant weight of 100 marks, making the grand aggregate a whopping 400 marks. What is intriguing is that the test duration varied depending on the type of paper tried. Talk about an internal marathon! Now, the questions were presented in both English and Hindi, feeding to scholars from both language backgrounds. This bilingual approach surely eased the process for my friend, who could comfortably navigate the challenges in English or Hindi. It was no cakewalk, but my friend gave it their all and came out on the other side with a sense of accomplishment.
| Conducted By | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India |
| CA CPT 2024 Exam Date | 18th June 2024 |
| Official Website | icaiexam.icai.org |
| Exam Type | Under Graduate |
| Exam Level | Foundation, Intermediate, and Final |
FAQs: Toughest Exam in India
Why is UPSC considered a Tough Exam in India?
UPSC Prelims exam is considered a tough exam because of the low percentage of candidates who pass. Also, the student needs to cover a vast amount of the syllabus. Negative marking is used in UPSC prelim exams.
Is the UPSC the toughest exam in the world?
UPSC is considered one of the most difficult exams in the world, with about 0.1 percent to 0.4 percent of students passing the exam out of lakhs.
Why is IIT JEE so difficult exam in India?
The syllabus is difficult to cover since it includes both basic and advanced concepts. When answering IIT JEE questions, especially JEE Advanced, you must have a clear understanding of your concepts.
Is the GATE exam tougher than the UPSC?
The GATE and UPSC examinations have a lot in common. Both of these examinations are extremely demanding and are only taken by graduates. GATE questions are problem-solving-focused whereas UPSC questions are aimed to assess a candidate’s discipline.
Can an average student crack the GATE in 1 year?
Yes, an average student may pass the GATE Exam in a year if he or she is willing to work hard and consistently. He/she should practice the previous year’s questions & take mock tests.
Which is the Toughest Exam in the World?
The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is regarded as the most difficult exam in the world.
Which is the toughest exam, CAT or GATE?
The CAT and GATE are two of the most difficult entrance exams to pass. Both exams need a significant amount of serious preparation and effort.
Which is the 1st Toughest Exam in India?
UPSC is regarded as one of the most difficult exams in India.
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I hope this module will be useful for you and now you have got to know the Top 10 Toughest Exams in India 2024. However, just because an exam is difficult to pass does not indicate that one should avoid it. One should prepare well to pass these examinations. For more informative modules like this, stay tuned to our website.
