Name *

Email Address *

Phone *

Select *ExamUPSCUPPCSBPSC

Select *MediumEnglishHindi

Submit

The level of education and competitive examinations in India is known worldwide. Some of the exams here are so difficult that cracking them requires years of preparation, mental toughness, and immense dedication. Many candidates attempt to pass these exams throughout their lives, but only a small percentage succeed.

If you want to know which is the toughest exam in India, come on. List of Toughest Exams in India. Which one is it? Then this article is for you. Here is the list of the Top 10 Toughest Exams in India 2025. And we are sharing detailed information about them.

Also Read: Indian Civil Service

Toughest Exam in India Why are these exams so difficult?

Some of the main reasons that make these exams difficult are:

• High competition (millions of candidates, limited seats)
• In-depth and comprehensive syllabus
• Multiple stages of selection process(Prelims, Mains, Interview)
• Minimum success rate
• A test of time management and mental endurance

Also Read: First IAS officer of India

List of Top 10 Toughest Exams in India 2025

Here is a list of the 10 toughest exams in India in 2025:

1. UPSC Civil Services Exam (UPSC CSE)

• The Toughest Exam in India comes first in the list.
• Objective: Selection for prestigious services like IAS, IPS, and  IFS.
• Phase: Prelims, Mains, and Personal Interview.
• Syllabus: History, Politics, Geography, Economy, Current Affairs, Essay, etc.
• Success rate: About 0.2%–0.5%.
• Preparation period–2 years or more.
• Why it is difficult: Demands depth, variety, and continuity.

2. IIT-JEE (Advanced)

• Objective: Admission to the top engineering institutes of India.
• Ability: After passing JEE Main, one becomes eligible for JEE Advanced.
• Syllabus: Physics, Chemistry, Maths(PCM).
• Success rate: 1-2%।
• Preparation period: 2-4 years.
• Why it is difficult: Concept clarity, speed, and accuracy required.

3. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)

• Objective: Selection in M.Tech and PSU Jobs in IITs/IISc.
• Paper: Branch-specific, General Aptitude and Maths.
• Success rate:15-18%, but very few people get the top rank.
• Difficulty: Technical depth + time frame.

4. NEET

• Objective: Admission to MBBS/BDS in Medical Colleges in India.
• Eligibility: Class 12 PCB.
• Syllabus: Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
• Success rate: ~1-2%
• Difficulty: High competition, huge syllabus.

5. AIIMS PG (INI-CET)

• Objective: Admission in AIIMS and other institutes for PG medical courses like MD/MS.
• Difficulty: Limited seats, demand for in-depth medical knowledge.
• Success rate: ~2-3%

6. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

• Objective: Admission to NLU(National Law University).
• Paper: Law, English, Logic, GK, Quant.
• Success rate: 5-6%
• Difficulty: Time management, comprehension, and law skills.

7. NDA (National Defence Academy)

• Objective: Officer Selection in the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy.
• Phase: Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical.
• Success rate: About 1.5%
• Difficulty: Both mental and physical tests.

8. CA (Chartered Accountancy) Exam

• Objective: Becoming a Chartered Accountant certified by the ICAI.
• Phase: Foundation → Intermediate → Final
• Success rate: About 10% in the final.
• Difficulty: Long course, practical approach, time management.

9. NID / NIFT Entrance Exam

• Objective: Bachelor’s/Master’s Courses in Design, Fashion Design.
• Paper: Creative Aptitude, Drawing, Logical Reasoning, etc.
• Difficulty: Timeliness with creativity.
• Success rate: A bout 5-7%

Also Read: How To Become An IAS Officer After 12th

10. UGC NET / JRF

• Objective: Eligibility for Assistant Professor and Research at the University.
• Paper: General paper and subject-specific paper.
• Success rate: ~6%
• Difficulty: In-depth syllabus, mix of varied topics.

How to prepare for these exams?

• Make a Well-planned timetable.
• NCERT and Standard Books make up the base.
• Mock Tests & PYQs(Previous Year Question Papers)Practice.
• Study Newspapers and Current Affairs regularly.
• To avoid mental stress, do meditation, yoga, or creative activities.

Also Read: How Much Time is Required to Prepare for UPSC?

Conclusion

These top 10 exams in India are not only tough, but they also symbolize the dedication, hard work, and patience that an aspirant should possess. Be it UPSC or JEE Advanced, every exam has its importance. If you are also preparing to take any of these exams, then it is important to understand that not only hard work but smart study, confidence, and constant practice are the keys to success.

Also Read: IAS vs IPS

Toughest exams in India FAQs

Which is the toughest exam in India?

UPSC Civil Services Examination is considered to be the toughest examination in India.

Can only studious students succeed in these exams?

No, the main mantra of success is constant practice, dedication, and the right strategy.

Which is difficult among NEET or JEE?

Both are highly competitive, but there is a difference in the subjects and approach.

Does GATE lead to a government job?

Yes, many PSU companies recruit based on GATE scores.

When to start preparing for CLAT?

It is advisable to start from class 11 or 12.