Introduction
Many aspiring candidates appear each year to take the toughest exams in India. Examinations are more than mere tests of a person’s knowledge. They serve as life-changing moments, significant career milestones, and much more.
We’re talking about the most toughest exam in India, which makes even the brightest students lose sleep. These exams are not just tests but battles of patience, knowledge, strategy, and mental strength. Understanding the Do’s and Don’ts in entrance exam scenarios is critical for anyone planning to take on these academic challenges.
Whether you’re curious about the top 10 toughest exams in India, planning to take one yourself, or just want to know which exam makes headlines every year, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!
Top 10 Toughest Exams in India
1. UPSC Civil Services Exam
This is the toughest exam in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, the UPSC exam decides who becomes IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.
- It is conducted annually.
- There are three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview
- Only around 800-900 out of over 10 lakh applicants make it
- Known for its vast syllabus, depth in current affairs, and writing skills
- Duration of exam
- Prelims: 2 hours each for both papers
- Mains: 3 hours each for 9 papers
2. IIT-JEE (Joint Entrance Exam – Advanced)
Do you want to get into IITs? Then you have to clear JEE Advanced, and believe us, it is no joke at all. The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the national JEE exam and it’s probably one of the most difficult exams to crack at the undergraduate level.
- It is conducted twice a year
- And only the top 2.5 lakh scorers from JEE Mains can undertake it.
- Intense focus on Physics, Chemistry and Math.
- Mind-numbing questions that test your basic concepts.
Getting into IIT gives you prestige, but getting there means hard work, dedication and practice.
3. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
Planning for M.Tech or PSUs? Then GATE is your next stop. It tests your engineering knowledge in-depth and is one of the most competitive entrance exams out there.
- It is conducted once a year
- Accepted by IITs, NITs, and many global universities
- Also used by public sector companies like ONGC, NTPC, and BHEL
- Not just for students, even working professionals take it
- Duration of exam: 3 hours
4. CAT (Common Admission Test)
CAT is your ticket to the IIMs: the best Business Schools in India.
The paper has 3 sections: quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning and data interpretation, verbal ability, and reading comprehension. The questions will be of multiple-choice and non-multiple-choice.
- It is conducted annually
- Less than 2% of candidates make it to the elite IIMs
- Known for its time pressure and complex reasoning sections
It’s an ultimate test of speed meets smarts. One of the most competitive exams in India.
5. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
Want to become a doctor? Then NEET is unavoidable. 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.
- It is conducted annually
- Over 20 lakh students compete each year
- The questions revolve around Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, and Botany subjects.
Clearing NEET leads to admissions to medical undergraduate programs, and after that, you can aim for top exams for government jobs in India, especially in healthcare.
6. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
The Consortium of National Law Universities holds the CLAT Exam annually for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at 24 national law universities across India.
- For admission into National Law Universities (NLUs)
- There are a total of 150 questions divided into five sections: Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude, English, General Knowledge, and Maths
- Duration: 2 hours
- Very limited seats, high competition
7. Chartered Accountancy (CA)
The CA exam is run by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) since the beginning. In fact, the degree you receive is the same as a postgraduate degree at Delhi University (DU). The foundation course is based on multiple-choice questions, but the other stages include multiple-choice and descriptive questions.
- Three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final
- The passing rate is very low: in single digits.
- Requires lots of understanding of concepts, revisions, and time management
- Frequency: Twice a year
The most competitive exam in finance. CA is often said to be one of the most difficult exams in India. CA requires consistent effort for years.
8. NDA (National Defence Academy)
The authority to conduct the NDA examination lies with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the rigorous examination for the defence line in India. The selected candidates will enter NDA’s Army, Navy and Air Force wings.
- Written exam + SSB Interview + medicals
- Tests math, English, and general knowledge
- One of the most respected career paths
- Duration: 2.5 hours for both papers
Many students ask which is the toughest exam in India for a military career: NDA is often the answer.
9. UGC NET
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is a national testing agency (NTA) that conducts the UGC NET exam on behalf of the UGC to become assistant professors or to obtain junior research fellowships for junior researchers.
- Two papers on the subject + general aptitude
- Twice a year
- Eligibilty: Candidates must have 55% marks in their Master’s degree.
- Duration of exam: 3 hrs
10. National Institute of Design Entrance
The National Institute of Design administers the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) at the national level, where candidates who take the NID DAT exam are seeking admission into undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Evaluate creativity, drawing, reasoning, and design thinking
- Limited seats and high competition
- Interview and portfolio rounds included
- Duration of Exams: 3 hours
Related: https://kce.ac.in/understanding-the-curriculum-and-course-requirements-of-mba-tancet/
Tips on How to Crack These Tough Exams
Okay, we covered the exams now. How do we actually crack them? If you’re serious about cracking competitive exam challenges like these, here are six useful suggestions:
- Start Early
Do not wait until the last 3-4 months to start studying for these exams. Start early enough so you have time to revise for exams multiple times.
- Know Your Syllabus Very Well
The first thing you want to do is know the syllabus from the start, because so many students waste their time on areas that they do not even need to study.
- Mock Tests
You should be solving mock tests all the time. They will help you with speed, accuracy, as well as help you recognize patterns from the actual exam. Be sure to include mock tests regularly in your study schedule so they become part of your routine and not a last-minute rush. This is especially useful in exams where there is negative marking.
- Create a Realistic Study Plan
Do not just copy another student’s study plan. You must develop your own study plan using your own energy levels, lifestyle and stick with it. Good study habits include consistency, regular revision, and taking breaks to improve retention.
- Health is more Important than Hard Work
Burnout is real. Eat proper meals every day, do not skip sleep, and do not skip a break at some point in your day. If you are mentally exhausted you won’t be solving difficult questions in any exam. This is where exam stress management tips like mindfulness, exercise, and deep breathing can really make a difference.
- Stay Current
For exams like UPSC or CLAT, you will need to be current with affairs that are happening before the exam. Read newspapers daily, listen to news podcasts, or use YouTube summaries of daily news articles.
- Reach out for help when you can’t help yourself
Looking into a coaching centre is generally cheaper than retaking the exam. If you are desperate, consider reaching out to a mentor who might just guide you in a direction you may have never considered.
Final Thoughts
Everyone has his or her own challenges. For some, it is the UPSC; for others, it could be JEE, NEET, or CAT; it is important to choose your route and stick to it.
These exams are not only an exam paper to crack, they are discipline, strategy, and time management. So do not panic. Prepare strategically, take test mocks, and trust in yourself.
Are you planning on taking any of these? Check out the best engineering college in Coimbatore, a good base goes a long way on journeys like these!
FAQ:
1. What is considered the toughest exam in India?
UPSC Civil Services Exam is widely regarded as the toughest due to its vast syllabus and low success rate.
2. What are the top 10 most toughest exams in India?
India’s 10 toughest exams include UPSC Civil Services, JEE Advanced, NEET, GATE, CAT, NDA, CA, CLAT, UGC NET, and NID DAT — demanding high preparation and success rates.
3. Is JEE tougher than NEET?
Both are challenging, but JEE Advanced is considered tougher due to its complex problem-solving in physics and math.
4. How many attempts are allowed for UPSC?
General category candidates get 6 attempts up to the age of 32.
5. Is the CA exam really difficult?
Yes, CA is one of the toughest professional exams in India with low pass rates across its levels.
About Karpagam College of Engineering
Karpagam College of Engineering (KCE), established in 2000, is an autonomous institution located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Affiliated with Anna University, KCE is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an ‘A++’ grade.
The college offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various engineering disciplines, including Civil, Mechanical, Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
The institution emphasizes industry collaboration, providing students with practical exposure and placement opportunities in reputable companies. KCE boasts modern infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and facilities for sports and extracurricular activities, fostering a holistic learning environment.