India has a reputation for having a rigorous educational and recruitment process. Each year, thousands of hopefuls begin their studies for national examinations that evaluate their intelligence, commitment, and endurance. Not only are these examinations challenging because of their comprehensive syllabi, but also because of the exceptionally low selection ratios. We will examine the top 10 most difficult examinations in India that require a remarkable level of effort, planning, and psychological endurance.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)
Considered the most challenging exam in India, the UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted in 3 phases: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. Each phase covers a considerable number of topics such as history, geography, politics, economics, ethics, and current events. Candidates dedicate several years to this exam as it has a 1% selection rate.
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IIT-JEE (JEE Advanced)
Now referred to as JEE Advanced, IIT-JEE is one of the most difficult competitive examinations for aspiring engineers in the world. It gauges the candidate’s grasp of the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. JEE Advanced is known for its difficult problem-solving and for having a large number of competitors vying for a small number of spots at the prestigious Institutes of Technology.
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GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
GATE is an exam taken by engineering graduates who want to enter postgraduate programs or get jobs with PSUs. This exam is extremely competitive, as only a handful of graduates get placed in the top tiers. GATE is one of the toughest exams in India, as it emphasizes conceptual clarity and application-based problem solving.
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CAT (Common Admission Test)
To get admission into one of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), you must take the CAT. This exam assesses your aptitude in a variety of areas, including math, data interpretation, verbal skills, and logical reasoning. It is a race against time to achieve a high score, as high percentiles require test-takers to be academically advanced and perform quickly.
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NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam
The NDA exam is one of the toughest exams in India for young candidates who want to join the Indian Armed Forces. The exam has multiple components, including math, general knowledge, and an assessment of physical fitness. Additionally, candidates must go through interviews to demonstrate their personalities and further their chances of selection.
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CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
In India, the exam for admission to the National Law Universities (NLUs) is called the CLAT. This test covers multiple areas, including legal and logical reasoning, math, general knowledge, and English. It is competitive, and coupled with a limited number of open positions, CLAT is without a doubt one of the toughest exams in the country.
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NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Examination is an entrance exam for medical schools in India. With millions of students taking the exam every year for a limited number of MBBS school seats, NEET is incredibly difficult and has high cutoff scorers. A significant amount of biology, chemistry, and physics knowledge is required.
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UGC NET
The UGC NET exam is for candidates who are looking to be in an Assistant Professor role and aim to get a Junior Research Fellowship in Indian universities. The exam has a very low qualification rate, and therefore requires expansive knowledge of the subject matter as well as critical thought.
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CA (Chartered Accountant) Examination
Chartered Accountant (CA) exams take place over multiple levels and are known for their extremely low passing percentage. The CA exam is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and covers topics such as accounting, taxation, auditing, and law. A significant amount of time and dedication is required to pass these exams.
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NIFT Entrance Examination
The NIFT Entrance exam is for students who would like to study fashion and design. Students are evaluated on their creativity, analytical skills, knowledge of current issues, and design skills. The NIFT exam is extremely difficult as students are evaluated using a combination of written exams, situation tests, and interviews.
What Makes These Exams Tough?
The most difficult exams in India demand a lot from students. Besides extensive syllabi and fierce competition, students must also factor in the number of available seats. These exams assess students’ time and mental management skills. Long-term strategy, self-discipline, and consistent growth are also important factors for obtaining results.
Conclusion
Achieving the seemingly impossible task of passing some of India’s most difficult examinations is a life-changing accomplishment. It not only establishes a new, respectable profession, but also garners recognition from the government. The exams are responsible for producing the nation’s leaders, visionaries, and game changers.
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