Top 10 Toughest Exams in India

19-Nov-2025

India conducts some of the most challenging national-level examinations for entry into civil services, engineering institutes, medical programs, management schools, legal education, and academic research. These examinations assess subject knowledge, reasoning ability, writing skills, and the discipline of long-term preparation. Each test follows a structured pattern set by its regulatory body, with strict evaluation standards and limited opportunities to attempt. 

1. UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Civil Services Examination to select officers for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other central services. Students consider this exam when they aim to work in public administration, law enforcement, policy implementation, and district-level leadership. Candidates who value national-level responsibility, structured authority, and a stable career path within government aim for this examination. UPSC CSE maintains high standards through a three-stage process that tests knowledge, judgement, and decision-making under pressure. Its broad syllabus and long cycle make it one of the toughest selection processes in the country.

Frequency: Once a year.

Stages: 

• Preliminary (Objective)
• Mains (Written/Descriptive)
• Interview/Personality Test

Exam Duration/Time: 

• Prelims: Two papers, 2 hours each
• Mains: Several papers, generally 3 hours per paper.

Number of Attempts: 

• General / EWS: 6 attempts
• OBC: 9 attempts
• SC/ST: Unlimited (within age limit)

Important Notes:

• An attempt is counted only when you appear for even one paper in the Prelims.
• Very high competition, long prep cycle (nearly 12-month process from notification to interview)

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2. Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (JEE Advanced)

JEE Advanced, conducted by the IITs under the Joint Admission Board, serves students who aim to study engineering and scientific disciplines at the highest academic level. It is perfect for candidates with a strong interest in physics, chemistry, and mathematics who wish to pursue research, technology, and engineering-based careers. The exam maintains strict screening through a challenging format that checks conceptual strength. Its role as the entry point to the IITs makes it a demanding test for students seeking structured technical education and competitive career paths.

Frequency: Once a year (as per JEE Advanced policies).

Stages: Two compulsory papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2

Exam Duration/Time:

• Each paper- 3 hours
• For PWD with certain disability - 4 hours (240 minutes) for each paper.

Pattern:

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Question Types: MCQs, numerical value, matching items.
• The marking scheme/ pattern is not entirely fixed: Changes are possible year to year.

Number of Attempts: Reduced to 2 attempts (as per 2025 rules) in two consecutive years.

Recent Changes:

• JAB cancelled the 3rd attempt (was briefly proposed, then reversed).
• The exam is a purely computer-based test (CBT).

3. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, conducted by the IITs and IISc, serves students planning for postgraduate engineering study or technical advancement in specialized fields. It supports candidates who want deeper subject knowledge and structured academic progression across various engineering domains. GATE evaluates conceptual strength and problem-solving through a unified national exam. Its acceptance by universities and technical organizations makes it a trusted path for students seeking technical growth.

Frequency: Once a year

Stages: Single-stage exam 

Exam Duration/ Time: 3 hours

Pattern:

• Mix of MCQs and numerical-answer type questions.
• Questions test both engineering conceptual knowledge and problem-solving.

Number of Attempts:

No attempt limit - You can attempt the GATE multiple times.

Important Notes:

• GATE score is valid for several years, making repeated attempts useful for improving the score.
• Since there's no age restriction, both fresh graduates and working professionals often appear.

4. CA (Chartered Accountant Exams)

The Chartered Accountant examination pathway, regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, prepares students for careers in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and corporate finance functions. It is suited for candidates who want a structured qualification that has a mix of academic content with practical training. ICAI conducts a multi-level examination system that checks theoretical understanding. The depth of subjects and long preparation cycle make it a challenging professional qualification.

Frequency: Held twice a year for all levels

Stages

• CA Foundation: Entry-level examination for students completing Class 12.
• CA Intermediate: Divided into Group 1 and Group 2. Each group contains a defined set of subjects. Students may appear for a single group or both together.

Group 1 commonly includes: Accounting, Corporate and Other Laws, Cost and Management Accounting, and Taxation.

Group 2 includes: Advanced Accounting, Auditing and Assurance, Enterprise Information Systems, and Financial Management.

• CA Final: Final qualification stage, also divided into Group 1 and Group 2, covering high-level subjects such as Financial Reporting, Strategic Financial Management, Advanced Auditing, and Corporate and Economics laws.

Exam Duration: 3 hours per paper

Attempts: No limit

Important Notes:

• ICAI introduced updated schemes in recent cycles, changing paper structure and group combinations.
• Passing marks: 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate per group.

5. NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test- Undergraduate)

NEET-UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency, is the national-level entrance examination for students who want to enter undergraduate medical and dental programs. It is for candidates who want a science-based academic pathway with a focus on conceptual readiness in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The exam maintains high competition due to limited seats and a uniform national syllabus, and leads to roles such as intern, Junior Doctor, and later Medical Officer in public or private hospitals. Its single-window admission model and structured testing format place it among the toughest entrance examinations in the country.

Frequency: Once a year

Stages: Single-stage exam.

Exam Duration/ Time:

• 3 hours (180 minutes) for NEET 2025.
• PwBD (benchmark disability) candidates get 1 hour extra compensatory time.

Pattern:

• Total Question: 200 (180 mandatory) (45 Physics + 45 Chemistry + 90 Biology) in 2025.
• Mode: Pen-and-paper (OMR-based) exam.
• Marking: +4 for each correct, -1 for each incorrect.
• Languages: Exam paper in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Number of Attempts: Unlimited

Important Changes:

• For NEET 2025, NTA removed "Section B" (optional questions), and now all 180 questions are compulsory.
• Exam time has been reduced from earlier (used to be 200 minutes) to 180 minutes.
• No upper age limit.

6. AIIMS PG (All India Institute of Medical Sciences- Postgraduate Entrance)

AIIMS admits postgraduate students through the INI-CET examination, which covers MD, MS, MDS, and related programs offered by AIIMS, JIPMER, NIMHANS, and PGI Chandigarh. Candidates choose this route because it offers structured clinical training, supervised postings, and access to teaching hospitals with established departments. After completion, graduates move into roles such as Senior Resident, Junior Consultant, and Specialist Doctor within central government hospitals, medical colleges, and recognized research units. These positions follow fixed pay levels and a clear promotion system governed by institutional rules.

Frequency: Once a year (for postgraduate medical courses).

Stages: Primarily a single written test / CBT + interview (depending on course).

Exam Duration/ Time: (Varies by exam notification. For example, the recruitment exam pattern is 90 minutes for some MCQ tests).

Pattern:

• In many AIIMS common recruitment exams, 100 MCQs.
• Divided into sections: Domain-specific questions + general knowledge/aptitude/ computer knowledge.
• Number of Attempts: No fixed "Attempt cap" like other academic entrance exams (it's more based on merit + course demand).

Important/Notes:

• Because AIIMS PG is for postgraduate medical training, candidates must already have an MBBS (or equivalent) + valid registration/ internship expiry or completion.
• The pattern may vary significantly depending on the AIIMS institute and the specific PG course (MD, MS, etc).

7. CAT (Common Admission Test)

CAT is the entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management for admission to MBA and allied management programs. Candidates pursue this exam because it connects them to structured management training that channels graduates into roles such as Management Trainee, Analyst, and Assistant Manager in corporate firms, consulting groups, and banking institutions. The test checks reasoning, reading, and quantitative readiness required for postgraduate business studies.

Frequency: Once a year

Stages: Single CBT exam

Exam Duration/ Time:

• Total time: 2 hours
• Sectional timers: 40 minutes per section

Pattern:

• Three sections: VARC, DILR, QA
• Mix of MCQs and non-MCQs
• On-screen calculator provided

Number of Attempts: Unlimited 

Important Notes:

• IIMs keep changing distributions every year.
• Sectional time limits make pacing tough.

8. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

CLAT is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for entry into undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. Candidates choose this examination because it gives access to structured legal education at institutions that follow clear academic and internship guidelines. The program pathway builds writing, reading, case-based reasoning, and legal research habits required for work in courts and corporate environments. Graduates move into positions such as Legal Associate, Junior Advocate, Compliance Officer, and Research Assistant across law firms, litigation chambers, legal departments, and policy groups. This examination is the main route for candidates who want a long-term professional pathway in litigation, corporate law, and regulatory work.

Frequency: Once a year

Stages: Single written exam

Exam Duration/ Time: 2 hours

Pattern:

• MCQs from English, Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, GK, Quant
• Total: 120 questions
• Pen-and paper exam
• Attempts: Unlimited

Important Notes:

• The question count was reduced in the recent pattern to cut the reading load.
• Heavy focus on comprehension passages.

9. NDA | CDS + SSB (National Defence Academy, Combined Defence Services, and Services Selection Board Assessment)

Note: The Union Public Service Commission conducts both NDA and CDS examinations. And most importantly, the SSB stage begins only after a candidate clears the written test for either NDA or CDS.

The NDA and CDS examination pathways serve as major entry routes for candidates who plan to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers. NDA admits eligible school-level applicants, while CDS admits graduates seeking officer training through academies such as the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. 

Both examinations focus on academic understanding and defence-related aptitude, whereas the Services Selection Board conducts a detailed behaviour-based assessment to determine officer suitability. The combined pathway remains one of the most competitive defence entry systems in India due to its structured training, defined career progression, and multi-stage evaluation process.

Frequency:

• NDA: Twice a year
• CDS: Twice a year
  
  

Stages (NDA and CDS):

1. Written examination
2. SSB assessment
3. Medical evaluation

Written Examination Exam Duration:

• NDA:
  Mathematics: 2.5 hours
  General Ability Test: 2.5 hours
  
  
• CDS:
  IMA, INA, AFA: Three papers, 2 hours each
  OTA: Two papers, 2 hours each
  
  

Pattern:

• Objective questions
• NDA Mathematics at the Class 11–12 level
• NDA GAT includes English and general studies
• CDS Mathematics at the Class 10 level
• CDS English and General Knowledge at the graduation level
• Pen-and-paper format
  
  

Attempts:

NDA: Allowed within the age window of 16.5 to 19.5 years

CDS: Attempts allowed until the relevant upper age limit

• IMA: up to 24 years
• INA: up to 22 years
• AFA: up to 23 years
• OTA: up to 25 years

The exact age cut-off changes with each UPSC notification.

SSB Assessment (Common for NDA and CDS)

The SSB stage begins only after a candidate clears the written examination. It functions as the second level of evaluation for both NDA and CDS entry routes. The Services Selection Board conducts a full assessment to measure the qualities required for officer duties. The process covers reasoning, judgment, cooperation, communication, and leadership potential.

The SSB evaluation uses behavior-based tasks instead of written academic tests.

Duration: 5 days

Structure:

Day 1: Screening

• Officer Intelligence Rating tests
• Picture perception and structured group discussion
• Only candidates who clear the screening round continue to the remaining days.

Day 2: Psychological Evaluation

• Thematic Apperception Test
• Word Association Test
• Situation Reaction Test
• Self-description
  

Day 3: Group Activities (Part 1)

• Group discussions
• Group planning
• Initial task series under a Group Testing Officer
  

Day 4: Group Activities (Part 2)

• Progressive group tasks
• Individual obstacles
• Command tasks
• Additional coordination tasks
  

Day 5: Interview and Conference

• Personal interview
• Final conference with all assessors
• Recommended candidates proceed to medicals

Only candidates who clear the medical review receive final selection.

10. UGC NET (University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test)

UGC NET is conducted to assess eligibility for Assistant Professor roles and the Junior Research Fellowship in Indian universities and colleges. Students pursue this examination because it provides a direct academic track for those who want to enter teaching or research. The test evaluates understanding of teaching methods, higher education systems, and subject knowledge across disciplines. Successful candidates move into positions such as Assistant Professor, Research Fellow, and Academic Research Associate, where they contribute to teaching, curriculum activities, and funded research projects. The examinations hold value for students who want an academic career with opportunities for publications, conference participation, and higher studies within the university system.

Frequency: Twice a year (June and December cycles)

Stages: Paper 1 and Paper 2

Exam Duration/ Time: 3 hours (No break between papers)

Pattern: CBT

• Paper 1: Teaching and research aptitude
• Paper 2: Subject-specific MCQs

Attempts: Unlimited

Important Notes:

• JRF cut-offs are much higher than Assistant Professor cut-offs.
• NO negative marking.

These examinations require consistent preparation, a clear study plan, and awareness of policies set by their respective governing bodies. Each exam opens access to defined career pathways in administration, engineering, medicine, finance, management, law, and higher education. 

Top 10 Toughest Exams in India Which is the top 10 toughest exam in India? UPSC Civil Services Exam IIT-JEE Advanced GATE CAT UGC NET NDA CDS SSB NEET UG Chartered Accountant AIIMS PG CLAT