Which are The Toughest Exams in India? Updated List

It is said that without hard work, nothing develops but weeds. To bring forth a student’s greatest qualities, competition in our educational framework is fundamental. It supports the growth of students’ ranges of abilities and creativity. Additionally, it raises their confidence, inspires them to improve, and fortifies their minds. Competitive appraisals are constructed and wanted to evaluate a few qualities, including aptitude, mental stability, specialized capability, and actual fitness.

These evaluations are administered either verbally, online, on paper, or in a situation where the test-taker requires a specific arrangement of abilities. Consistently, a huge number of exams are held in India; the majority are easy to pass, but only a select modest bunch are considered the toughest exams in India.

15 Toughest Exams in India

Depending on the reason for the exam, they change greatly. Here is a top exam list in India that includes some of the most difficult exams in India:

UPSC Civil Services Exam
IIT-JEE
Chartered Accountant (CA)
CAT ( Common Admission Test )
NEET UG
AIIMS UG
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
National Safeguard Academy (NDA)
Common-Law Admission Test (CLAT)
UGC NET
National Institute of Design Entrance Exam
UPSC CAPF – Central Armed Police Force Exam
AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test
CDS – Combined Defense Services Exam
RBI Assistant Recruitment Examination

1. UPSC Civil Services Exam – India’s Toughest Exam

The UPSC Exam is said to be the toughest exam in India. The Government exam recruits candidates for the top services of the nation, like the IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and numerous other Gathering A and B services under the Focal Government.

Consistently, around 10-12 lakh candidates finish up the online form after the UPSC Notification. Around 6-8, lakh applicants sit for the Preliminary exam, and only 15-17 thousand get chosen for the Mains exam. Following this, only a modest bunch (around 1500-2000) of candidates are chosen for the final or interview round. The whole selection process for the UPSC exam is very thorough, making it one of the most toughest exam in India.

The schedule is tremendous and covers significant subjects like History, Polity, Topography, Economy, Environment and Biology, Science, and Innovation.
Current Issues and Static GK Questions are also important in the exam.

2. JEE (Joint Entrance Examination)

It is separated into two distinct tests, i.e. JEE Main and JEE Advanced. The NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and the IIEST, Shibpur, for its double degree program, are included in the JEE Mains, the primary level of the test.

The JEE Advanced exam is the second level of the test. Only JEE Mains applicants who have been shortlisted may take this test. To enlist at either IIT or the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, you must pass the High level. Only the top 1.5 lakh of the 12.7 lakh candidates who took the test in 2016 were qualified to take the High-level exam. This places JEE in the India’s toughest exam list.

JEE Exam Speedy Features:

Exam Level – National Level
Recurrence of Exam – Two times every year (Jan and April)
Method of Exam – Online
No. of Candidate show up – 6 Lakh

3. CAT (Common Admission Test)

It is a PC-based exam that students take to gain admission to the Master in Business Administration (MBA) program. Students who have scored half or more in their Bachelor’s certification can apply for the exam, while the aggregate score for saved categories is 45%.

The exam consists of three sections, specifically quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning and data interpretation, verbal ability, and reading comprehension. The questions in the exam will be in the form of various decision and non-numerous decision questions. This year, the exam is supposed to have 66 questions. To determine CAT scores, the exam goes through scaling and normalization processes since it is conducted in various shifts. This exam is considered one of the toughest exam in India.

4.NDA (National Defense Academy)

Young trainees from the Military, Naval force, and Flying corps prepare jointly at the National Defence Academy (NDA), the Joint Services School of the Indian Military. This exam is viewed as the toughest exam in India because of the way that a huge number of candidates show up for it and consider the new standard construction.

All 10+2 graduates who want to sign up for the military must clear this NDA exam. The examination takes place two times every year, in April and September. The Union Public Service Commission assists with the test, which is featured on India’s toughest exam list.

5. UGC-NET

UGC-NET is an examination that is only important for post-graduate students. The test shortlists school and university level Assistant professors and Junior Research Partnership (JRF) possibilities. UGC is the fourth toughest exam in India, which is difficult to clear as it constricts its candidature.

In 2013, the UGC or University Awards Commission articulated that the candidates who finish the National Eligibility Assessment are qualified for a lucrative profession in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). PSUs can use UGC-NET scores for the registration process of the administrator’s positions in their institutions in parts of Science (Research and Development), administration, corporate dealings, accounts branch, HR, etc.

6. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

The CLAT exam is conducted yearly by the Consortium of National Law Universities to give admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at 24 national law universities in India.

The exam is conducted offline and comprises 150 questions across five sections, including Logical Reasoning, Lawful Aptitude, English, General Information, and Maths. Qualifying candidates can seek careers in law, legal executive, advanced education, and civil services. A minimum cut-off mark is important, and there is no greatest age limit for candidates.

7. IES (Indian Engineering Services)

IES are the civil services for mechanical and administrative occupations of the Government of India.

The three stages of the IES selection process comprise an Overall Aptitude Test, an Objective Specialized paper, a Specialized paper, and an Interview. This is one of the most sought-after exams to be cleared, as the positions offered are very lucrative. This makes it one of the toughest exams in India and adds to the list of India’s toughest exams.

8. Chartered Accountant (CA) Exam

The main level is the CPT or Common Capability Test, continued by the IPCC (Integrated Professional Ability Course). The latter requires studying a total of 7 subjects separated into gatherings of four and three. The CA exam is renowned for its difficulty and is frequently mentioned in discussions about the toughest exams in India.

9. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

The NEET exam, considered the toughest exam in the medical field, is conducted by the National Testing Agency consistently. It is aimed toward providing admission to different undergraduate courses like Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Medical Procedure (MBBS), Bachelor of Dental Medical Procedure (BDS), AYUSH, and veterinary courses.

The exam consists of questions from Chemistry, Physical science, Zoology, and Organic science subjects, and the total imprints for the exam is 720. Because of the increasing competition, the cut-off marks are also rising at a high speed. The exam is a single-stage exam, and there is no greatest age limit defined for the candidates. However, the minimum age prerequisite is 17 years or above. NEET is often debated in contexts such as which is the toughest exam in India.

10. GATE Exam

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is conducted together by the Indian Institute of Science and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Roorkee) on behalf of:

National Coordination Board â€” GATE
Department of Advanced Education
Ministry of HR Advancement (MHRD)
Government of India

It is conducted to test the thorough understanding of different undergraduate subjects in engineering and science. The score accomplished in the exam is utilized for admissions to different post-graduate education programs (Master of Engineering, Master of Technology, and Doctor of Philosophy) in Indian advanced education institutes.

GATE scores are also being utilized by a few Indian public sector undertakings (i.e., government-claimed organizations) for recruiting graduate engineers in passage-level positions. More than 9.7 lakh applicants registered for the GATE exam in 2016. As a result, GATE is often featured in discussions about India’s toughest exam due to its rigorous nature.

GATE Exam Speedy Features:

Exam Level – National Level
Recurrence of Exam – Once every year
Method of Exam – Online
No. of Candidate show up – 7 Lakh

11. NID (National Institute of Design Entrance)

The exam consists of two qualifying stages, specifically NID DAT prelims and NID DAT mains.

The candidates must be at least 19 years of age before applying for the exam. The merit list is prepared because of the scores obtained in prelims and mains.

12. UPSC CAPF – Central Armed Police Force Exam

The UPSC CAPF exam is a prestigious national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit individuals for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). CAPF stands for Central Armed Police Force, which comprises five armed police forces:

Border Security Force (BSF)
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

The UPSC CAPF exam is held annually to select candidates for the position of Assistant Commandant, a gazetted officer rank. The exam is a gateway to a challenging and rewarding career in the CAPF, ensuring the security and safety of the nation.

The UPSC official portal provides detailed information on the exam, including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and application process. Candidates can visit the portal to access the latest notifications, guidelines, and study materials.

To be eligible for the UPSC CAPF exam, candidates must meet specific requirements, such as:

Age limit: 20-25 years
Educational qualification: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
Physical standards: Meet the prescribed physical standards

The exam consists of three stages:

Written examination (Paper I and Paper II)
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Interview/Personality Test

Candidates who clear all stages are appointed as Assistant Commandants in the CAPF. The UPSC CAPF exam is a golden opportunity for those who aspire to serve the nation and make a difference in the lives of citizens.

13. AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a prestigious national-level examination conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to select candidates for various branches of the IAF. It is considered one of the toughest exams in India, requiring rigorous preparation and dedication. AFCAT is conducted twice a year, in February and August, to fill vacancies in the following branches:

Flying Branch (Short Service Commission)
Technical Branch (Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission)
Ground Duty Branch (Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission)

Candidates who clear the AFCAT exam are selected for training at the Indian Air Force Academy, leading to a rewarding career as an officer in the IAF.

To be eligible for AFCAT, candidates must meet specific requirements, such as:

Age limit: 20-24 years (varies for different branches)
Educational qualification: Graduate degree or equivalent (varies for different branches)
Physical standards: Meet the prescribed physical standards

The AFCAT exam consists of four sections:

General Awareness
Verbal Ability in English
Numerical Ability and Reasoning
Military Aptitude Test

Candidates who clear the AFCAT exam are called for further selection tests, including:

Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview
Medical examination
Document verification

AFCAT offers a challenging and prestigious career in the Indian Air Force, with opportunities for growth, adventure, and service to the nation.

14. CDS – Combined Defense Services Exam

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is a highly competitive and prestigious national-level examination in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Along with the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, CDS is considered one of the toughest exams in India, requiring rigorous preparation and dedication.

The CDS exam is a gateway to a rewarding career in the Indian Armed Forces, with selected candidates being recruited into:

Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Indian Air Force Academy (AFA)
Indian Military Academy (IMA)

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year, in February and November, to fill vacancies in the above-mentioned academies.

To be eligible for CDS, candidates must meet specific requirements, such as:

Age limit: 19-25 years (varies for different academies)
Educational qualification: Graduate degree or equivalent (varies for different academies)
Physical standards: Meet the prescribed physical standards

The CDS exam consists of three papers:

English
General Knowledge
Elementary Mathematics

Candidates who clear the CDS exam are called for further selection tests, including:

Services Selection Board (SSB) interview
Medical examination
Document verification

Getting selected in CDS or NDA is a challenging task, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be achieved. If you are aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces, start preparing for CDS today.

Note: The CDS exam is a highly competitive exam, and only a small percentage of candidates are selected. Therefore, it’s essential to be well-prepared and dedicated to achieving your goal.

15. RBI Assistant Recruitment Examination

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Assistant Recruitment Examination is a highly competitive and coveted exam in the banking sector. Every year, thousands of aspiring bankers vie for a limited number of positions, making it a challenging exam to crack. However, with the right preparation and strategy, candidates can increase their chances of success.

The RBI Assistant exam is held annually to select candidates for the position of Assistant, also known as a clerk, in various branches of the RBI across India. The exam is a golden opportunity for those who wish to join the prestigious RBI and work in the banking sector.

Eligibility Criteria:

Age limit: 20-28 years
Educational qualification: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks
Language proficiency: Fluency in English and regional language

Exam Pattern:

Preliminary exam: 100 marks, 60 minutes
Mains exam: 200 marks, 135 minutes
Language proficiency test

Selection Process:

Preliminary exam
Mains exam
Language proficiency test
Interview

Tips for Success:

Start preparing early
Focus on current affairs and banking awareness
Practice with mock tests and previous year papers
Improve your language skills

By cracking the RBI Assistant exam, candidates can secure a rewarding career in the RBI and work in various roles such as:

Banking operations
Customer service
Cash management
Foreign exchange

Conclusion

The UPSC is the Toughest exam in India. The exam is conducted to test a candidate’s academic expertise and ability to introduce soundly. One needs a disciplined and dedicated lifestyle to prepare for this exam. The Civil Services Exam is conducted in three stages, Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

CA or Chartered Accountant is another toughest exam in India as the need might arise to clear each of the 4 rounds (Foundation, Intermediate, 3 Years Articleship, and CA Final) in the primary attempt only.

If you found this blog relevant, consider reading other guides for optimal preparation.

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