Hardest Exams in India: What Makes Them Tough and Who Survives Them
When people talk about the hardest exams, extremely selective, high-stakes tests that determine future careers in India. Also known as competitive exams, these aren’t just tests—they’re life crossroads. Millions take them every year. Only a fraction make it. And the ones who do? They didn’t just study harder. They studied smarter, longer, and under pressure most people can’t imagine.
Take JEE Advanced, the gateway to India’s top engineering institutes like IITs. It’s not just hard—it’s designed to filter out 99% of applicants. In 2025, Shreyansh Jain scored 342 out of 360 to become rank 1. He didn’t go to coaching. He just showed up every day, solved problems, and refused to quit. Then there’s NEET, the medical entrance exam that decides who gets into MBBS programs. Half the exam is biology, and if you don’t know NCERT inside out, you’re already behind. Thousands cram for years. One mistake in 200 questions can cost you a seat.
And it’s not just engineering or medicine. government job exams, like those for UPSC, SSC, and state PSCs, are a different kind of beast. They don’t just test knowledge—they test endurance. You might face three interviews, dozens of pages to memorize, and a waiting period of over a year just to get an answer. No one tells you that most candidates fail not because they’re dumb, but because they burn out.
What connects all these exams? They’re not about talent alone. They’re about consistency, mental toughness, and knowing exactly what to ignore. You don’t need to be a genius. You just need to outlast everyone else. The posts below show you how real people did it—how they cracked JEE Advanced without coaching, how NEET toppers prioritized biology over physics, and how someone landed a government job after three failed attempts. No magic. No shortcuts. Just what actually works.
- By Nolan Blackburn
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- 15 Jul 2025
Most Competitive Exams in the World: Challenges, Stakes, and Success Tips
Explore the world's most competitive exams, why they're so tough, and practical tips for success. From IIT JEE to Gaokao and more, see what makes these tests legendary.
- By Nolan Blackburn
- /
- 12 Feb 2025
Which Exam is the Hardest to Pass?
Discover which competitive exams are considered the toughest to crack and why. This article explores some of the most challenging tests worldwide, including their structure and purpose. It also offers tips for aspiring test-takers, helping them prepare effectively. Whether aiming for higher education or professional certification, understanding these exams can provide motivation and insight. Learn what makes these exams notoriously difficult and how to tackle them.