Tough Majors: What Makes a College Major Hard and Which Ones Really Challenge Students
When people talk about tough majors, college programs that demand extreme focus, long hours, and high-pressure exams. Also known as rigorous degrees, they’re not just about being smart—they’re about surviving a system built to test endurance. It’s not the syllabus that breaks you. It’s the pace. The sleepless nights. The feeling that one mistake could cost you your future.
Take MBBS, the medical degree that leads to becoming a doctor. Also known as Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, it’s not just hard—it’s a marathon with no finish line in sight. Students in India spend years memorizing anatomy, then face the NEET, the national entrance exam that decides who gets into medical school. Even after that, the real grind begins: 12-hour shifts, high-stakes exams, and the pressure of saving lives before you’ve even graduated. The same pressure exists for engineering, a field where concepts like calculus and thermodynamics are mastered under the shadow of the JEE Advanced, the most competitive engineering entrance in the world. One wrong answer on JEE Advanced can change your entire path.
These aren’t just subjects. They’re life choices that demand everything. You don’t just study biology—you live it. You don’t just solve math problems—you think in equations. And the payoff? It’s real. Doctors in the USA earn high salaries, but only after 10+ years of training. Engineers from IITs land jobs at Google and NVIDIA, but only after grinding through years of prep. The highest-paying 2-year degrees, like nuclear medicine or air traffic control, exist because the field is hard—and few can do it. That’s the pattern: the toughest paths lead to the most valuable outcomes.
What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of hard majors. It’s a collection of real stories, data, and strategies from people who’ve been there. From how to survive NEET to what it takes to crack JEE Advanced, from the salary truth behind MBBS in the USA to why some degrees pay more even without a four-year diploma. This isn’t about fear. It’s about clarity. If you’re considering one of these paths, you’re not just choosing a major—you’re choosing a lifestyle. Let’s see what it really looks like.
- By Nolan Blackburn
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- 17 Apr 2025
What Degree Is the Hardest? The Truth Behind Competitive Exams
Wondering which degree is truly the hardest, especially when competitive exams are involved? This article breaks down which majors are toughest, what makes them so challenging, and what you can expect if you aim for one. You'll learn surprising facts about grading, dropout rates, and the reality behind exam pressure. Whether you're considering medicine, engineering, or another tough path, you'll find practical tips to help you survive and thrive. Get the inside scoop on what it really takes to get through these demanding degrees.