Toughest Degrees: What Makes Them Hard and Who Succeeds
When people talk about the toughest degrees, academic programs that demand extreme focus, long hours, and relentless pressure. Also known as high-stakes courses, these programs don’t just test your brain—they test your endurance, discipline, and mental strength. In India, that usually means MBBS, the medical degree that requires mastering human biology, clinical rotations, and 5+ years of unrelenting study, or JEE Advanced, the entrance exam that filters out 99% of aspirants to pick the top 0.1% for IITs. These aren’t just degrees—they’re gauntlets.
What makes them tough isn’t just the syllabus. It’s the clock. It’s the expectation that you’ll wake up at 4 a.m., study for 14 hours, and still not feel prepared. It’s the fact that one exam can decide your entire future. Look at the numbers: in 2025, JEE Advanced had over 200,000 applicants for just 10,000 seats. MBBS seats in government colleges? Less than 50,000 nationwide. And yet, hundreds of thousands try every year. Why? Because the payoff is real. A doctor in the USA can earn over $200,000 a year. An IIT graduate can land a job at Google or NVIDIA with a starting salary of ₹30 lakhs. The pressure isn’t random—it’s tied to outcomes.
But here’s what no one tells you: the toughest degrees aren’t won by the smartest. They’re won by the most consistent. Shreyansh Jain, the JEE Advanced 2025 topper, didn’t have coaching. He just showed up every day. MBBS students don’t pass because they memorize every page—they pass because they keep going after failing their first mock test. The real challenge isn’t the subject. It’s the belief that you can survive it. And that’s why these degrees attract the kind of people who don’t quit when things get hard—they double down.
Below, you’ll find real stories and practical insights from people who’ve walked these paths. From how to handle the pressure of medical school to why some subjects in JEE are easier than others, these posts cut through the noise. No fluff. Just what actually matters when you’re fighting for your future.
- By Nolan Blackburn
- /
- 4 Apr 2025
Toughest Degrees in India: Uncovering the Challenges
When it comes to challenging degrees in India, it's more about endurance and adaptability than just brains. Engineering and Medicine frequently top the list due to their rigorous and intensive curriculums. The pressure in these fields stems not just from the academic workload but also the steep competition and expectations. Whether you're a student contemplating these paths or a parent trying to guide your child, understanding what lies ahead can be crucial.