One of the primary reasons why parents choose CBSE schools for their children is to prepare them for competitive exams. The CBSE curriculum moulds aspirants to crack the toughest exams in India, including UPSC, NEET, GATE, IIT-JEE, and more.

These exams filter out skilled candidates who are worthy of higher studies or professional competency. What makes these exams tough isn’t only the complexity of the subject matter, but also the number of students selected relative to the number of candidates applying.

Each test requires preparation, planning, and perseverance. But what is of utmost importance is understanding the pass rate, difficulty level, and your chances of making it through.

Candidates often lose multiple years of their youth, reappearing for entrance exams only to not see the light of day. This blog guides you through the toughest exams in India to make an informed decision about your career aspirations based on your skillset.

Toughest exams in India

Here are the top 10 toughest exams in India and what makes students eligible to apply for them:

1. UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)

• Of all the exams on this list, the UPSC Civil Services Examination is the toughest, as it is the gateway to India’s top government jobs. The Union Public Service Commission conducts the exams, which happen once a year.
• 10 lakh students apply for this examination every year, 5-6 lakhs make it to the prelims, and the success rate is 0.1% to 0.2%. There are limitations regarding the reappearance of examinations. General category students can appear up to 6 times. 
• UPSC is the gateway to securing a position as one of India’s top government officials, with ranks including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
• The exam is conducted in three parts: the Preliminary exam, the Main exam, and the final round of interviews for the Personality Test. The exam covers topics across history, geography, politics, economy, science, environment, and current affairs.
• The prelims comprise two objective papers, General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), each lasting 2 hours. Candidates who pass the Prelims appear for the Mains, which comprises nine theory papers with a time duration of 3 hours each. These also include English, regional languages, and current affairs.
• Applying candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and Indian citizenship. The age limit for the application is between 21 and 32 years. Special categories can get further concessions.

2. NDA (National Defence Academy)

• The NDA exam is for aspirants who want to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The assessment includes written tests conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and physical and psychological assessments by the Services Selection Board (SSB). These two conducting bodies finalize candidates deemed fit after the subsequent interview stage, making it one of the toughest exams in India.
• The exam frequency is twice a year, including the NDA I and NDA II tests. More than 4 to 5 lakh students apply for NDA, and only a few hundred (less than 1%) make it through both stages.
• Aspirants for NDA have to be between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 years, and cannot be married. The minimum educational qualification for the Army is passing 10+2 with any stream. Passing with physics and math is necessary to join the Air Force and Navy.
• Knowledge of Class 12 math, along with English, General Knowledge in Science, Current Affairs, and Social Studies, is mandatory. Applicants need to appear for two objective-type written exams, each lasting 2.5 hours, for Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).
• Candidates shortlisted after the written exam appear for a 5-day evaluation test under SSB. Personality, leadership quality, communication skills, and physical fitness are evaluated during this period.
• Final selection is based on the results of the written exam, followed by psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview conducted by the SSB. Medical fitness plays a key role in determining eligibility for joining the National Defence Academy.

3. JEE (Joint Entrance Examination)

• Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is the gateway to studying at Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and more. It is the toughest engineering entrance exam known for its challenging maths and science papers.
• There are two parts to this examination, JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Main is conducted twice a year, and JEE Advanced once a year. Those who pass JEE Main get into NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges. For IIT, students need to pass JEE Advanced as well. National Testing Agency is the conducting body for JEE Main, and the IIT consortium for JEE Advanced.
• Candidates who qualify to appear must have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as major subjects, with an aggregate of 75% for general category students and 65% for SC/ST/PwD category students, or be in the top 20% across these two board exams.
• Every year, there are around 12 to 15 lakh applications for JEE Main, while about 2.5 lakh qualify for JEE Advanced and 1.5 to 1.6 lakh appear for the test. Only 10,000 to 16,000 secure seats are available to those who pass JEE Advanced, and only two attempts are allowed over two consecutive years.
• Computer-based tests with papers across Engineering (B.E/B.Tech) and B.Arch/B. Planning subjects are conducted for JEE Mains. For JEE Advanced, there are two papers often conducted on the same day. The time duration for each exam is 3 hours.
• The complexity of JEE Main depends on the STEM syllabus taught in classes 11 and 12. JEE Advanced is tougher and requires conceptual depth with problem-solving abilities.
• JEE Main has objective questions that require single-answer or multiple-choice answers. JEE Advanced uses multiple-choice, multiple-select, integer-type, and comprehension questions. Admission to IIT depends on the rank acquired in JEE Advanced via the Joint Seat Allocation Authority.

4. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

• NEET-UG is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is the only gateway to undergraduate medical and dental programs (MBBS/BDS). There is no other way to secure admission to medical colleges like AIIMS, JIPMER, etc.
• NEET is an entrance exam for studying MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, veterinary, and other medical courses across government and private institutions. It is organized once every year.
• On average, 18 to 20 lakh students apply for NEET every year, but only the top 1% get into the best government medical colleges in India. Around 60% of candidates qualify for the exam, depending on the minimum cutoff, and 6% get an MBBS. There are about 1 lakh MBBS seats available in government colleges across India.
• Students with 10+2 in STEM with physics, chemistry, and biology/biotechnology as main subjects can appear for NEET. The minimum age to appear is 17, with a 50% aggregate in 10+2 for the General category.
• NEET is a 3-hour-long exam with 90 questions across Botany and Zoology, and 45 questions in Physics and Chemistry each. There are multiple-choice questions based on the NCERT syllabus for classes 11 and 12.
• NEET is conducted across 13 languages, making it one of the most inclusive exams. Results are reflected via All India Rank, and top rankers secure seats in the best medical colleges across India.
• Admissions are conducted through counseling for All India Quota (15% seats) and State Quotas (85% seats), as well as separate counseling programs by deemed universities.

5. CAT (Common Admission Test)

• CAT is an entrance examination for management studies that provides admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other business schools. Students appear for the CAT to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). It is conducted by IIM institutes on a rotating basis each year, while the CAT Committee supervises the process.
• There are about 2.5 lakh applications, and over 90% candidates are appearing for the exam. The top 1-2% get into IIM and top business schools after securing 90% to 99% in the examination. Students must have a Bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate for the general category and 45% for the reserved categories to be eligible.
• The exam commences in three sections, each lasting 40 minutes. Tests include Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
• The syllabus includes English grammar, data analysis, and mathematics based on the average high school curriculum.
• After passing CAT, students are shortlisted by the respective business schools to appear for the Written Ability Test, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview. Final selection includes an aggregate of all these, and work experience, if any.

6. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)

• GATE is one of the toughest exams in India for postgraduate engineering students who want to pursue M.Tech/PhD or become eligible for employment under public sector companies. It is conducted either by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) or IITs on a rotating basis once each year.
• Around 7 to 8 lakh students apply for GATE, and 15% to 20% qualify depending on the cutoff. Only 1 to 2% make it through IITs/IISc or get PSU jobs. There is no age limit for GATE.
• Students with a Bachelor’s degree across Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, or a Master’s in Science, are eligible to appear for GATE.
• 29 subjects across engineering, science, and maths are applicable in GATE. Students get to choose a particular set of subjects based on their undergrad syllabus. There are 10 marks for General Aptitude questions across language and logical reasoning.
• GATE is a single paper comprising 65 questions and 100 marks in total. The exam lasts 3 hours. It is a computer-based test with numerical-answer-type, multiple-choice questions, and multiple-select questions.
• Results are based on scores that remain valid for three years. Candidates apply for higher education or selection in PSUs based on their scores.

7. CA (Chartered Accountancy)

• CA is a certification course for commerce students with a background in finance and accounting. It is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It comprises three examinations: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final.
• CA is the toughest exam in India under the commerce stream. Successful Chartered Accountants work as financial advisors, managers, auditors, and accountants to individuals or institutions.
• CA exams happen twice a year, usually in May and November. It has a low pass rate that decreases with each exam. For example, 30% of all students pass the CA Foundation, 10% to 15% pass CA Intermediate, and 5% to 10% pass the CA Final.
• Students who complete Class 12 in any stream can apply for the CA Foundation. Graduates or postgraduates (with more than 55% in the commerce stream or more than 60% in other streams) can directly apply for CA Intermediate.
• CA exams last 3 hours each and come with a mix of subjective and objective questions. There are 4 papers for CA Foundation and 8 papers (two groups of 4 each) for CA Intermediate and CA Final.
• The syllabus for completing CA covers a broad range of commerce subjects, including Accounting, Business Law, Economics, Mathematics, Cost Accounting, Corporate Law, Financial Management, Taxation, Auditing, etc.
• Once students pass the CA Intermediate, they have to complete the Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS) and undergo 3 years of Articleship to gain practical training. Only then can students apply for the CA Final, become members of the ICAI, and qualify as CAs.

8. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) 

• CLAT is the toughest exam in India to secure a seat in National Law Universities (NLUs) and other prestigious institutes. It is the gateway to pursuing B.A. LL.B (a five-year integrated undergraduate degree) to practice law.  The consortium of NLUs conducts the examination.
• General students who pass 10+2 with more than 45% can apply for CLAT. For SC/ST, the cut-off is 40%. There is no age limit for applying to CLAT.
• The CLAT syllabus includes English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, Basic Math, and General Knowledge. The exam lasts for 2 hours and is a single-objective test with 150 multiple-choice questions.
• The exam happens once a year, and more than 60,000 to 70,000 students apply. Only 4% to 5% make it to NLUs, which have an aggregate of 2,500 seats.
• The top NLU accepts candidates with the highest rank, which is less than 1% of total applicants. Admission to law colleges is based on merit and CLAT rank, as directed by centralized counseling for NLU admissions.

9. UGC NET (National Eligibility Test)

• UGC NET is a national exam for postgraduate students to determine eligibility for college and university-level lectureships. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Passing the exam is mandatory for becoming an Assistant Professor or Researcher at Indian universities and colleges, or to be awarded Junior Research Fellowships for pursuing Ph.D or research.
• Candidates must have a Master’s Degree with 55% marks for General and 50% for SC/ST/OBC category. Final-year graduates are also eligible to apply based on results obtained thus far. There is no age limit for applying to NET. For JRF, the age limit is 30 with a special concession for certain categories.
• The UGC NET exam happens twice a year and receives about 5 to 8 lakh aspirants per session. The syllabus for the UGC NET is varied, as there are 80 subjects across different disciplines. Only about 6% of candidates who make it to the top based on their expertise are eligible for appointment as Assistant Professors. Further, eligibility for JRF is even smaller.
• UGC NET has two parts in a single paper, with a total exam duration of 3 hours. Both parts are objective with multiple-choice answers. The first part comprises General Teaching and Research Aptitude, including logical reasoning,  data interpretation, language, etc. This part of the paper is more or less the same across all disciplines. The second part includes questions based on the postgraduate syllabus of the chosen subject and expertise.

10. NID (National Institute of Design) Entrance Exam

• For undergraduate and postgraduate design courses, creative aspirants need to pass the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) by the National Institute of Design. NID Ahmedabad conducts it through its Admissions Committee to help students gain admission to NID campuses across India. Selected candidates study Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) under NID.
• The NID entrance exam is unlike other theoretical exams in India. It happens once a year, with two parts: prelims and mains. For B.Des, candidates must have passed 10+2 with any stream and be within 20 years of age for the general categories. Reserved categories have some relaxation on the age limit. For M.Des, students must have a bachelor’s degree in design/architecture. The age limit is 30 for all.
• The preliminary exam for DAT is a 3-hour objective-type test. It includes questions around design, sketching, etc. The duration of Mains varies, as it includes projects spanning design tasks, studio tests, and interviews. There is no fixed syllabus, but specific skills that make candidates eligible for DAT. Creative thinking, drawing, visualization, and logical reasoning are core skills candidates must possess.
• The total number of applicants for the B.Des exam is around 5,000 to 8,000. Around 450 students make it to NID, and the top 100 secure seats in NID Ahmedabad.

What makes exams tough in India?

India has a population of 1.48 billion, with 379 million aged 15 to 29. It is the foremost reason for competition in every sphere and for the low success rate in tough examinations. Every year, millions of candidates across the country appear for the toughest exams to crack complex questions, but only a tiny fraction go on to qualify.

The pass rate for top exams such as UPSC CSE and JEE Advanced is below 1%. These exams don’t just require knowledge to write answers but also critical-thinking abilities for accuracy. Moreover, multilevel assessments, including interviews that test personality, are nerve-wracking. Many examinations require students to be up to date on current affairs for general awareness.

Time management skills, quick wit, and patience to withstand the selection process are other factors that determine the success rate. These are the reasons why only the creme de la creme of students pass these examinations; some after multiple attempts, that is!

Finally, our governing institutions play an important role. It is an external factor that students rely on for a seamless appearance in exams and fairness in assessments. Unforeseen circumstances such as paper leaks, data breaches, and administrative delays make these exams tougher to crack than they should be.