What is the first hardest exam in the world?

There isn't one single "first hardest" exam, but China's Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) is often cited as the most challenging due to immense pressure, intense competition (millions taking it annually), and its life-altering impact on a student's future, determining university and career paths, with extremely low acceptance rates to top schools. Other contenders for toughest include India's UPSC Civil Services Exam and the All Souls Fellowship Exam at Oxford, known for unique intellectual rigor.

Which is the no. 1 hard exam?

UPSC CSE (UPSC Civil Services Examination)

UPSC CSE Exam 2025 is considered to be the Toughest Exams in India which is conducted by the UPSC to recruit eligible candidates for the various government positions including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).

What are the top 10 hardest exams in the US?

Top 10 Toughest Exams in the United States

• USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) ...
• Uniform Bar Examination/ California Bar. ...
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Exam. ...
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Exam. ...
• NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) ...
• GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Are "tough" exams truly valuable?

Tough exams serve as critical gateways to prestigious universities and professional opportunities.

Is Step 1 the hardest exam?

Yes, USMLE Step 1 is widely considered the hardest USMLE exam due to its sheer volume of foundational science knowledge, extensive content, and high-stakes nature (historically), testing everything from first two years of med school, though its difficulty is subjective and Step 2/3 also present unique challenges, but Step 1's breadth makes it a significant hurdle.
 

Korea's Toughest Exam

What is the passing grade for Step 1?

According to the USMLE, “On the three-digit score scale, the Step 1 passing score is 196.” Granted, this may be difficult to interpret—when completing Qbank blocks or an NBME/CBSE mock exam, you'll likely receive a number equal to the percentage of questions you answered correctly.

What is the easiest exam in the world?

List of Easiest Exams in the World

• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
• SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
• National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) Exams.
• Cambridge English: Key (KET)
• SSC Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) Exam.
• IELTS General Training Test.
• Gaokao Mock Test.

What's the hardest math exam?

The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition is the preeminent mathematics competition for undergraduate college… The questions in the competition require some great levels of cleverness and critical thinking. They are specific and so require optimum mathematical knowledge and logical imagination.

How to pass the hardest exam?

Remember: you've got this.

1. Start early and plan strategically. ...
2. Organise your study space. ...
3. Use active learning techniques. ...
4. Simulate exam conditions. ...
5. Take smart breaks. ...
6. Use technology to your advantage. ...
7. Fuel your brain wisely. ...
8. Don't neglect mental health.

Is the bar exam the hardest?

Yes, the bar exam is widely considered one of the most difficult professional exams in the U.S. due to its immense scope covering many legal subjects, intense time pressure, and low pass rates (especially in some states like California), requiring extensive memorization and analytical skills for a two-day test of minimum competence. While some professional exams like the USMLE (medical licensing) might have lower overall failure rates for first-timers, the bar exam's difficulty stems from its massive volume of information and the high stakes for aspiring lawyers. 

Which is the top 10 toughest exam?

Top 10 Toughest Exams in India

1. UPSC Civil Services Exam. ...
2. IIT-JEE (Joint Entrance Exam – Advanced) ...
3. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) ...
4. CAT (Common Admission Test) ...
5. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) ...
6. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) ...
7. Chartered Accountancy (CA) ...
8. NDA (National Defence Academy)

Which is more tough, UPSC or Gaokao?

Many agree that the “toughest” label depends on the criteria academic rigor favors the Gaokao, while multi-dimensional skill assessment and prolonged preparation favor the UPSC.

What is a 75% on Step 1?

A 75% on USMLE Step 1 usually refers to a high performance level, often meaning you scored better than 75% of other test-takers (75th percentile) or got around 75% of questions correct on practice exams, indicating a very high chance of passing, as a ~65% correct on NBMEs often predicts passing. While Step 1 is now pass/fail, historically, a score in the 75th percentile (around 240-250+ on the old scale) was considered strong for residency applications, and 70-75% on practice NBMEs suggests near-certain success on the actual exam.
 

Has anyone ever gotten a 300 on Step 2?

The highest possible score for the USMLE Step 2 CK is 300, but no one has ever achieved a “perfect” score. A score around 280 would be considered a top Step 2 CK score.

What happens if I fail Step 1?

Know this: One failing score on a Step exam doesn't preclude you from being a physician. “Someone who failed Step 1 and went on to successfully pass it and do well—one of the things we look for in resident candidates is resilience and that's pretty good evidence of resilience,” Dr. Marzano said.

What's the hardest exam in America?

What Are the Toughest Exams in the US?

• American Mensa Admission Test. The American Mensa Admission Test is designed to be tough. ...
• California Bar Exam. One of the requirements to practice law in California is passing the California Bar Exam administered by the State Bar of California. ...
• Chartered Financial Analyst Exams.

Which exam is tougher: JEE or NEET?

JEE Advanced is considered to be harder than NEET due to its complex physics and math problems. NEET is a very competitive exam but the questions are direct and concept-based.

What is a 90% chance of passing Step 1?

A 90% chance of passing USMLE Step 1, often from an NBME practice exam, means you're very likely to pass but still have a 1 in 10 chance of failing, as it's a prediction not a guarantee, and validity depends on taking the real test soon after; it's calculated by the NBME, reflects statistical models, and isn't the same as mastering 90% of content, though strong practice scores usually indicate good readiness.
 

Can I fail Step 2?

But if you fail, USMLE policy allows up to four total attempts to pass any of the Step exams. As far as the impact of that failure on your residency prospects, a Step 2 fail is not a deal-breaker. But it's likely going to require some explanation from an applicant during the selection process.

What score is 75% correct on step 2?

Getting 75% correct on Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) is generally considered a very strong performance, often placing you well above the average (around the 75th percentile or higher), translating to a strong 3-digit score (likely in the mid-250s or higher), making you a competitive applicant for most specialties, though top-tier programs in highly competitive fields might look for even higher scores.