4 Brutal Global Exams and Why People Put Themselves Through Them

Some exams are straightforward, but others are legendary tests of endurance that can make or break a career before it even starts. While they bring immense stress and notoriously low passing rates, succeeding in these high-stakes evaluations unlocks prestigious degrees, top-tier jobs, and major financial rewards.

1. China’s Gaokao

Taking place every year in June, this national college entrance examination spans nine grueling hours over two days. Students are tested on Chinese literature, mathematics, a foreign language, and specialized elective subjects depending on their intended field.

The scale is staggering. More than 12 million candidates sit for the exam annually, hitting 13.35 million in 2025. Competition for elite institutions like Tsinghua University and Peking University is fierce, with fewer than 0.1% of students qualifying. Across the country, the undergraduate admission rate hovered between 30% and 37% in 2025 for an estimated 4 to 5 million available places. In Guangdong province back in 2022, just 3% of candidates scored over 600 out of 750, the baseline required for top-tier schools. The pressure is so intense that 17% of students nationwide retook the exam in 2021. Why it matters: It is the ultimate academic bottleneck determining the futures of millions of young adults in China.

2. IIT JEE Advanced

India’s most difficult exam acts as the sole gateway for students aiming to enter the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology. Held once a year, usually in mid-May, the process requires clearing two distinct stages: JEE Main first, followed by JEE Advanced for those who make the cut.

📌 Read More

Editor’s Picks

The format tests rapid, efficient problem-solving under extreme time constraints. A total of 179,694 candidates sat for both stages in recent cycles. Why it matters: Passing this single exam is the definitive ticket for aspiring engineers trying to secure a spot at India’s premier tech institutions.

3. United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

Medical graduates aiming to practise medicine in the US must clear this rigorous evaluation to prove their clinical knowledge and professional readiness.

Morocco E - Visa (AFCON 2025) Apply Here

Oman Work and Residency Visa Apply Here

Japan 🇯🇵 Tourist Visa - Now Available Apply Here

Dubai 🇦🇪 Transit Visa - 96 Hours Apply Here

Dubai 🇦🇪 Tourist Visa - 30 & 60 Days Apply Here

CHINA 🇨🇳 BUSINESS VISA Apply Here

KENYA 🇰🇪 VISA Apply Here

UGANDA 🇺🇬 VISA Apply Here

RWANDA 🇷🇼 VISA Apply Here

MOROCCO 🇲🇦 VISA Apply Here

INDONESIA 🇲🇨 VISA Apply Here

SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦 VISA Apply Here

QATAR 🇶🇦 VISA Apply Here

Doha(Qatar) Royal Pearl Getaway 🇶🇦 Apply Here

Royal Doha(Qatar) Escape 🇶🇦 Apply Here

Doha(Qatar) Executive Solo Luxe 🇶🇦 Apply Here

Doha(Qatar)Solo Explorer Package 🇶🇦 Apply Here

Doha(Qatar) Comfort Plus 🇶🇦 Apply Here

Doha(Qatar) Saver Stay 🇶🇦 Apply Here

2025 Admission Program: Study, Work, and Relocate with Your Family to Europe’s Top Destinations 🇫🇷🇬🇪🇪🇸🇹🇷🇬🇧🇩🇪 Apply Here

CHINA 🇨🇳 VISA 2025(90 Days) Apply Here

Study in BUIGARIA 🇧🇬 2025 Intake(Undergraduate & Postgraduates Courses) Apply Here

Tour African Cities on a Budget(Tourist Visas to all African & Asian Countries) 🇨🇲🇨🇮🇬🇭🇰🇪🇲🇦🇪🇬 Apply Here

Continuing Care Assistant Program 🇨🇦(CCA) Apply Here

While the test demands intense preparation, it serves as an absolute gatekeeper for the American healthcare system. Why it matters: Passing it validates your skills and places you directly among the top tier of candidates competing for medical residency and practice spots.

4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam

Finance professionals looking to climb the corporate ladder often tackle the multi-level CFA designation to prove their financial expertise.

The effort pays off on paydays. Charterholders frequently report a 53% increase in their salary after successfully passing the rigorous Level III exam. Why it matters: It is a punishing credential that translates directly into high-level job opportunities and major financial growth for finance careers.