Top 10 Toughest Courses In India (2025)

Many trending courses offer much competition, such as in the banking sector, engineering, and many government exams. Candidates work hard to crack these exams. However, learning these courses can be fruitful at the end. Read the article below to learn about some of the toughest courses in India.

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Top 10 Toughest Courses In India

Is there any definition of the toughest courses in India? What are the factors that decide that a particular course is tougher than another? The courses, which consist of complex concepts and theories that require a deep understanding, take time to learn. Technical courses rank among the top as they contain a lot of tools and practical knowledge to master.

A course becomes challenging or tough based on our interests too. If we develop a feeling that we cannot do it, then even an easy course seems tough. However, continuous learning with discipline and effort will surely help you succeed in any course. Read below to know some of the toughest course in India.

1. Computer Engineering

Computer science is a trending course, and every year, many students from every part of the country get enrolled in high numbers. The course develops concepts related to technologies such as programming, AI, and ML. These are trending topics, and the job roles in these fields pay you well. Hence, it is everyone’s favourite. Many people face difficulty while solving the programs. It contains a huge syllabus that covers each topic in depth, and matching yourself with the latest technology is important. Candidates need to be efficient in managing these technologies, which sometimes become a lot to carry. With the advancement of technology, it has become tougher to crack big company’s job roles. Candidates face a scarcity of jobs and opportunities due to a lot of competition in this sector. Some of the specialisations which computer science contains are AI, ML, Data Science, Cybersecurity, etc.

2. Chartered Accountant (CA)

Cracking a CA Exam is considered one of the toughest exams in India. It requires good knowledge and a deep understanding of accounting principles, auditing, taxation, and business laws. The process of becoming a chartered accountant is lengthy, and candidates need to clear three major rounds to become chartered accountants. There are three levels in this exam.

Level 1: CA Foundation

Level 2: CA Intermediate

Level 3: CA Final

Candidates need a minimum of 3 to 4 years to clear these examinations. Candidates who cleared their class XII can start their CA exam preparation.

3. Master of Philosophy (M.Phil)

Master of Philosophy is one of the most challenging courses in India. It is a two-year postgraduate course which requires researching the related topic of interest, study, and contributing to PhD programs. Candidates need to complete their research thesis. Candidates must develop a good knowledge of relevant theories and methodologies and present them in front of the college. Candidates can enter a good college through GATE, IIT JAM or LPUNEST exams.

4. Medicine

Candidates need to clear their MBBS degree, which requires clearing Entrance exams such as NEET, which is much tougher. Every year, millions of students participate in this exam to get admission to a limited number of seats. Candidates must have good medical knowledge and practical skills to clear the exam. The exam syllabus is vast, and candidates need to clear the NEET exam to get into the top medical colleges in India.

5. Engineering

Engineering is one of the most popular courses in India. Many students every year participate in the JEE Main and JEE Advanced Exam to get admission to top IITs and NIIT colleges. But as the competition is very high and seats are limited it is one of the toughest examinations in 2025. The BTech course is also very tough and lengthy. Candidates need to learn many technical skills and implement them in real life.

6. MBA (Master of Business Administration)

The Master of Business Administration is a tough postgraduate course after graduation. This course can open a lot of opportunities if learned with dedication and effort. It provides many job roles in management profiles such as Human Resource Management (HR), Business, Marketing, CEO, etc.

7. Architecture

Architecture is a demanding field that requires students to have good understanding of design, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The admissions exam for the BArch course is a very competitive examination that requires candidates to clear the entrance exam.

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8. Law

Law is a very complex subject, which requires candidates to have strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Candidates need to have good learning skills. Also, concepts like legal topics, constitutional law, criminal law and contract law. Candidates need to have a good communication skills, logical thinking and active decision making skills.

9. Civil Services

The civil exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for various posts such as Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Administrative Service (IAS), and more. The civil service is a prestigious job in India, and candidates from all over the country participate in the exam. The syllabus for civil service exam is vast. The exam is conducted in three phases preliminary, main and interview. The civil service exam is one of the toughest jobs in India.

10. Pharmacy

Pharmacy is one of the toughest courses in India. This course requires knowledge in science field, pharmaceutical organic and inorganic chemistry and candidates need to have good knowledge of chemistry, ayurveda, and pharmacognosy. The syllabus of Pharmacy is vast and it requires a lot of dedication and hard work to master this field. Candidates with good skills in this field can do good innovation in this field beyond selling drugs at store.

Factors Determining Course Toughness

There are various factors on which the toughness of the course depends. Check below to find the important factors.

Complexity of a subject determines its toughness.
Field of interest, if candidates are interested are not interested in a subject then the course may appear hard to them.
The research, projects, practical work, assignment in the course also determine its toughness.