Exams like JEE Main, NEET UG and UPSC are considered very tough and prestigious in India. Every year lakhs of youths dream of becoming engineers, doctors and IAS-IPS officers through these exams. However, compared to the biggest exams in the world, their position is different. In a study released by SBI on September 30, 2026, the list of most applicable exams has been released. China’s Gaokao exam tops this. At the same time, India’s NEET UG exam ranks fifth in this global list with around 25 lakh applications. The report also includes data from JEE Main, UPSC CSE and UGC NET.

About 1.29 crore candidates in Gaokao

In the study of SBI, the exams are ranked based on the number of applications. China’s Gaokao exam tops the list. Around 1.29 crore candidates appear in it every year. This exam is the main means of admission to undergraduate courses in universities and colleges in China.

NEET UG is one of the major exams in the world

India’s NEET UG exam is ranked fifth in this list. About 25 lakh applications are received every year in this examination conducted for admission to undergraduate medical courses. Through NEET UG, admission to other medical courses including MBBS, BDS is available.

Millions of applications for JEE Main and UPSC too

The SBI report also mentions other major competitive exams in India. These include JEE Main for engineering admissions, UPSC CSE for civil services recruitment and UGC NET for higher education and research related eligibility. A large number of candidates from all over the country apply for these exams as well.

Government Jobs in China from Guokao

Guokao exam is conducted for recruitment in government services in China. Just as the gaokao is important for university admissions, the gaokao is a key part of the selection process for government jobs.

Brazil’s ENEM is also a big exam

The world’s leading exams also include Brazil’s ENEM exam. This is a national examination of high school level. Apart from admissions to universities, its scores are also used for facilities like scholarships and student loans.