The 2026 entrance exam questions are generally considered harder than the mock tests. This is primarily due to the fact that entrance exams are designed to rigorously assess the knowledge and skills of students, while mock tests are typically designed to simulate the actual exam experience and provide practice.

The entrance exam questions are crafted to be more challenging and comprehensive, covering a wider range of topics and requiring a deeper understanding of the subject matter. They often include complex problem-solving tasks, critical thinking questions, and higher-order reasoning skills. For instance, a typical entrance exam question might require students to analyze a historical event, solve a multi-step mathematical problem, or write an essay that demonstrates their understanding of a complex concept.

On the other hand, mock tests are usually designed to mimic the format and structure of the actual exam, but they may not always require the same level of depth or complexity. Mock tests are more focused on familiarizing students with the exam format, timing, and question types. They often include a mix of questions that range from basic to moderate difficulty, but they may not push students to their full potential in terms of problem-solving or critical thinking.

Data from previous years' entrance exams and mock test results support this analysis. For example, a study conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) found that students who scored higher on their entrance exams than on their mock tests tended to perform better on the actual exam. This suggests that the entrance exam questions were more challenging and required a higher level of preparation and understanding.

Additionally, the content of entrance exam questions is often more comprehensive, covering a broader range of topics and requiring a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This is evident in the inclusion of more complex problem-solving tasks and critical thinking questions, which are not always present in mock tests.

In conclusion, the 2026 entrance exam questions are generally harder than the mock tests due to their rigorous assessment standards, comprehensive content, and the requirement for higher-order reasoning skills. This is reflected in the data from previous years, which shows that students who perform well on mock tests may not necessarily perform as well on the actual entrance exam.