From [SN 55.5][1]:

> “Sir, the factors of stream-entry are associating with good people,
> listening to the true teaching, **proper attention**, and practicing in
> line with the teaching.”     
> *“Sappurisasaṃsevo hi, bhante, sotāpattiyaṅgaṃ, saddhammassavanaṃ sotāpattiyaṅgaṃ, **yonisomanasikāro** sotāpattiyaṅgaṃ,
> dhammānudhammappaṭipatti sotāpattiyaṅgan”ti.*

According to the sutta above, proper attention (*yonisomanasikāra*) is required for stream entry.

It's not possible to achieve proper attention, when one is afflicted with the [five hindrances][2]. In order to significantly overcome the five hindrances, in most cases, one needs to have at least attained and mastered the first jhana. You can find more info in [this question][3].

In that question, Ven. Dhammavuddho claimed that instead of the first jhana, it is also possible that persons of high IQ can also achieve proper attention, although this is his personal opinion.

However, is it required to master all 8 jhanas and also *nirodha samapatti* which lies beyond it, in order to attain arahatship? This is unclear to me.

  [1]: https://suttacentral.net/sn55.5/en/sujato
  [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_hindrances
  [3]: https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/q/25011/471