The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) will require approximately 58,000 applicants to take a face-to-face admission exam after detecting irregularities in online testing [1].
This decision impacts the integrity of the admission process for one of Mexico's most prestigious institutions. By reverting to in-person testing, the university aims to eliminate fraud and ensure that academic placements are based on merit rather than deceptive practices.
The university announced the move in July 2026 after identifying possible fraud and irregularities within the digital examination system [2]. The affected candidates must now report to UNAM's main campus in Mexico City, or other designated facilities where admission exams are normally administered [3].
UNAM has launched a criminal investigation into the matter [2]. The university said it may apply sanctions against those involved in the cheating schemes, as the process affects thousands of young people seeking higher education [4].
The shift to a presencial format is a direct response to the security vulnerabilities found in the online version of the test [1]. The university is maintaining its investigation into the specific nature of the irregularities to prevent future occurrences during the 2026 admission cycle [2].
Officials said the move is necessary to maintain the institutional standards of the university. The logistics of coordinating 58,000 students for a physical exam represent a significant administrative undertaking for the campus facilities [1].
“UNAM will hold a face-to-face admission exam for the 58,000 applicants after detecting irregularities in the online test.”
This reversal highlights the ongoing tension between the convenience of remote digital assessment and the necessity of academic security. For UNAM, the risk of systemic fraud outweighed the benefits of online administration, signaling that high-stakes admissions in Mexico may continue to rely on traditional, supervised environments to ensure legitimacy.
