UNAM implements in-person control exams following online admission irregularities
The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) has ordered a mandatory in-person 'control exam' for approximately 58,000 applicants following the detection of statistical anomalies and potential artificial intelligence-assisted fraud during its first-ever online admission exam. The university identified irregularities including identity theft and unusual spikes in perfect scores.
The new evaluations are scheduled to take place between August 12 and August 19, 2026, across four designated locations: Mexico City, León, Oaxaca, and Tijuana. UNAM has stated it will not permit changes to these assigned locations, citing regionalization criteria intended to minimize travel times.
This decision has sparked significant backlash from students and families. Protesters have organized marches, arguing that the new requirement unfairly penalizes those who had already been selected. Major grievances include the high cost of travel, lodging, and food, particularly for students assigned to cities far from their homes, such as those from Yucatán being sent to Mexico City or students from the northeast being sent to Tijuana. Additionally, many applicants have reported technical failures on the 'TU SITIO' platform, which has prevented them from successfully scheduling their appointments.
Entities
Ciudad de México · Dirección General de Administración Escolar · INE · Instituto Nacional Electoral · León · Mexico City · National Autonomous University of Mexico · Oaxaca · Territorium Life · UNAM · Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 9 SOURCES] The UNAM detected statistical inconsistencies and identity theft during the online admission exam. zap.aeiou.pt · tribunademexico.com · www.sdpnoticias.com · eltecolote.mx · www.adnsureste.info · +4 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] As of Sunday afternoon, over 43,000 applicants had registered for the control exam, representing over 70% of those cited tribunademexico.com · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx · lajornadasanluis.com.mx · deultimominuto.net · www.aztecaquintanaroo.com
- [● 15 SOURCES] The UNAM has designated four specific locations for the in-person exam: Mexico City, León, Oaxaca, and Tijuana. oronoticiaspuebla.com · eltecolote.mx · tribunademexico.com · www.adnsureste.info · drvnoticias.com · +3 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] UNAM implemented a mandatory in-person 'control exam' for applicants following the online exam controversy. eltecolote.mx · tribunademexico.com · www.sdpnoticias.com · www.adnsureste.info · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx · +4 more
- [● 17 SOURCES] The control exam will be held between August 12 and August 19, 2026. eltecolote.mx · oronoticiaspuebla.com · tribunademexico.com · www.sdpnoticias.com · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx · +6 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The INE confirmed a contract with Territorium Life, the company scrutinized after the UNAM exam irregularities. www.quinceminutos.mx · argonmexico.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Applicants scheduled for exam reviews have had their appointments postponed due to the control exam process. www.sdpnoticias.com · eltecolote.mx · xeu.mx
- [● 9 SOURCES] The UNAM will not allow changes to assigned exam locations. oronoticiaspuebla.com · noticiasnrt.com · drvnoticias.com · www.am.com.mx · www.adnsureste.info · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Applicants are reporting technical failures on the 'TU SITIO' platform that prevent them from scheduling appointments. lanigua.com.mx · lajornadaestadodemexico.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Students are protesting the travel costs and logistical burdens caused by assigned exam locations far from their homes. xeu.mx · cybermexico.mx · lineasemergentes.mx