UNAM returns to in-person admission exams following online testing irregularities

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has announced a return to in-person admission exams for both high school and undergraduate levels. This decision follows a technical commission's report identifying severe irregularities during the university's first fully online entrance exam.

Key findings from the investigation included atypical score distributions, unauthorized use of artificial intelligence, and external assistance. In highly competitive programs like Medical Surgeon, the number of perfect scores rose from one exceptional case to nine. A subsequent in-person control exam revealed a significant drop in scores, with many applicants scoring 30 to 40 points lower than their online results.

UNAM Rector Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas acknowledged institutional failures in planning, coordination, and operational validation. To prevent future issues, the university will restructure its admission processes, specifically within the General Directorate of School Administration (DGAE) and the Coordination of Evaluation, Innovation, and Educational Development (CEIDE).

Future exams will be conducted in person using pre-loaded electronic devices at various national and international locations to ensure security. The university also plans to establish a permanent technical advisory committee of experts to implement international best practices in evaluation models and improve the quality of exam questions.