Amid protests, UNAM forms commission to investigate online exam 'cheating' allegations

Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM) has launched a technical commission to scrutinize alleged irregularities in its inaugural online entrance examination for undergraduate admissions. This decision follows protests by rejected applicants who are demanding the cancellation of the virtual test and its replacement with an in-person examination.

Rector Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas officially established the commission, comprising experts tasked with analyzing the examination procedures and the results of the 2026 Selection Contest. The online format has generated significant distrust among students due to what they describe as atypical outcomes.

Lomelí Vanegas emphasized the university's commitment to transparency, stating the commission can request additional information and summon involved officials. "We cannot allow access to the University to be affected by those applicants who may have had some kind of help, to the detriment of the applicants who studied, prepared, and sought the opportunity to access higher education in the entrance exam," he declared.

The university aims to clarify the events, explain them to the public, and learn lessons to prevent similar situations in other higher education institutions. UNAM assures that the investigation will be independent, pursuing accountability to the fullest extent. The commission is expected to deliver results soon to provide certainty to the aspiring students awaiting a resolution.

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We cannot allow access to the University to be affected by those applicants who may have had some kind of help, to the detriment of the applicants who studied, prepared, and sought the opportunity to access higher education in the entrance exam.