Huacho university cancels admissions exam over suspected answer leak and reschedules it

The National University José Faustino Sánchez Carrión in Huacho has canceled its Ordinary Admissions Exam 2027-I after suspected irregularities emerged during the test. The university said the process, which included ordinary applicants and students applying through the fifth-year secondary-school category, must be held again on September 13.

The investigation is examining an alleged method for sending correct answers to candidates from outside the campus. According to information circulated about the case, the signals may have used fireworks, noises and fragments of songs. Security personnel reportedly followed the sounds with a drone to a motorcycle and then to a property in Manzanares, where five people were reportedly detained. Photographs and materials containing codes corresponding to the exam were allegedly found there.

The university also reported audio recordings circulating on social media that mention an alleged offer of admission to the nursing program in exchange for money. In the recordings, a person claims to have contacts inside the institution and offers to guarantee a candidate's admission, including placement among the highest-ranked applicants. Authorities have yet to determine whether the recordings are authentic or connected to the admissions process.

The cancellation was formalized through University Council Presidency Resolution No. 0040-2026-P-CU-UNJFSC. The decision voided the original results and requires candidates from both included admission categories to take the exam again. Applicants have expressed concern, saying they invested time and money in preparation and travel to Huacho. The investigation will examine how confidential exam information may have been obtained, who had access to the codes and whether people involved in organizing the evaluation participated.