UNAM applicants can now check dates and locations to repeat entrance exam

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has opened registration for approximately 59,000 applicants to retake their university entrance exam. The new tests, scheduled between August 12 and August 19, 2026, are being administered in person following irregularities and concerns over potential artificial intelligence misuse during the initial online examination.

Applicants can now check the university's dedicated microsite for their assigned date, time, and location. The majority of students, 53,568, will take the exam at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City on August 17, 18, and 19. Other locations include León, Guanajuato, with 2,777 applicants on August 12-13; Oaxaca, hosting 1,920 students on August 13; and Tijuana, Baja California, where 518 will be tested on August 16.

The decision to hold a repeat exam has caused frustration among some aspiring students. Mishel Domínguez, who applied for Dentistry, expressed her dismay, stating, "It seems unfair that those of us who were already selected have to repeat the exam. It's not a control exam; it's a new exam, and if you don't get the required score, you don't get in." Raúl Hernández, aiming for Medicine, lamented the widespread accusations of fraud, noting, "They are calling us cheaters, but there are people out there who cheated and brag about it on social media."

The original online exam, conducted between May 23 and June 10, utilized a platform designed for identity verification and remote monitoring. However, after results were released on July 17, unusual scores, technical glitches, and suspicions of AI assistance led to the cancellation of the initial test for many. UNAM is comparing the new in-person results with the original online performance to ensure fairness and identify any discrepancies, having also terminated its contract with the platform provider, Territorium Life.