UNAM detects irregularities in virtual entrance exam, launches investigation

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has uncovered significant irregularities during its virtual entrance examination, prompting an investigation into potential fraud. Hugo Concha, the university's legal counsel, disclosed that patterns suggesting cheating were identified, including students exhibiting unusual behavior, such as staring fixedly at the camera without looking away, even when seemingly writing.

Further anomalies included students using very similar backgrounds during their exams and, crucially, identical IP addresses among multiple applicants. These findings strongly suggest that several candidates may have taken the test from the same location, undermining the exam's integrity. Concha stated that the university has documented evidence of these irregularities.

Following these discoveries, UNAM launched an investigation that led to the identification of companies allegedly involved in offering services to complete the exam for a fee. The case has been handed over to the relevant authorities, who are reportedly conducting advanced investigations. Concha clarified that these fraudulent practices did not involve all applicants but only those exhibiting suspicious patterns.

To verify the results, students flagged for anomalies were asked to take a verification exam. More than half of these flagged applicants did not appear for the verification test. Those who did attend received lower scores than their original virtual exam results. UNAM is now compiling investigation files to take action against those selling fraudulent services.