UNAM Paid Double for Failed Online Exam; In-Person Test Cost Less

Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM) paid Territorium Life more than 101 million pesos for its online entrance exam process this year, a figure that is over 106% higher than the cost of the previous year's in-person examination. The university spent 101.7 million pesos on the failed online exam, compared to just over 49 million pesos for the traditional, in-person test in 2024, representing a difference of 52 million pesos.

Information from UNAM's General Directorate of School Administration reveals that the university allocated 107 million pesos for the 2024 and 2025 undergraduate admission evaluations. For 2024, the in-person exam cost 57.8 million pesos, with the largest expense being the printing of question booklets (over 20 million pesos), followed by personnel costs and biometric data capture. In contrast, the 2025 evaluation, conducted remotely via a platform operated by Territorium Life, incurred significantly higher costs.

The expenses for the 2025 process included costs associated with photograph, digitized signature, and fingerprint capture for applicants, which alone amounted to over 10 million pesos across both years. The university also allocated funds for agreements with educational institutions providing facilities, venue rentals, staff meals, transportation, per diems, and computer equipment. Additionally, resources were transferred to support activities related to the development, updating, application, and analysis of test items.

These figures gain significance following the 2025 remote entrance exam, which has led to internal investigations into possible irregularities and alleged misuse of technological tools during the evaluation. The contract awarded to Territorium Life has a maximum amount of 101.7 million pesos.