UNAM Proposes Online Exams to Cut Waste and Environmental Impact

Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM) is considering a shift to online entrance exams, citing significant environmental impacts from its current in-person testing model. An internal report estimates that each in-person admission exam process mobilizes approximately 400,000 people, including applicants and their families, generating around 198 tons of waste.

The university's General Directorate of School Administration prepared a report in July 2025 justifying the move to an online format. The document highlights environmental indicators that necessitate this transition. Applying the entrance exam online for an estimated 450,000 applicants annually is deemed a "key measure" to lessen environmental impact and boost operational efficiency.

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Applying the entrance exam online for 450,000 applicants per year represents a “key measure” to reduce environmental impact, improve operational efficiency, and align institutional actions with the objectives of UNAM’s 2023-2027 Institutional Development Plan and the 2024-2027 Resilience and Sustainability Strategy.

Furthermore, the proposed online exams align with UNAM's institutional development plan for 2023-2027 and its resilience and sustainability strategy for 2024-2027. The university also points to the reduction in mobility-related issues, such as traffic congestion, strain on public transport, and emissions from fossil fuels, which are associated with the large-scale movement of people for exams.

The report also details the logistical demands of the current system, involving over 3,700 university workers each weekend. The generation of solid waste is also a significant concern, with estimates of 22 tons of waste produced per day of in-person exam administration.

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Each in-person admission exam means mobilizing 400 people, between applicants and their families, generating 198 tons of waste and employing over 3,700 university workers.