UNAM's control exam: Which applicants must retake the test?

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has recommended a new in-person control exam for applicants who were either accepted or rejected but achieved scores meeting historical minimums for their chosen program. This decision follows an analysis by the university's Technical Committee regarding the 2026-2027 admission process.

The original online entrance exam utilized artificial intelligence (AI) for supervision. This system identified prohibited behaviors, including the use of mobile phones, external assistance, and identity impersonation. As a result, around 2% of the 158,727 applicants had their exams canceled due to these detected irregularities.

The Technical Committee outlined that the new control test will be administered in person. It will be given to students who were initially accepted and to those who were not selected but scored at or above the minimum historical benchmarks for their specific program, campus, and modality between 2021 and 2026. The university aims to conduct this exam as soon as possible to minimize disruption to the academic calendar.

UNAM plans to offer different versions of the test to accommodate the number of applicants and required shifts. The format will be determined by the university to ensure rapid processing of results. Final admission will be based on the outcome of this control exam. Specific dates, locations, and procedures will be announced by UNAM shortly. Rector Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas stressed that "forming the professionals the country needs cannot be done through cheating."

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It is not by cheating that we form the professionals the country requires.