National Autonomous University of Mexico, known as UNAM, is dealing with a cheating scandal tied to its admissions exam. The university switched to an online format for the first time this year. It added AI monitoring to catch students who might try to cheat.
More than 150,000 people took the exam in May and June. They were competing for just under 22,000 open spots. UNAM is one of the most respected universities in Latin America, so the competition is always tough.
After the exam, UNAM noticed something odd. A far higher number of students than usual scored perfectly. The university also saw more students getting zero or nearly zero answers correct.
What Triggered the Investigation
UNAM invalidated about 3,000 tests, or roughly two percent of the total. It said these tests showed behavior that broke the rules of the exam.
The university did not explain the reason right away. Details only came out later through a technical commission set up to look into the matter.
Alma Maldonado, a member of that commission, said the number of perfect scores tripled compared to past years. She called the pattern shocking.
Videos also spread on TikTok and other platforms showing students how to get around the AI monitoring system. One student told CNN he was offered a program for about 150 dollars that could solve the test for him.
Fallout for Students and the University
The scandal has left tens of thousands of students unsure if they can start classes on August 10. This includes students who did nothing wrong.
Daniel Fernando García Velázquez is one of them. He scored 94 out of 120 on his fourth attempt at the exam, a result that should have gotten him into the journalism program at UNAM's Aragón campus.
He still does not know if he will be allowed to enroll. His case reflects the situation many applicants now face.
President Claudia Sheinbaum, who graduated from UNAM herself, spoke about the issue this week. She suggested the university bring in the attorney general to help investigate.
Territorium Life, the company that ran the exam platform, said its system worked as intended. It said exam security depends on more than just technology alone.
On Friday, UNAM shared results from the investigation. It found that some students cheated using phones, other people helping them, and stolen identities.
Because of this, UNAM will now hold a new exam in person. It will be open to about 58,000 applicants who passed this year or in the last five years.
The dates and locations for this makeup exam have not been announced yet. The commission recommended holding it soon to limit disruption to the school year.
UNAM's Rector Leonardo Lomelí urged applicants to act honestly during the new exam. He said cheating harms not just the university but society as a whole.
