UNAM suspends inscription after online exam irregularities

The UNAM has provisionally suspended all new-student inscription procedures for its 2026-2027/1 cycle after detecting irregularities in its first-ever fully online admission exam Source: Milenio, La Jornada. The move came after unusual grade inflation and a spike in perfect scores were observed, particularly in high-demand programs such as Medicine Source: Infobae.

What happened

The university announced on July 24 that it would postpone document delivery and registration—scheduled to begin July 27—until a technical commission, convened by rector Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas, completes its review of the admission process Source: La Jornada, Milenio. Experts note that exam scores rose atypically: for example, the minimum passing score in Administration increased by 18 correct answers, compared to typical yearly variations of 3–5 Source: Infobae. Suspicions include the use of AI and other cheating methods Source: Milenio.

Impact on Pase Reglamentado students

Crucially, students who entered via the Pase Reglamentado mechanism—exclusive to UNAM high school graduates—are not affected by the suspension. Their career assignments remain valid, and they only need to await new dates for document submission and class start Source: Excélsior, El Heraldo. This group does not participate in the competitive exam, so the ongoing audit does not apply to them Source: Infobae.

Expert and student reactions

Education researcher Marco Fernández called the suspension a positive step, arguing that proceeding with registrations would have led to legal complications and would have allowed fraudulent entrants to remain Source: Milenio. Meanwhile, sociologist Humberto González predicted that the exam will likely be repeated in person to restore trust Source: Milenio. Students who legitimately passed are now facing stigma, with some being labeled the "Generación ChatGPT" on social media Source: Excélsior. Sara, a Biology applicant, told Excélsior: "You go from the joy of having been accepted to not having the certainty that your place is still yours" Source: Excélsior.

The commission is expected to present its conclusions and recommendations in the coming days Source: La Jornada.