The National Autonomous University of Mexico has suspended enrollment and ordered a new in-person exam for thousands of applicants following a widespread cheating scandal involving artificial intelligence.

Key Points

• UNAM invalidated approximately 3,000 of 150,000 admissions tests after detecting an unprecedented surge in perfect scores.
• Investigations revealed students used AI tools, unauthorized companions, and identity theft to bypass the university's digital surveillance system.
• The university contracted Territorium Life to manage the online testing platform, which faced criticism for its reliance on automated monitoring.
• Approximately 58,000 applicants must now retake an in-person control exam to secure their spots for the upcoming semester.
• Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for an official investigation into the integrity of the admissions process.

Why it Matters

This scandal highlights the growing tension between digital accessibility in education and the reliability of AI-based remote proctoring systems. As a primary engine for social mobility in Mexico, UNAM’s struggle to maintain academic integrity threatens to disrupt the educational futures of tens of thousands of students.