Majority of UTBK 2026 Cheating Cases Target Medical Faculty

The National Selection Committee for New Student Admission (SNPMB) discovered 27 cases of cheating during the 2026 Computer-Based Written Test (UTBK SNBT). SNPMB Chief Eduart Wolok stated that the majority of candidates using proxy test-takers had chosen medical programmes.

“Of the 27 cheating cases detected in this year’s UTBK, we have processed those candidates to disqualify them from participating in the SNBT,” Eduart said during a press conference at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in Jakarta on Monday, 25 May 2026.

Eduart explained that the cheating cases were linked to medical programmes, with detections occurring on the first and second days of the exam as those slots were allocated for medical programme applicants.

“The medical faculty cases were found on the first day. The scheduling for medical programme candidates is concentrated on the first and second days,” he added.

The SNPMB also noted that this year’s cheating operations were more structured compared to previous years. While 2025 cases were only identified after the exam, this year’s violations were detected during the testing period.

Eduart revealed that the cheating network involved not only proxy candidates but also parties linked to data processing. “The cheating is structured and organised, involving more than just the proxies,” he said.

During the press briefing, the committee reported 11 cases of prohibited device usage and nine cases of cheating during the UTBK 2026. Additionally, the system flagged 174 irregular photos and 1,560 incomplete or mismatched applicant documents.

Candidates proven to have used proxy services will be blacklisted from all public university admission channels. The committee is still determining the penalty duration, ranging from three years to a lifetime ban. “They will be blacklisted from all public university admission processes, meaning they cannot enter any public university,” Eduart stated.