CBSE says Class-12 Maths paper genuine amid QR code concerns
What's the story
A QR code printed on the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 mathematics question paper has sparked a viral ruckus. Students claimed that scanning the code redirected them to Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" music video, a classic internet prank known as "rickrolling." The exam was conducted on March 9 from 10:30am to 1:30pm.
Twitter Post
CBSE issues clarification
Important Update:
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 10, 2026
Press Release issued by CBSE pic.twitter.com/HqhdjYo23q
Exam integrity
CBSE confirms authenticity of question papers
Soon after, screenshots of the question paper began circulating online, with students claiming that scanning the QR code took them to the music video. The situation remained unclear because other students claimed that the QR code in their exam centers simply opened alphabet markers like 'A' and 'Q' and did not link to any external content. Amid the confusion, the CBSE confirmed that the Class 12 Mathematics board exam question papers are authentic and their security is uncompromised.
Security assurance
Scanning QR code does not affect authenticity: CBSE
The board said multiple security features, including QR codes, are built into question papers to verify authenticity in case of suspected breaches The CBSE has acknowledged that in some question paper sets, scanning a QR code linked to a YouTube video. However, they confirmed this does not affect the authenticity of the papers. "The question papers are genuine. The security of the question papers remains uncompromised," said CBSE.