CBSE clarifies Class 12 math question papers genuine after viral QR code claims

The Central Board of Secondary Education has addressed online speculation surrounding the Class 12 Mathematics board exam after claims circulated that a QR code printed on some question papers redirected users to a popular music video.

The exam was conducted on March 9, and soon after it concluded, screenshots of the question paper began appearing on social media platforms.

Some students alleged that scanning a QR code printed on the paper opened a YouTube video of “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley, a well-known internet prank commonly referred to as “rickrolling.”

The claim spread widely on online forums such as Reddit, where students posted screenshots and joked about encountering the unexpected link during a major board examination.

However, several students reported a different experience. According to them, scanning the QR code at their examination centers displayed simple alphabet markers such as “A” and “Q” rather than redirecting to any external website.

The differing accounts led to confusion online, with users questioning whether the viral screenshots reflected an isolated instance, a technical glitch, or misleading content circulating on social media.

Responding to the speculation, CBSE issued a notification stating that its board exam question papers include multiple built-in security features, including QR codes designed to verify the authenticity of the document if any breach is suspected.

The board acknowledged that in a few question paper sets, scanning one of the QR codes appeared to link to a YouTube video. However, it stressed that the integrity of the examination papers was not affected.

“The question papers are genuine. The security of the question papers remains uncompromised,” the board said.

CBSE also said the concerns raised by students and parents about the QR code had been taken seriously. While reiterating that the question papers remain authentic, the board added that steps are being taken to prevent similar issues from occurring in future examinations.