The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has dismissed concerns over a viral claim that a QR code printed on the Class 12 Mathematics board examination paper redirected users to a prank video, asserting that the authenticity and security of the question papers remain fully intact.

The clarification came after screenshots circulating on social media suggested that scanning a QR code on the question paper opened the music video of Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley — a long-running internet prank popularly known as “rickrolling”.

Viral claims spark online buzz

The Class 12 Mathematics examination was conducted on March 9. Shortly after the test concluded, images of the question paper began circulating online, with some students claiming that scanning the QR code printed on the paper redirected them to the YouTube video.

The claim quickly spread across platforms such as Reddit, where users shared screenshots and jokes about the unexpected link appearing during a high-stakes board examination.

However, accounts from exam centres varied. Several students reported that the QR code in their question papers only displayed simple alphabet markers such as “A” and “Q”, rather than opening any external webpage or video.

The conflicting claims fuelled confusion over whether the viral screenshots reflected a genuine technical glitch, a limited incident affecting a specific paper set, or a misleading image circulating online.

CBSE says papers remain authentic

In a statement issued after the examination, CBSE said that board exam question papers carry multiple security features, including QR codes designed to verify the authenticity of the document in case of any suspected breach.

The board acknowledged that in a small number of question paper sets, scanning a particular QR code appeared to redirect to a YouTube video.

However, it stressed that the issue does not compromise the legitimacy of the examination papers.

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

Board promises preventive action

The board added that it has taken note of the concerns raised by students and parents regarding the QR code.

While reiterating that the authenticity of the examination papers remains unaffected, CBSE said it is taking necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future examinations.