The Central Board of Secondary Education has moved quickly to contain speculation around the Class 12 mathematics board exam held on March 9.
In a press release issued on March 10, the board clarified that the question paper used in the examination is genuine and that its security remains intact. The clarification comes after concerns surfaced online about QR codes printed on some question papers redirecting users to a YouTube video.
“It is hereby confirmed by the Board that the question papers are genuine. The security of the question papers remains uncompromised,” CBSE said in the statement.
Important Update:
Press Release issued by CBSE pic.twitter.com/HqhdjYo23q
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 10, 2026
The board explained that multiple security features are embedded in question papers, including QR codes that allow authorities to verify their authenticity in case of a suspected breach.
However, CBSE acknowledged that in a few sets of the mathematics paper, scanning one of the QR codes appeared to lead to a YouTube video. The development triggered doubts among some students and parents about the authenticity of the paper.
While reiterating that the integrity of the examination remains unaffected, CBSE added that the matter has been taken seriously and corrective steps are being initiated.
Also read: CBSE cancels class 10 board exams in Gulf schools; class 12 papers deferred
“The matter has been viewed seriously and necessary steps are being taken by the Board to ensure that such issues are not repeated in future,” it said.
The controversy began after images of the question paper circulated on social media shortly after the exam. Some students claimed that scanning the QR code redirected them to the music video of “Never Gonna Give You Up” by British singer Rick Astley — a classic internet prank known as “rickrolling”.
A video shared online appeared to demonstrate the process, showing a student scanning the QR code and landing on the 1987 hit’s video on YouTube.
In today’s episode of how serious our examination conducting authorities are- presenting to you CBSE class 12th board maths paper which has a QR code that opens rickroll’s song on YouTube ????????♂️ pic.twitter.com/gvQcsVvGVp
— Nehr_who? (@Nher_who) March 9, 2026
The Class 12 board examinations conducted by CBSE began on February 17 and are scheduled to conclude on April 10.
