QR code in CBSE Class 12 maths paper redirects to 'rickroll' prank video; board says exam integrity intact

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that the Class 12 mathematics question paper is genuine and that the integrity of the examination was not compromised, after concerns emerged over a QR code printed on some question paper sets redirecting users to a YouTube link.

When scanned, the code redirected users to the music video for ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ by British singer Rick Astley - a classic internet prank known as "rickrolling" - triggering widespread concerns.

In an official statement, CBSE explained that multiple security features, including QR codes, are embedded in question papers to verify their authenticity in the event of a suspected breach.

CBSE said it was observed during the Class 12 mathematics examination on March 9, 2026, that one of the QR codes in a few question paper sets appeared to redirect to a YouTube link and that the board is reviewing the matter.

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CBSE QR code rick roll 'legendary'

The board hastened to clarify that the question papers used in the examination were genuine and that the security of the examination process had not been compromised.

Meanwhile, dozens of comments below the YouTube video refer to the CBSE board exams 2026.

One helpful post explains what happened to other visitors to the page: "For anyone wondering what is cbse and what happened, CBSE stands for Central Board of Secondary Education, INDIA and today, i.e 9/03/2026, a national exam for mathematics was conducted for grade 12 and it consisted a QR code which lead to rick roll...Legendary".

Another commenter wrote, "CBSE board realising they have free will".

CBSE, however, isn't amused. Its statement added that it has taken note of the issue and necessary steps are being taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future examinations. It also said a revised exam schedule for affected centres will be announced soon.

CBSE is currently conducting the Class 10 and 12 board examinations for the 2026 academic session. As per the official schedule, the Class 10 board exams are scheduled to conclude on March 11, 2026, whereas the Class 12 examinations will continue until April 10, 2026.

Also read CBSE 2026: Board tightens rules on cheating, makes it harder to pass; Class 10 gets new marksheets

All examinations are being conducted in the traditional pen-and-paper format, with the exam session beginning at 10:30 am across examination centres. Recently, the board postponed the CBSE board exams scheduled in several Middle Eastern countries due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.