CBSE Clarifies After QR Code On Class 12 Maths Paper 'Rickrolls' Students
Scanning the question paper led students to the 1987 'Never Gonna Give You Up' thereby 'rickrolling' them.
Published : March 10, 2026 at 1:05 PM IST
New Delhi: In a major blooper, the QR code printed on the Mathematics question paper of the Class 12 exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE) led students to the YouTube link to the classic English song 'Never Gonna Give You Up' thereby 'rickrolling' them.
The CBSE has taken a serious note of the episode while maintaining that the question paper was genuine.
The matter came to light after people took to social media with pictures and demonstration videos about the gaffe. In one such post, a girl student is seen scanning the QR code on the Maths paper held on Monday which dramatically leads to the 1987 Rick Astley song.
While the QR code usually confirms the genuineness of the paper, the rickrolling led to a social media outburst against the CBSE. “Getting rickrolled by CBSE was not on my 2026 bucket list,” a user wrote while reacting to the blooper. "India’s leading education board “RickRolled”. Prints QR code on class 12th Maths question paper. The QR code was supposed to carry important instructions but redirected to a YouTube video of Rick Astley," another user said.
Kerala Congress Targets Modi Govt Over CBSE Blooper
The Kerala Congress targeted the central government over the CBSE's QR Code blooper. In a post on X, Kerala Congress said, "The QR code on the CBSE 12th Standard Mathematics question paper to a Rickroll video on YouTube. All institutions are under the control of Modi slaves, who are not qualified to run these institutions. This is purposeful destruction of India by OG CIA agent and his gang".
The QR code on the CBSE 12th Standard Mathematics question paper to a Rickroll video on YouTube.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) March 10, 2026
All institutions are under the control of Modi slaves, who are not qualified to run these institutions. This is purposeful destruction of India by OG CIA agent and his gang. pic.twitter.com/La2a8ctBQy
CBSE Clarifies
Amid the criticism over the QR code blooper, the CBSE issued a clarification regarding the episode. The board said that in “a few question paper sets, it appears that when one of the given QR codes is scanned, it links to a YouTube video”.
“It appears that this has raised concerns about the veracity of the question papers amongst concerned students and their parents. It is hereby confirmed by the Board that the question papers are genuine,” it said.
Important Update:
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 10, 2026
Press Release issued by CBSE pic.twitter.com/HqhdjYo23q
The board said that the security of the question papers remains “uncompromised” adding that 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.
Read More:
