Overview
- CBSE said a QR code on a few Class 12 mathematics question paper sets redirected to a YouTube video, but affirmed the papers were genuine and exam security was not compromised.
- The March 9 exam was followed by viral posts showing the redirect to Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up, with at least one outlet reporting it replicated the link from a circulating image.
- Reports from students indicated the behavior was not universal, with some scans yielding only simple markers such as “A” or “Q”.
- QR codes on CBSE papers act as digital identifiers for tracking and verification introduced after earlier leaks, and are meant for authorized checks rather than student use.
- CBSE said it will take steps to prevent a repeat and has not disclosed any technical cause or vendor responsibility as the review proceeds.