CBSE responds to the ‘rickroll’ controversy in the Maths paper. Here’s what it said.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a clarification after reports emerged about a QR code printed on the Class 12 Mathematics examination paper for 2026, conducted on March 9. The QR code was allegedly said to redirect users to a YouTube video of “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley, a popular internet prank known as a “rickroll”.

QR code prank sparks confusion; CBSE confirms exam integrity intact

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In its statement, CBSE confirmed that the question papers used in the examination were authentic and secure, and that the integrity of the exam had not been compromised.

The Board acknowledged the concerns raised about the issue and said it has taken the matter seriously. CBSE added that it is reviewing the situation and will take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The QR code printed on the mathematics paper reportedly opened the YouTube video of the Rick Astley song when scanned, which caused confusion among students and raised doubts among some students and parents about the authenticity of the paper.

Several users on social media claimed that scanning the QR code led directly to the song’s video on YouTube — a well-known online prank commonly referred to as a “rickroll.”

The CBSE Class 12 Mathematics exam was conducted on March 9 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. According to teachers, the paper was well-structured and balanced, with most questions based on the NCERT syllabus and the prescribed curriculum. It focused on testing students’ conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills.

Educators noted that none of the questions were outside the syllabus, making the paper manageable for students who had prepared thoroughly using NCERT textbooks and regular practice. Overall, the exam was considered fair, featuring a balanced mix of easy, moderate, and application-based questions.

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