New Delhi: A claim about a QR code on a Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 mathematics exam paper has sparked buzz online. Screenshots of the question paper began circulating on social media shortly after the exam was conducted on March 9.

The Central Board of Secondary Education, India Rickrolled 2.5 million students by printing a Youtube QR code on the Maths question paper pic.twitter.com/jSl3TlkjjV

— Mogambo (@Netajinonsense1)

According to several students, scanning the QR code printed on the paper redirected them to the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley. The unexpected link effectively “rickrolled” those who tried scanning it, leading to surprise and amusement across the internet.

The claim gained traction, particularly on online communities such as Reddit, where students shared screenshots and reactions.

More : pic.twitter.com/Z6JbwJ2SCI

— Mogambo (@Netajinonsense1)

However, it remains unclear whether the QR code on all versions of the exam paper led to the same link or if the viral image represents a single or limited instance. Because of this uncertainty, the episode currently sits somewhere between an exam-day curiosity and an internet rumour.

The viral claim revolves around the concept of rickrolling, a long-running internet prank in which people are tricked into opening the music video for the 1987 pop hit instead of the content they expected to see.

The meme first emerged in the mid-2000s and has since become one of the most recognisable online jokes, frequently resurfacing across social media platforms.

As images of the CBSE Class 12 question paper circulated online, many students responded with disbelief and humour.

Whats the point of a QR in the exam hall. Are mobile phones allowed??

— Random Reply Guy (@EverythngRandom)

In one Reddit discussion thread about the alleged incident, a user wrote, “The Central Board of Secondary Education, India Rickrolled 2.5 million students by printing a Youtube QR code on the Maths question paper.”

Entertainment only

— Mogambo (@Netajinonsense1)

Others joked about the scale of the prank. One commenter remarked, “Best rickroll I’ve seen just from the amount of people that got rickrolled,” while another joked that “2026 is already off to a great start.”

QR codes printed on board examination papers are generally used for verification and security purposes, making the viral claim particularly puzzling for some observers.

Not everyone found the situation entertaining. One Reddit user questioned whether the incident could indicate a larger issue, asking if the situation might point to “a serious issue” if official exam material could direct users to unrelated links.

CBSE addressed concerns over the QR code appearing on the Class 12 mathematics question paper. “Many security features are provided on the Question Papers. These include QR codes to verify the genuineness of the question paper in case of suspected security breach,” the board said.

It added, “In few question paper sets, it appears that when one of the given QR codes 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.”

CBSE further said, “It is hereby confirmed by the Board that the question papers are genuine. The security of the question papers remains uncompromised. While the concern about the veracity of the question papers is put to rest, 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.”