‘Paper genuine’, says CBSE after Class 12 math test QR code leads to ‘rickroll’ prank video

The Central Board of Secondary Education said on Tuesday that the Class 12 mathematics Board examination question paper was “genuine” after concerns were raised about a quick response code printed on one set of papers that led to a YouTube link of singer Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”.

“Rickrolling” is a popular internet prank that involves posting a disguised link or QR code that redirects the viewer to Astley’s music video.

“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 the future,” the CBSE statement added.

The mathematics board examination was held on Monday, after which students shared videos and images that showed a QR code on the question paper that led to the music video.

In its statement on Tuesday, the CBSE said that QR codes are otherwise included for authentication and security verification.

The QR code on CBSE Maths question paper takes you to a YouTube video. pic.twitter.com/VFw3HxBtxM— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) March 10, 2026

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