'Never Gonna Give You Up': CBSE Class 12 Maths paper QR code leads to Rick Astley song, 'rickrolls' students. Board responds

A QR code printed on a Class 12 mathematics paper of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has sparked a debate online. Some students claimed that scanning the code led them to the song 'Never Gonna Give You Up' by Rick Astley, a classic internet "rickroll." Images of the Maths question paper circulated widely online after the QR code printed on the question paper directed students to Rick Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’. The song is widely known for the viral internet prank “Rickrolling,” where unsuspecting users are tricked into clicking a link, expecting something important, only to be shown the music video. These QR codes are reportedly included for verification purposes or to provide exam-related information.

In a now-viral video, a student is seen scanning a QR code from her house, which leads her to the clip. “I want to show you guys something, and I discovered it just now. This is my maths question paper. I am scanning it now. And see what it led to,” she says in the video. Soon afterwards, other users reported the same result when scanning QR codes from different question paper sets, further fuelling amusement across social media.




After the posts spread online, netizens reacted with a mix of amusement and disbelief. One user posted the QR code on the question paper on X and asked users to scan it. “Bhai ye mere friend ka math ka paper hai bas ek baar ye QR code scan kar lo. This was not on my 2026 list, CBSE.”



One user joked, “When the paper setter is a part-time admin of a meme page.” Another wrote, “I don’t see a problem with it, kinda funny ngl.”

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CBSE releases statement

The CBSE has issued a clarification following reports of a QR code printed on the CBSE Class 12 Maths Exam 2026 held on March 9, 2026. "On 09.03.2026, examination of Mathematics was conducted for class 12. The CBSE has clarified that the leaked question papers are genuine and their security has not been compromised. The Board added that while concerns about the authenticity of the papers have been addressed, it is taking the matter seriously and implementing measures to prevent such issues in the future.



"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," CBSE said in its clarification.

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"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," it added.

The mathematics board examination was held on March 9 from 10.30am to 1.30pm. The Class 12 board examinations began on February 17 and are scheduled to conclude on April 10 with the Legal Studies paper.

"Many security features are provided on question papers. These include QR codes to verify the genuineness of the question paper in case of a suspected security breach. On March 9, an examination in Mathematics was conducted for class 12. In a few question paper sets, it appears that when one of the given QR codes is scanned, it links to a YouTube video," CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj told news agency PTI.

"It appears that this has raised concerns about the veracity of the question papers amongst concerned students and parents. It is confirmed that question papers are genuine and the security of the question paper remains uncompromised," he added.