CBSE Class 12 Maths Paper QR Code ‘Rickrolls’ Students, Sparks Online Buzz

A surprising moment from the CBSE Class 12 Mathematics board exam has gone viral after students claimed that scanning a QR code printed on the question paper redirected them to the music video of Rick Astley’s 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up.” The incident quickly spread across social media, with many describing it as a classic internet prank known as “rickrolling.”

The exam was conducted on March 9, and screenshots of the question paper began circulating online soon after the test concluded. Students who scanned the QR code reportedly found themselves redirected to the popular YouTube video, triggering both amusement and confusion online.

“Rickrolling” is a long-running internet meme in which users are unexpectedly redirected to the music video of Astley’s song instead of the intended content.

Following the viral posts, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) clarified that the question papers were genuine and that the security of the exam had not been compromised. The board said it is reviewing the matter and taking steps to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.

QR codes have been included on CBSE question papers since 2018 as part of security and authentication measures designed to prevent paper leaks and verify exam materials.

While the origin of the unexpected link remains unclear, the unusual incident turned a routine board exam moment into a viral talking point across social media.