The CBSE Class 12 Maths Paper Controversy has turned into one of the most unusual exam-related incidents in recent memory. During the examination held on March 9, 2026, students in certain paper sets discovered that scanning the QR code printed on the question paper redirected them to Rick Astley’s famous song “Never Gonna Give You Up” — a popular internet prank widely known as a Rickroll.

Complete Timeline of the Controversy

  • March 9, 2026:
    The QR code issue came to light during the examination and quickly went viral on social media platforms.
  • March 10, 2026:
    CBSE issued an official press release confirming that the question papers are genuine and that exam security was not compromised.

Official CBSE Statement (X / Twitter)

What Did CBSE Clarify?

The Board stated that the QR codes printed on question papers are an internal security feature used to verify the authenticity of the paper. Due to a technical error in certain sets, the QR code redirected users to a YouTube link instead of the intended verification data. However, the Board has confirmed that this technical glitch did not breach the confidentiality or security of the examination in any way.

📌 Key Points:
  • The examination is completely valid and will not be cancelled.
  • There will be no re-examination conducted.
  • Do not pay attention to rumours circulating on social media.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Was the CBSE Class 12 Maths Paper leaked?
No. The Board has confirmed that the question paper was not leaked and all sets were secure throughout the examination process.
Q2. What does “Rickroll” mean?
Rickrolling is a popular internet prank where a disguised or unexpected link redirects users to Rick Astley’s 1987 music video “Never Gonna Give You Up”.
Q3. Where can I find the official CBSE notice?
You can view the latest circulars and official notifications on the CBSE website at cbse.gov.in.