The Central Board of Secondary Education said the QR code printed on a Class 12 mathematics question paper is a security feature used to verify the authenticity of examination papers after a student posted on social media that scanning the code led to a YouTube video.
The board said the question papers were genuine and that their security remained intact. The clarification followed concerns among students and parents after the QR code on one of the question paper sets appeared to link to a video online.
The issue surfaced after the Class 12 Mathematics and Applied Mathematics examination held on March 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Images of the question paper circulated on social media, with users encouraging others to scan the QR code placed on the top left corner of the paper.
Real hai bhai pic.twitter.com/eR6KlO7cbs
— Aaditya (@Aadityaparkash) March 9, 2026
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The CBSE said the QR codes are part of measures introduced to prevent question paper leaks during examinations. The board began using QR codes on question papers in 2018.
In a press release issued on March 10, the board said the codes help confirm the genuineness of question papers in case of a suspected security breach.
“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. Conducted for class 12. In a on 09.03.2026, examination of Mathematics few question paper sets, it appears that when one of the given QR codes is scanned, it links to a YouTube video,” the board said.
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“It appears that this raised concerns about the veracity of the question papers amongst concerned students and their parents. It is hereby confirmed by the Board that the question papers are genuine. The security of the question papers remains uncompromised,” it added.
Important Update:
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 10, 2026
Press Release issued by CBSE pic.twitter.com/HqhdjYo23q
The board said it is examining the matter and will take steps to prevent similar issues in future.
“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,” the board said.
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