The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) clarified on Tuesday that the Class 12 mathematics exam papers were indeed authentic, following an unusual incident where one of the QR codes on the question paper led to Rick Astley’s iconic music video, “Never Gonna Give You Up.” This playful internet prank, commonly referred to as “rickrolling,” caught the attention of students who shared their findings on social media platforms.

During the mathematics examination held on Monday, students noticed a QR code printed on their papers, which when scanned, redirected them to the 1987 pop hit. This revelation sparked concerns about the integrity of the examination process, with many questioning if the paper had been tampered with. However, the CBSE swiftly dismissed these worries, stating that the question papers were genuine.

In a statement, the CBSE acknowledged the incident, emphasizing that while the authenticity of the papers was confirmed, the situation was taken seriously. The Board vowed to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the security and integrity of their examination processes.

Interestingly, the viral video of the rickroll was shared by students and soon caught the eye of the Kerala unit of the Congress party. They utilized the opportunity to criticize the current government, claiming that educational institutions were under the influence of what they termed “Modi’s slaves.” Such accusations underscore the political tensions that often surface in discussions surrounding education in India.

The QR codes, which are typically included for verification and security reasons, served an unexpected purpose this time. The CBSE has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a transparent and secure examination environment, hoping that this incident remains an isolated case.