CBSE Clarifies QR Code Use to Combat Viral Misconceptions

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that QR codes on question papers are not web links but are designed for internal authentication and tracking. Recent misunderstandings led to viral incidents, linking these codes to unrelated content, prompting CBSE to address these misconceptions.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important advisory regarding the QR codes found on its examination papers. Contrary to recent misunderstandings that went viral, these QR codes are not meant to serve as web hyperlinks. According to CBSE officials, the QR codes are implemented solely for purposes of authentication, tracking, and examination integrity.

CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj stated that, when scanned, these codes reveal text intended for specific internal use, rather than linking to any web content. "Any search results related to these QR codes that appear on Google are algorithm-driven and bear no relation to CBSE's processes," Bhardwaj clarified.

Compounding the confusion, a recent class 12 exam saw students led to unrelated online results by scanning a QR code, which included appearances from influencers and online pranks. Bhardwaj stressed that such occurrences are misleading and often result from individuals misrepresenting search results to spread misinformation.