CBSE clarifies QR codes on exam papers amid Orry confusion
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New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday evening issued an advisory urging parents, students, and media to avoid spreading "misinformation" about QR codes printed on question papers.
The board stressed that these codes are not hyperlinks but internal tools for exam integrity and authentication. They display intended text directly, though Google searches on that text may suggest unrelated terms like internet personality Orry—unlike standard browsers such as Chrome.
The clarification follows incidents during recent Class 12 exams. On March 30, a History paper's QR code reportedly triggered Orry search results, confusing students. Earlier, a Math paper's code linked to Rick Astley's 1987 hit "Never Gonna Give You Up" on YouTube.
CBSE called these "algorithm-driven" search engine outputs unrelated to its processes. It accused some parties of misusing the codes for "false propaganda" to tarnish its image, labeling such claims "factually incorrect and misleading."
The board advised verifying info via official channels and avoiding unverified shares that harm its reputation.