CBSE issues advisory clarifying QR codes in question papers, warns against misinterpretation

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an advisory addressing misleading information circulating regarding QR codes printed on its question papers. The board clarified that the QR codes are part of internal systems and are not designed to function as direct internet hyperlinks.

In an official advisory on Thursday, CBSE explained, “These codes are part of internal systems for authentication, tracking, and examination integrity, and do not open as web links when scanned. Rather, they only show the intended text. However, if a user opts to use Google search on the text, Google search suggests certain other words. This doesn’t occur if standard browsers such as Chrome”.

The board also cautioned against the spread of misinformation. “It has been observed that when users attempt to interpret or manually search QR-related strings online, unrelated search results — including references to any individual or entity are shown. Such web results are algorithm-driven and bear no connection to CBSE or its examination processes”, the advisory stated.

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗤𝗥 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗕𝗦𝗘 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀

Please find attached an advisory regarding the misinterpretation of QR codes printed on CBSE question papers.

Stakeholders are requested to note that these QR codes are meant for internal…

— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) April 2, 2026

Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE, warned that certain elements deliberately misrepresent unrelated search results to malign the board’s image. “The linking of QR codes to unrelated individuals or content is factually incorrect and misleading,” he said.

The board further advised students, parents, educators, and media platforms to exercise caution. Stakeholders are urged to “refrain from sharing unverified claims or speculative interpretations, verify facts through official CBSE communications before dissemination, and exercise caution against amplifying content that may distort institutional credibility”. The CBSE concluded the advisory by emphasising the importance of responsible information sharing to maintain the integrity of public institutions.

Earlier, the CBSE warned teachers involved in the Class X and Class XII evaluation process of strict disciplinary action for sharing misleading information on social media. The Board observed that some evaluators were posting opinions and experiences online, which could trigger confusion and rumours among students and stakeholders. (ANI)