New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a fresh advisory to clear the air around confusion linked to QR codes printed on its question papers. The board addressed misleading claims circulating online and stressed that these codes are not meant to function as clickable or scannable web links.
QR Codes Meant For Internal Use Only
According to CBSE, the QR codes embedded in question papers serve strictly administrative purposes such as authentication and monitoring. They are not designed to redirect users to online content. In its official statement, the board 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."
This clarification comes amid widespread speculation that scanning these codes could lead to external websites or hidden information, which the board has firmly denied.
CBSE Flags Algorithm-Driven Misinterpretations
The board also highlighted how misinterpretation arises when users manually search QR-related strings online. It stated, "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."
CBSE emphasised that such results are generated by search engine algorithms and should not be linked to the board or its exam system in any way.
Warning Against Deliberate Misinformation
Raising concerns over deliberate attempts to distort facts, Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE, said, "The linking of QR codes to unrelated individuals or content is factually incorrect and misleading," warning that such narratives harm the board’s credibility.
Advisory For Students, Parents And Media
The board has urged all stakeholders including students, parents, teachers, and media organisations to act responsibly while sharing information. It advised them 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."
CBSE reiterated that responsible communication is essential to preserve trust in public institutions.
In a related development, the board had earlier cautioned teachers involved in Class X and Class XII paper evaluation against posting misleading content on social media. It noted that such posts could create unnecessary confusion and fuel rumours among students and the wider community.
(With Agency Inputs)
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