Clarifying the purpose of these codes, the board stated that they are part of its internal system used for authentication, tracking, and maintaining exam integrity. CBSE said that the QR codes are not meant to function as clickable web links and do not redirect users to any online content.

According to the board, scanning these codes only displays specific text. However, if users manually search that text online, search engines may generate unrelated results, which could include references to individuals or entities that have no connection with CBSE.

“The search results are algorithm-driven and have no link to CBSE or its examination process,” the advisory noted.

CBSE Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bhardwaj also cautioned against deliberate attempts to misinterpret these QR codes. He said that linking them to unrelated content is “factually incorrect and misleading,” and may be intended to harm the board’s credibility.

The board urged students, parents, teachers, and media outlets to avoid sharing unverified information and to rely only on official CBSE communication for accurate updates. It also stressed the importance of responsible information sharing to prevent confusion and protect institutional integrity.

In a related development, CBSE recently warned teachers involved in the evaluation of Class 10 and Class 12 answer sheets against posting opinions or experiences on social media. The board said such actions could create unnecessary confusion and rumours among students and stakeholders.