Education, Jan 7: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out the first phase of its annual free Psycho-Social Counselling Services for students appearing in the Class X and XII examinations, beginning January 6 and continuing till June 1, the Board said in an official statement.
The initiative is aimed at helping students manage examination-related stress and supporting their emotional well-being as they prepare for the CBSE theory examinations, scheduled to begin from February 17, 2026. The Board said the programme is designed to help students approach their exams with confidence, mental clarity and emotional balance.
As part of the initiative, CBSE has activated a 24×7 helpline service. Students can call 1800-118-004 to receive round-the-clock assistance in Hindi and English through an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS). The helpline provides guidance on stress-free exam preparation, time and stress management, answers to frequently asked questions, and essential CBSE-related contact information.
Students and parents can also directly interact with a panel of 73 trained professionals, including principals, counsellors and special educators from CBSE-affiliated schools, as well as qualified psychologists. Of these, 61 counsellors are based in India, while 12 are stationed overseas in countries such as Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. All services are being provided on a voluntary basis.
In addition, CBSE has made a range of digital resources available on its official website, focusing on stress management, effective study techniques and emotional well-being. The Board said the materials have been curated to be concise, engaging and easily accessible for both students and parents.
Encouraging students and parents to actively use these services, CBSE reiterated its commitment to prioritising psycho-social well-being during the Class X and XII examination cycle.
The Psycho-Social Counselling Services is an annual initiative of the Board. In 2025, the first phase of the programme was conducted from February 1 to April 4, with CBSE urging students and parents to seek support during the examination period.
