As anxiety and stress rise among students preparing for the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams, the Central Board of Secondary education (CBSE) has launched a free psycho‑social counselling support programme to help ease emotional pressure and promote mental wellbeing ahead of the important examinations scheduled to begin in February 2026.
🧠 Why This Support Was Introduced
Board exams are often a major source of stress for students — not only academically, but also emotionally. With intense competition, performance expectations, and the pressure to meet goals, students frequently experience anxiety, fear, sleep issues, and stress. Experts have been encouraging calmer, structured preparation, balanced revision, and emotional support to help students cope with these pressures.
In response, CBSE has launched a psycho‑social counselling initiative designed to support students’ mental and emotional health throughout the board exam season.
📅 How the Programme Works
The first phase of CBSE’s annual psycho‑social counselling services started on January 6, 2026, and will continue until June 1, 2026 — covering both the preparation phase and the exam period.
📞 24×7 IVRS Support
- Students can call the toll‑free helpline at 1800‑11‑8004 any time.
- The Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) offers guidance in Hindi and English on stress and time management, study planning, and frequently asked questions about examinations.
- This is available round the clock, helping students whenever they need support.
🗣 Tele‑Counselling Services
- Available Monday to friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
- Students and parents can speak directly with a panel of 73 trained professionals, including school principals, counsellors, special educators, and psychologists.
- Counsellors are based in india and abroad (in countries such as Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE).
💻 Online Resources
- CBSE has uploaded digital resources on its official website covering topics like stress management, sound study strategies, and emotional wellbeing.
- These materials are designed to be student‑friendly and easily accessible.
🎯 Who Can Use These Services?
- Class 10 and Class 12 students preparing for the CBSE Board Exam 2026
- Parents and guardians seeking to support their children
- Anyone feeling exam‑related anxiety or emotional stress during the preparation period
CBSE is actively encouraging students and parents to use these services as part of a comprehensive support system during the exam cycle.
📊 Why This Matters
Board exams are a crucial academic milestone, and increasing awareness about student mental health reflects a growing recognition that academic performance is closely linked to emotional wellbeing. By providing both professional counselling and self‑help tools, CBSE aims to help students approach their exams with more confidence, balance, and focus.
Bottom Line
With board exams looming, many CBSE students may feel overwhelmed. The Board’s free psycho‑social counselling support — including 24×7 helpline access, expert tele‑counselling, and online resources — offers timely assistance to help reduce fear and foster a healthier exam preparation experience. students and parents are encouraged to take advantage of these services as part of a balanced approach to tackling board exam stress.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel