Mumbai: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to commence its annual psycho-social counselling service for students in Years 10 and 12, starting from 1st February. This initiative aims to provide support to students during the stressful board examination period. The free of charge service is conducted in two phases—first during the examinations and again after the results are announced—to assist both students and parents.
Students will have three primary channels to access support. The first is a toll-free, 24/7 Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) helpline, available in both Hindi and English. This service provides essential exam preparation advice, time management techniques, stress-relief strategies, answers to frequently asked questions, and key CBSE contact information.
Additionally, students can avail themselves of tele-counselling, where they can speak directly with trained professionals from Monday to Saturday, between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm. The team comprises 66 expert counsellors, including school principals, psychologists, and special educators—51 of whom are based in India, with 15 others offering assistance from Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE.
Furthermore, CBSE is offering bilingual online video and podcast resources focused on stress management, exam strategies, and mental well-being. These materials will be accessible via CBSE’s official website, providing students with additional support as they prepare for their examinations.
This initiative underscores CBSE’s commitment to student welfare, ensuring that they receive the necessary guidance and emotional support to navigate the challenges of their academic journey.