As the crucial Class X and XII board examinations draw near, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has initiated a major support programme for students across India and abroad. The board officially launched the first phase of its annual, free psycho-social counselling services on Tuesday, aiming to equip students with tools to handle exam-related pressure and anxiety effectively.
Comprehensive Support for Student Well-being
This vital initiative, which began on January 6, will run all the way through to June 1. Its core mission is to foster emotional well-being and empower students to navigate the demanding examination period with increased confidence and mental clarity. According to CBSE officials, this programme underscores the board's commitment to holistic student development, particularly during these high-stakes assessment phases.
The support system is multi-faceted, designed to be accessible and helpful. Students can immediately access a 24x7 toll-free Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) by simply dialling 1800-11-8004. This automated service, available in both Hindi and English, provides recorded guidance on a range of crucial topics. These include strategies for stress-free preparation, effective time management techniques, answers to frequently asked exam-related questions, and important CBSE contact details.
Direct Access to a Global Panel of Experts
For more personalised assistance, CBSE has established dedicated tele-counselling services. These will be operational from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on all weekdays. During these hours, students and their parents can speak directly with a carefully assembled panel of 73 trained professionals. This expert group comprises school principals, qualified counsellors, special educators, and experienced psychologists.
In a move that highlights the global footprint of CBSE schools, the counselling network has an international presence. While 61 of the counsellors are based within India, the remaining 12 are stationed in countries including Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. This setup ensures wider outreach and support for Indian students studying overseas.
Digital Resources for Round-the-Clock Help
Recognising the digital habits of today's students, the board has also compiled a wealth of online resources. These digital materials, focused on stress management and effective study strategies, are readily available on the official CBSE website. The board is actively urging both students and parents to make full use of all these services throughout the entire examination season.
The launch of this comprehensive counselling initiative comes just ahead of the board examinations, which are scheduled to commence from February 17. By providing these free, professional support channels, CBSE aims to alleviate a significant portion of the psychological burden associated with board exams, allowing students to focus on performing to their true potential.
