Ahead of the crucial board examinations, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out a comprehensive psycho-social counselling initiative aimed at supporting the mental and emotional well-being of students in Class 10 and Class 12. This proactive service, which commenced recently, is designed to help students navigate the pressures of the upcoming exams with greater confidence and balance.
Round-the-Clock Support and Expert Guidance
The cornerstone of this initiative is a dedicated, toll-free helpline: 1800118004. This number provides students and parents with 24/7 access to support in both Hindi and English through an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS). The service, which will run until June 1, offers practical advice on a range of critical topics. These include strategies for stress-free preparation, effective time management, and techniques for handling exam anxiety. The helpline also provides answers to frequently asked questions and essential CBSE contact details.
Beyond the automated system, callers can connect directly with a panel of 73 trained professionals. This expert panel includes principals, counsellors, special educators from CBSE-affiliated schools, and qualified psychologists. Impressively, the support network has a global reach, with 61 counsellors based across India and 12 stationed in countries like Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. All these professionals are offering their services on a voluntary basis, creating a wide and diverse safety net for students.
Resources for Holistic Well-being
Recognising that support needs to be accessible in multiple formats, the CBSE has also curated a special collection of digital resources. These materials, available on the official CBSE website (www.cbse.gov.in), focus on stress management, effective study techniques, and maintaining emotional health. The resources are crafted to be engaging, concise, and easy for students to understand and implement in their daily routines.
A Crucial Initiative for Exam Confidence
The theory examinations for Classes 10 and 12 are scheduled to begin on February 17. This counselling initiative is a timely intervention by the board to ensure students are mentally prepared and resilient. A school principal involved with the program emphasised its importance, stating, "We are encouraging students and parents to utilise these support services as part of CBSE's ongoing efforts to support students' psycho-social well-being during the examination cycle. This will reduce exam stress."
By addressing the psychological aspects of exam preparation, the CBSE aims to empower students to approach their papers not just with academic knowledge, but with mental clarity and reduced anxiety. This holistic focus on student well-being marks a significant step in making the demanding board examination period a more manageable experience for lakhs of students across the country and beyond.
