The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out the first phase of its annual free Psycho-Social Counselling Services to support students appearing for the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. According to an official statement, the counselling services commenced on January 6, 2026, and will remain available until June 1, 2026.
The initiative aims to help students cope with exam-related stress, anxiety and emotional pressure ahead of the CBSE board exams, which are scheduled to begin from February 17, 2026. Through this programme, CBSE seeks to promote emotional well-being, improve focus, and enable students to approach their examinations with confidence and mental clarity.
24×7 Helpline for Students and Parents
A major highlight of the programme is the round-the-clock helpline service available at 1800-118-004. The 24×7 toll-free number operates through an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) and provides assistance in both Hindi and English. Students can access guidance on stress-free exam preparation, time management strategies, relaxation techniques, and answers to frequently asked questions related to CBSE examinations.
In addition to automated support, students and parents can directly consult a panel of 73 trained professionals, including school principals, counsellors, special educators, and certified psychologists from CBSE-affiliated schools. Among them, 61 experts are based in India, while 12 counsellors are stationed overseas in countries such as Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, ensuring wider accessibility and global outreach.
Digital Resources on Mental Well-being
CBSE has also curated a range of online resources for students and parents, available on its official website. These include concise and easy-to-understand materials on stress management, effective study habits, emotional balance, and exam readiness. The digital resources are designed to help both students and parents navigate the pressures of board examinations more effectively.
The Psycho-Social Counselling Services is an annual initiative of CBSE. In 2025, the first phase of the programme was conducted between February 1 and April 4, benefiting thousands of students and parents during the examination period. With the continuation of this initiative in 2026, CBSE has once again reinforced its commitment to students’ mental health and holistic development.
