CBSE Launches Free Psychosocial Counselling for Students Ahead of Board Exams
Support for Students Facing Exam Pressure
As board exams draw near, students often experience heightened academic stress and anxiety. In response, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a complimentary psychosocial counselling service aimed at assisting those preparing for the Class 10 and Class 12 examinations this year.
Counselling Initiative Objectives
This initiative is designed to help students cope with stress, enhance emotional stability, and mentally prepare for their upcoming tests. Additionally, CBSE has set up a 24-hour toll-free helpline for students to access professional support at no charge.
Counselling Service Timeline and Availability
The first phase of the counselling program will be operational from January 6 to June 11, 2026. During this timeframe, students can seek help whenever they feel overwhelmed by academic pressures.
The toll-free helpline number is 1800-11-8004, and students can communicate in Hindi or English. The helpline is available 24/7, while tele-counselling sessions with experts are offered Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Expert Team Supporting Students
To provide effective guidance, CBSE has assembled a team of 73 trained professionals, which includes school principals, counsellors, psychologists, special educators, and wellness experts. Notably, the program also includes international experts from countries like Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE, ensuring that Indian students studying abroad under the CBSE curriculum can also benefit.
Benefits of the Counselling Service
The counselling sessions are tailored to tackle common issues students face during exam periods, such as:
- Managing exam-related stress and anxiety
- Enhancing time management and study strategies
- Fostering self-confidence and emotional resilience
- Addressing fears of failure and performance pressure
CBSE emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional health alongside academic readiness, encouraging students to approach exams with confidence rather than fear.
Additional Resources for Students
In addition to tele-counselling, CBSE has made various resources available on its official website, including study tips, stress management strategies, and mental health guidance. Students and parents are encouraged to utilize these materials in conjunction with counselling support.
Upcoming CBSE Exam Schedule
Practical examinations for CBSE are currently in progress. For Class 12 students, practical exams will run until February 14, 2026. The theory exams for both Class 10 and Class 12 are set to commence on February 17, 2026.
The board has also adjusted the exam schedule for certain subjects. The exam originally planned for March 3 has been moved; Class 10 students will now take that exam on March 11, while the corresponding Class 12 exam will occur on April 10.
Creating a Supportive Exam Environment
With increasing competition and academic demands, exam stress has become a significant issue for students. CBSE’s free psychosocial counselling initiative represents a crucial step towards fostering a healthier and more supportive examination atmosphere. By providing expert guidance at no cost, the board aims to help students concentrate on their studies with a calm and balanced mindset.