The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially rolled out its annual psycho-social support initiative for students preparing for crucial board examinations. This free counselling service, aimed at safeguarding the mental and emotional well-being of Class X and XII pupils, commenced its first phase on January 6 and will run until June 1.
24x7 Helpline and Expert Tele-Counselling
A cornerstone of this year's support system is a toll-free, interactive voice response (IVR) helpline available round the clock. Students and parents can call 1800-11-8004 for automated guidance in Hindi and English on managing time, handling stress, and accessing key CBSE information. Complementing this is a dedicated tele-counselling service operational from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
This tele-counselling effort is powered by a diverse panel of 73 qualified professionals. The team includes school principals, trained counsellors, special educators, and psychologists. In a significant move to support the global CBSE community, 61 counsellors are stationed across India, while 12 are based overseas in nations including Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
Comprehensive Digital Resources for Holistic Preparation
Understanding the digital habits of today's students, the board has also developed a suite of online resources. These materials, hosted on the official CBSE website, are designed to be engaging and easy to use. They cover essential topics such as effective study strategies, techniques for emotional regulation, and practical stress management tips, providing a solid foundation for students to approach their exams with greater confidence.
Building Confidence for the Exam Season
The primary objective of this multifaceted initiative is to equip students with the tools to navigate exam-related anxiety and emotional challenges. By offering readily accessible support, the CBSE aims to ensure that learners can focus on their academic preparation with mental clarity. The theory examinations for the current academic session are scheduled to begin from February 17, making this timely intervention crucial for lakhs of students across the country and beyond.
This proactive step by the CBSE underscores a growing recognition within India's education system of the intrinsic link between a student's psychological well-being and their academic performance. It represents a vital safety net, assuring students and parents that they are not alone in facing the pressures of the board exams.
