New Delhi, Jan 6: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched its annual free psycho-social counselling services for students of Classes 10 and 12, aiming to help them cope with examination-related stress ahead of the 2026 board exams.
The services will be available from January 6 to June 1, 2026, underscoring the Board’s continued focus on students’ mental health and emotional well-being. The CBSE theory examinations are scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026, according to an official statement.
As part of the initiative, CBSE has activated a 24×7 toll-free Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) helpline at 1800-11-8004. Through the IVRS, students can access round-the-clock support in Hindi and English, including guidance on stress-free preparation, time and stress management, answers to frequently asked questions, and important CBSE-related contact information.
In addition, tele-counselling services will be available from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm on all working days. Students and parents can directly interact with a panel of 73 trained professionals, including principals, counsellors and special educators from CBSE-affiliated schools, along with qualified psychologists. Of these, 61 counsellors are based in India, while 12 are located in Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, ensuring a broad and diverse support network on a voluntary basis.
CBSE has also made available a range of digital resources on its official website, www.cbse.gov.in, focusing on stress management, effective study strategies and emotional well-being. The Board said the resources are designed to be concise, engaging and easily accessible for students.
Encouraging students and parents to actively utilise these services, CBSE said the initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to promote the psycho-social well-being of learners during the Class 10 and 12 examination cycle.
