CBSE Launches Exam-Time Counselling Support for Class 10 and 12 Students

Examination stress is not something uncommon nowadays, and candidates often feel anxiety, stress and emotional pressure. Handling all this during the exam period makes it hard for the students, which is the reason the Central Board of Secondary Education is initiating the first phase of its annual psycho social counselling services for each and every student appearing in the class 10th and class 12th board examination.

• The Initiative has already started on January 6, 2026 and is live till June 1, 2026. As per the statement issued by the board.
• The CBSE theory exam is scheduled to start on February 17, 2026. Before the exam, this initiative is taken just so candidates can have someone to rely on when they face issues like exam stress, anxiety, and emotional pressure related to the examination.

24×7 Toll-Free IVRS Support for Students

One thing introduced by the CBSE to handle the issues of students is by activating a round-the-clock interactive voice response system [ IVRS ] to give students instant support, when they need it the most. 

• Toll-free number: 1800-11-8004
• Languages available: Hindi and English
• Availability: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

The role of the IVRS is to help students with:

• Time management during exams
• Stress and anxiety control
• Effective exam preparation strategies

When the students lack the information and need guidance, that's where the system helps with frequently asked questions about exams, and along with that, it helps by providing contact details of CBSE. In order to help students receive assistance whenever they require it. 

Tele-Counselling Services Available on Working Days

The initiative is not limited only to the IVRS facility and is also helping students and parents with the telecounseling services, which are not available all the time. There is a fixed duration in which any person who contacts will get a response.

• The timeline starts from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• The facility is only available on weekdays

The purpose of this initiative of tele counselling is to provide students and parents with the guidance and support needed whenever needed through trained and professional direction interaction.

There are more than 70+ trained volunteers in the counselling panels, including:

• Principals and counsellors from CBSE-affiliated schools
• Special educators
• Qualified psychologists

Note that out of these, 61 counsellors are based in India to serve issues related to the nation, and others are located in:

• Nepal
• Japan
• Qatar
• Oman
• United Arab Emirates
• All this is just to support the students both within and outside the country. 

Online Mental Health Resources on CBSE Website

And this is just not limited to IVRS or telecounseling; the CBSE has released digital learning and mental health resources which students can access via the official site of ‍‍‍‍‍cbse.gov.in to have an idea about this below are some resources:

• Stress management techniques
• Study planning and productivity tips
• Emotional well-being strategies

Note that each one of the resource is designed in a way to be easy to understand for the students and practical to learn. Helping the students tackle the exam pressure in a better way. 

CBSE’s Focus on Student Well-Being

During the examination period one thing to note is that for the students and parents using the facility of counselling is available only during the examination period and this initiative of the psycho social counselling is taken by the CBSE to provide proper mental health awareness and holistic student development during this crucial time period of academic phase. 

This is not the first time CBSE is offering the counselling services. In the past they have done this multiple times, in order to show the importance of emotional well being of the students along with their academic performance. 

Conclusion

As the exams of both Class 10 and 12th are near and is approaching this service of board will definitely help booths students and parents in understanding and getting clarity on many things related to exams and more similar.

Students and parents are advised to actively use the available support systems throughout the examination period.