CBSE Board Exams: Free Psychosocial Counselling Launched to Reduce Exam Stress, Toll-Free Helpline Active

With board examinations approaching, academic pressure and exam-related anxiety often begin to affect students’ mental well-being. Keeping this concern in mind, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken an important step to support students by launching a free psychosocial counselling service for those appearing in the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations this year.

The initiative aims to help students manage stress, improve emotional balance, and prepare themselves mentally for the upcoming exams. CBSE has also announced a 24-hour toll-free helpline number

, allowing students to seek professional guidance without any cost.

Counselling Service Timeline and Availability

According to CBSE, the first phase of the counselling programme will remain active from January 6 to June 11, 2026. During this period, students can reach out for support whenever they feel overwhelmed by exam pressure or academic anxiety.

The toll-free helpline number issued by CBSE is 1800-11-8004

. Students can communicate in Hindi or English, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of learners. While the helpline remains operational round the clock, tele-counselling sessions with experts are available from Monday to Friday between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM.

Team of Trained Experts Supporting Students

To ensure quality guidance, CBSE has engaged a team of 73 trained professionals

, including school principals, counsellors, psychologists, special educators, and wellness experts. What makes this initiative unique is its international reach. Experts from countries such as Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE are also part of the programme. This allows Indian students studying abroad under the CBSE curriculum to benefit equally from the counselling service.

How the Counselling Service Helps Students

The counselling sessions are designed to address common challenges faced by students during exam season. These include:

• Managing exam stress and anxiety

• Improving time management and study planning

• Building self-confidence and emotional resilience

• Handling fear of failure and performance pressure

CBSE has emphasized that students’ mental and emotional health is as important as academic preparation. The board wants students to approach examinations with confidence rather than fear.

Additional Support Resources

Apart from tele-counselling, CBSE has also made several resources available on its official website. These include study tips, stress management techniques, and guidance related to mental health and emotional well-being. Students and parents are encouraged to use these materials alongside counselling support.

Upcoming CBSE Exam Schedule

CBSE practical examinations are already underway. For Class 12 students, practical exams will continue until February 14, 2026. Meanwhile, the theory examinations for both Class 10 and Class 12 will begin on February 17, 2026.

The board has also revised the examination schedule for certain subjects. The exam initially scheduled for March 3 has been rescheduled. Class 10 students will now appear for that paper on March 11

, while the corresponding Class 12 examination will be held on April 10.

A Step Towards Stress-Free Exams

With rising competition and academic expectations, exam stress has become a serious concern among students. CBSE’s free psychosocial counselling initiative is a significant step toward creating a healthier, more supportive examination environment. By offering expert guidance at no cost, the board aims to ensure that students can focus on their studies with a calm and balanced mindset.