The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the launch of the first phase of its annual free Psycho-Social Counselling Services for students of Classes X and XII, beginning on January 6, 2026 and continuing until June 1, 2026. The initiative reinforces CBSE’s commitment to students’ mental and emotional well-being during the examination period.

The counselling support is aimed at helping students cope with examination-related stress and emotional challenges, enabling them to prepare for their upcoming theory examinations, scheduled to start from February 17, 2026, with greater confidence, balance, and mental clarity.

As part of the initiative, CBSE has activated a 24×7 toll-free Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) at 1800-11-8004. Through this service, students can access round-the-clock support in both Hindi and English. The IVRS offers guidance on stress-free preparation, time and stress management techniques, answers to frequently asked questions, and important CBSE-related contact information.

In addition, tele-counselling services will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Students and parents can interact with a panel of 73 trained professionals, including principals, counsellors, special educators from CBSE-affiliated schools, and qualified psychologists. Among them, 61 counsellors are based in India, while 12 are located in Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, providing a diverse and extensive support network on a voluntary basis.

CBSE has also made a range of digital resources available on its official website, www.cbse.gov.in. These resources focus on stress management, effective study strategies, and emotional well-being, and are designed to be concise, engaging, and easily accessible for students preparing for their examinations.

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