New Delhi, Jan 7: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially launched the first phase of its annual free Psycho-Social Counselling Services for students preparing for the Class Xth and XIIth board examinations. The services commenced on January 6, 2026, and will continue till June 1, 2026, providing essential support for the mental and emotional well-being of students as they gear up for the board exams starting from February 17, 2026.

The initiative is aimed at helping students manage exam-related stress, enhance emotional resilience, and approach their exams with greater confidence and clarity.

A prominent feature of this service is the availability of a 24x7 helpline (1800-118-004), which provides round-the-clock assistance in both Hindi and English through an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS). The helpline offers guidance on stress-free preparation, time and stress management strategies, answers to frequently asked questions, and essential information about the CBSE exams.

In addition to the helpline, students and parents can also directly connect with a panel of 73 trained professionals, including school principals, counsellors, special educators, and qualified psychologists from CBSE-affiliated schools. Of these professionals, 61 are based in India, while 12 are located abroad in countries such as Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE, ensuring broad and diverse support for students worldwide.

CBSE has also made a range of curated resources available on its website, focusing on stress management, effective study techniques, and emotional well-being. These resources are designed to be concise, engaging, and easily accessible for both students and parents.

The Psycho-Social Counselling Services is an annual initiative by CBSE. Last year, the first phase was conducted from February 1 to April 4, 2025, and successfully supported students and their families during the critical examination period.