CBSE Launches Annual Psycho-Social Counselling Support for Class 10 & 12 Students

CBSE Launches Psycho-Social Counselling

• CBSE offers free counselling for Class 10 and 12 students from Jan 6 to Jun 1, 2026.
• Support includes 24x7 IVRS helpline, tele-counselling, and online resources
• Initiative aims to reduce exam stress and promote student mental well-being

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the commencement of its annual free Psycho-Social Counselling Services for students of Classes X and XII. The initiative, active from 06 January 2026 to 01 June 2026, reinforces the Board's commitment to student well-being, specifically targeting examination-related stress ahead of the upcoming theory exams starting 17 February 2026.

In an official communication, CBSE stated that the program is designed to equip students with the tools to approach their board examinations with "confidence, balance, and mental clarity." Recognizing the intense pressure surrounding this academic milestone, the Board has structured a multi-channel support system to be accessible to students and parents across India and several international regions.

Key Features of the 2026 Counseling Initiative

The support framework offers three primary avenues for assistance:

24x7 Toll-Free IVRS Helpline (1800-11-8004):

Students can access round-the-clock guidance in Hindi and English via an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS). This service provides recorded modules on stress-free preparation, time management strategies, answers to frequently asked questions, and essential CBSE contact details.

Dedicated Tele-Counselling Services:

Operating from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, this service connects students and parents with a panel of 73 trained professionals. The voluntary panel includes principals, counselors, special educators from CBSE-affiliated schools, and qualified psychologists. To cater to the global CBSE community, 61 counselors are based in India, while 12 are stationed in Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

Comprehensive Digital Resources:

CBSE has curated a dedicated collection of digital resources on its official website (www.cbse.gov.in). These materials focus on practical strategies for stress management, effective study techniques, and maintaining emotional well-being, presented in an engaging and easily digestible format.

A Proactive Step for Mental Well-being

This annual counselling drive is part of CBSE's sustained efforts to integrate psycho-social support into the examination cycle. By providing early intervention—starting over a month before the first theory paper—the Board aims to normalize conversations around mental health and empower students to seek help.

"CBSE encourages students and parents to utilize these support services as part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to support students’ psycho-social well-being," the Board noted in its release.

The initiative underscores a significant shift in educational policy, where academic excellence is increasingly seen as intertwined with emotional and psychological health. As the 2026 examination season approaches, this structured support network promises to be a crucial resource for lakhs of students nationwide and abroad.