CBSE introduced psycho-social counselling for Class 10 and 12 students to mitigate exam stress and promote emotional well-being for the 2026 board exams.
The support includes a 24x7 toll-free IVRS (1800-11-8004) and tele-counselling facilitated by 73 trained experts, available voluntarily.
The free counselling program commenced on January 6, 2026, and will run until June 1, 2026, covering pre-exam, exam, and post-result phases.
The Central Board of Secondary Education, the primary conducting authority for secondary and senior secondary examinations in India, has introduced a dedicated psycho-social counselling program for students appearing in the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams during the academic year 2025-2026.
According to the official press release issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education on January 6, 2026, this initiative focuses on mitigating examination-related stress and fostering emotional well-being among candidates.
The program aligns with the board’s commitment to holistic student development, particularly as the theory examinations are set to commence on February 17, 2026, as per the recently released exam schedule.
CBSE Board Psycho-Social Counselling: Scope and Eligibility
This counselling support extends to all registered candidates for the CBSE Board Examinations 2026, encompassing students from affiliated schools across the nation and select international locations under the board’s jurisdiction.
The Central Board of Secondary Education, operating under the oversight of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, emphasizes that participation in these services is entirely voluntary, allowing students and their parents to access assistance as needed during the preparation phase.
With millions of candidates expected to participate in the annual board exams, this measure addresses common challenges faced by learners in managing academic pressures within the structured examination framework.
CBSE Board Psycho-Social Counselling: Components of the Counselling Program
The psycho-social support encompasses multiple facets designed to provide comprehensive aid.
A key element is the 24×7 toll-free Interactive Voice Response System, accessible via the number 1800-11-8004, offering guidance in both Hindi and English languages. Through this IVRS, users can obtain practical advice on preparing without stress, strategies for time and stress management, answers to frequently asked questions about the exams, and essential contact details related to the Central Board of Secondary Education.
Complementing the automated system, tele-counselling sessions are available, facilitated by a team of 73 trained experts including school principals, counsellors, special educators from CBSE-affiliated institutions, and professional psychologists.
Of these, 61 professionals are located within India, while 12 are based in countries such as Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, ensuring diverse and accessible support on a voluntary basis.
CBSE Board Psycho-Social Counselling: Access Methods and Operational Timings
Students and parents can engage with the tele-counselling service from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, providing personalized interactions to address specific concerns.
Additionally, the official website of the Central Board of Secondary Education hosts a range of digital resources, including materials on stress management techniques, effective study methods, and maintaining emotional balance, all crafted to be user-friendly and readily available.
These online tools supplement the direct support channels, enabling self-paced learning for candidates preparing for the CBSE Board Examinations 2026.
Program Duration and Future Phases
The initial phase of this free counselling service began on January 6, 2026, and is scheduled to run until June 1, 2026, covering the period leading up to the exams, the examination duration itself, and the post-result phase.
This timeline ensures continuous assistance beyond the declaration of results, helping students navigate any subsequent academic decisions.
The authority has not announced further details yet regarding additional phases or expansions of the program beyond this initial rollout.
Context within Broader Educational Framework
As the conducting authority for one of the largest examination systems in the country, the Central Board of Secondary Education collaborates with entities like the University Grants Commission and the National Testing Agency for various academic processes, though this counselling initiative is independently managed by the board.
The Ministry of Education supports such efforts to enhance student welfare, recognizing the importance of mental health in the overall educational ecosystem.
This program builds on previous years’ notifications, adapting to the needs of candidates in the current academic year.
With the exam schedule already notified, including dates for admit card issuance and other logistics, this support aims to equip students with tools for balanced preparation.
State Public Service Commissions and other regional bodies may draw parallels, but the CBSE’s jurisdiction remains focused on its affiliated institutions.
Encouragement for Utilization
The Central Board of Secondary Education urges all eligible candidates and their guardians to make use of these resources, highlighting their role in promoting a positive examination experience.
By integrating such psycho-social elements into the board exam process, the authority reinforces its dedication to student-centric policies within the national education framework.
Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.
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