Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to offer psycho-social counselling services to students and parents for the upcoming academic session 2025, aiming to reduce exam-related stress and promote mental well-being.

From February 1 to April 4, 2025, these free-of-cost counselling sessions will be conducted in three phases: before, during, and after the board exams, ensuring that students receive continuous support throughout this crucial period.

Three ways to access CBSE counselling services CBSE will offer psycho-social counselling through three convenient methods to ensure that students have easy access to support:

1.     Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) Students can call the CBSE toll-free helpline number, 1800-11-8004, available 24/7, to access the IVRS facility. This service offers a wide range of stress-relief resources, such as guidance on stress-free exam preparation, tips for time and stress management, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and contact details for CBSE offices. The IVRS service is available in  Hindi and English to cater to a broad audience.

2.     Podcasts CBSE has launched bilingual podcasts, which address topics related to stress management and mental well-being. These podcasts are available on the official CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) and offer valuable tips and insights that can help students better cope with the pressures of exams.

3.     Tele-counselling For more personalised support, CBSE is offering tele-counselling services through a dedicated team of 66 trained professionals, including counsellors, principals, psychologists, and special educators. These experts will provide one-on-one guidance to students, helping them manage stress and adopt effective exam strategies.

The tele-counselling service will be available from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Saturday, offering both students and parents direct access to valuable advice. Of the 66 counsellors, 51 are based in India, while 15 counsellors are stationed in Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE.

Exam dates and student support

The CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 exams will commence on February 15, 2025. Class 10 will begin with the English paper, while Class 12 will start with the Entrepreneurship paper. With approximately 44 lakh students expected to appear for these exams, CBSE is dedicated to providing the necessary resources to ensure that students face the exams with confidence and mental clarity.