CBSE Expands Psycho-Social Counselling for 2025 Board Examination Students
New Delhi, January 31, 2025 - In an effort to mitigate the stress associated with the high-stakes board examinations, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out an extensive psycho-social counselling program for students in Classes 10 and 12. This year's initiative, which kicks off on February 1, 2025, and will continue through April 4, reflects CBSE's ongoing commitment to student mental health and academic success.
Examination Schedule:
- Class 10: Exams start on February 15 with English, followed by subjects ranging from Mathematics to Social Science, with the last exam, Information Technology, on March 13.
- Class 12: Also beginning on February 15 with Entrepreneurship, the schedule includes a variety of subjects like Physics, Biology, and culminates with Fine Arts on March 14.
Counselling Structure:
- Tele-Counselling:
- Team: A robust team of 66 experts has been curated, including 60 Indian counsellors (30 each for Class 10 and 12) and an additional 6 from international locations like Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE. This diverse group comprises principals, psychologists, special educators, and professional counsellors from both government and private sectors.
- Operational Hours: Services are available from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Saturday, ensuring accessibility for students and parents during school hours and weekends.
- Contact: The toll-free number 1800-11-8004 connects students to this service, providing personalized sessions on coping with exam stress, time management, study techniques, and post-result anxiety.
- Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS):
- 24/7 Availability: This automated service offers pre-recorded messages in Hindi and English, focusing on exam tips, stress management, and general queries. It's designed for those who might not be able to wait for or engage in live counselling sessions.
- Content: Includes guidance on diet, sleep, relaxation techniques, and dealing with exam pressure, updated regularly to address emerging concerns.
- Digital Resources:
- CBSE Website: A dedicated section for psycho-social support hosts video lectures, podcasts, and downloadable resources in both Hindi and English. Topics range from emotional well-being to specific exam strategies.
- Social Media: CBSE employs platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube to disseminate quick tips, motivational content, and live sessions with experts.
Phases of Support:
- Pre-Examination (February 1 - 14): Focused on preparation strategies, reducing anxiety, and building confidence.
- During Examinations (February 15 - March 14): Immediate support for handling exam-day jitters, time management, and quick stress-relief methods.
- Post-Results (March 15 - April 4): Dealing with outcomes, be it success or the need for re-evaluation, focusing on future academic planning and emotional recovery.
Community Engagement: CBSE encourages schools to play an active role by not only informing but also integrating these services into their support structures. Workshops, parent-teacher meetings, and dedicated sessions in schools are part of this outreach to ensure the message reaches all students.
Public Reaction: The initiative has seen widespread appreciation on social media, with many praising CBSE for its comprehensive approach to student welfare. Educational influencers and mental health advocates have shared CBSE's resources, extending the reach of these services.
Looking Forward: The CBSE's psycho-social support system for 2025 isn't just about navigating the immediate challenges of board exams; it's part of a broader vision to foster a culture of mental health awareness in educational settings.
Students and parents are urged to make use of these resources, understanding that academic performance is just one facet of a student's life journey. CBSE remains committed to providing updates and further support as needed throughout the examination period.