NEW DELHI: With the Class X and XII board examinations set to begin from February 17, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Tuesday launched the first phase of its annual free psycho-social counselling services to help students cope with exam-related stress and anxiety.The support initiative, which commenced on January 6 and will continue till June 1, aims to promote emotional well-being and enable students to approach the examination cycle with greater confidence and mental clarity. CBSE officials said the programme reflects the Board’s focus on holistic student development, especially during high-pressure assessment periods.As part of the initiative, students can access a 24×7 toll-free Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) by dialling 1800-11-8004. The service, available in Hindi and English, offers guidance on stress-free preparation, time management, commonly asked exam-related queries and key CBSE contact information.In addition, tele-counselling services will be available from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm on weekdays, allowing students and parents to interact directly with a panel of 73 trained professionals, including principals, counsellors, special educators and psychologists. While 61 counsellors are based in India, the remaining are located in countries such as Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman and the UAE, ensuring wider outreach.CBSE has also made digital resources on stress management and effective study strategies available on its official website, urging students and parents to actively use these services during the exam season.