Pre-exam counselling sessions for Indian school students

Muscat: Students of class X and XII in the Indian schools in Oman can access free counselling sessions ahead of their upcoming board examinations.
The initiative has been launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education, and is aimed at helping students ease their anxieties and write their exams with clear heads and a minimum amount of distraction. In Oman, this programme is being run by the Board of Directors for Indian Schools in the Sultanate of Oman.
“The multiple modes of the CBSE Counselling 2020 programme will have various facilities such as tele-counselling (in and outside India) and an interactive voice response system (IVRS), question-answer columns, audio-visual content and social media,” said a statement from the board of directors. “CBSE had introduced IVRS last year for the first time and looking at the advantages, this facility has been strengthened with updated FAQs and information regarding the board this year.
“The students, parents and stakeholders can listen to pre-recorded useful information on tackling board exams including tips for better preparation, time and stress management, important contact details of CBSE offices and FAQs,” added the board statement.
“This special facility is designed as part of the board’s outreach programme which caters to the heterogeneous student and parent population and vast geographical network of schools inside and outside India.
This counselling service commenced from February 1, 2020, while the students prepare for exams, and will continue up to 30 March, 2020 when they appear for exams. Live tele-counselling will be provided by principals and trained counsellors from within CBSE-affiliated schools located in India (95) and outside India (22). It is a free of cost service provided by the board from 8 am to 10 pm on all days.
“In addition to the live tele-counselling, CBSE experts will answer the queries of students through weekly question-answer columns to be published in major national newspapers in India during the month of February,” added the board.
The public can access the comprehensive audio-visual presentation under the title ‘Knowing Children Better’ at www.cbse.nic.in by clicking on the tab ‘Counselling’ and watch videos on various topics, such as aggression, internet addiction disorder, depression, exam anxiety, specific learning disability, substance use disorder, and life skills.
CBSE will also utilise YouTube, Facebook and Instagram for promoting healthy practices, sharing important messages and connecting with students in a proactive way. Tips and FAQs will also be shared on these platforms for students.
Contacts of the CBSE-designated counsellors at Indian School Muscat from February 1 to March 30.
Preshob Valapilakandy, 95819545 from 4pm to 8pm, Bubly Devarajan, 93542042 from 4pm to 8pm, Tanuja Sharma, 92641780 from 8am to 4pm, Bincy M Ezahac, 97848955 from 4pm to 10pm, Vinshita Jhala, 78259639 from 8am to 12 noon, Regi Oommen, 94662238 from 12 noon to 4 pm.