In an effort to reach out to the students who are getting ready for the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) Board exams, Hindustan Times Education, in collaboration with AISCAP (Association of Indian School Counselors and Allied Professionals) started an exam stress helpline from January 5, 2015.

Over a span of two months, the helpline got a overwhelmingly positive response from students across the country, especially from cities like Chandigarh, Lucknow, Pune and Bihar. Different modes of communication, including telephonic and online counseling were used to reach out to the examinees during this time. On an average, about 70-100 calls were answered by a team of counselors. The students had questions regarding uncertainties of career choice, defining study approach, dealing with parental pressure, preparing for the exams, low confidence and health-related issues.

Dr Jitendra Nagpal, Senior Psychiatrist in Moolchand Medcity:

"The helpline was started keeping the diversity of students and topographic spread in mind. The USP of the helpline was the guaranteed 24-hour availability of trained professionals."

It’s not just the students appearing in Class 10 and Class 12 Board exams that brought the facility into use, aspirants appearing in JEE Mains exam used it too.

Meena Ramesh, a Teacher:

"Being a teacher and parent, there was an increased pressure on me as the boards were approaching. With the helpline I got tips on how to handle stress and learnt how to make a timetable for my child. After detailed discussion with the counselor I was able to help my son overcome exam stress and stop nagging him.”