With just days left to boards, CBSE helpline lies barren

CBSE may have introduced the facility of Centralized Toll Free Access with the aim to provide students with guidance during exams preparation but the students are yet to reap benefits from it.

CBSE may have introduced the facility of Centralized Toll Free Access with the aim to provide students with guidance during exams preparation but the students are yet to reap benefits from it.

CBSE, on February 2, released toll free number 1800 11 8004 for students all over the country claiming that students would now have centralized access to the helpline.

The operators would answer the general queries and in case of need, students would be connected to the principals or counsellors.

However, students are having a bitter experience as according to a few, they are unable to connect the number with the helpline.

“The toll free number is of no use as despite of various attempts, I was unable to connect to it. Moreover, online counseling is a very hazy and long process. Fortunately, I managed to contact a CBSE counsellor available in the city after numerous attempts,” said Saurabh Sharma, a Class 12 student.

Rakesh Sachdeva, principal of DAV Model Senior Secondary School and one of the two deputed CBSE counselors in the city for the stress management, said she has not received many calls from students.

“In the initial stage of the launch of the helpline this year, I received four to five calls on an average which is the case now. As there are just a few days left to the board exams, I am not getting calls anymore. Interestingly, some students who did not study the whole year and are now under great stress called me in anxiety,” she said.

Talking about the nature of queries from the students, she said that some students had very innocent and genuine problems.

“Students usually called up to share their stress. I got a call from a student stating that he was unable to study at home as he had to look after his younger sister since his parents had to go to their respective jobs. Some were really depressed with less time left for the preparation and thus I had to give them tips accordingly like they need to focus on the main topics and should start their revision. Moreover I suggested them early morning studies too”, she added.

In order to facilitate students of the government schools in the city, UT education department also started a helpline to reduce stress among students.

The helpline would remain functional from February 10 till March 31.

Devinder Singh, a maths teacher, stated that he did not get many calls from the students.

“I just get two queries a day on average now. Students usually want to know the most important chapters and the division of marks per chapter,” he said.