The helpline (011-65978181) that targets distressed students preparing for board exams is manned by 15 trained volunteer counsellors.

"The helpline will be available till March 2 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.," said Abdul Mabood, Director, Snehi. "In 2008, we attended to 1,040 calls related to exams stress. Out of these 922 (88.65 per cent) callers were students who were psychologically distressed," said Mabood.

The helpline, which has been running from 1999, also received calls from parents and relatives of students.

"Out of the 922 students, who were helped through telephonic and face to face counselling, 835 (90.56 per cent) were preparing for Class X and XII board exams. The rest were students from junior classes," revealed Mabood.

An analysis of the calls has revealed that 242 (26.24 per cent) students were having severe psychological problems.

"At least nine students talked about committing suicide. So it is very important for parents to talk to their children and make sure that their stress levels are low," said Mabood.