Ranchi, May 26: The day the CBSE Class XII examination result was announced, Sukant Shandilya was shattered.

The science student of Cambrian Public School was shocked to find that he had scored only 71 per cent. But after a call at one of the counselling helplines started by CBSE, Sukant is much relaxed now.

“After the talk, I have realised that fetching low marks is not the end of one’s career. The counsellor suggested me to explore options in the commerce field,” he said.

Sukant is not alone. Many other students are approaching the counsellors, who have been offering guidance over telephone from May 20. The free sessions will continue till June 3. But the service is on offer for only CBSE Class X and XII pass-outs.

As many as 38 principals, trained counsellors from CBSE affiliated schools, psychologists and social scientists have been roped in to counsel the students from 8 am to 8pm everyday. Some of the numbers are 09810435544, (Geetanjali Kumar) between 8 am to 12 noon, 09899105129 (P.C. Bose) from 4pm to 8pm, 09810937187 (Vinita Kaul) between 12 noon and 4pm and 09971091980 (P. Anjali Metha).

One of the counsellors, Deepti Singh, said every day, she was getting around 150 calls. “Mainly students who have secured between 50 and 60 per cent are approaching me to enquire about career choices,” she said.