UPSC launches ‘Pratibha Setu’ – A second chance for aspirants

In a significant move to support UPSC aspirants who narrowly missed the final cut, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced a new digital platform named Pratibha Setu. This initiative gives deserving candidates another path to career opportunities beyond civil services.

What Is Pratibha Setu?

Pratibha Setu stands for Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants. It replaces the earlier Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) and serves as a
talent-matching platform connecting UPSC aspirants, who cleared all exam stages but were not selected with employers from both government and private sectors.

How It Works

Candidates who clear prelims, mains, and interviews yet miss out on the final merit list can voluntarily opt into Pratibha Setu by giving consent, usually during the UPSC application process.

Verified employers, such as central ministries, PSUs, autonomous agencies, and private firms can then register on the platform. Private companies must provide a Corporate Identity Number (CIN) for verification. Once approved, organisations gain access to candidate profiles, including educational background, exam performance, and contact details, enabling contact for potential recruitment.

Why It Matters

• Optimises talent use: Thousands of highly capable candidates remain untapped simply because they missed the final cut by small margins. Pratibha Setu gives them visibility and hope.
  
• Benefits employers: Institutions gain access to a pool of well-assessed, high-merit candidates , streamlining their recruitment efforts.
  
• Success in action: For instance, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) recruited 451 UPSC aspirants as Insurance Medical Officers through Pratibha Setu—candidates who cleared the Combined Medical Services Exam in 2022 and 2023, but didn’t make the final list.