The Union Public service Commission (UPSC) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative called ‘Pratibha Setu’ to help candidates who reach the final interview stage of UPSC exams but narrowly miss the merit list. Announced on 31 august 2025 and highlighted by PM Narendra Modi during the 125th episode of Mann Ki Baat, this platform connects deserving candidates with potential employers in both public and private sectors.


1. Why ‘Pratibha Setu’ Matters

Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for UPSC exams like the Civil services Examination, but only a few make it to the final merit list. Many candidates who clear the prelims, mains, and personality test still miss out by a few marks. Until now, these talented candidates had limited avenues to showcase their skills or secure suitable employment.

Recognizing this gap, UPSC created ‘Pratibha Setu’, a digital platform where candidates can share their profiles voluntarily, giving them a second chance to be recruited by government departments, PSUs, and private organizations.


2. PM Modi’s Endorsement

During Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi emphasized:

"Thousands of capable candidates reach the UPSC interview stage but fall short by just a few marks. They then have to restart their preparation. ‘Pratibha Setu’ ensures that their talent is recognized, and recruiters can connect with them directly."

The initiative ensures that these candidates can save time, effort, and resources while still leveraging their UPSC preparation for employment.


3. What is ‘Pratibha Setu’?

Initially launched in 2018 as the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS), it has now been rebranded as ‘Pratibha Setu’.

Key features include:

  • Candidates who clear all UPSC stages but miss the final merit list can voluntarily register.
  • Profiles include educational background, contact details, and exam history.
  • Registered employers, including central government departments, PSUs, and private companies, can access verified profiles via UPSC-provided login credentials.
  • Over 10,000 qualified candidates are already part of this database.


4. Examinations Covered

‘Pratibha Setu’ spans multiple UPSC exams, including:

This ensures candidates from diverse fields—administration, engineering, medicine, and research—can explore job opportunities.


5. Reducing Talent Wastage

Previously, candidates who narrowly missed selection had to restart the exam cycle, incurring financial and emotional strain. ‘Pratibha Setu’ addresses this issue by:

  • Providing direct employment opportunities
  • Saving preparation time and resources
  • Acknowledging the talent of aspirants who have already cleared rigorous UPSC stages

This is a proactive step to harness untapped talent for nation-building.


Conclusion

The launch of ‘Pratibha Setu’ ensures that highly skilled candidates do not go unrecognized. By connecting them with government and private sector opportunities, UPSC is bridging the gap between talent and employment, reducing talent wastage, and helping aspirants make the most of their hard work.

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Kokila Chokkanathan

01/09/2025 09:07 PM