PRATIBHA Setu, which stands for Professional Resource And Talent Integration - Bridge for Hiring Aspirants, is a new digital platform launched by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in June 2025. It aims to connect employers with candidates who cleared all stages of major UPSC exams but weren't recommended for final selection. This initiative seeks to provide these highly qualified individuals with alternative career opportunities in government, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private organizations.

Background

The platform builds upon and replaces the earlier Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS), which was launched in 2018. PRATIBHA Setu enhances the PDS with improved digital functionality and a broader reach. The PDS was initially introduced to disclose the details of non-recommended willing candidates, starting with the Combined Medical Services Examination in 2017. Recognizing the PDS's success, the UPSC rebranded it as PRATIBHA Setu to reflect its broader objective of bridging talent and recruitment.

Key Features

• Centralized Online Repository: PRATIBHA Setu serves as a centralized online repository of verified candidates who have cleared all stages of major UPSC examinations but were not recommended for final selection.
• Multiple Exams Covered: The platform includes candidates from various UPSC exams, such as the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Engineering Services, Indian Forest Service, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Combined Defence Services (CDS), Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service (IES/ISS), Combined Medical Services, and Geo-Scientist exams. However, it excludes candidates from exams like the National Defence Academy (NDA), Naval Academy (NA), and certain Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCEs).
• Voluntary Participation: Only aspirants who opt-in will have their biodata shared on the platform.
• Employer Access: Registered employers, including ministries, PSUs, academic institutions, and private companies, can browse candidate profiles through a secure dashboard. Private companies need to provide their Corporate Identity Number (CIN) for verification.
• Candidate Information: Employers can access candidates' biodata, educational qualifications, exam performance details, and contact information.

How It Works

1. Registration: Employers from both the central government and private sectors can register on the PRATIBHA Setu portal.
2. Verification: After verification, employers receive login credentials to access the candidate database.
3. Access to Database: Employers can access a database containing candidates' basic biodata, including their educational background and contact information (with their consent).
4. Recruitment: Employers can identify and recruit suitable candidates based on their requirements from this pool of highly skilled individuals.

Benefits

• For Candidates: PRATIBHA Setu offers recognition of talent beyond selection lists and provides new career opportunities. It also serves as a platform to showcase discipline, analytical skills, and hard work.
• For Employers: The platform provides access to highly competitive, motivated, and trained individuals. It also offers an opportunity to bring UPSC-level talent into their workforce.
• Reduces Talent Waste: By connecting employers with qualified candidates who narrowly missed the final merit list, PRATIBHA Setu ensures that India's intellectual capital is not wasted.
• Promotes Transparency: The platform ensures ethical sharing of personal data with candidate consent as a cornerstone. It also formalizes and institutionalizes recognition for the efforts of UPSC candidates who clear all stages but miss out due to cutoffs.

PM Modi's Announcement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted PRATIBHA Setu in his "Mann Ki Baat" address, emphasizing its role in providing a second chance to thousands of UPSC aspirants. He referred to the initiative as a "bridge of talent" and noted that the platform already contains the details of over 10,000 talented youth.

Conclusion

PRATIBHA Setu is a visionary initiative that redefines success in the UPSC ecosystem. It acknowledges the merit of aspirants who clear the toughest stages but fall short due to structural constraints. By opening up new doors across sectors, UPSC is ensuring that such talent does not go unutilized. The platform embodies the spirit of service, skill, and resilience.