UPSC Introduces 'PRATIBHA Setu' to Connect Qualified Candidates with Employers
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced a digital platform named PRATIBHA Setu (Professional Resource And Talent Integration Bridge for Hiring Aspirants). This platform is designed to link highly qualified UPSC candidates, who narrowly missed being on the final merit list, with potential employers in governmental sectors, public sector undertakings (PSUs), academia, and the private industry.
Launched in June 2025, PRATIBHA Setu replaces the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) of 2018, offering improved features and broader access. Unlike its predecessor, this new initiative provides a centralized online database of candidates and an interactive dashboard for employers, facilitating a more efficient recruitment process.
| Key Features |
|---|
| Wide Exam Coverage: Eligible are candidates from exams such as Civil Services, Engineering Services, Indian Forest Service, Combined Medical Services, CAPF, CDS, IES/ISS, and Geo-Scientist. |
| Voluntary Participation: Candidates who reached the interview stage but were not recommended can choose to share their biodata. |
| Employer Access: Ministries, PSUs, academic institutions, and private companies with valid CINs can securely access candidate profiles. |
| Exclusions: The platform does not cover the NDA & NA Examination and Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (e.g., CBI-DSP LDCE, CISF AC(EXE) LDCE). |
The platform provides employers the ability to search candidate profiles, shortlist individuals, and directly contact candidates for job opportunities.
Officials have stated that this initiative acknowledges the vast potential of numerous candidates who pass multiple stages of UPSC’s rigorous examinations yet miss final selection due to the limited number of vacancies. By fostering transparency and building new career pathways, PRATIBHA Setu seeks to enhance national capacity building while recognizing the effort and dedication of aspirants.
An official highlighted, “Success in UPSC is not just about selection but about service, skill, and resilience. PRATIBHA Setu embodies all three.”
The platform currently hosts data for over 10,000 candidates, offering a comprehensive talent pool for various sectors looking for merit-based recruitment.
