Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the UPSC examination. They dedicate the golden years of their lives and invest their invaluable time, energy, and commitment in this journey. Yet, due to the limited number of seats, only a small fraction make it to the final list and become civil servants.
But not being selected does not mean the others are incapable or unworthy. These aspirants have proven their ability by clearing multiple stages of one of the world’s toughest examinations. Their talent, discipline, and dedication deserve recognition beyond the final merit list.
To bridge this gap and unlock new opportunities, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched a transformative initiative – the PRATIBHA Setu Portal.
What is PRATIBHA Setu?
PRATIBHA Setu (Professional Resource And Talent Integration Bridge for Hiring Aspirants) is a strategic platform that connects highly skilled, non-recommended candidates with potential employers. It is an evolved version of the earlier Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS), launched in 2018.
Through PRATIBHA Setu, verified employers—including ministries, PSUs, autonomous bodies, academic institutions, and private organizations—can securely access the biodata of aspirants who cleared all stages of UPSC examinations but were not finally recommended.
Why PRATIBHA Setu Matters
- Recognizing Talent: It ensures that the years of effort put in by aspirants do not go unnoticed.
- Second Gateway: Offers aspirants a new path to serve the nation and society beyond the civil services.
- Bridging Opportunities: Helps institutions hire candidates who are nearly as meritorious as those who secured final selection.
Who Can Participate?
Eligible Examinations
Non-recommended willing candidates from the following UPSC examinations can register:
- Civil Services Examination (CSE)
- Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS)
- Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination (CAPF)
- Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
- Combined Geo-Scientist Examination
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination
- Indian Economic Service / Indian Statistical Service (IES/ISS) Examination
- Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination
Excluded Examinations
This scheme does not cover the NDA & NA Examination or the Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCEs) such as CBI (DSP) LDCE, CISF AC(EXE) LDCE, and S.O./Steno (GE-B/GD-I) LDCE.
How Does It Work?
Earlier, under the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS), UPSC published the list of non-recommended candidates on its website.
Now, under PRATIBHA Setu:
- Candidate details are shared only with consent.
- Organizations receive secure login credentials to browse and shortlist candidates.
- Private organizations can also register directly through the UPSC portal.
This new system provides a transparent, streamlined, and ethical way for employers to recruit from a ready-made pool of exceptionally talented individuals.
Conclusion
PRATIBHA Setu is more than just a platform—it is a recognition of the resilience, potential, and dedication of UPSC aspirants. For candidates, it is a second gateway to shine. For employers, it is an opportunity to tap into a highly capable talent pool that can contribute meaningfully to governance, policy, research, education, healthcare, and corporate leadership.
In essence, PRATIBHA Setu reminds us that success is not limited to selection—it also lies in service, skill, and contribution.
Ref. UPSC Website
https://upsconline.gov.in/miscellaneous/pdoiac/
