UPSC Introduces 'Pratibha Setu' to Help Candidates Missing Final List Secure Jobs

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched a new initiative called ‘Pratibha Setu’, designed to support candidates who reach the final interview stage of its competitive examinations but narrowly miss securing a spot in the merit list. Announced on August 31, 2025, and highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 125th episode of his Mann Ki Baat address, this platform aims to bridge the gap between highly qualified candidates and potential employers in both public and private sectors.

Why the Initiative Matters

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is regarded as one of the toughest in the country. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the exam, but only a select few make it to the final merit list. Many candidates who successfully clear the preliminary, mains, and even the personality test (interview) still fail to secure a final spot due to narrow margins. Until now, these candidates had limited avenues to showcase their skills despite demonstrating exceptional knowledge and capability.

Recognizing this challenge, UPSC has created ‘Pratibha Setu’ (Resource and Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants), a digital platform to provide deserving candidates new opportunities.

PM Modi’s Endorsement

Speaking during Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiative, saying,
“Every year, thousands of capable candidates reach the interview stage of UPSC examinations but fall short by just a few marks. They are then forced to prepare for new exams, investing more time and money. To address this, UPSC has introduced the ‘Pratibha Setu Portal,’ where details of such candidates will be made available. Registered government departments, PSUs, and private companies can access this data to identify and recruit talented individuals.”

What is ‘Pratibha Setu’?

Initially known as the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) when it was launched in 2018, the program has now been renamed ‘Pratibha Setu.’ It is a digital database where candidates who clear all three stages of UPSC exams but do not appear in the final merit list can voluntarily share their profiles.

Once a candidate opts in, their details—including educational background, contact information, and examination history—are shared with registered recruiters. These recruiters may include:

• Central government departments

• Public sector undertakings (PSUs)

• Recognized private companies

Through login credentials provided by UPSC, these institutions can access verified candidate profiles and offer suitable job opportunities.

Scope and Data Availability

According to UPSC, the database currently hosts details of over 10,000 qualified candidates. These individuals have proven their merit by clearing all examination stages but were left out of the final selection list. With access to such a vast talent pool, employers now have a streamlined way to connect with skilled professionals who are already trained in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and administration.

Examinations Covered Under the Scheme

The ‘Pratibha Setu’ initiative covers multiple UPSC examinations, including:

• Civil Services Examination (CSE)

• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)

• Engineering Services Examination (ESE)

• Indian Forest Service (IFS)

• Combined Defence Services (CDS)

• Combined Medical Services (CMS)

• Economic and Statistical Services (IES/ISS)

• Geoscientist Services (CGSE)

This wide coverage ensures that candidates across diverse fields—from administration to medicine and engineering—get a fair chance to explore employment opportunities.

A Step Towards Reducing Talent Wastage

The introduction of ‘Pratibha Setu’ reflects a proactive effort to reduce talent wastage. Often, candidates who miss the UPSC final list end up restarting their preparation cycle, which leads to financial and emotional strain. By opening doors to government institutions, PSUs, and private organizations, this initiative helps candidates channel their skills into meaningful careers.

Conclusion

With the launch of ‘Pratibha Setu’, UPSC has taken a forward-looking step to connect unplaced yet highly skilled candidates with prospective employers. This initiative not only acknowledges the hard work of thousands of aspirants but also ensures that their efforts don’t go unnoticed. For India, it is a significant step in harnessing untapped talent for nation-building.