What Is 'Pratibha Setu'? UPSC's New Initiative For Non-Selected Candidates
GH News June 21, 2025 08:03 PM

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced a new scheme called 'Pratibha Setu', aimed at bridging top talent with potential employers even for those who slightly missed out on making the final merit list of India’s most competitive examinations.A Second Chance for UPSC AspirantsUnder the 'Pratibha Setu' scheme previously called the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) candidates who cleared all phases of UPSC exams but were not recommended in the final merit list will now have their details shared with authenticated employers. Both central government organizations and private companies fall under this category.Connecting Employers with Top TalentEmployers will be given login details to be able to access the portal to view and hire from a pool of highly qualified candidates. Private companies can also register on their own through the UPSC portal. The platform offers access to the soft biodata of each candidate, including educational qualifications and contact details.Massive Talent Pool Made AccessibleThe database now has more than 10,000 willing candidates who succeeded in all stages of written tests and interviews but failed the final selection. It provides a great opportunity to employers to access a highly qualified pool of talent that could otherwise go undetected.Background of the SchemeLaunched initially as the Public Disclosure Scheme on 20th August 2018, the scheme was first applied in the Combined Medical Services Examination 2017. With the relaunch as 'Pratibha Setu', UPSC seeks to provide these near-miss candidates with a meaningful career path ahead one that extends beyond the merit list.Exams Covered Under 'Pratibha Setu'The program covers candidates from a large list of UPSC-conducted exams, which include:- Civil Services Examination (CSE)- Indian Forest Service (IFS)- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)- Engineering Services Examination (ESE)- Combined Geo-Scientist Examination- Combined Defence Services (CDS)-Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service (IES/ISS)- Combined Medical Services (CMS)