UPSC Launches ‘Pratibha Setu’ to Connect Top Candidates with Private Employers

In a groundbreaking move to link India’s untapped pool of top exam performers with meaningful career opportunities, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched “Pratibha Setu”—a digital platform that allows government and private sector employers to access details of non-recommended, willing candidates who cleared all stages of UPSC exams but narrowly missed the final merit list. The initiative, previously known as the Public Disclosure Scheme, is aimed at unlocking talent that nearly made it into the nation’s premier civil services.

Why in News?

On June 20, 2025, UPSC officially launched the Pratibha Setu platform. It enables verified employers to recruit qualified but non-recommended candidates. This marks a significant shift in UPSC’s engagement with the private sector and job market.

Background

The Public Disclosure Scheme, previously run by UPSC, published details of candidates who,

• Cleared written exams and interviews.
• Gave consent to share their details publicly.
• However, it was limited to static disclosure on the website.

What is Pratibha Setu?

• A rebranded and upgraded version of the Public Disclosure Scheme.
• Acts as a bridge (Setu) between deserving candidates and hiring organisations.
• Provides a secure login-based portal to access candidate information.
• Enables voluntary recruitment of aspirants by registered employers.

Key Features

• Covers non-recommended candidates who cleared all stages of UPSC exams.
• Participation is voluntary—candidates must opt-in to share their profiles.
• Verified employers (both government and private sector) get login access.
• Aims to tap “almost equally meritorious” talent pool left out of the final list.

Objective

• Enhance employability and visibility of UPSC aspirants who narrowly miss selection.
• Build a talent pipeline for organisations seeking skilled, filtered candidates.
• Foster public-private synergy in tapping India’s intellectual capital.

Significance

• A win-win solution—candidates get job opportunities and companies get top talent.
• Adds social value by preventing candidate disillusionment after years of preparation.
• Encourages multi-sectoral absorption of high-performing individuals.