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In a significant move to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched a new initiative titled ‘Pratibha Setu’, aimed at providing a second chance to thousands of candidates who cleared all stages of prestigious UPSC recruitment exams but narrowly missed the final merit list. Officially rolled out on June 19, 2025, Pratibha Setu is an evolved version of the earlier Public Disclosure Scheme initiated in 2018. This new digital platform opens doors for over 10,000 highly qualified candidates from exams like Civil Services, Indian Forest Services (IFS), Engineering Services, Combined Defence Services (CDS), CAPF, and others. The initiative ensures that talent does not go to waste simply because of the limited number of final selections in government exams.
Pratibha Setu operates as a secured digital database, where the biodata of non-recommended but high-performing candidates is shared—with their consent—with verified recruiters. The platform has been designed to allow government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), NGOs, think tanks, and even private companies to access detailed profiles of these candidates, including their qualifications, marks, and interview performance. Unlike the previous disclosure scheme which only offered a list of names and roll numbers, Pratibha Setu is interactive and user-friendly. Employers can now log in through verified credentials, search using filters like exam type, qualification, or scores, and contact suitable candidates directly for job opportunities, internships, or research assignments.

This initiative is a win-win for both candidates and recruiters. For aspirants, it offers renewed hope and visibility in a highly competitive landscape. Many of these candidates are top-notch, having cleared multiple levels of written exams and personality tests, and only missed the final cut by a narrow margin. For employers, this platform is a goldmine—providing access to a pre-screened pool of talented individuals who have already proven their academic and analytical abilities. The time, effort, and cost saved in recruiting such candidates are substantial, and it brings much-needed transparency and efficiency into hiring processes.
The introduction of Pratibha Setu signifies UPSC’s broader vision to ensure that talent, effort, and merit are recognized beyond the constraints of limited vacancies. It is a progressive step toward optimizing national human resources and expanding career pathways for aspirants who deserve a platform to showcase their abilities. With time, this platform is expected to evolve further, building stronger bridges between India’s meritorious youth and the institutions that need them the most.