UPSC Announces 'PRATIBHA Setu' to Assist Candidates Who Fall Short of Final Merit List
Those who make it up to the last rounds of CDS, CAPF, or other UPSC exams but just fall short of making the merit list have reasons to cheer. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced PRATIBHA Setu (Professional Resource And Talent Integration Bridge for Hiring Aspirants) – an online platform that seeks to bridge the gap between talented candidates and career prospects outside the examination framework.
Released in June 2025, this program superseded the previous Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) of 2018 with more sophisticated features and greater reach. In contrast to its forerunner, PRATIBHA Setu offers a central repository of candidates plus an interactive employers' dashboard, ensuring that recruitment becomes easier and clearer.
Some of the main highlights of PRATIBHA Setu:
- Wide Examination Coverage: UPSC Civil Services, Engineering Services, Indian Forest Service, Combined Medical Services, CAPF, CDS, IES/ISS, and Geo-Scientist exam candidates are included.
- Access by Employers: Ministries, PSUs, universities, and private sector organizations (with authentic CINs) can safely view profiles and engage with candidates.
- Exclusions: NDA & NA Examination and Limited Departmental Competitive Exams like CISF AC (EXE) LDCE or CBI-DSP LDCE are not included in the initiative.
- By this portal, the hiring officers are able to search profiles, shortlist the candidates, and contact them directly for recruitment opportunities.
Officials pointed out that each year, thousands of hopefuls pass tough rounds of UPSC's most challenging exams but get disappointing because of the vacancies being short. PRATIBHA Setu recognizes their talent, hard work, and perseverance, and provides alternative means for them to serve and contribute to the country.
Already, the databank has more than 10,000 candidates' details, providing a ready pool of talent to organizations that wish to recruit based on merit. As a senior official put it:
"Cleared UPSC is not so much about getting a job — it's about proving service, ability, and endurance. PRATIBHA Setu embodies all these ideals."
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