UPSC Explores Measures To Streamline PRATIBHA Setu, But Data Gap Poses Challenge

The PRATIBHA Setu platform was launched to support civil services aspirants who failed to make it to the final merit list by a narrow margin. 

However, the UPSC has run into a stumbling block: the lack of updated information with regard to the recruitment of these candidates. A top official of the UPSC told The Secretariat that the Constitutional board is looking at ways to make the platform more user-friendly and efficient.

“Due to the non-updation of this list, its efficiency has been blunted. There is no mechanism to keep a check on the names of the candidates who have been recruited,” the official said. “This has created a peculiar situation. There are several candidates at the top of this list who have already received job offers, but keep getting multiple calls and offers from the private sector or PSUs. This denies other equally meritorious candidates a chance at being considered, as well as leading to a waste of time of private organisations and already selected candidates," the official stated.    

Such a situation has posed a challenge—repeated yet failed attempts to place candidates are leading to weakening of the platform.  

Lack Of Streamlined Data

At present, there is no mechanism with the UPSC to determine how many candidates have been selected through this platform.

The site has data of more than 10,000 candidates who cleared all stages of the UPSC exams, but did not make it to the final merit list. A soft biodata of the candidates, including their educational qualifications and contact details, is also accessible.

A Second Gateway

Sources stated that the UPSC wants to have a pool of talented candidates for the private sector. "This provides a platform for employers to select non-recommended willing candidates who are almost as meritorious as the recommended candidates, and provides a second gateway for UPSC aspirants to shine beyond the examination," sources said.

The UPSC selection process has also come under some criticism. After the civil service results of 2024 were declared, former Reserve Bank of India Governor Duvvuri Subbarao, an IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, called for a major overhaul of the existing system.

“Congratulations to the thousand-odd candidates who have got through what is arguably one of the most competitive exams in the world,” he wrote in an article published in The Times Of India. However, he pointed out the mental and physical anguish that those who were not selected go through. “For every successful candidate, there are at least ten others who, too, have invested years in preparation but have failed to make the grade. They are back at square one. An abysmal waste of productive years?”

Subbarao prescribed reducing the number of attempts as well as the age limit. Compared to earlier days, when only two attempts were allowed and the age limit was 24 years, at present, a general candidate can appear for the examination six times, OBCs get nine attempts, while SC/ST categories are given unlimited attempts till 37 years. The upper age limit too has been extended to 32 years. This platform can prove to be effective in terms of recruitment for the able candidates.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann ki Baat address, recently said, “All of us have heard many inspiring stories from the toppers of the Civil Services. Young people study under difficult circumstances and through their hard work, get a place in this service, but friends, there is another truth about it.”

“These candidates have to prepare afresh for other exams. That cost both their time and money. That is why, now a digital platform has been created for such sincere students.” He added.

What Is PRATIBHA Setu

PRATIBHA Setu (Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants), formerly known as Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS), a strategic initiative that allows verified employers, including ministries, PSUs, autonomous bodies, and private organisations, to access details of non-recommended willing candidates who cleared all stages of UPSC exams but didn’t make it to the final merit list.

Private organisations can use UPSC-provided login IDs to recruit non-recommended candidates. Further, the private organisations can also register through their own using the Commission’s portal.

Who Is Covered Under PRATIBHA Setu

Non-selected willing candidates of the following examinations are included under this scheme:

• Civil Services Examination
• Indian Forest Service Examination
• Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination
• Engineering Services Examination
• Combined Geo-Scientist Examination
• C.D.S. Examination
• Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination
• Combined Medical Services Examination