UPSC Pratibha Setu: 2nd Chance For Talent, Helping Hand For Recruiters

Earlier known as the Public Disclosure Scheme, the government’s top recruiter will allow PSU (public sector unit) and corporate employers to connect with talent who have cleared the UPSC entrance — often called India's toughest competitive examination — but haven't been recommended for absorption within the civil services.

Now, prospective employers can access details of willing candidates who have cleared all stages of the UPSC exams but didn’t make it to the final merit list. UPSC officials said they hoped Pratibha Setu would give a second gateway for meritorious civil service aspirants who missed the bus.

Earlier, the list of willing candidates who had not been absorbed by the services was released under the Public Disclosure Scheme. Now, the commission provides login IDs to potential employers, including private organisations that have registered with the portal, to voluntarily recruit these candidates.

The initiative segues into the 2023 Civil Services Examination (CSE) results.

Rebranding For Extra Push

According to officials, the Public Disclosure Scheme was launched in August 2018, following a decision by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to publicly share biodatas of such candidates.

The earliest such disclosure under the previous scheme was made for the Combined Medical Services Examination 2017. Over time, it was expanded to include candidates from multiple examinations for Civil Services, Engineering Services, Central Armed Police Forces, Combined Geo-Scientist, CDS (Combined Defence Services), and IES/ISS (Indian Economic/Statistical Services).

Pratibha Setu is set to cover a pool of over 10,000 non-recommended candidates who are highly skilled and rigorously tested.

How To Use The Portal

User organisations can avail login IDs to get registered on the portal to access the talent pool. Private companies can register using their Corporate Identification Number (CIN), which is verified via the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal.

Some candidates, however, are not covered under this scheme. They include candidates from the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) exams, as well as Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCEs) like CBI (DSP), CISF (executive), and Section Officer/Stenographer.

The new portal includes a simplified dashboard with features like wish-listing, shortlisting, and a selection/rejection interface, allowing employers to navigate the process seamlessly. Each candidate’s biodata, including educational background and contact information, is made available in soft copy format.

The portal is being showcased as a unique initiative that allows employers to tap into exceptional talent. Not only does it offer a second gateway to UPSC aspirants, but it also ensures that their years of preparation and capabilities are not wasted.