Pratibha Setu: A Second Chance for UPSC Aspirants Missing the Final List

Every year, lakhs of students dream of clearing the UPSC exams. But only a few hundred make it to the final list, leaving thousands who worked equally hard with nothing to show. Until now, these efforts often went unrecognised. That changed with PM Modi’s recent announcement of the Pratibha Setu Portal — a bridge connecting UPSC aspirants who reached the interview stage but missed the final list with top employers in India. It’s a big step toward ensuring talent never goes wasted.

Why Pratibha Setu Matters

  UPSC preparation demands discipline, intelligence, and years of hard work. Even reaching the interview stage is proof of exceptional talent. Yet, many candidates leave empty-handed. Unlike a degree, UPSC attempts rarely add value in the job market. The Pratibha Setu portal solves this by connecting these highly trained aspirants with companies, PSUs, and institutes looking for talent.

What Exactly Is Pratibha Setu?

  The full form of Pratibha Setu is Professional Resource and Talent Integration Bridge for Hiring Aspirants.

  It is a digital recruitment platform showcasing candidates who cleared UPSC mains, appeared for the interview, but were not recommended in the final list.

• Launched in 2025 by PM Modi.
• Acts as a talent bridge between aspirants and recruiters.
• Supported by both private and public sector organisations.

How Did It Evolve?

• 2018: UPSC started publishing names of interview-qualified candidates (with consent).
• 2023–24: A digital database was created.
• 2025: Pratibha Setu officially launched as a full-fledged portal.

Who Is Eligible?

• Candidates who cleared the mains and appeared for the interview in the UPSC exams but missed the final list.
• Written consent is required to list their details.
• Exams covered include Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Engineering Services, Medical Services, CAPF, Economic & Statistical Services, Geo-Scientist, and CDS.
• NDA, Naval Academy, and departmental exams are not included.

How Does the Portal Work?

• After the results, the eligible aspirants’ details are added: education, achievements, exam details, and stage reached.
• Employers (PSUs, MNCs, universities, research bodies) register on the portal and get verified by UPSC.
• Companies can filter candidates by background, skills, or exam performance.
• Example: A bank like SBI can look for aspirants with an economics or finance background.
• Recruitment happens directly between employers and candidates. UPSC has no role in hiring, ensuring transparency.

Current Status and Impact

• 10,000+ aspirants already included.
• 113 companies registered, including top private firms and government-linked organisations.
• Hundreds of aspirants have already been placed.

  This shows that talent, which once went unrecognised, is now being channelled into the workforce.

Benefits for All

• For aspirants: Their years of preparation and knowledge are finally valued. Even if they miss the cut by a few marks, opportunities remain open.
• For employers: Ready access to a disciplined, hardworking, and competitive talent pool without heavy recruitment costs.
• For society and government: Prevents brain drain, ensures talent utilisation, and strengthens human capital.

Why This Is a Big Shift

  India’s recruitment culture has long been “selected vs rejected.” Pratibha Setu breaks that mindset. It recognises effort, skill, and knowledge, even if the candidate missed the final UPSC cut. This aligns with the larger vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” — giving every deserving individual a platform to shine.

Conclusion

The launch of the Pratibha Setu Portal is more than just a government scheme. It’s a recognition of the hard work and discipline that UPSC aspirants put in year after year. Now, instead of wasted years, candidates have a second chance to build meaningful careers in top companies and organisations. For aspirants, the message is clear: even if UPSC doesn’t work out, your effort is not wasted — new doors are opening. Keep preparing, keep growing, and opportunities will find you.