Who Can Benefit?
More than 10,000 candidates are currently part of this initiative—those who opted in and gave consent to share their biodata.
The scheme covers a wide range of UPSC exams:
Civil Services (CSE)
Engineering Services (IES)
Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
CAPF
Combined Medical Services (CMS)
Geo-Scientist
Combined Defence Services (CDS)
Indian Economic Service / Indian Statistical Service (IES/ISS)
How Does It Work?
Candidates who didn’t make the final cut but cleared all exam stages can voluntarily opt in and submit their soft biodata—such as qualifications, exam performance, and contact details—for inclusion
Employers (central government bodies, PSUs, autonomous institutions, and private firms with a registered CIN) can register, get verified, and receive secure login credentials to access and browse the candidate database.
Through the interactive dashboard, employers can filter by exam discipline, shortlist or “wish-list” candidates, and contact them directly for interviews and job opportunities
Why It Matters
Talent Recognition: Provides worthy recognition to candidates “almost as meritorious” as final selects—preventing their efforts from going waste.
Career Alternatives: Opens doors to employment across government and private sectors, research institutions, think tanks, academic roles, and more.
Structured and Ethical: Candidate participation is fully voluntary and consent-based, ensuring transparency, control, and data privacy.
Wider Impact: Institutions like IIM Udaipur have already started recognising UPSC-main-qualified candidates—e.g., waiving off CAT/GMAT/GREQ for PhD admissions—highlighting a growing appreciation for the caliber of UPSC aspirants OpIndia.
Forward-Looking Approach: Officials have praised the initiative as a “forward-thinking approach” to talent utilization, aiming to formalize and channel the UPSC aspirant pool into meaningful roles beyond the civil services..
Quick Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | June 2025 (renaming from PDS started in 2018) |
| Eligible Exams | CSE, IES, IFoS, CAPF, CMS, Geo-Scientist, CDS, IES/ISS |
| Candidates Covered | ~10,000+ (opted-in) |
| Employers Allowed | Verified central departments, PSUs, private firms with CIN |
| Benefits | Alternative career opportunities, recognition, resource optimization |
Summary
Pratibha Setu is not just a portal—it’s a lifeline for UPSC aspirants who nearly made the finish line. It transforms disappointment into opportunity, bridging the gap between dedication and meaningful employment. By democratizing access to merit, UPSC is creating a win-win for both aspirants and employers.
