UPSC launches Pratibha Setu

UPSC launches Pratibha Setu

Why in News UPSC launches Pratibha Setu? 

Recently, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) introduced ‘Pratibha Setu’, aiming to connect non-recommended yet qualified candidates with employers. This initiative has drawn attention for creating new employment pathways beyond final merit lists.

What is Pratibha Setu?

• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has unveiled a progressive and inclusive platform named ‘Pratibha Setu’.
• The term ‘Pratibha Setu’, literally translated as Talent Bridge, symbolises a new gateway that connects deserving candidates with organisations looking for top-tier human resources. 
• The UPSC developed this initiative to utilise the potential of those candidates who successfully clear all stages of competitive exams, including the personality test, but do not feature in the final selection list.
• It acknowledges that these candidates, although not recommended officially, possess knowledge, aptitude, and discipline comparable to those who are selected. 
• The system opens up a new realm of employment access, allowing verified employers to consider these individuals for roles in their respective domains.
• Background: Previously this initiative was known as the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS). Earlier, the names and basic information of non-recommended candidates used to be publicly posted on UPSC’s official website. 
  • The Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) officially came into existence on August 20, 2018.
  • The scheme was initially tested with the Combined Medical Services Examination of 2017, where UPSC began releasing names of candidates who had performed well but were not selected. 

Employer Registration Process on Pratibha Setu Portal

• Eligibility: Private companies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) that are legally recognised can become part of the Pratibha Setu network by initiating the registration process.

• Use of CIN: To proceed with registration, each organisation must provide its Corporate Identification Number (CIN), which acts as a unique identity marker for validation purposes.
• Verification: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) API is integrated into the portal to automatically verify the legitimacy of the CIN, ensuring only genuine employers gain access to the candidate database.

Objectives of Pratibha Setu

• • Empowering Deserving Candidates: The central purpose of the Pratibha Setu initiative is to recognise and uplift those individuals who, despite clearing all stages of UPSC examinations, do not find their names in the final selection list. These candidates often miss the cutoff by a narrow margin, yet they have demonstrated exceptional competence throughout the process. Pratibha Setu offers them an alternate channel to showcase their capabilities.

• Bridging the Gap: The programme aims to build a dynamic bridge between high-calibre aspirants and potential recruiters, especially in sectors that demand discipline, analytical reasoning, and leadership potential. By allowing verified organisations to access a database of top-performing candidates, UPSC ensures that valuable human capital does not go untapped. 

• Promoting Wider Use: Pratibha Setu intends to repurpose the assessment data into a recruitment resource that benefits both the candidates and organisations looking for competent professionals. This maximises the utility of the examination process.

• Creating Voluntary Talent Exchange Platform: Pratibha Setu has been designed with transparency and voluntary participation as its foundation. Candidates are included in the platform only after their informed and willing consent, and employers are given regulated access via UPSC’s secure portal. This ensures a fair and credible recruitment environment.

Key Features and Components of Pratibha Setu

• Secure Portal Access: Employers from both government departments and private enterprises are given unique login credentials to access candidate profiles. This secure access ensures that only verified entities can explore the platform, thus protecting candidate information while maintaining transparency.

• • Database of Qualified Candidates: The platform features an extensive collection of candidate data—those who have successfully cleared all phases of the UPSC exams but did not secure a final recommendation. This exclusive database, consisting of more than 10,000 aspirants, transforms previously overlooked merit into a talent pool for diverse sectors.

• Multiple Prestigious Examinations: Pratibha Setu integrates candidates from various UPSC examinations. This includes Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Combined Medical Services, Central Armed Police Forces, Engineering Services, and several other renowned examinations. Each of these tests assesses distinct abilities.

Availability of Soft Biodata: Employers registered on the platform can access condensed candidate profiles, commonly referred to as soft biodata. These documents provide essential details such as educational qualifications, examination history, and contact information, allowing recruiters to shortlist candidates effectively without needing exhaustive background checks.