Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the Pratibha Setu Portal, a fresh initiative aimed at effectively utilising the talent of UPSC aspirants who reached the final selection stages but were not appointed. This platform seeks to connect these skilled individuals with opportunities in both government and private sectors.
PM Modi highlighted that more than 11 lakh appointment letters have been issued through Rozgar Melas and announced the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana to create employment for 3.5 crore youth. The government emphasises that its efforts extend beyond government jobs, with skill training and job linkage platforms such as the National Career Service playing a significant role in broadening employment access.
What is the Pratibha Setu Portal?
The Pratibha Setu Portal is a rebranded and upgraded version of the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS), which has been active since August 2018. It publicly shares the biodata of UPSC candidates who cleared written exams and appeared for the personality test but were not recommended in the final selection process.
Originally started by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the scheme has expanded over time to include candidates from various UPSC exams including Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Engineering Services, Central Armed Police Forces, Combined Geo-Scientist, CDS, IES/ISS, and Combined Medical Services.
However, some exams such as NDA and NA along with certain Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations are excluded.
Who Benefits and How Will It Help?
The portal focuses on nearly 33,950 candidates out of 52,910 aspirants who were not appointed after final interviews in UPSC exams. By digitally connecting these talented individuals with prospective employers across government and private sectors, it aims to ensure their abilities are recognised and utilised effectively.
This initiative supports and complements larger schemes like the Skill India Mission, which provides vocational training, and the National Career Service, which has made over 7 crore job vacancies accessible.
The government’s larger mission, highlighted by PM Modi, involves generating employment for millions through schemes such as the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, further empowering the youth.
PM Narendra Modi’s Address on Youth Potential
In his speech during the Rozgar Mela, PM Modi emphasised that UPSC aspirants’ efforts are not wasted but rather redirected towards nation-building through this portal. He stated, “Optimal utilisation of youth talent via the portal will showcase India’s youth potential to the world.”
He described Rozgar Melas as platforms that have already issued over 11 lakh appointment letters, transforming dreams into jobs. PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to creating opportunities beyond government service, encouraging private sector involvement to ensure a wider spectrum of employment avenues.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The launch of the Pratibha Setu Portal marks a positive step towards inclusive employment policies by recognising the vast pool of skilled aspirants whose potential may otherwise remain untapped.
In a nation abundant with young talent, platforms like these can foster a more equitable job market that transcends traditional government roles. While technology plays a vital role in connecting talent to opportunities, sustained transparency and supportive ecosystems are critical for real impact.
News in Q&A
Q1: Who is launching the Pratibha Setu Portal, and what is its purpose?
The Pratibha Setu Portal is a government-backed initiative announced in July 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that aims to connect UPSC aspirants—those who reached the final interview but weren’t selected—to potential employers in government and private sectors. This strategic move seeks to unlock the untapped potential of these highly qualified candidates, turning their experience into opportunities beyond the typical civil services path.
Q2: Who can benefit from the portal, and what exams does it cover?
Any candidate who cleared the written and interview stages in major UPSC exams but didn’t make the final selection can opt in. The portal covers Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Engineering Services, CAPF, CDS, CMS, IES/ISS, and Geo-Scientist exams. However, candidates from NDA, NA, and specific departmental exams are excluded. Voluntary participation ensures that only interested candidates’ biodata is shared.
Q3: How does the Pratibha Setu Portal help aspirants find jobs?
The portal provides registered employers—including ministries, PSUs, universities, and private companies—with secure access to candidate profiles containing educational qualifications and contact details. Organisations can use a streamlined dashboard to shortlist, interview, and recruit directly from this talent pool, offering a second chance to aspirants who narrowly missed selection through the traditional UPSC process.
Q4: What are the latest government efforts and statistics mentioned by PM Modi?
PM Modi stated that over 11 lakh appointment letters have been issued through nationwide Rozgar Melas, and the wider PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana aims to generate employment for 3.5 crore youth. Platforms like Skill India Mission and National Career Service have made more than 7 crore vacancies accessible, indicating a broad government push for employment beyond the public sector.
Q5: Are there any allegations, speculations, or criticisms associated with this scheme?
So far, the launch of Pratibha Setu has been welcomed as a forward-thinking, transparent strategy to address India’s talent surplus and job market needs. Officials and academic institutions such as IIM Udaipur publicly support the move, noting its role in acknowledging intellectual rigor and social contribution. However, some speculate about the level of private sector participation and urge regular impact assessments to track employment outcomes and inclusivity.
