In the 125th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of a new digital platform, ‘Pratibha Setu’, designed to support UPSC aspirants who narrowly missed securing a place in the final merit list. The Prime Minister described the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination as one of the toughest and most prestigious competitive exams in India and highlighted the challenges faced by aspirants who fall short by a small margin despite years of preparation.
Pratibha Setu: A Bridge for UPSC Aspirants
Explaining the purpose of the platform, PM Modi said, “There are thousands of such candidates who are very capable; their hard work is no less than anyone else’s, but they are unable to reach the final list by a small margin. These candidates have to prepare afresh for other exams. That costs both their time and money. That is why, now a digital platform has been created for such sincere students, and its name is ‘Pratibha Setu’.”
The initiative seeks to create a databank of UPSC candidates who cleared all stages of the exam but could not make it to the final merit list. This databank will serve as a resource pool for other opportunities in both government and private sectors.
Over 10,000 UPSC Candidates Registered
According to PM Modi, the Pratibha Setu platform already has details of over 10,000 talented youth who came close to success in UPSC exams but missed out narrowly. By connecting these candidates to future opportunities, the initiative aims to ensure that their knowledge, skills, and dedication do not go to waste.
This effort reflects the government’s broader vision of recognizing talent and ensuring that no hard work goes unrecognized, especially when it comes to UPSC civil services aspirants, many of whom prepare for years under difficult circumstances.
Supporting Civil Services Aspirants Beyond the Exam
During his Mann Ki Baat address, PM Modi praised the inspiring journeys of UPSC toppers, but he also shed light on the struggles of those who reach the interview stage or even clear multiple stages, yet fall short in the final merit list.
He emphasized that such candidates often spend years preparing, sacrificing financial stability and personal opportunities, and their talent should be channeled into productive career paths. ‘Pratibha Setu’ acts as a bridge to connect these aspirants with meaningful avenues where their skills can contribute to society and the nation.
A Digital Platform with National Impact
The UPSC Pratibha Setu platform is expected to play a transformative role in India’s education and employment ecosystem. It will not only reduce the time and resources spent by aspirants on repeated preparation but also create a national talent pool that can be accessed for roles requiring analytical ability, problem-solving skills, and leadership qualities.
With the launch of ‘Pratibha Setu’, PM Narendra Modi has taken a landmark step in supporting the aspirations of thousands of UPSC candidates who narrowly miss out on their dream of entering the civil services. By ensuring that their efforts are recognized and utilized, the government has provided a ray of hope and a new direction for the country’s talented youth.
