BSNL SET 2026 Recruitment : BSNL Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Recruitment 2026 Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has released the official notification for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Direct Recruitment 2026. This is one of the most sought-after government job opportunities for engineering graduates and finance professionals looking to build a rewarding career in India’s largest state-owned telecom company.
BSNL SET 2026 : BSNL Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Recruitment 2026 has a total of 120 vacancies across the Telecom Operations and Finance streams, BSNL is inviting applications exclusively from external (open market) candidates. Selected candidates will be posted anywhere in India and receive the IDA E-3 pay scale along with a structured training programme and a clear career progression path.
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Recruitment 2026 – Complete Notification Guide
🏛️ Government Job 2026 Direct Recruitment for Telecom & Finance Streams from External Candidates | 120 Vacancies | CBT Exam 29 March 2026
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a prestigious Government of India Enterprise under the Department of Telecommunications, has released the official notification for Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Direct Recruitment 2026. This is one of the most sought-after government job opportunities for engineering graduates and finance professionals looking to build a rewarding career in India’s largest state-owned telecom company.
With a total of 120 vacancies across the Telecom Operations and Finance streams, BSNL is inviting applications exclusively from external (open market) candidates. Selected candidates will be posted anywhere in India and receive the IDA E-3 pay scale along with a structured training programme and a clear career progression path.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know — from eligibility, vacancies, and exam pattern to salary, syllabus, and how to apply — based on the official notification.
Overview Summary Table – BSNL SET 2026
| Detail | Information |
| Organization | Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) |
| Post Name | Senior Executive Trainee – DR (Telecom & Finance) |
| Advertisement No. | BSNLCO-11/12(11)/1/2025-RECTT-CO-Part (1) |
| Notification Date | 29 January 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 120 Posts (95 Telecom + 25 Finance) |
| Pay Scale | IDA Pay Scale E-3: Rs. 24,900 – Rs. 50,500/- (pre-revised) |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 Years (relaxation as per govt. norms) |
| Application Start Date | 05 February 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Application Last Date | 07 March 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Editing Window | 08 March 2026 – 15 March 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | 29 March 2026 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online Only – www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India (transferable) |
BSNL SET 2026 Important Dates & Schedule
Candidates must note the following critical dates to avoid missing any deadline:
- 05 Feb 2026 : 🟢 Online Registration Opens
- 07 Mar 2026 : 🔴 Online Registration Closes (Last Date to Apply)
- 08 Mar 2026 : ✏️ Application Editing Window Opens
- 15 Mar 2026 : ⛔ Application Editing Window Closes
- 29 Mar 2026: 🖥️ CBT (Computer Based Test) Exam Date – Tentative
| Event | Date & Time |
| Online Registration Opens | 05 Feb 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Online Registration Closes | 07 Mar 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Application Editing Window Opens | 08 Mar 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Application Editing Window Closes | 15 Mar 2026, 10:00 AM |
| CBT Exam Date (Tentative) | 29 Mar 2026, 10:00 AM |
BSNL SET 2026 – Vacancy Details
A total of 120 posts are notified in two functional streams. The category-wise vacancy distribution is as follows:
| Post Name | Total | SC | ST | OBC (NCL) | EWS | OC/OBC (CL) | PwBD-C | PwBD-D/E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SET (DR) – Telecom Operations Stream | 95 | 14 | 7 | 25 | 9 | 40 | 2 | 2 |
| SET (DR) – Finance Stream | 25 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 11 | 1 | — |
| Total Posts | 120 | 18 | 9 | 31 | 11 | 51 | 3 | 2 |
*PwBD = Persons with Benchmark Disability (minimum 40% disability as per RPwD Act 2016). Reservation is horizontal and as per Central Government guidelines.
BSNL SET 2026 Eligibility – Age Limit
Candidates must be a minimum of 21 years and must not exceed 30 years of age as on the closing date of application receipt (07 March 2026). Age relaxation is provided as per Government of India standing instructions:
| Category | Maximum Age for SET-DR |
|---|---|
| Unreserved / EWS / OBC (CL) | 30 Years |
| OBC (NCL) | 33 Years (30 + 3) |
| SC / ST | 35 Years (30 + 5) |
| PwBD – General / EWS / OBC (CL) | 40 Years (30 + 10) |
| PwBD – OBC (NCL) | 43 Years (30 + 13) |
| PwBD – SC / ST | 45 Years (30 + 15) |
- Age proof: Only Matriculation / Secondary School Leaving Certificate or equivalent will be accepted. No horoscope, affidavit, or municipal birth extract will be considered.
- OBC (NCL) certificate must be issued on or after 01 April 2025 from the competent authority and must mention caste as in the Central Government list.
- EWS Income & Asset Certificate must also be issued on or after 01 April 2025.
- No change of category declared in the online application will ordinarily be permitted after submission.
BSNL SET 2026 Eligibility – Educational Qualifications
Candidates must hold the required qualification as on the closing date of application. Qualifications from Indian Institutes/Universities established by or under an Act of Parliament or State Government (including Deemed Universities under UGC Act 1956) are accepted.
| Stream | Required Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Telecom Operations | B.E. / B.Tech. (or equivalent) with minimum 60% marks on a regular full-time basis in: Electronics & Telecommunication | Electronics | Computer Science | Information Technology | Electrical | Instrumentation (or combination thereof with emerging branches) |
| Finance | Chartered Accountant (CA) from ICAI or Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) from ICMAI |
Note: For CGPA/OGPA/letter grade systems, candidates must submit an equivalent percentage certificate from their university. If the institution has no conversion policy, the percentage is calculated by dividing the candidate’s relative grade by maximum possible grade × 100.
Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply.
BSNL SET 2026 Application & Examination Fee
- General / OBC / EWS ₹2,500 Rupees Two Thousand Five Hundred Only
- SC / ST / PwBD ₹1,250 Rupees One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Only
- Payment mode: Online only — Internet Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card on www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in.
- Fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. It cannot be held in reserve for any other exam or selection.
- No cash, DD, or offline payment will be accepted.
- BSNL does not seek any payment other than the prescribed registration fee — beware of fraudulent notices.
BSNL SET 2026 Selection Process
The selection of candidates is a two-stage process:
- Stage 1 – Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Stage 2 – Document Verification
- Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Stage 1 – Computer Based Test (CBT)
All candidates undergo a Computer Based Multiple Choice Objective Type Test conducted in a single shift of 180 Minutes. The paper consists of two parts:
Exam Pattern – SET (DR) Telecom Stream
| Paper | Particulars | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I (Common) | Aptitude Test | 40 | 40 | 180 Min |
| Part II (Core) | Technical (Telecom) Test | 160 | 160 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | ||
Exam Pattern – SET (DR) Finance Stream
| Paper | Particulars | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I (Common) | Aptitude Test | 40 | 40 | 180 Min |
| Part II (Core) | Technical (Finance) Test | 160 | 160 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | ||
Marking Scheme & Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Marks | General / Unreserved / EWS | SC / ST / OBC / PwBD |
|---|---|---|
| Per Correct Answer | +1 Mark | +1 Mark |
| Per Wrong Answer | −0.25 Mark | −0.25 Mark |
| Min. Qualifying – Each Part | 40% | 35% |
| Min. Qualifying – Overall (Both Parts) | 50% | 45% |
The final merit list is prepared on the basis of total marks in Part I + Part II combined (provided minimum qualifying marks in each part are secured). Normalisation of marks will be applied if multiple exam sessions are conducted.
Stage 2 – Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted based on the merit list will be called for Document Verification. Date and venue will be notified separately. BSNL reserves the right to change the number of posts.
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Appointment is subject to passing BSNL’s Medical Examination as per GoI standards available at www.bsnl.co.in. Candidates currently employed elsewhere must resign their existing position only after being declared medically fit by BSNL.
BSNL SET 2026 Detailed Exam Syllabus
Part I (Common) – Aptitude Test (40 Questions / 40 Marks)
- Quantitative Ability and Data Sufficiency
- Reasoning — Analytical, Logical, and Critical Reasoning
- Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Analysis
Part II (Core) – Telecom Technical Syllabus (160 Questions / 160 Marks)
| # | Topic | Key Sub-Topics | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic Telecom Concepts | Signal Processing, Modulation & Demodulation, Multiplexing, Spectrum Management | 15% |
| 2 | Wireless Telecom Technologies | 2G/3G/4G/5G, LTE, IMS, Satellite (LEO/MEO), Mobile Radio Back Haul, USIM Security | 15% |
| 3 | Wireline Telecom Technologies | NGN, Broadband, FTTx, PSTN, Wi-Fi, EPABX, SIP/H.248/RTP/SIGTRAN | 15% |
| 4 | Telecom Transmission Infrastructure | Optical Fiber Technology, DWDM, OTN, FTTH, GPON, EPON | 15% |
| 5 | IP / Data Networks | OSI/TCP-IP, IPv4/IPv6, MPLS, Routing, Cyber Security & Firewall, Proxy/DNS | 15% |
| 6 | Emerging Technologies | IoT & M2M, Blockchain, Software Defined Networks, Cloud Computing, AI in Telecom | 15% |
| 7 | Project Management | Project Planning, Bar Chart, Gantt Chart, PERT, CPM | 10% |
Part II (Core) – Finance Technical Syllabus (160 Questions / 160 Marks)
| # | Topic | Key Sub-Topics | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced Accounting | Financial Statements, IND AS, Indian GAAP, Consolidation, SAP, Cash Flow, Depreciation | 15% |
| 2 | Taxation Rules | GST Laws, GST TDS, Indirect & Direct Tax, Income Computation, TDS, Advance Tax | 15% |
| 3 | Cost Accounting | Cost Elements, ABC Analysis, Break Even, Process Costing, Budgetary Controls | 15% |
| 4 | Financial Statement & Management | Budgeting, Capital Structure, Treasury, Forex, Working Capital, Money Market | 15% |
| 5 | Corporate & Other Law | Company Incorporation, SEBI Regulations, Share Capital, Dividend, Appointment of Auditors | 15% |
| 6 | Audit & Assurance | Internal Controls, Risk Assessment, Fraud, Audit Report, Audit in Automated Environment | 15% |
| 7 | Accounting Receivable Management | Credit Policy, AR Turnover Ratio, Dunning, Best Practices in Receivable Management | 10% |
BSNL SET 2026 Salary, Pay Scale & Benefits
BSNL offers a competitive salary package for the Senior Executive Trainee (SET-DR) post under the IDA (Industrial Dearness Allowance) pay scales used by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
| Component | Details |
| Pay Scale (IDA E-3) | Rs. 24,900 – Rs. 50,500/- (pre-revised) |
| Pay Scale Designation After Probation | Senior Executive (DR) in E-3 Pay Scale |
| Promotion after 3 Years Service (from SET-DR date) | Eligible for AGM (E-4 Pay Scale) |
| Bond Amount | Rs. 9 Lakhs (to serve BSNL for minimum 5 years) |
| Probation Period | 2 Years (concurrent with 52-week training) |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India (liable for transfer) |
In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates are entitled to Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical Benefits, Provident Fund, Gratuity, and other perquisites applicable to CPSE employees as per BSNL rules and GoI directives.
BSNL SET 2026 Bond, Training & Probation Period
- All selected candidates must execute a Bond of Rs. 9 Lakhs to serve BSNL for a minimum of 5 years from the date of appointment as Senior Executive Trainee.
- Probation period is 2 years running concurrently with a 52-week structured training schedule.
- Training Schedule: Common Managerial Training (13 Weeks) + Functional Stream Training (13 Weeks) + On-the-Job Training (26 Weeks).
- Failure to pass training examinations will extend probation by 6 months; repeated failure leads to cancellation of appointment.
- If a candidate resigns from their previous employment before being declared medically fit by BSNL, BSNL bears no responsibility.
Career Progression & Growth Opportunities
BSNL provides a well-structured career growth path for SET (DR) recruits:
BSNL offers a well-defined career path for SET (DR) recruits:
- After completing probation, the candidate is designated as Senior Executive (DR) in E-3 Pay Scale.
- After a minimum of 3 years of service from the appointment date as SET (DR) (plus 1 year as Senior Executive), the candidate becomes eligible for promotion to Assistant General Manager (AGM) in the E-4 Pay Scale.
- Further promotions to higher grades (DGM, GM, etc.) are governed by BSNL Management Services Recruitment Rules-2023 of the respective stream.
- Seniority is determined by merit list position in the CBT selection process.
Further promotions to higher grades are governed by the BSNL Management Services Recruitment Rules-2023 of the respective stream. Seniority is determined by position in the CBT merit list.
BSNL SET 2026 How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Applications are accepted Online Only at www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in. No manual or paper applications will be entertained.
- 1Visit the official BSNL recruitment portal: www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in
- 2Register using your valid Mobile Number and Email ID (OTP will be sent for verification).
- 3Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational, and category details. Select your preferred exam center.
- 4Upload all required documents in the prescribed format and file size.
- 5Pay the application fee online via Internet Banking / Credit / Debit Card.
- 6Submit the application and take a printout of the computer-generated registration form for your records.
- 7Download the Admit Card from the same link once it is made available. It will NOT be sent by post or email.
Documents to Keep Ready Before Applying for BSNL SET 2026
Note: In case of multiple registrations, only the latest registration number will be considered valid and all earlier applications will be summarily rejected.
BSNL SET 2026 Examination Centers – 27 Cities Across India
Candidates must choose one examination center at the time of applying. The CBT exam will be conducted in 27 cities. No request for change of center will be entertained after submission.
Port Blair, Vijayawada, Guwahati, Patna, Chennai, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Ambala, Shimla, Jammu, Ranchi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata, Bhopal, Mumbai, Shillong, Dimapur, New Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Gangtok, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Meerut, Dehradun.
Depending upon the number of candidates, the exam centre may be at any of the above or a nearby city not mentioned above.
BSNL SET 2026 Answer Key Challenge Window
- BSNL will display the provisional question/answer key on the exam portal within 5 working days of the online exam.
- A challenge/grievance window will be open for 7 days for candidates to contest questions or answer options.
- Challenge fee: Rs. 500/- per question/answer key (non-refundable), payable online via Internet Banking / Credit / Debit Card.
Disqualification Criteria – Important Warnings
- Violation of any instruction in the Admit Card or at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Furnishing false, incomplete, or misleading information in the application at any stage.
- Canvassing or influencing officials involved in the selection/recruitment process — leads to immediate disqualification.
- Multiple registrations — only the latest registration will be considered; earlier applications will be rejected.
- A person who has entered into or contracted a marriage with a person having a living spouse is not eligible (unless exempted by the appointing authority under applicable personal law).
- Candidates are advised not to respond to unscrupulous advertisements appearing in newspapers. Verify all communication on www.bsnl.co.in only.
General Instructions for Candidates for BSNL SET 2026
- Apply online only at www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in. No paper applications will be entertained.
- All candidates are advised to verify that they meet all eligibility conditions before applying. BSNL verifies eligibility only at the document verification stage.
- Admit Card is available for download only — it will NOT be sent by post or email.
- Retain a printout of the Registration Slip and Admit Card. Do not send any documents unless specifically asked for.
- SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS candidates applying for UR (Unreserved) posts are NOT entitled to category relaxation benefits.
- Departmental BSNL candidates will NOT receive any special consideration in this DR exercise.
- BSNL reserves the right to modify, cancel, restrict, enlarge, or alter the recruitment at any stage without assigning any reason and without issuing further notice.
- All disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of Courts/Tribunals at New Delhi only.
- For queries: contact BSNL Corporate Office, New Delhi at bsnlrectt@bsnl.co.in
BSNL SET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is BSNL SET Recruitment 2026?
BSNL SET (Senior Executive Trainee) Recruitment 2026 is a direct recruitment drive by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited to hire 120 management executives from the open market (external candidates) in the Telecom and Finance streams via a competitive computer-based test.
Q2. Who is eligible to apply for BSNL SET 2026?
For the Telecom stream: B.E./B.Tech. degree with minimum 60% marks in relevant engineering disciplines. For the Finance stream: Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) qualification. Only Indian Nationals between 21 and 30 years (with applicable relaxation) can apply.
Q3. What is the total number of vacancies in BSNL SET 2026?
There are 120 total vacancies — 95 posts for the Telecom Operations stream and 25 posts for the Finance stream.
Q4. What is the application fee for BSNL SET 2026?
The fee is Rs. 2,500/- for General/OBC/EWS candidates and Rs. 1,250/- for SC/ST/PwBD candidates. Fee must be paid online only and is non-refundable.
Q5. What is the salary for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee?
The post carries the IDA Pay Scale E-3 of Rs. 24,900 – Rs. 50,500/- (pre-revised), along with allowances such as HRA, Medical, PF, and other CPSE perks. After probation, promotion to AGM (E-4) is possible after 3 years of service.
Q6. What is the exam pattern for BSNL SET 2026?
The CBT consists of 200 MCQ questions (200 marks) in 180 minutes: Part I (Common Aptitude – 40 marks) and Part II (Core Technical – 160 marks). There is negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
Q7. Can candidates currently working in a government job apply?
Yes, but they must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer at the time of document verification. They are required to resign from their current job only after being declared medically fit by BSNL.
Q8. Is there a bond period for BSNL SET recruits?
Yes. All selected candidates must execute a bond of Rs. 9 Lakhs and serve BSNL for a minimum of 5 years from the date of appointment as Senior Executive Trainee.
Q9. What is the last date to apply for BSNL SET 2026?
The online registration window closes on 07 March 2026 at 10:00 AM. Candidates can make corrections to selective fields from 08 March to 15 March 2026.
Q10. Where can I apply for BSNL SET 2026?
Applications must be submitted online at: www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in. For information and updates, also visit www.bsnl.co.in.
🎯 Ready to Apply? Don’t Miss the Deadline!
Online registration for BSNL SET 2026 is open from 05 February – 07 March 2026. Apply now and take your first step towards a rewarding career in India’s largest telecom company.
Disclaimer: This article is prepared based on the official BSNL Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Direct Recruitment Notification 2026 (Advt. No. BSNLCO-11/12(11)/1/2025-RECTT-CO-Part (1), dated 29.01.2026).
While every effort has been made to present accurate information, candidates are strongly advised to read the complete official notification before applying and regularly check www.bsnl.co.in and www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in for the latest updates. This website is not affiliated with BSNL or any Government authority.
