BSNL SET Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 120 Senior Executive Trainee Posts

BSNL Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Recruitment 2026: Complete Information for 120 Telecom & Finance Posts

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India's leading public sector telecommunication company, has announced a prestigious recruitment opportunity through its Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Direct Recruitment 2026 notification. This recruitment drive aims to fill 120 vacancies across two specialized streams - Telecom (110 posts) and Finance (10 posts). The online application process will commence on February 5, 2026 and will remain open until March 7, 2026. This recruitment, conducted under notification number BSNLCO-11/12(11)/1/2025-RECTT-CO-Part(1), offers an excellent opportunity for engineering graduates and finance professionals to join one of India's premier telecom PSUs and contribute to the nation's digital connectivity mission.

About Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)

BSNL is a state-owned telecommunications company headquartered in New Delhi, established on October 1, 2000. As India's oldest and one of the largest communication service providers, BSNL operates across the entire country (except Delhi and Mumbai) providing comprehensive telecom services including mobile, landline, broadband, enterprise solutions, and emerging technologies like 4G/5G networks, IoT, and cloud services. With a vast network infrastructure spanning urban, rural, and remote areas, BSNL plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and ensuring connectivity across India. The company is undergoing massive modernization and expansion, making it an exciting time for professionals to join and be part of India's telecom revolution.

Detailed Stream-Wise Vacancy Distribution

The 120 Senior Executive Trainee vacancies are distributed across two specialized streams with category-wise reservations:

Stream 1: Telecom (110 Posts)

This stream is for engineering graduates specializing in various telecom-relevant disciplines:

Category-wise Breakup:

• UR (Unreserved): 59 posts
• SC (Scheduled Caste): 17 posts
• ST (Scheduled Tribe): 9 posts
• OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer): 25 posts

Eligible Engineering Disciplines for Telecom Stream:

• Electronics Engineering (EN)
• Electronics & Communication Engineering (EC)
• Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering (ET)
• Telecommunication Engineering (TC)
• Computer Science Engineering (CS)
• Information Technology (IT)
• Electrical Engineering (EE)
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE)

Stream 2: Finance (10 Posts)

This stream is for qualified Chartered Accountants and Cost & Management Accountants:

Category-wise Breakup:

• UR (Unreserved): 5 posts
• SC (Scheduled Caste): 2 posts
• ST (Scheduled Tribe): 1 post
• OBC-NCL: 2 posts

Educational Qualification Requirements

The educational qualifications for BSNL SET recruitment 2026 are strictly defined based on the stream:

For Telecom Stream (110 Posts):

Essential Qualification:

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) OR Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree
• From a recognized university or AICTE-approved institution
• In one of the specified disciplines: Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Telecommunication, Telecommunication, Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical, Electrical & Electronics
• Minimum Marks Required: 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates)
• Final year students are NOT eligible; degree must be completed at the time of application

Important Notes for Telecom Stream:

• Percentage should be calculated as per university/institution norms
• If CGPA/OGPA is provided, conversion to percentage must be as per university formula
• In absence of university conversion formula, multiply CGPA by 10 to get approximate percentage
• Integrated M.Tech degree holders are also eligible (percentage in final year will be considered)
• Candidates with only diploma or M.Tech without bachelor's degree are NOT eligible

For Finance Stream (10 Posts):

Essential Qualification (Any one of the following):

• Chartered Accountant (CA): Final qualified from Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
• OR Cost & Management Accountant (CMA): Final qualified from Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI-CMA) formerly known as ICWAI
• Must be a full-fledged member of the respective institute
• Membership number must be valid and active

Additional Desirable Qualifications (Not Mandatory):

• MBA in Finance from recognized institution
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, accounting in telecom or PSU sector
• Knowledge of accounting software and ERP systems

Age Limit and Relaxations

The age criteria for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee 2026 is calculated as on the closing date of online application (March 7, 2026):

For Both Streams:

• Minimum Age: 21 years (born on or before March 7, 2005)
• Maximum Age: 30 years (born on or after March 7, 1996)

Age Relaxation as per Government of India Rules:

• SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation (up to 35 years)
• OBC-NCL candidates: 3 years relaxation (up to 33 years)
• PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities):
  • UR-PwBD: 10 years (up to 40 years)
  • OBC-PwBD: 13 years (up to 43 years)
  • SC/ST-PwBD: 15 years (up to 45 years)
• Ex-Servicemen: As per Government rules (service period plus 3 years, subject to maximum age limit)
• BSNL serving employees: As per BSNL HR policy (5 years for General, cumulative for reserved categories)
• Widows/Divorced women/Women judicially separated: 9 years (General), 12 years (OBC), 14 years (SC/ST)
• J&K domicile (1980-1989): 5 years
• 1984 riot victims: 5 years

Note: Age relaxation is cumulative for candidates eligible under multiple categories (e.g., SC-PwBD candidates get 5+10=15 years relaxation).

Salary Structure and Career Progression

BSNL offers an attractive salary package for Senior Executive Trainees as per IDA (Industrial Dearness Allowance) pay scales:

Pay Scale: IDA E-3 (Pre-revised)

• Basic Pay Scale: ₹24,900 - ₹50,500
• Entry Level Basic Pay: ₹24,900 per month
• Annual Increment: 3% of basic pay approximately

Comprehensive Allowances and Perquisites:

Dearness Allowance (DA):

• As per IDA rates linked to Consumer Price Index
• Currently around 140-150% of basic pay
• Revised quarterly based on inflation index
• DA on ₹24,900 basic = approximately ₹35,000-₹37,000 per month

House Rent Allowance (HRA):

• A-Class cities (Metros): 30% of basic pay = ₹7,470
• B-Class cities: 20% of basic pay = ₹4,980
• C-Class cities: 10% of basic pay = ₹2,490
• Or BSNL accommodation in lieu of HRA

City Compensatory Allowance:

• As per city classification: ₹1,500 - ₹3,500 per month

Other Allowances:

• Transport Allowance: ₹2,000 - ₹3,000 per month
• Medical Allowance: As per BSNL medical reimbursement rules
• Special Allowance: As applicable
• Children Education Allowance: ₹2,250 per child per month (max 2 children)
• Hostel Subsidy: ₹6,750 per child per month (if applicable)

Estimated Monthly Salary Package:

• Basic Pay: ₹24,900
• DA (140%): ₹34,860
• HRA (20%): ₹4,980
• Transport: ₹2,500
• CCA: ₹2,000
• Other allowances: ₹2,000
• Total Gross Salary (In-hand): ₹65,000 - ₹75,000 per month approximately
• Annual CTC: ₹8,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 approximately

Additional Benefits:

• Provident Fund (PF): 12% of basic pay (employer and employee contribution)
• Pension: As per new pension scheme or defined benefit pension (based on joining date)
• Gratuity: As per Payment of Gratuity Act
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC): Once in two years for self and family
• Medical Facilities: Comprehensive medical coverage for self, spouse, dependent parents, and children
• BSNL Quarters: Company accommodation subject to availability
• Telephone/Mobile Facilities: Free/concessional telephone and mobile services
• Internet Facilities: Free/subsidized broadband connection
• Vehicle Loan: At concessional interest rates
• Housing Loan: Subsidized home loan facility
• Festival Advance: Interest-free advance during festivals
• Performance Incentives: As per BSNL policy

Career Progression Path:

• Entry Level: Senior Executive Trainee (E-3 scale) - Training period of 1 year
• After Training: Assistant General Manager (E-4 scale) - ₹32,900-₹58,000
• Next Promotion: Deputy General Manager (E-5 scale) - ₹36,600-₹62,000
• Further: General Manager (E-6 scale) - ₹43,200-₹66,000
• Higher Levels: Chief General Manager and above based on performance and organizational requirements

Training Period and Absorption

Training Duration:

• Selected candidates will undergo comprehensive training for a period of One Year
• Training will be conducted at BSNL Training Centers across India
• Stipend during training will be as per E-3 scale with applicable allowances

Training Components:

• For Telecom Stream: Telecom technologies, network planning, switching systems, transmission systems, mobile technologies (4G/5G), fiber optics, IP networking, Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, project management
• For Finance Stream: BSNL financial systems, accounting procedures, budget management, financial analysis, taxation, audit procedures, ERP systems, telecom business models

Post-Training Absorption:

• Candidates who successfully complete training will be absorbed as permanent employees in E-4 scale (Assistant General Manager)
• Posting will be anywhere in India based on organizational requirements
• Probation period of 2 years after training

Application Fee Structure

The application fee for BSNL SET 2026 is:

• General, EWS, and OBC-NCL candidates: ₹1,000/- (Examination Fee) + ₹50/- (Processing charges) = ₹1,050/-
• SC, ST, PwBD, and Female candidates: No Fee (Exempted)
• Payment Mode: Online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
• Note: Application fee once paid is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances

Selection Process - Written Test Based

The BSNL SET 2026 selection process is based entirely on performance in a computer-based written examination:

Stage 1: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Single-stage online examination comprising multiple sections:

For Telecom Stream (Total: 200 marks, 180 minutes/3 hours):

Section A: General Ability (60 marks, 60 questions)

• Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions (30 marks)
• Reasoning & Logical Ability: 30 questions (30 marks)
• Duration: 60 minutes

Section B: English Language (20 marks, 20 questions)

• Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Sentence Formation
• Duration: 20 minutes

Section C: Technical Knowledge (120 marks, 120 questions)

• Engineering fundamentals based on B.E/B.Tech syllabus
• Core subjects of respective engineering discipline
• Telecom technologies, networking, digital communications
• Computer fundamentals, programming concepts
• Duration: 100 minutes

For Finance Stream (Total: 200 marks, 180 minutes/3 hours):

Section A: General Ability (60 marks, 60 questions)

• Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions (30 marks)
• Reasoning & Logical Ability: 30 questions (30 marks)
• Duration: 60 minutes

Section B: English Language (20 marks, 20 questions)

• Duration: 20 minutes

Section C: Professional Knowledge - Finance & Accounts (120 marks, 120 questions)

• Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Management Accounting
• Auditing, Taxation (Direct & Indirect)
• Financial Management, Corporate Finance
• Business Laws, Companies Act
• Duration: 100 minutes

Exam Details:

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (Online)
• Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with 4 options
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer: +1 mark
• Negative Marking: Each wrong answer: -0.25 marks
• Total Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
• Language Options: English and Hindi (bilingual) except English section
• Minimum Qualifying Marks: 35% (30% for SC/ST/PwBD) in each section and overall

Stage 2: Document Verification

• Candidates shortlisted based on CBT performance will be called for document verification
• All original certificates must be produced
• Provisional selection subject to verification

Stage 3: Medical Examination

• Finally selected candidates must undergo medical fitness examination
• As per BSNL medical standards
• Candidates found medically unfit will not be appointed

Final Merit List:

• Prepared based on marks obtained in CBT
• Category-wise and stream-wise merit lists
• Candidates with higher marks get priority in choice of posting location

Important Dates Timeline

• Notification Release Date: January 29, 2026
• Online Application Opens: February 5, 2026 (10:00 AM)
• Online Application Closes: March 7, 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Last Date for Fee Payment: March 7, 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Correction Window (if provided): To be announced (tentatively mid-March 2026)
• Admit Card Release: 10-15 days before exam date
• Online CBT Exam Date: To be announced (tentatively April-May 2026)
• CBT Result: To be announced (tentatively June 2026)
• Document Verification: To be announced after result
• Medical Examination: After document verification
• Final Result & Joining: July-August 2026 (tentative)

How to Apply Online for BSNL SET 2026

Follow these comprehensive steps to complete your application:

1. Visit Official Websites: Go to www.bsnl.co.in or www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in
2. Navigate to Recruitment Section:
   • Click on "Careers" or "Recruitment" menu
   • Find "Senior Executive Trainee (SET) - Direct Recruitment 2026"
   • Read the detailed notification carefully
3. Click on Apply Online Link:
   • You will be redirected to the external exam portal
4. New Registration:
   • Click on "New Registration" for SET Recruitment 2026
   • Enter Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile Number
   • Verify email and mobile through OTP
   • Create a strong password
   • Complete captcha verification
   • Submit and note down Registration Number/Application ID
5. Login to Application Portal:
   • Use Registration Number and Password to login
6. Fill Online Application Form:
   • Personal Details: Name (as per 10th certificate), Father's Name, Mother's Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Marital Status, Category, Sub-category (if any), Religion, Nationality, Aadhar Number
   • Contact Details: Permanent Address, Correspondence Address (with PIN code), Email, Mobile (must be active for future communication)
   • Educational Qualifications:
     • 10th: Board, Year, Roll Number, Percentage
     • 12th: Board, Year, Roll Number, Percentage
     • For Telecom Stream: B.E/B.Tech details - University, Branch/Specialization, Year of passing, Roll Number, Percentage/CGPA with conversion to percentage
     • For Finance Stream: CA/CMA details - Institute, Membership Number, Year of qualification, Attempt details
   • Category Information: If claiming SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD reservation, provide certificate details
   • Stream Selection: Choose Telecom or Finance stream carefully (cannot be changed later)
   • Exam City Preferences: Select 3 cities in order of preference for CBT examination
7. Upload Required Documents:
   • Photograph: Recent passport-size colored photo, white/light background (JPG/JPEG, 20-50 KB, dimension: 200x230 pixels)
   • Signature: On white paper with black/blue pen (JPG/JPEG, 10-20 KB, dimension: 140x60 pixels)
   • Left Thumb Impression: Clear impression on white paper (JPG/JPEG, 20-50 KB)
   • Hand-written Declaration: Write declaration text as provided on white paper, scan and upload (JPG/JPEG, 50-100 KB)
   • 10th Certificate: For Date of Birth proof (PDF, max 200 KB)
   • Degree Certificate: B.E/B.Tech certificate with all semester mark sheets OR CA/CMA certificate (PDF, max 500 KB)
   • Category Certificate: SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD certificate from competent authority (PDF, max 200 KB)
   • ID Proof: Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Passport/Voter ID (PDF, max 200 KB)
8. Pay Application Fee:
   • If applicable (Gen/EWS/OBC male candidates: ₹1,050)
   • Select payment mode (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
   • Complete payment through secure gateway
   • Save transaction ID and payment receipt
   • Note: SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates are exempted from fee
9. Preview and Submit:
   • Preview the completely filled application form
   • Check all details thoroughly for accuracy
   • Verify uploaded documents are clear and readable
   • Accept the declaration checkbox
   • Click on "Final Submit"
   • Important: Once submitted, no changes can be made (except during correction window)
10. Download and Print:
    • Download the submitted application form PDF
    • Take multiple printouts on A4 size paper
    • Keep safely with all original documents for document verification
    • Note down Application Number for future reference

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready in scanned format before starting application:

• Recent passport-size colored photograph (white background)
• Signature on white paper with black/blue pen
• Left thumb impression on white paper
• Hand-written declaration as per format provided in notification
• 10th standard certificate and mark sheet (Date of Birth proof)
• 12th standard/Intermediate certificate and mark sheet
• B.E/B.Tech degree certificate (provisional/final) with all semester mark sheets consolidated
• CGPA to percentage conversion certificate (if applicable)
• CA Final certificate with membership certificate (for Finance stream)
• CMA Final certificate with membership certificate (for Finance stream)
• Caste certificate (SC/ST) issued by competent authority
• OBC-NCL certificate in Central Government format issued in current financial year (2025-26)
• EWS certificate issued after April 1, 2025
• PwBD certificate from authorized medical board (if applicable)
• Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate (if applicable)
• NOC from current employer (if employed in government/PSU)
• Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID (any one)

Important Instructions and Guidelines

• Read the official notification thoroughly before applying
• Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before submitting application
• Only one application per candidate is permitted; multiple applications will be rejected
• Use valid personal email ID and mobile number (verification through OTP)
• All information must be filled as per original certificates
• For B.E/B.Tech candidates: Ensure degree is completed before applying; final year students NOT eligible
• For CA/CMA candidates: Must be a qualified member with valid membership
• OBC certificate must be in Central Government format clearly mentioning "Non-Creamy Layer"
• OBC and EWS certificates must be valid for current financial year (2025-26)
• Upload all documents as per specifications (size, format, dimensions)
• Take printout of submitted application and fee payment receipt
• Incomplete applications or applications without required documents will be rejected
• False information or fake certificates will lead to cancellation of candidature and legal action
• BSNL's decision on all matters relating to recruitment will be final and binding
• Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India as per organizational requirements
• Keep checking official BSNL website regularly for updates, admit card, and results
• Beware of fake websites and agents; BSNL does not charge any money for recruitment apart from application fee

Exam Preparation Strategy

To excel in BSNL SET CBT 2026, candidates should follow these preparation tips:

For Telecom Stream:

• Thoroughly revise core engineering subjects based on your B.E/B.Tech specialization
• Focus on telecom fundamentals: analog and digital communications, signal processing, networking
• Study mobile technologies: 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G concepts
• Understand fiber optics, transmission systems, switching technologies
• Practice quantitative aptitude and reasoning from standard books
• Improve English language skills through reading and practice
• Solve previous years' BSNL question papers and take mock tests
• Time management is crucial - practice within time limits

For Finance Stream:

• Revise CA/CMA syllabus thoroughly, especially Financial Accounting and Cost Accounting
• Focus on Management Accounting, Financial Management, and Auditing
• Stay updated on latest taxation laws (Income Tax, GST)
• Understand Companies Act provisions and corporate governance
• Practice numerical problems from financial management
• Strengthen quantitative and reasoning abilities
• Work on English language section
• Take sectional and full-length mock tests regularly

The BSNL Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Recruitment 2026 for 120 positions presents an outstanding opportunity for engineering graduates and finance professionals to join India's premier public sector telecom company. With competitive salary (₹8-10 lakh annual CTC), comprehensive benefits, job security, excellent career growth prospects, and the satisfaction of contributing to India's digital infrastructure development, this recruitment is highly attractive. BSNL is undergoing massive network modernization with 4G/5G rollout, fiber expansion, and digital services, making it an exciting time to join the organization. Eligible candidates should complete their online applications before the March 7, 2026 deadline and prepare thoroughly for the computer-based test to secure this prestigious opportunity.