BSNL SET Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 120 Senior Executive Trainee Posts - Recruitment 2026
(Apply Online, Last Date, Notification)

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:


Visit Official Websites: Go to www.bsnl.co.in or www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in

Navigate to Recruitment Section:

Click on "Careers" or "Recruitment" menu
Find "Senior Executive Trainee (SET) - Direct Recruitment 2026"
Read the detailed notification carefully



Click on Apply Online Link:

You will be redirected to the external exam portal



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



Login to Application Portal:

Use Registration Number and Password to login



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



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)



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



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)



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.