BSNL Recruitment 2026 for 120 Senior Executive Trainee Posts
Advertisement No. BSNLCO-11/12(11)/1/2025-RECTT-CO-Part (1): Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) has invited online applications for the direct recruitment of 120 Senior Executive Trainees (SET) in the Telecom and Finance streams. This is a significant opportunity for Engineering graduates, CAs, and CMAs to join the E-3 pay scale in a major public sector undertaking. The online application process is scheduled from February 05, 2026, to March 07, 2026.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL), a Government of India Enterprise, is seeking to recruit dynamic and qualified professionals for the key position of Senior Executive Trainee (SET). This direct recruitment drive aims to fill 95 vacancies in the Telecom Operations stream and 25 vacancies in the Finance stream. The SET role is a crucial entry-point into the executive cadre of BSNL, offering a promising career path with opportunities for growth up to higher management levels.
The selection for these prestigious posts will be through a single-stage "Computer based-Multiple Choice-Objective Type Test". This test is designed to assess the candidates' aptitude and their core technical knowledge in either Telecom or Finance. The selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive 52-week training program and will be on probation for two years. The application process is entirely online through the official BSNL external exam website.
BSNL SET Recruitment 2026 (Important Points)
Candidates must carefully review the key dates and details. All applications must be submitted online through the BSNL exam portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Organization | Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) |
| Post Name | Senior Executive Trainee (SET) |
| Streams | Telecom Operations & Finance |
| Total Vacancies | 120 |
| Application Start Date | 05 February 2026 (10:00 Hrs) |
| Application Last Date | 07 March 2026 (10:00 Hrs) |
| Examination Date (Tentative) | 29 March 2026 (10:00 Hrs) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Job Type | Permanent PSU Job (E-3 Scale) |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India |
| Official Website | www.bsnl.co.in |
Vacancy and Pay Scale Details
The recruitment drive is distributed across two professional streams, both in the E-3 IDA pay scale.
| Stream | Total Vacancies | Category-wise Breakup (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/UR) | Pay Scale (pre-revised) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Executive Trainee (Telecom) | 95 | SC-14, ST-07, OBC-25, EWS-09, UR-40 | IDA Pay Scale [E-3] of ₹24,900 - ₹50,500/- |
| Senior Executive Trainee (Finance) | 25 | SC-04, ST-02, OBC-06, EWS-02, UR-11 | |
| Total | 120 |
Application Fee
- For OC, OBC, and EWS candidates: ₹2500/-
- For SC, ST, and PwBD candidates: ₹1250/-
The fee must be paid online through Internet Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card only. The fee is non-refundable.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they meet the specific age and educational qualifications as of the closing date of the application.
| Stream | Age Limit | Essential Educational Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| SET (Telecom Operations) | Min: 21 years Max: 30 years (Relaxation: 5 yrs for SC/ST, 3 yrs for OBC, 10-15 yrs for PwBD) |
Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Technology (B.E./B.Tech) degree or equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks in:
|
| SET (Finance) | Chartered Accountant (CA) OR Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA). |
Selection Process
The selection process for the SET post is straightforward and based on a single-stage examination.
- Computer Based Test (CBT): All eligible applicants will appear for a "Computer based-Multiple Choice-Objective Type Test". The test will have two parts: a common aptitude section and a core technical section.
- Merit List: A final merit list will be prepared based on the total marks obtained in both Part-I and Part-II of the CBT, provided the candidate secures the minimum qualifying marks in each part and in aggregate.
- Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted based on the merit list will be called for Document Verification.
- Medical Examination: Appointment is subject to passing the company's Medical Examination as per the prescribed standards.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The examination will be a single paper with two parts, conducted in one shift for a total duration of 180 minutes.
| Part | Section | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-I (Common) | Aptitude Test | 40 | 40 | 180 Minutes |
| Part-II (Core) | Technical Test (Telecom or Finance) | 160 | 160 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
- Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40% in each part and 50% overall for General candidates. For reserved categories, 35% in each part and 45% overall.
- Syllabus:
- Part-I (Aptitude): Quantitative Ability & Data Sufficiency, Reasoning (Analytical, Logical, Critical), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.
- Part-II (Telecom): Covers topics like Basic Telecommunications, Wireless Technologies, Wireline Technologies, Telecom Infrastructure, IP/Data Networks, Emerging Technologies, and Project Management.
- Part-II (Finance): Covers topics like Advanced Accounting, Taxation Rules, Cost Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Law, and Audit Assurance.
PET (Physical Efficiency Test)
There is no Physical Efficiency Test (PET) or Physical Standard Test (PST) applicable for the post of Senior Executive Trainee.
How to Prepare for the Exam
A focused preparation strategy is essential, given the vast technical syllabus.
- Master the Core Subject: The technical paper (Part-II) has a weightage of 160 marks out of 200. This should be your primary focus. Thoroughly revise all subjects from your engineering degree or CA/CMA curriculum as per the detailed syllabus in Annexure-B.
- Aptitude Section: Do not neglect Part-I. Practice aptitude questions regularly to build speed and accuracy. This section can be a score booster.
- Solve Mock Tests: Attempt online mock tests for similar PSU executive trainee exams (e.g., GATE for technical concepts, other PSU management trainee papers) to get used to the pattern, time constraints, and negative marking.
Best Books for Preparation
Candidates can refer to standard textbooks and competitive exam guides.
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How to Apply Online
The application process is entirely online through the BSNL external exam portal.
- Visit the BSNL external exam website: www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in.
- Find the link for the "Recruitment of Senior Executive Trainee (DR) in BSNL".
- Read the instructions carefully and proceed with the online registration.
- Fill out the application form with your personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, and other required documents as specified.
- Pay the examination fee through the online payment gateway.
- Review the application form before final submission.
- Take a printout of the computer-generated registration form for your records.
Documents Needed to Apply (for Scanning)
Candidates should keep the following scanned documents ready before starting the application process:
- Recent passport-size colour photograph (20kb-50kb, jpg/jpeg).
- Scanned copy of your signature (10kb-20kb, jpg/jpeg).
- Class 10th Certificate for verification of Date of Birth.
- Degree Certificate of Essential Qualification (B.E./B.Tech/CA/CMA).
- Consolidated Marksheet/Transcript for all semesters/years of the essential qualification.
- Valid Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.).
- Caste/EWS/PwBD certificate, if applicable.
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Available on BSNL Website |
| Apply Online | Click Here (Link to be active from 05.02.2026) |
| Official Website | Click Here |
(FAQs)
- Q1: What is the age limit for the BSNL SET post?
The maximum age limit for General category candidates is 30 years as on the closing date of the application. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories.
- Q2: Is there a service bond for this post?
Yes, selected candidates will have to execute a bond of ₹9 Lakhs to serve BSNL for a minimum period of five years.
- Q3: I am a final year engineering student. Can I apply?
The notification states that candidates must possess the required educational qualification as on the closing date of receipt of the application. Therefore, final year students awaiting results are not eligible.
- Q4: What is the negative marking in the exam?
Yes, there is negative marking. For each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
