BSNL Director (Consumer Fixed Access) Recruitment 2026: Eligibility, Salary & Key Details

BSNL has announced recruitment for the post of Director (Consumer Fixed Access), a board-level leadership role responsible for planning, operations, and strategic management of the company’s nationwide FTTH-based fixed-line network, reflecting its push to modernize broadband infrastructure and strengthen digital connectivity across India.

Open to senior executives from CPSEs, government services, banks, SPSEs, and large private companies, the role requires an engineering degree (preferably in telecom-related fields), at least five years of recent telecom experience, and board-level or equivalent seniority, with strict age and residual service criteria. Offering a consolidated monthly pay of ₹75,000–₹100,000 and a tenure of up to five years or until superannuation, the position carries significant responsibility aligned with Digital India goals.

Applications must be submitted online through PESB within tight deadlines and via prescribed institutional channels, with stringent documentation, vigilance clearance, and binding undertakings, as post-interview or post-offer withdrawal attracts mandatory two-year debarment from CPSE board-level roles.

BSNL Director (Consumer Fixed Access) Recruitment: Opportunities and Requirements for Senior Telecom Leaders

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s premier government-owned telecommunications provider, is seeking an exceptionally qualified Director for Consumer Fixed Access—a pivotal leadership role overseeing the company’s nationwide fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network infrastructure.

This recruitment represents a significant opportunity for seasoned telecom professionals and senior executives from public and private sectors to shape India’s broadband future while commanding a competitive compensation package of ₹75,000–₹100,000 monthly. The position, advertised in January 2026 for employment commencing October 1, 2026, underscores BSNL’s strategic commitment to modernizing its fixed-line services and strengthening rural-urban digital connectivity.

About BSNL: India’s Telecom Backbone

BSNL stands as a Schedule A Miniratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), operating under the administrative oversight of the Department of Telecommunications. Established in September 2000, the company inherited the telecommunications infrastructure and business of the erstwhile Department of Telecommunications, assuming operational responsibility from October 1, 2000. Today, BSNL maintains a commanding presence across India’s telecommunications landscape, providing telecom services nationwide except in Delhi and Mumbai—regions where specialized management structures exist.

As of March 31, 2025, BSNL operates with a substantial workforce of 54,875 regular employees, comprising 29,115 executives and 25,760 non-executives, reflecting the company’s expansive operational footprint. The company’s financial scale is equally impressive: authorized capital stands at ₹210,000 crores with paid-up capital of ₹1,081,175,118,270 (including ₹7,500 crores in 9% non-cumulative preference shares). The Government of India maintains 100% shareholding, positioning BSNL as a purely state-controlled entity accountable to the nation’s telecom policy objectives.

The Director Role: Scope and Strategic Importance

The Director (Consumer Fixed Access) position represents a critical juncture in BSNL’s organizational hierarchy. As a Board-level member reporting directly to the Chairman and Managing Director, the incumbent shoulders end-to-end responsibility for planning, operations, and management of BSNL’s fixed-line telecom network. The network’s infrastructure—predominantly based on fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology—spans geographically across India’s 28 states and 8 union territories (including Delhi and Mumbai metros), serving millions of residential and commercial subscribers.

The role extends beyond operational management to strategic stewardship of both short-term and long-term business interests. Responsibilities encompass network optimization, revenue sustainability, customer satisfaction initiatives, service quality benchmarking, and alignment with government’s Digital India objectives. In an era where broadband connectivity serves as foundational infrastructure for economic development, this director role translates corporate strategy into tangible improvements in India’s fixed-line telecom access.

Eligibility Criteria: A Multi-Faceted Assessment

BSNL’s recruitment framework reflects the seniority and complexity of the position, establishing eligibility criteria across multiple dimensions:

Age and Service Requirements

Candidates must be below 45 years of age on the date of vacancy (established as January 1, 2026 for recruitment purposes). The position allows for residual service calculations: internal candidates require minimum 2 years of residual service until superannuation (age 60), while external candidates require 3 years of residual service as of the vacancy date.

Employment Status and Organizational Experience

Applicants must maintain regular (permanent) employment status—not contractual or ad-hoc arrangements—in organizations meeting specified minimum scale thresholds:

• Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), including board-level functional directors
• Central Government Group A officers, including Armed Forces personnel and All India Services officers
• Public Sector Banks, Financial Institutions, or Autonomous Bodies
• State Public Sector Enterprises with annual turnover exceeding ₹2,000 crores
• Private sector companies with annual turnover exceeding ₹2,000 crores (with preference for listed companies)

The minimum tenure requirement in eligible pay scales stipulates one year for internal CPSE candidates and two years for external candidates.

Academic and Technical Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized university or institution constitutes the foundational qualification. Preference is accorded to candidates holding degrees in Electronics and Communications or Telecommunications disciplines—reflecting the technical specificity of India’s telecom operations. Post-graduate credentials enhance candidacy: MBA degrees or Post-Graduate Diplomas in Management convey added advantage, signaling a blend of technical depth and business acumen.

Professional Experience

Candidates must demonstrate adequate technical and operational experience at senior management levels within large, reputable organizations. Critically, at least five years of experience during the preceding ten years must have been in the telecom sector. Experience in telecommunications operations is explicitly noted as desirable, underscoring the sector-specific knowledge expected of appointees.

Positional Level Requirements

Organizational position at time of application varies by employer category:

• Central Government Group A Officers: Must hold Joint Secretary level or equivalent pay scale substantively
• Armed Forces Officers: Must hold Major General rank (army) or equivalent rank in Navy/Air Force
• Public Sector Bank/Financial Institution Officers: Must occupy board-level or immediately sub-board positions for minimum one year
• SPSE/Private Sector Candidates: Must work at board level or immediately subordinate positions at time of application

This positional requirement ensures candidates possess demonstrated leadership experience commensurate with board-level roles.

Compensation and Tenure Structure

The position offers a monthly consolidated compensation package ranging from ₹75,000 (minimum) to ₹100,000 (maximum), structured according to applicable pay commission standards. The appointment spans a fixed tenure of five years from the joining date or until superannuation (age 60), whichever is earlier, unless specifically terminated through formal order.

The compensation framework accommodates multiple pay scale categories reflecting diverse candidate backgrounds:

• IDA scales ranging from ₹7,250–₹8,250 (pre-1992) to ₹120,000–₹280,000 (post-2017)
• CDA scales ranging from ₹18,400–₹22,400 (pre-revised) to ₹144,200–₹218,200 Level 14 (post-2016)

This multi-scalar approach ensures equitable compensation calibration based on candidates’ previous employment pay commission regimes.

Application Process: Channels and Documentation

The recruitment process operates exclusively through online channels via the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) website (https://pesb.gov.in/). Candidates must navigate category-specific submission pathways:

Organizational Submission Channels

• Central Government/Armed Forces/All India Services: Through cadre controlling authorities
• PSB/Financial Institution Officers: Via their respective administrative ministries
• CPSE Board-level/Directors: Through employing CPSE’s administrative ministry
• CPSE Below Board-level: Through the employing CPSE directly
• SPSE Leaders: Through state administrative secretariat and cadre controlling authority
• SPSE Below Board-level: Through the employing SPSE
• Private Sector Candidates: Direct submission to PESB

Documentation Requirements for Private Sector Applicants

Private sector candidates face additional documentation obligations reflecting verification needs:

• Annual reports for three preceding financial years (with URL provision or attachment)
• Documentary evidence of listed/unlisted company status
• Board-level or sub-board positional evidence
• Self-attested copies of educational and age qualification documents
• Detailed job history with portfolio of relevant roles

All applicants must submit vigilance clearance certificates from their cadre controlling authorities, issued per DPE guidelines (latest OM dated October 28, 2025).

Critical Timelines and Deadlines

The recruitment timeline operates on a compressed schedule demanding precise compliance:

• Application Submission Deadline: 03:00 PM IST, January 27, 2026 (candidate-level submission)
• Nodal Officer Forwarding Deadline: 05:00 PM IST, February 5, 2026 (organizational forwarding to PESB)
• Total Application Window: 30 days from job description upload on PESB website

Applications submitted after stipulated deadlines face automatic rejection irrespective of completeness. Incomplete applications are similarly rejected without exception.

Undertakings and Debarment Provisions

All applicants must provide formal undertaking confirming willingness to join if selected. This undertaking carries significant consequences through a structured debarment framework:

For Central Government, Armed Forces, and PSB/Financial Institution Officers

• If unwillingness is conveyed post-interview: Two-year debarment from board-level CPSE positions
• If unwillingness is conveyed post-offer issuance: Two-year debarment from board-level CPSE positions

For CPSE Candidates

• Post-interview unwillingness: Two-year debarment from board-level positions in other CPSEs
• Post-offer unwillingness: Two-year debarment from board-level positions in other CPSEs

For SPSE and Private Sector Candidates

• Post-interview unwillingness: Two-year debarment from any CPSE board-level position
• Post-offer unwillingness: Two-year debarment from any CPSE board-level position

No relaxation of these debarment provisions is entertained under any circumstance.

Strategic Implications and Selection Considerations

BSNL’s recruitment of a Director (Consumer Fixed Access) signals organizational commitment to professionalizing telecom operations and attracting top-tier management talent. The position’s strategic weight reflects India’s broadband expansion priorities, with fixed-line services complementing mobile networks in ensuring comprehensive digital access.

The focus on FTTH-based infrastructure positions the appointee at the forefront of technological modernization—critical as India pursues targets for rural broadband penetration and 5G complementary infrastructure.

The eligibility framework—emphasizing telecom sector experience, senior-level positional background, and technical qualification—demonstrates BSNL’s intent to appoint directors capable of navigating complex operational, regulatory, and market challenges.

The preference for Electronics and Communications graduates coupled with management post-graduation reflects hybrid skill expectations: technical acumen to oversee engineering-intensive networks alongside business management capability to drive profitability and customer satisfaction in competitive market conditions.

Conclusion

This recruitment represents a distinctive opportunity for India’s telecom leadership to contribute to national digital infrastructure development while commanding competitive compensation and a five-year governance tenure. The rigorous eligibility criteria, structured application process, and formal debarment provisions underscore the position’s significance within BSNL’s board-level hierarchy.

Prospective candidates meeting the multifaceted requirements—sectoral experience, organizational seniority, technical background, and geographic availability—should prioritize timely application submission through appropriate institutional channels, recognizing the compressed 30-day recruitment window and the position’s strategic importance to India’s telecom future.

FAQs

What is the name of the post advertised by BSNL?
The post is Director (Consumer Fixed Access), a board-level position in BSNL.

Which organization is conducting this recruitment?
The recruitment is conducted by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) through the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB).

What is the main responsibility of the Director (Consumer Fixed Access)?
The role involves planning, operations, and management of BSNL’s nationwide fixed-line and FTTH network.

Is this a board-level position?
Yes, it is a board-level role reporting to the Chairman and Managing Director.

What is the focus area of this director role?
The primary focus is consumer fixed access services, especially FTTH-based broadband infrastructure.

What is the pay offered for this position?
The consolidated monthly pay ranges from ₹75,000 to ₹100,000.

What is the tenure of appointment?
The tenure is five years from the date of joining or until superannuation at 60 years, whichever is earlier.

What is the vacancy date for eligibility calculation?
The vacancy date is January 1, 2026.

What is the proposed joining date?
The appointment is expected to commence on October 1, 2026.

What is the age limit for applicants?
Candidates must be below 45 years of age on the vacancy date.

Is residual service required for eligibility?
Yes, internal candidates need at least 2 years and external candidates at least 3 years of residual service.

What is the minimum educational qualification required?
A bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized university is mandatory.

Which engineering disciplines are preferred?
Electronics and Communications Engineering or Telecommunications are preferred.

Is an MBA or management qualification required?
It is not mandatory but considered desirable.

How much sector-specific experience is required?
At least five years of experience in the telecom sector during the last ten years is required.

Is telecom operations experience important?
Yes, telecom operations experience is specifically stated as desirable.

Who can apply from government services?
Central Government Group A officers, All India Services officers, and Armed Forces officers are eligible.

What rank is required for Armed Forces officers?
Applicants must hold the rank of Major General or equivalent.

Can CPSE executives apply?
Yes, both board-level and eligible below-board-level CPSE executives can apply.

Are private sector candidates eligible?
Yes, candidates from private companies with annual turnover above ₹2,000 crore are eligible.

Is preference given to listed private companies?
Yes, listed companies are preferred.

What level should private sector applicants hold?
They must be at board level or one level below board level.

Are state public sector executives eligible?
Yes, if the SPSE has an annual turnover exceeding ₹2,000 crore.

What is the mode of application?
Applications must be submitted online through the PESB website.

Can applications be submitted offline?
No, only online applications are accepted.

Do all candidates apply directly to PESB?
No, most candidates must apply through their respective administrative or cadre controlling authorities.

Who can apply directly without forwarding?
Private sector candidates apply directly to PESB.

Is vigilance clearance mandatory?
Yes, vigilance clearance is compulsory for all applicants.

What documents are additionally required from private sector candidates?
Annual reports, proof of company status, board-level position evidence, and self-attested certificates are required.

What is the last date for candidate submission?
January 27, 2026, by 3:00 PM IST.

What is the last date for forwarding by nodal authorities?
February 5, 2026, by 5:00 PM IST.

Will late applications be considered?
No, late or incomplete applications are automatically rejected.

Is an undertaking required from applicants?
Yes, candidates must submit an undertaking to join if selected.

What happens if a candidate withdraws after the interview?
A two-year debarment from board-level CPSE positions applies.

What happens if a candidate withdraws after receiving the offer?
A two-year debarment from board-level CPSE positions applies.

Do debarment rules differ by applicant category?
Yes, the scope of debarment varies for government, CPSE, SPSE, and private sector candidates.

Is there any relaxation in debarment rules?
No relaxation is permitted under any circumstances.

Who conducts the selection process?
The Public Enterprises Selection Board conducts the selection.

Does the role align with national digital initiatives?
Yes, it directly supports Digital India and broadband expansion goals.

Why is this position considered strategically important?
Because it oversees India’s fixed-line broadband backbone and FTTH growth.

Is this role suitable for non-telecom professionals?
No, significant telecom sector experience is essential.

Does BSNL operate across all of India?
Yes, BSNL operates nationwide except for Delhi and Mumbai under separate structures.

Is BSNL fully government-owned?
Yes, the Government of India holds 100% ownership.

Does the position involve both technical and managerial responsibilities?
Yes, it requires strong technical understanding and strategic business leadership.

How long is the application window?
The application window is 30 days from the job posting on the PESB website.

Is this a career-defining opportunity for senior telecom leaders?
Yes, it offers board-level authority, national impact, and long-term strategic influence.