BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Recruitment 2026: 120 Vacancies for Telecom & Finance (SET Notification)

BSNL has announced 120 vacancies for Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Recruitment 2026, including 95 posts in the Telecom stream and 25 posts in the Finance stream under direct recruitment.

The Telecom vacancies comprise 40 UR/OBC (CL), 25 OBC (NCL), 14 SC, 7 ST, 9 EWS, along with PwBD reservations (2 each for categories C and D/E), while the Finance stream includes 11 UR/OBC (CL), 6 OBC (NCL), 4 SC, 2 ST, 2 EWS, and 1 PwBD (Category A) post.

Reservations for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS, and PwBD are applicable as per Government of India norms, and the number of vacancies may be revised by BSNL based on organizational requirements.

BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Recruitment 2026 (Telecom & Finance): Notification, Eligibility, Syllabus, Online Form

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a Government of India PSU under the Ministry of Communications, has released the official notification for Direct Recruitment of Senior Executive Trainee (SET) – Telecom & Finance – Notification Year 2026.

This detailed AUBSP guide covers vacancy details, eligibility, age limit, salary, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process and how to apply online – everything a serious job seeker like you needs in one place.

BSNL SET Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Important Dates: BSNL SET 2026

Job seekers must carefully note the complete schedule to avoid last-minute issues:

Tip for aspirants: Complete the online form well before the last date and use the editing window only for corrections, not for first-time submission.

BSNL Senior Executive Trainee (SET) 2026 – Vacancy Details

BSNL is recruiting Senior Executive Trainee (Direct Recruitment) in two streams:

• SET – Telecom: 95 Posts
• SET – Finance: 25 Posts

Total Vacancies: 120 Posts

Category-wise Vacancy Distribution

SET – Telecom (95 Posts)

• UR / OBC (CL): 40
• OBC (NCL): 25
• SC: 14
• ST: 7
• EWS: 9
• PwBD:
  • PwBD (C): 2
  • PwBD (D/E): 2

SET – Finance (25 Posts)

• UR / OBC (CL): 11
• OBC (NCL): 6
• SC: 4
• ST: 2
• EWS: 2
• PwBD:
  • PwBD (A): 1

Reservation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/EWS/PwBD as per Central Government rules.

Salary, Pay Scale & Bond

Pay Scale

Selected candidates will be appointed in the IDA Pay Scale [E-3]: Rs. 24,900 – 50,500/- (pre-revised).

In addition to basic pay, candidates are entitled to DA, HRA, perks, medical facilities, leave benefits, and other allowances as per BSNL rules, making it an attractive PSU executive job for engineering and finance professionals.

Service Bond

All candidates selected as Senior Executive Trainee (DR) must:

• Execute a service bond of Rs. 9,00,000 (Nine Lakh Rupees)
• Undertake to serve BSNL for a minimum period of 5 years from the date of appointment as SET.

Training & Probation

• Probation Period: 2 years (concurrent with training)
• Total Training Duration: 52 weeks (1 year), including:
  • 13 weeks – Common Managerial Training
  • 13 weeks – Functional Stream Training (Telecom/Finance)
  • 26 weeks – On-the-job training

Failure to clear training examinations may lead to extension of probation by 6 months, and failure even after extension can result in cancellation of appointment.

Eligibility Criteria for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee 2026

Nationality

Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply.

Educational Qualification

Educational qualification is stream-specific and must be from a recognized institute/university in India.

(A) SET – Telecom Operations

• Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Technology or equivalent engineering degree
• Minimum 60% marks
• Regular full-time course in any of the following disciplines:

1. Electronics & Telecommunication
2. Electronics
3. Computer Science
4. Information Technology
5. Electrical
6. Instrumentation

• Or a combination of these disciplines as core with associated/emerging branches, as per BSNL norms.

(B) SET – Finance

Candidate must possess any one of the following:

1. Chartered Accountant (CA)
2. Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA)

Note: The degree/qualification must be completed on or before the closing date of online application.

CGPA / OGPA / CPI / DGPA Conversion

• If marks are in CGPA/OGPA/CPI/DGPA or letter grade, candidate must mention equivalent percentage in the online form as per conversion rules of the concerned university/institute.
• A certificate regarding percentage conversion must be produced at document verification.
• If the institute has no formal conversion rule, percentage will be derived by:
  • (Obtained Grade ÷ Maximum Possible Grade) × 100

Age Limit (as on closing date of application)

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 30 years (for UR/EWS/OBC-CL)

Age Relaxation

Supporting documents (DOB proof, category certificates, disability certificates) must be uploaded at the registration stage and produced in original during document verification.

PwBD Categories – Eligibility

Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) having ≥ 40% disability certified under RPwD Act 2016 / RPwD Rules 2017 are eligible for reservation/relaxation.

Accepted Disabilities – SET Telecom

• OA, OL, CP, LC, Dw, AAV
• SLD, MI
• MD including above combinations

Accepted Disabilities – SET Finance

• B, LV
• D, HH
• OA, BA, OL, BL, OAL, BLOA, LC, Dw, AAV
• MD involving above categories

Candidates must upload the benchmark disability certificate (Form V/VI/VII) issued by a Government Medical Board in the prescribed format.

Selection Process for BSNL SET 2026

The recruitment process consists of three main stages:

1. Computer Based Test (CBT) – MCQ type with negative marking
2. Document Verification
3. Medical Examination as per BSNL / Government of India standards

Computer Based Test (CBT)

• Mode: Online (Computer Based)
• Type: Multiple Choice Objective Questions (MCQ)
• Total Duration: 180 minutes
• Total Questions: 200
• Total Marks: 200
• Negative Marking: Yes
  • +1 mark for each correct answer
  • –0.25 mark for each wrong answer

Paper Structure

(A) SET (DR) – Telecom

(B) SET (DR) – Finance

The examination will be conducted in one shift combining both Part I & Part II.

Minimum Qualifying Marks

The cut-off is applied separately for each part and overall.

For General / UR Candidates

• Part I (Aptitude): Minimum 40%
• Part II (Core): Minimum 40%
• Overall (Part I + II): Minimum 50%

For SC / ST / OBC / PwBD / EWS Candidates

• Part I (Aptitude): Minimum 35%
• Part II (Core): Minimum 35%
• Overall (Part I + II): Minimum 45%

Candidates scoring less than minimum qualifying marks in any part will not be considered for the final merit list.

Final Merit List

• Prepared based on total marks in Part I + Part II, only for candidates who qualify both parts.
• Merit list does not guarantee appointment; final offer is subject to:
  • Successful document verification
  • Meeting all eligibility conditions
  • Medical fitness

If exam is held in multiple sessions, normalization of marks may be applied.

Detailed Syllabus for BSNL SET 2026

Part I – Common Aptitude (40 Questions / 40 Marks)

The Aptitude Test will broadly include:

1. Quantitative Ability & Data Sufficiency
2. Reasoning: Analytical, logical, critical reasoning
3. Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension & Analysis

This section is crucial for improving overall score and is common to both Telecom and Finance candidates.

Technical Syllabus – Telecom (Part II, 160 Questions)

The Telecom core paper covers modern telecom technologies, IP networks, transmission, and emerging technologies.

Major Topics & Approximate Weightage:

1. Basic Telecommunications Concepts (15%)
   • Signal processing
   • Modulation & demodulation
   • Multiplexing techniques
   • Spectrum management
2. Wireless Telecommunications Technologies (15%)
   • Wireless communication principles
   • Mobile antenna systems (Azimuth, Tilt, VSWR)
   • Fundamentals of GSM (2G/3G), LTE, IMS
   • Basics of 5G and industrial applications / captive networks
   • KPIs for 2G/3G/4G/5G for voice & data
   • Satellite communications (LEO, MEO)
   • Telco-cloud fundamentals
   • Mobile radio backhaul (Microwave, UBR, E-band etc.)
   • Spectrum management, Fixed Wireless Access
   • USIM/eSIM/iSIM fundamentals and network access security
   • Network Management Systems (NMS)
   • Standardization in wireless communication
   • Signaling (SS7/SIGTRAN) and protocols (SIP, H.248, MGCP, RTP, RTCP, etc.)
   • Disaster management & mitigation through ICT
3. Wireline Telecommunications Technologies (15%)
   • NGN, Softswitches
   • Call routing & switching concepts
   • Broadband technologies, FTTx
   • PSTN signaling, SSTP
   • C4 & C5 NGN architecture and call flows
   • NGN protocols (SIP/H.248/RTP/SIGTRAN)
   • IMS architecture, ISDN (PRI/BRI), EPABX, SIP services
   • Wi-Fi services, encrypted & enterprise hotspots
4. Telecom Transmission Infrastructure (15%)
   • Fundamentals of transmission systems
   • Optical fibre technology
   • Optical systems: DWDM, OTN, FTTH, GPON, EPON
5. IP/Data Networks (15%)
   • Network elements, routing concepts & protocols
   • OSI & TCP/IP models
   • Caching & peering
   • Secure IP networks
   • IPv4 addressing, subnetting, supernetting
   • IPv6 addressing schemes, types, routing, tunneling
   • MPLS fundamentals
   • Next-generation IP cloud network design
   • IP QoS, DNS & proxy services
   • Cyber security & firewalls
6. Emerging Technologies (15%)
   • Internet of Things (IoT) & M2M
   • Blockchain basics
   • Software Defined Networking (SDN)
   • Cloud computing, data centers
   • Artificial Intelligence in telecom networks
7. Project Management (10%)
   • Basics of project management, project selection
   • Planning and implementation
   • Tools: Bar chart, Gantt chart, PERT, CPM

Technical Syllabus – Finance (Part II, 160 Questions)

The Finance core paper is designed for CA/CMA-level candidates and covers advanced accounting, taxation, corporate law, and financial management.

Major Topics & Approximate Weightage:

1. Advanced Accounting (15%)
   • Preparation of financial statements (Balance Sheet, P&L)
   • Financial ratios, EBITDA
   • Consolidated financial statements (branches & subsidiaries)
   • Financial projections, NPV, IRR, break-even point, payback period
   • Accounting policies & disclosures
   • Inventory valuation, cash flow statements
   • Depreciation, revenue recognition, fixed assets accounting
   • Corporate actions: alteration of share capital, equity with differential rights, underwriting, redemption of debentures, debenture redemption reserve, buyback
   • Mergers, amalgamation, reconstruction
   • Accounting in computerized environment (SAP)
   • Compliance with Indian GAAP & Ind AS
2. Taxation Rules (15%)
   • GST laws: computation, TDS, invoices, credit/debit notes, e-way bill, ITC, returns, CGST/IGST, exemptions, composition scheme
   • Direct taxes: computation of income, aggregation, set-off & carry forward of losses, advance tax, self-assessment, TDS/TCS
3. Cost Accounting (15%)
   • Cost elements, cost sheets
   • Systems: material/employee/overheads, ABC analysis
   • Break-even analysis, process/operation costing
   • Costing in service sector
   • Cost control: standard & marginal costing
   • Budgetary control
4. Financial Statement & Management (15%)
   • Financial management functions and ratio analysis
   • Performance, profitability, liquidity, leverage, shareholder return ratios
   • Budgeting: fixed/flexible, zero-based, capex budgets, variance analysis
   • Sources of finance: short-term, long-term, ECBs, bonds/debentures, lease finance, cost of capital, capital structure, leverage, DSCR
   • Borrowing compliances (Banks, SEBI, Stock Exchanges, Debenture Trustees)
   • Working capital management, treasury, forex, money market basics
5. Corporate & Other Law (15%)
   • Company incorporation, prospectus & allotment
   • Share capital & debentures
   • SEBI regulations for fundraising
   • Dividend declaration & payment
   • Appointment of auditors
6. Audit & Assurance (15%)
   • Audit concepts & types
   • Internal controls, engagement standards
   • Documentation & evidence
   • Risk assessment & internal control
   • Fraud & auditor’s responsibility
   • Audit in automated/IT environments
   • Audit reports
7. Accounts Receivable Management (10%)
   • Objectives & benefits of receivable management
   • Credit policy & credit analysis
   • Best practices in receivables
   • Accounts receivable turnover ratio
   • Dunning process & its importance

Examination Centres for BSNL SET 2026

The CBT will be conducted in 27 cities across India. Candidates can choose one exam city while filling the form:

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.

Note: Depending on the number of applicants, BSNL may allocate a nearby city if required.

Application Fee (Registration & Examination Fee)

• Payment Mode: Online only (Internet Banking / Credit Card / Debit Card) via www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in
• Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances and cannot be adjusted for other exams.

How to Apply Online for BSNL SET Recruitment 2026

Follow these steps to submit your application correctly:

1. Visit official BSNL recruitment portal: www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in.
2. Click on the link for “Direct Recruitment of Senior Executive Trainee (Telecom & Finance) – 2026”.
3. Complete one-time registration using:
   • Valid mobile number (for OTP)
   • Valid email ID
4. Fill the online application form carefully:
   • Personal details
   • Educational qualifications (with % conversion, if applicable)
   • Category (UR/SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
   • Choice of stream (Telecom/Finance)
   • Preferred examination centre
5. Upload scanned documents in the prescribed format:
   • Recent passport-size colour photograph (20–50 KB, JPG/JPEG, white background)
   • Signature (10–20 KB, JPG/JPEG)
   • Class 10th certificate (DOB proof)
   • Degree / CA / CMA certificate
   • Consolidated marksheet / transcript
   • Photo ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Driving Licence/Voter ID)
   • Category/Reservation certificates: SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/EWS/PwBD (as applicable)
6. Pay the application fee through online payment gateway.
7. Submit the form and download/print the registration slip for future reference.

After registration closes, an editing window of 7 days will open. Only selected fields can be edited during this period. In case of multiple applications, the latest application will be treated as final.

Admit Card, Answer Key & Result

• Admit Card:
  • Will be available on www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in before exam date.
  • Download using user ID and password; it will not be sent by post/email.
• Answer Key & Challenge Window:
  • Provisional question paper and answer key will be uploaded within 5 working days after the CBT.
  • Candidates can raise objections/challenges within 7 days, on payment of Rs. 500 per question/answer key (non-refundable) via online mode.
• Result & Merit List:
  • Final merit list will be based on normalized marks (if multiple sessions) and minimum qualifying criteria.
  • Inclusion in merit list does not guarantee appointment; it is subject to document verification and medical fitness.

Key Instructions & Disqualification Conditions

• Only online applications are accepted; no offline/paper forms.
• All information must be accurate and verifiable. Any false/misleading information can lead to rejection at any stage, even after appointment.
• Change of exam centre, category, discipline or correspondence address after final submission is generally not allowed.
• BSNL may modify, cancel, restrict, enlarge, or alter the recruitment process at any time without notice.
• Canvassing or trying to influence the selection process will lead to immediate disqualification.
• BSNL does not demand any money other than the prescribed application fee; candidates should beware of fake agents or advertisements.

Why BSNL SET 2026 Is a High-Value Opportunity for Job Seekers

For engineering graduates and finance professionals (CA/CMA), the BSNL Senior Executive Trainee recruitment offers:

• Central PSU executive job with stable career growth
• Attractive pay scale and allowances
• Nationwide postings with opportunities in cutting-edge telecom technologies (4G/5G, IP Networks, Cloud, IoT, AI in Telecom)
• A clear career progression path from SET (E-3) to AGM (E-4) and higher grades as per BSNL Management Services Rules 2023.

Serious aspirants should start early preparation for both Aptitude and Core Technical sections and complete the online registration as soon as the window opens.

FAQs

What is BSNL SET Recruitment 2026?
BSNL SET Recruitment 2026 is a direct recruitment drive for Senior Executive Trainee posts in Telecom and Finance streams for executive-level positions in BSNL.

How many total vacancies are announced in BSNL SET 2026?
A total of 120 vacancies are announced, including 95 for Telecom and 25 for Finance.

Which streams are available under BSNL SET 2026?
The recruitment is conducted for two streams: Telecom and Finance.

Who is eligible to apply for SET Telecom?
Candidates with a BE/BTech or equivalent engineering degree in specified disciplines with at least 60% marks are eligible.

Who is eligible to apply for SET Finance?
Candidates who have completed CA or CMA qualification are eligible for the Finance stream.

What is the age limit for BSNL SET 2026?
The age limit is 21 to 30 years for UR/EWS/OBC-CL candidates, with relaxation for reserved categories as per rules.

Is age relaxation available for reserved categories?
Yes, age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwBD, and other eligible categories as per Government norms.

What is the pay scale for Senior Executive Trainee?
Selected candidates will be placed in IDA Pay Scale E-3 of Rs. 24,900–50,500 with allowances.

Is there a service bond in BSNL SET Recruitment?
Yes, candidates must sign a service bond of Rs. 9 lakh to serve BSNL for a minimum of 5 years.

What is the selection process for BSNL SET 2026?
The selection process includes a Computer Based Test, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.

Is there negative marking in the CBT?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.

How many questions are asked in the BSNL SET exam?
The CBT consists of 200 multiple-choice questions for 200 marks.

What is the duration of the CBT exam?
The exam duration is 180 minutes in a single sitting.

Is the aptitude section common for both streams?
Yes, Part I (Aptitude Test) is common for both Telecom and Finance streams.

What is the minimum qualifying mark for the exam?
General candidates need 40% in each part and 50% overall, while reserved category candidates need 35% in each part and 45% overall.

How is the final merit list prepared?
The merit list is prepared based on total marks obtained in Part I and Part II, subject to qualifying criteria.

Can marks be normalized in BSNL SET exam?
Yes, normalization may be applied if the exam is conducted in multiple sessions.

How can candidates apply for BSNL SET 2026?
Candidates must apply online through the official portal www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in.

What is the application fee for BSNL SET 2026?
The fee is Rs. 2500 for General/OBC/EWS and Rs. 1250 for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.

Is the application fee refundable?
No, the application fee once paid is non-refundable.

Can corrections be made after form submission?
Yes, BSNL provides an application editing window for limited corrections after submission.

Is there any offline mode of application?
No, applications are accepted only through online mode.

When will the admit card be released?
The admit card will be released online before the exam date on the official website.

Will BSNL send the admit card by post or email?
No, candidates must download the admit card online using their login credentials.

Are PwBD candidates eligible for reservation?
Yes, PwBD candidates with benchmark disability of 40% or more are eligible as per RPwD Act.

Can BSNL change the number of vacancies?
Yes, BSNL reserves the right to modify the number of vacancies or recruitment process at any stage.

Is posting location fixed after selection?
No, selected candidates have all-India posting liability.

Does inclusion in merit list guarantee appointment?
No, final appointment is subject to document verification, eligibility, and medical fitness.