Job Description

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has officially announced its Direct Recruitment for the post of Senior Executive Trainee (SET) for the year 2026. This is a highly coveted opportunity for engineering and finance graduates seeking a stable and rewarding career in a premier Central Government Public Sector Undertaking. The recruitment drive aims to fill 120 vacancies in two distinct streams: Telecom and Finance. Selected candidates will undergo comprehensive training and enjoy a clear career progression path up to the Assistant General Manager (AGM) level. This role offers not just job security and a handsome pay scale but also a chance to be at the forefront of India’s telecommunications and financial sectors.

Organization & Recruitment Details

Here are the key details of the recruitment drive. Candidates are advised to read the official notification thoroughly before proceeding with the application.

Important Dates

Mark your calendar! Missing any deadline can lead to disqualification. It is always recommended to complete the application process well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical glitches.

Application Fee

The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Payment must be made online only through internet banking, credit card, or debit card on the official BSNL portal.

Age Limit (as on 07.03.2026)

Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age. Upper age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India norms. The date of birth proof must be as per the Matriculation/10th certificate.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following educational qualifications as of the closing date of application (07 March 2026). The qualification must be from a recognized Indian University/Institute.

Vacancy Details

BSNL plans to recruit a total of 120 Senior Executive Trainees. Reservation is applied horizontally across categories as per Government of India guidelines.

Selection Process

The selection will be a two-stage process primarily based on a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

1. Computer Based Test (CBT): A single online objective-type exam of 180 minutes duration with two parts:
   • Part-I (Aptitude): 40 Questions (40 Marks) covering Quantitative Ability, Reasoning, and Verbal Ability.
   • Part-II (Technical): 160 Questions (160 Marks) based on the core subject (Telecom or Finance).

   There will be negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

2. Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted based on the merit list will be called for verification of all original certificates and documents.

Salary / Pay Scale

Selected candidates will be appointed as Senior Executive Trainees in the IDA Pay Scale [E-3] and will undergo a probation period.

In addition to the basic pay, candidates will receive allowances as per BSNL rules (like DA, HRA, etc.), making the in-hand salary attractive. After successful completion of probation and one additional year of service (total 3 years from appointment), they become eligible for promotion to Assistant General Manager (AGM) in the E-4 pay scale, ensuring excellent career growth.

How to Apply for BSNL SET Recruitment 2026

Follow these steps carefully to submit your application online. The process is only available on the official BSNL recruitment website.

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the BSNL external exam website (www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in).
2. New Registration: Click on the registration link for SET (DR) 2026. Use a valid mobile number and email ID to generate OTP and create your login credentials.
3. Fill Application Form: Log in and carefully fill in all personal, educational, and category details. Cross-check all entries before saving.
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, 10th certificate (for DOB), degree certificates, marksheets, category certificate (if applicable), and PwBD certificate (if applicable) in the prescribed format and size.
5. Pay Application Fee: Proceed to pay the application fee online using net banking, credit, or debit card. Keep the payment receipt.
6. Submit & Print: Finalize and submit the form. Take a printout of the completed registration form for your records and future reference.
7. Edit if Required: Use the editing window from 08 to 15 March 2026 to correct any selective fields if needed.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips for Aspirants

As a Sarkari Result specialist, here is practical advice to navigate this recruitment successfully:

1. Apply Early: Don’t wait for the last day. This gives you time to rectify errors and avoid website congestion.
2. Document Scans: Prepare all scanned documents (JPG/JPEG) with correct size (photo 20-50 KB, signature 10-20 KB) well in advance.
3. Understand the Syllabus: The technical syllabus for both streams is vast and specific. Download the detailed syllabus from the notification (Annexure-B) and create a topic-wise study plan.
4. Focus on Minimum Qualifying Marks: You must score at least 40% in each part (Aptitude & Technical) and 50% overall (45% for reserved categories) to be considered for the merit list. Plan your attempt accordingly.
5. Bond Awareness: Be fully aware of the 5-year service bond and the significant financial penalty attached. This is a long-term commitment.
6. Beware of Fake Advertisements: Rely only on the official BSNL websites (www.bsnl.co.in / www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in) for all updates. Do not respond to any other unsolicited communication asking for money.
7. Post-Application: After applying, regularly check the official portal for updates on admit cards, answer key challenges, and result announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)