The BSNL SET Recruitment 2026 notification marks a major hiring initiative by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for the post of Senior Executive Trainee (SET) in Telecom and Finance streams. This recruitment opens a prestigious gateway for young engineers and finance professionals to join one of India’s largest public sector telecom organizations at the executive level.With attractive salary, nationwide posting, long-term career growth, and central PSU benefits, BSNL SET Recruitment is among the most anticipated PSU recruitment drives of 2026.This article provides a complete and exam-oriented overview of BSNL SET Recruitment 2026, including vacancies, eligibility, age limit, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, selection process, and preparation strategy.
What is BSNL SET Recruitment?
BSNL SET Recruitment refers to the
Direct Recruitment of Senior Executive Trainees (SET) through a
Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by document verification and medical examination.Key highlights:
- Recruitment is for Executive (E-3 Pay Scale)
- Conducted nationwide
- Selection through objective CBT
- Applicable to Telecom & Finance streams
- Appointment under BSNL Management Services
This recruitment is
not a GATE-based hiring. Candidates are selected purely through the BSNL SET examination.
BSNL SET Recruitment 2026: Important DatesAs per the official notification :
- Start of Online Registration: 05 February 2026 (10:00 AM)
- End of Online Registration: 07 March 2026 (10:00 PM)
- Application Editing Window: 08–15 March 2026
- Date of Examination (CBT): 29 March 2026 (Tentative)
Total Vacancies in BSNL SET Recruitment 2026BSNL has announced a total of
120 vacancies for Senior Executive Trainee positions.Vacancy Breakdown
| Stream | Vacancies |
|---|
| Senior Executive Trainee – Telecom | 95 |
| Senior Executive Trainee – Finance | 25 |
| Total | 120 |
Reservation for
SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD categories is applicable as per Government of India norms.
Eligibility Criteria for BSNL SET Recruitment1. NationalityOnly
Indian nationals are eligible to apply for BSNL SET Recruitment.
2. Educational QualificationA. BSNL SET – TelecomCandidates must possess:
- Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Technology
- Minimum 60% marks
- Degree must be in:
- Electronics
- Electrical
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Instrumentation
- Telecommunication
- Or a combination of these disciplines
B. BSNL SET – FinanceCandidates must have:
- CA (Chartered Accountant)
OR - CMA (Cost & Management Accountant)
Degrees must be from a
recognized Indian university/institution.
3. Age Limit (as on closing date)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|
| Unreserved / EWS / OBC (CL) | 30 Years |
| OBC (NCL) | 33 Years |
| SC / ST | 35 Years |
| PwBD – General | 40 Years |
| PwBD – OBC | 43 Years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 45 Years |
Age relaxation is strictly as per Government of India norms .
BSNL SET Recruitment Selection ProcessThe
BSNL SET Recruitment selection process consists of the following stages:Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Objective, Multiple-Choice Questions
- Single examination session
- No interview stage
Stage 2: Document Verification
- Verification of eligibility, category, education, and age documents
Stage 3: Medical Examination
- As per BSNL and Government medical standards
Final appointment depends on
merit list + medical fitness.
BSNL SET Exam Pattern 2026The CBT pattern is clearly defined in the notification.Exam Structure
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|
| Part-I (Common – Aptitude) | 40 | 40 |
| Part-II (Core Technical) | 160 | 160 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Exam Mode: Computer Based Test
- Negative Marking: 0.25 mark for each wrong answer
- Language: English
BSNL SET Syllabus OverviewPart-I: Aptitude (Common for All)
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning (Analytical, Logical, Critical)
- Verbal Ability
- Reading Comprehension
Part-II (Technical – Telecom)Major topics include:
- Basic & Wireless Communication
- GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G concepts
- Optical Fiber Communication
- Switching Systems
- IP/Data Networks
- Network Security
- Cloud Computing
- IoT, AI in Telecom
- Project Management basics
Part-II (Technical – Finance)Major topics include:
- Financial Accounting
- Cost & Management Accounting
- Taxation (GST, Income Tax)
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Management & Ratios
- Auditing & Assurance
- Corporate Laws
- Working Capital Management
The syllabus depth is equivalent to
PSU executive-level recruitment.
Minimum Qualifying Marks – BSNL SET RecruitmentTo be considered for merit list preparation:
- General / EWS / OBC: 40% in each section
- SC / ST / PwBD: 33% in each section
Final merit list is prepared
only from candidates clearing minimum qualifying marks.
Salary and Pay Scale for BSNL SETSelected candidates are appointed in
E-3 Pay Scale.Pay Details
- Basic Pay: ₹29,400 – ₹50,500 (Revised)
- Additional Benefits:
- DA
- HRA / Accommodation
- Medical facilities
- Leave Travel Concessions
- Performance-linked incentives
Overall, the
CTC of a BSNL SET ranges between ₹12–14 LPA, making this a highly rewarding PSU role.
Training, Bond & Career GrowthTraining & Probation
- 2 Years Training
- Total service bond: Minimum 5 years
Promotion & Career Growth
- Post completion of probation, promotion avenues are governed under:
- BSNL Management Services Rules
- Growth to AGM and higher grades based on performance & seniority
Work Location & PostingSelected candidates under
BSNL SET Recruitment are:
- Liable to be posted anywhere in India
- Primarily deployed in:
- Telecom operations
- Network planning
- Finance & accounts divisions
- Corporate and circle offices
Why BSNL SET Recruitment is a Golden OpportunityChoosing
BSNL SET Recruitment means:
- Entry directly into Executive cadre
- Stable government PSU job
- High-impact role in national telecom infrastructure
- Exposure to 5G, optical fiber, and core networks
- Secure long-term career with leadership growth
Preparation Strategy for BSNL SET ExamTo crack
BSNL SET Recruitment 2026, aspirants should:
- Master core technical subjects
- Focus on previous PSU-level MCQs
- Strengthen aptitude fundamentals
- Practice full-length CBT mock tests
- Revise formulas, standards, and numerical problems
A structured
8–10 week focused preparation is sufficient for well-prepared candidates.
