The BSNL SET Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially released, announcing 120 vacancies for the post of Senior Executive Trainee (SET) through direct recruitment. This major recruitment drive by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) aims to strengthen technical and financial leadership across India by inducting qualified professionals into Telecom and Finance streams. With a structured pay scale, long-term stability, and a merit-based selection process, this is one of the most anticipated PSU job opportunities of the year.
BSNL SET Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) |
| Post Name | Senior Executive Trainee (SET) |
| Total Vacancies | 120 (95 Telecom, 25 Finance) |
| Pay Scale | ₹24,900 – ₹50,500 (E-3 Scale) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | CBT & Document Verification |
| Official Website | bsnl.co.in |
Important Dates to Remember
Missing a deadline can end your PSU career dreams. Mark your calendars with these official BSNL SET 2026 dates:
- Notification Release: January 29, 2026
- Online Registration Starts: February 5, 2026 (10:00 AM)
- Last Date to Apply: March 7, 2026 (10:00 AM)
- Application Correction Window: March 8 to March 15, 2026
- CBT Exam Date (Tentative): March 29, 2026
Detailed Vacancy Breakup (Category-Wise)
BSNL has strategically distributed the 120 vacancies to ensure a balanced intake across all categories.
| Stream | OC | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telecom Stream | 40 | 9 | 25 | 14 | 7 | 95 |
| Finance Stream | 11 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 25 |
| Grand Total | 51 | 11 | 31 | 18 | 9 | 120 |
BSNL SET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before filling out the BSNL Online Form 2026, ensure you meet these strict eligibility requirements.
1. Educational Qualification
- Telecom Stream: Full-time regular B.E. / B.Tech or equivalent in Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics, Computer Science, IT, Electrical, or Instrumentation with at least 60% marks.
- Finance Stream: Candidates must be a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost & Management Accountant (CMA).
2. Age Limit (As of 07.03.2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 30 Years
Age Relaxations:
- SC/ST: 5 Years (up to 35)
- OBC (NCL): 3 Years (up to 33)
- PwBD (Gen/EWS/OBC): 10 Years (up to 40)
- PwBD (SC/ST): 15 Years (up to 45)
BSNL SET Salary and Job Bond Details
The Senior Executive Trainee position is a high-ranking executive role within BSNL.
- Salary Scale: Appointed in the IDA E-3 pay bracket of ₹24,900 to ₹50,500.
- Probation Period: 2 Years.
- Mandatory Service Bond: Selected candidates must execute a bond of ₹9 Lakh to serve BSNL for a minimum of 5 years.
BSNL SET Exam Pattern 2026
The selection is purely merit-based, conducted via a Computer-Based Test (CBT) lasting 180 minutes.
| Section | Details | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | Aptitude Test (Common for all) | 40 | 40 |
| Part II | Technical Test (Telecom/Finance) | 160 | 160 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Minimum Qualifying Marks:
- General: 40% in each part and 50% aggregate.
- Reserved (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD): 35% in each part and 45% aggregate.
How to Apply Online for BSNL SET Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps to complete your registration on the BSNL External Exam portal:
- Visit the official BSNL recruitment page at bsnl.co.in or externalexam.bsnl.co.in.
- Click on “New Registration” for Senior Executive Trainee (DR) – 2026.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number to receive your Registration ID.
- Log in and fill in personal, academic, and professional details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and degree certificates.
- Pay the Application Fee:
- OC / OBC / EWS: ₹2,500
- SC / ST / PwBD: ₹1,250
- Review and submit the application form, then print the confirmation page for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the last date to apply for BSNL SET 2026?
The last date for online application submission is March 7, 2026.
Q2: Can final year students apply?
The notification requires a regular full-time degree with 60% marks as of the application closing date.
Q3: Is there any negative marking in the BSNL SET Exam?
While the pattern specifies multiple-choice objective questions, candidates should refer to the official notification for specific negative marking details.
Q4: Where will the job location be?
As a central PSU, candidates may be posted anywhere in India according to BSNL’s operational requirements.