Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced its recruitment drive for the year 2026 for the post of Senior Executive Trainee (Direct Recruitment). A total of 120 vacancies are available in two streams: Telecom Operations (95 posts) and Finance (25 posts). This is a prestigious opportunity for engineering graduates and qualified Chartered/Cost Accountants to join a leading telecom PSU at an executive level. The online application window opens on 5th February 2026 and closes on 7th March 2026.
BSNL SET Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Organization | Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Senior Executive Trainee (SET – DR) |
| Total Vacancies | 120 |
| Streams | Telecom Operations & Finance |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Dates | 05 Feb 2026 to 07 Mar 2026 |
| Eligibility | B.E/B.Tech (60%) for Telecom; CA/CMA for Finance |
| Tentative Exam Date | 29 March 2026 |
| Official Website | www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in |
Vacancy Details
| Stream / Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Senior Executive Trainee (DR) – Telecom Operations Stream | 95 |
| Senior Executive Trainee (DR) – Finance Stream | 25 |
| Total | 120 |
Note: The category-wise (UR/SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) distribution of vacancies will be detailed in the official notification.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification (as on 07.03.2026)
- For Telecom Operations Stream:
- B.E./B.Tech degree or equivalent in Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics, Computer Science, IT, Electrical, or Instrumentation.
- Minimum 60% marks (Full-time regular course from a recognized institute/university).
- For Finance Stream:
- Chartered Accountant (CA) OR Cost and Management Accountant (CMA).
2. Age Limit (as on 07.03.2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Upper Age Limit:
- General/EWS: 30 Years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 33 Years
- SC/ST: 35 Years
- PwBD (General): 40 Years (Additional relaxation as per category).
Salary & Pay Scale
Selected candidates will be appointed as Senior Executive Trainee in the IDA Pay Scale [E-3] of ₹24,900 – ₹50,500/- (pre-revised). Upon successful completion of probation, they will be designated as Senior Executive in the same pay scale. They will also be entitled to other allowances and benefits as per BSNL rules.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹2,500/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹1,250/- |
- Payment Mode: Online via Internet Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card.
- The fee is non-refundable.
Selection Process
The selection will be based on a single-stage Computer Based Test (CBT).
- Exam Pattern: Objective type MCQ test covering Aptitude and Technical/Professional Knowledge.
- Qualifying Marks:
- General/EWS: Minimum 40% in each part AND 50% aggregate.
- SC/ST/OBC/PwBD: Minimum 35% in each part AND 45% aggregate.
- Document Verification & Medical Examination: Candidates shortlisted in the merit list will undergo document verification and a medical exam.
How to Apply Online for BSNL SET 2026?
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful application.
- Visit Official Portal: Go to the BSNL external exam portal: www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in.
- Find Notification: Look for the advertisement “Recruitment of Senior Executive Trainee (DR) – 2026”.
- Read Notification: Download and read the detailed official notification PDF thoroughly. Check your eligibility for the desired stream.
- New Registration: Click ‘Apply Online’. Complete the registration by providing basic details to generate login credentials.
- Fill Application Form: Log in and fill the detailed application. Select the correct Stream (Telecom/Finance). Enter all educational details and percentages/CGPA accurately.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your:
- Recent Photograph & Signature.
- B.Tech Degree/Provisional Certificate & All Mark Sheets (for Telecom) OR CA/CMA Membership Certificate (for Finance).
- Caste/PwBD/EWS Certificate (if applicable) in the prescribed format.
- CGPA to Percentage conversion certificate from university (if applicable).
- Pay Application Fee: Proceed to pay the applicable fee online.
- Review & Submit: Carefully review all details. Submit the application. Note the Application Number.
- Print Application: Download and take a printout of the finally submitted application form and fee receipt.
Important Dates
- Start Date for Online Application: 05 February 2026 (10:00 AM)
- Last Date for Online Application: 07 March 2026 (10:00 AM)
- Application Editing Window: 08 to 15 March 2026 (Correction window post submission).
- Tentative Exam Date (CBT): 29 March 2026
Key Instructions: Apply well before the deadline. The editing window (08-15 Mar) allows correction of certain details after submission, but use it carefully. CGPA must be converted to percentage as per university norms. Prepare for the CBT focusing on General Aptitude and your core engineering/accountancy subjects. Keep checking the official portal for updates on admit cards and the exact exam schedule.
If you have any questions or face issues during the application process, feel free to comment below.
Important Links
| Notification | Click Here |
| Application Form | Click Here |
| Notification Video | Click Here |
| How to Make A Resume | Click Here |
| Download App | Click Here |
| Website | Click Here |
| SC, ST, OBC, Certificate (Video) | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Contact Our Online Application Team | Click Here |
