BSNL Recruitment 2026: Apply online for 120 Senior Executive Trainee (SET) posts in Telecom & Finance. Check eligibility, ₹24,900–₹50,500 salary, and exam dates.
Vacancy Overview: Telecom & Finance Streams
For 2026, BSNL has notified a total of 120 vacancies for the post of Senior Executive Trainee. These positions are divided into two primary streams:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Educational Qualification |
| SET (Telecom) | 95 | B.E. / B.Tech in Electronics, CS, IT, Electrical, or Instrumentation (Min 60% marks) |
| SET (Finance) | 25 | Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) |
This recruitment is part of the Direct Recruitment (DR) scheme, specifically targeting external candidates from the open market.
Key Dates to Remember
Timing is critical for government job applications. Mark your calendars with these official dates:
- Notification Release: January 29, 2026
- Online Registration Starts: February 5, 2026 (10:00 AM)
- Last Date to Apply: March 7, 2026
- Correction Window: March 8 – March 15, 2026
- Tentative Exam Date (CBT): March 29, 2026
Eligibility Criteria: Age and Relaxation
To apply, candidates must be Indian citizens. The age limit is calculated as of the closing date of the application (March 7, 2026).
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 30 Years
Age Relaxation:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 33 Years
- SC / ST: 35 Years
- PwBD (General/EWS): 40 Years
Further Read: PM Shri KV Dahod Hiring 2026: Teaching Jobs in Gujarat You Can Apply for This Week
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The selection will be based on a Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by document verification and a medical examination. There is no interview for these specific trainee roles in 2026.
CBT Structure
The exam lasts 180 minutes (3 hours) and consists of 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Part I (General Aptitude): 40 Questions (40 Marks). Covers reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and verbal ability.
- Part II (Core Subject): 160 Questions (160 Marks). Focused on technical telecom engineering or financial management subjects.
Warning: There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. Accuracy is just as important as speed.
Salary Structure and Career Growth
Selected candidates will be placed in the E-3 IDA pay scale (Rs. 24,900 – Rs. 50,500). After successfully completing a 2-year probation period, trainees are converted into full-time Senior Executives.
Perks include:
- Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Medical benefits and pension schemes
- A 5-year service bond (approximately Rs. 9 Lakhs)
How to Apply for BSNL Recruitment 2026
Interested candidates should follow these steps to register:
- Visit the official BSNL External Exam portal: www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in.
- Click on the “New Registration” link for Senior Executive Trainee 2026.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature.
- Application Fee: Pay ₹2,500 (General/OBC/EWS) or ₹1,250 (SC/ST/PwBD) via online mode.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 BSNL recruitment is a golden opportunity for freshers to secure a stable, high-growth career in a major PSU. Given the competitive nature of the technical section (160 marks), focusing on your core engineering or finance subjects early is the key to success.