BSNL SET Recruitment 2026: Apply for Senior Executive Trainee

BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED

BSNL Direct Recruitment 2026 for Senior Executive Trainee: Apply Now

Advt. No. BSNLCO-11/12(11)/1/2025-RECTT-CO-Part (1), Dated: – 29.01.2026

Attention Engineers! Good news coming from BSNL. Recently, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has announced direct recruitment for Senior Executive Trainee. Read this blog to know more about this recruitment. In this blog, we’ll cover the total number of vacancies for engineers, the selection procedure, the age limit, the exam pattern, and much more.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is a PSU that provides telecommunication services across the country. BSNL plays a very important role in enhancing remote and rural areas’ telecommunication connectivity. Recently, to manage the increasing workload, BSNL has published a recruitment notification for the post of Senior Executive Trainee. Candidates who fulfill the prescribed eligibility conditions are eligible to apply for this post.

Let us look at the post-wise detail.

Post wise details

The total number of vacancies in this BSNL direct recruitment 2025 is 120; however, only 95 vacancies are available for engineering degree holders. The rest of the vacancies are for candidates with a finance background. In this section, we’ll focus only upon those vacancies where engineering degree holders are eligible.

Degree of Disability for PwBDs: – Under the provisions of RPwD Act 2016 Persons with Benchmark Disability means a person with not less than 40% of specified disability, as certified by the certifying authority. Benefit of reservation may be given to PwBDs with Permanent Disability Certificates. Forms for certificate of Disability may be same as prescribed under RPwD Act 2016/ RPwD Rules 2017.

For SET Telecom Stream:

1. 1. OA, OL, CP, LC, Dw, AAV
   2. SLD, MI
   3. MD involving (a) to (b) above.

Important Dates

• Starting date of online application: 5^th Feb 2026, 10.00 hours
• Last date of online application: 7^th March 2026, 10.00 hours
• Starting date of editing online application: 8^th March 2026, 10.00 hours
• Ending date of editing online application: 15^th March 2026, 10.00 hours
• Exam date: 29^th March 2026, 10.00 hours (tentative)

Pay scale

The Senior Executive Trainee (SET-DR) shall be recruited in the IDA pay scale [E-3] of Rs 24900 – Rs. 50500/- (pre-revised).

Place of posting

Persons appointed to the Senior Executive Trainee (DR) post shall be liable for posting/transfer anywhere in India/at any place falling in the operational area of BSNL.

Eligibility

• Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
• Candidate should be minimum 21 years and not exceed 30 years as on date of receipt of application. However, the upper age limit is relaxable as per the standing instructions of Government of India for the following categories:

Note:

1. The date of birth entered in matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate or in a Certificate recognised by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation or in an extract from a Register of Matriculates maintained by a University, which must be certified by the proper authority of the University or in the Higher Secondary or an equivalent examination certificate. The certificates as proof of date of birth are required to be uploaded at the time of registration and also to be submitted at the time of document verification in original. No other document relating to age like horoscopes, affidavit, birth extracts from Municipal Corporation, Service records and alike will be accepted.
2. Candidates seeking reservation as SC/ST/OBC (NCL), will have to upload the applicable-valid Caste Certificate at the time of registration and also toto be submitted at the time of document verification in original, in the prescribed proforma meant for appointment to posts under the Government of India from the designated authority indicating clearly the candidate’s caste (same as mentioned in the list of Central Government), the Act/Order under which the caste is recognized as SC/ST/OBC (NCL) and the Village/Town the candidates is ordinarily resident of.
3. Candidates seeking reservation as PwBD will have to upload the relevant Disability Certificate issued by a Govt. Medical Board in the format prescribed by the Govt. Of India at the time of registration and submit at the time document verification the bench-marked disability certificate only in the prescribed proforma as per Form V/VI/VII (Rule 18(1) of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017).
4. OBC (NCL) certificate should have been issued on or after 01.04.2025 by the competent authority. The certificate must contain the date of issue along with name of caste, spelled exactly in the same manner as appearing in the list of the Central Government.
5. Candidates seeking reservation under EWS will have to upload the relevant certificate (Income and Asset Certificate issued by a competent authority) at the time of registration & submit at the time of document verification, an Income and Asset Certificate issued by a competent authority. The prescribed format and the competent authority have been given in Department of Personnel & Training of Govt. of India Office Memorandum No. 36039/1/2019 – Estt (Res) dated 31/01/2019. Further, certificate should have been issued on or after 01.04.2025 by the competent authority.
6. No change in the category, already indicated by a candidate in his/her online application form for this exercise, will ordinarily be allowed.

Educational Qualification

Candidates who are applying for the post of Telecom Operations must have Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Technology degree or equivalent engineering degree with minimum 60% marks on a regular full time basis in any of the following discipline:-

1. Electronics and telecommunication
2. Electronics
3. Computer Science
4. Information Technology
5. Electrical
6. Instrumentation

Or

Combination of these discipline as core with other associated emerging branches.

The candidates applying for SET (DR) should be Indian National and should possess the requisite educational qualification from an Indian Institute / University established by / Under Act of the Central / State Government in India or other educational Institute established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956 and should have completed the course as on the closing date of receipt of application.

Note: In case of educational qualification, wherever CGPA/ OGPA/ CPI/ DGPA or letter grade in degree is awarded, equivalent % of marks should be indicated in the online application as per norms adopted by concerned University/ Institute. Candidates are required to obtain a certificate to this effect from the University/ Institute, which shall be required to be submitted at the time of document verification. If university/Institute does not have the provision for conversion CGPA/ OGPA/ CPI/ DGPA or letter grade into percentage then the equivalence will be established by dividing the candidate’s relative grade with maximum possible corresponding scale and multiplying the result with 100.

Selection Procedure

• The candidates shall have to undergo “Computer based-Multiple Choice Objective Type Test” comprising aptitude & technical knowledge sections. All candidates appearing in the “Computer based-Multiple Choice-Objective Type Test” shall be given a score based on their performance in the “Computer based Multiple Choice-Objective Type Test”.
• On the basis of number of sessions of examinations, arises if any, normalization of marks would be adopted.
• Selected candidates in the declared merit list shall have to go for Document Verification. The Date and Venue of Document Verification will be intimated in due course. However, BSNL reserves the right to change the number of posts.
• All willing candidates are advised to ensure to fulfil all eligibility conditions before applying. In case during pre-appointment formalities or at a later stage or otherwise at any extent of time, it is found that the information furnished by an applicant is false/misleading or an applicant does not fulfil any of the eligibility conditions, etc. or otherwise, then candidature of such applicants would be summarily cancelled and no correspondence in this regard would be entertained.
• Departmental candidates, if any, shall not be given any consideration in respect in the matters of selection.
• Selected candidates may be posted at any of the BSNL establishments.
• Appointment of selected candidates will be subject to their passing the company’s Medical Examination as per standards laid down under the Gol rules that will be made available on BSNL’s Website at bsnl.co.in.
• Those selected candidates who are already employed elsewhere will be required to resign from their respective organization only after being declared medically fit as per extant Medical rules. If any candidate resigns from his/her present employment before being declared medically fit for joining in BSNL, then BSNL shall bear no responsibility, whatsoever, on this account.
• BSNL reserves the right to cancel/ restrict/ enlarge/ modify/ alter the recruitment/selection process, if the need so arises, without issuing any further notice or assigning any reason whatsoever. No communication in this regard shall be entertained in any manner.

Exam pattern

The pattern of the questions will be multiple choice objective type questions (MCQ with negative marking. All candidates will undergo “Computer based-Multiple Choice-Objective Type Test” of 180 Minutes duration.

The examination (Computer based-Multiple choice-Objective type test) will consist of one paper as given below:

• The examination will be Objective type with negative marking. For each correct answer 01 (ONE) Mark will be awarded and for each wrong answer (-) 0.25 Mark will be awarded.
• Minimum Qualifying Marks in Part-I (Common) & Part-II (Core) shall be 40% in each Part and overall minimum Qualifying Marks in both Part-I & Part-II combined shall be 50% for General Candidates. For SC/ST, OBC, PwBD and EWS Candidates, there shall be relaxation in Qualifying Marks and the Minimum Qualifying Marks in each Part shall be 35% and overall minimum Qualifying Marks in both the parts combined shall be 45%.
• Final Merit List will be prepared based on Total Marks obtained in Part-I (Common) & Part-II (Core) provided the candidate has secured minimum Qualifying Marks prescribed above.
• Candidates, obtaining less marks than the minimum qualifying marks in any of the Sections shall not be considered for including in the merit list.
• The appearance of the name in the final merit-list of the selection process does not confer any right on the candidate for the post. A final offer letter will be issued to the candidate after successful completion of all formalities relating to eligibility conditions.

Bond Training and Probation

• All candidates recruited for the post of Senior Executive Trainee (DR) will execute a Bond of Rupees 09 (NINE) Lakhs in the format as specified by BSNL to serve BSNL for a period of at least FIVE YEARS from the date of their appointment as Senior Executive Trainee.
• All Senior Executive Trainee (DR) will remain on PROBATION for TWO Years running concurrently with training schedule of 52 Weeks (One Year) including examinations during training as per details given below:-

1. Common Managerial Training – Total 13 Weeks
2. Training related to Functional Stream – 13 Weeks
3. On Job Training – 26 Weeks

• If the candidate fails to successfully complete the training including the examination during training, then his/her probation shall be extended by 06 Months, followed by Examination. He / She will be placed below in seniority than the candidates who have already cleared the exam.
• On failure in successful completion of training including examinations during period of training even in extended period, his/her appointment/selection to BSNL shall be treated as cancelled.

Career Progression

• After successful completion of probation, SET (DR) shall be designated as Senior Executive (DR) in E-3 Pay Scale (pre-revised). On working as Senior Executive (DR) for further One Year i.e. minimum 03 (Three) Years of Service from their date of appointment as SET (DR), shall be considered for promotion as Assistant General Manager (E-4 Pay Scale) of the respective stream as per provisions of Recruitment Rules of BSNL Management Services-2023 of the respective stream.
• Further career progression for promotion to higher grades shall be regulated by Recruitment Rules of BSNL Management Services-2023 of the respective stream with subsequent modifications.

Seniority

Seniority of the candidates selected and appointed as Senior Executive Trainee (DR) of respective stream will be as final merit list to be prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the prescribed selection process. Further, on their promotion to AGM Grade, their inter-se-seniority in the AGM Grade and higher grades shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of Recruitment Rules of BSNL Management Services-2023 of the respective stream.

Exam Fee

The prescribed examination fee Rs. 2500/- (Rupees Two Thousand Five Hundred only) for OC/OBC/EWS candidates & Rs. 1250/- (Rupees One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty) for SC/ST/PwBD candidates shall be paid through online mode only (i.e. Internet Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card only) on BSNL web site (www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in).

The amount of the fee shall not be accepted in any other form. Fee, once paid shall NOT be refunded under any circumstances nor can be held in reserve for any other examination or selection.

Registration

• Candidates applying for SET (DR) – Telecom & Finance posts are required to apply online on the link provided on BSNL web site (www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in) only through the online registration process which is scheduled as given above. Candidates are required to take print-out of the computer generated registration form for their record and future purposes.
• The applicants would be admitted to the examination on the basis of the information furnished by them in their online application form. The candidates are, therefore, advised to fulfill all eligibility conditions before applying. In case any information is found false/misleading at a later stage or otherwise, the candidature of such applicants would be cancelled and no correspondence in this regard would be entertained.
• Before registering/submitting their online applications on the website the candidates should keep the following ready:

1. Mobile number & E-mail ID in which the OTP will be sent for completing the registration process.
2. Scanned copy of recent passport size color photograph of the candidate with white background in jpg/ jpeg format. (20kb-50 kb only)
3. Scanned copy of the signature of the candidate in jpg / jpeg format (10kb – 20kb only)
4. Class 10th Certificate (For verification of Date of Birth)
5. Degree Certificate of Essential Qualification
6. Consolidated Marksheet/transcript of essential qualification for semesters or years all
7. Photo identity proof (like Aadhar card, Passport, Driving License, Voter Id Card)
8. Valid proof of reservation (SC/ST/EWS/PwBD, etc)
9. Medical Certificate for PwBD

• After closing of registration period, EDITING WINDOW shall be opened for Seven (07) Days. Candidates can edit selective fields only in their application. Upon completion of registration in all respects, the required admit card will be made available on same registration link.
• In case of multiple applications/registration from the candidate, the latest application/registration number shall be considered as final and older applications shall be rejected.
• Candidates employed with Government Departments/Public Sector Undertakings/Autonomous Bodies are required to produce a “No Objection Certificate” from their present employer at the time of Documents verification positively.
• For the Un-Reserved (UR) vacancy, SC/ST/EWS/OBC candidates can apply subject to meeting with all general standards of eligibility. In such case, the category relaxation then may not be availed.

Admit Card

Admit card for appearing in the Senior Executive Trainee “Computer based-Multiple Choice-Objective Type Test” can be downloaded from the link provided through BSNL websites (www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in) by the candidates well ahead of time before the date of examination by using their user name & password. It will not be sent either by post or by e-mail. Issuance of an admit card for the examination will NOT confer any right for appointment, etc. Appointment will be solely provisional, subject to fulfilment of all the prescribed eligibility conditions.

Challenging Window after exam

BSNL shall display/provide the provisional question/answer key in the same portal within 05 (Five) working days of conducting online Exam.

The challenge/grievance window shall be opened for Seven (07) days with a suitable format to submit their online grievances/queries on question/answer options only. BSNL shall charge Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five hundred only) per question or per answer key and shall be payable through online mode i.e. Internet Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card only. These charges are non-refundable.

General Instructions

• All applicants must fulfill the essential requirements of the post and other conditions stipulated in the advertisement. They are advised to satisfy themselves before applying. No enquiry asking for advice as to eligibility will be entertained.
• Applicants are required to apply online only. No manual/ paper application will be entertained.
• Screening and selection will be based on the details provided by the candidate; hence it is necessary that applicants should furnish only accurate, full and correct information. Furnishing of wrong / false information will be a disqualification and BSNL will NOT be responsible for any consequence of furnishing of such wrong/false information.
• Candidature of the registered candidate is liable to be rejected at any stage of recruitment process or after recruitment or joining if any information provided by the candidate is found false or is not found in conformity with eligibility criteria mentioned in the advertisement.
• Requests for change of mailing address / discipline / Test Centre as declared in the online application, will not be entertained.
• Candidates should retain the copy of their BSNL Registration Slip and Admit Card for future reference. Print out of the same should not be tampered with. No documents including copy of Registration slip etc. are to be sent to BSNL unless specifically asked for.
• The candidates applying for the recruitment should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions for the post against which they apply. Their admission at all the stages of the selection process will be purely provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions. Mere issue of online application ID/Admit card to the candidate will not imply that his/her candidature has been finally cleared by BSNL. BSNL takes up verification of eligibility conditions with reference to original documents only after the candidate has been shortlisted for document verification.
• Appointment of selected candidates will be subject to their passing the Company’s Medical Examination as per standards laid down under BSNL’s Medical Examination Rules. Details shall be provided on BSNL website www.bsnl.co.in.
• For more information about the Company, you may visit BSNL website bsnl.co.in.
• Canvassing in any form or influencing the officials related to the selection / recruitment process would result in immediate disqualification of the candidate. In case of any dispute, the decision of the management of BSNL will be final and binding on all candidates.
• Candidates are also advised not to respond to unscrupulous advertisements appearing in any newspaper. For authenticity of any communication/advertisement in this regard, the candidate must check on BSNL’s website bsnl.co.in
• BSNL Management reserves the right to cancel the recruitment exercise fully/ partially at any stage at its discretion. It may be noted that BSNL does not seek payments of any kind other than the registration fee.

Note: Candidates in their interest are advised to refer to the BSNL websites (www.bsnl.co.in/www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in) from time to time for any further instruction/information. For any query, the applicants may contact BSNL Corporate Office, New Delhi at bsnlrectt@bsnl.co.in.

Dear Readers, this was all about the latest recruitment at BSNL for Senior Executive Trainee. Interested candidates are requested to read this notification for better understanding. Also, in case of any doubt, candidates can refer to the official notification. The link for official notification is given below.

BSNL Recruitment 2026

We wish all the best to every candidate.