BSNL Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 120 Senior Executive Trainee Vacancies in Telecom and Finance Streams
Key Highlights - BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Recruitment 2026
- Total Vacancies: 120 Posts (95 Telecom + 25 Finance)
- Application Deadline: 7th March 2026
- Exam Date: 29th March 2026
- Salary Range: Rs. 24,900 - 50,500 (IDA Pay Scale E3)
- Eligibility: B.E/B.Tech (60% marks) for Telecom, CA/CMA for Finance
- Age Limit: 21-30 years (relaxation applicable)
- Application Fee: Rs. 1000 (General), Rs. 500 (SC/ST/PwBD)
- Selection: Written Exam + Document Verification
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has officially announced the recruitment notification for 120 Senior Executive Trainee (SET) positions across Telecom and Finance streams in 2026. This is a golden opportunity for Engineering graduates, Chartered Accountants, and Cost & Management Accountants seeking a prestigious career in India's leading public sector telecom company. The online application process started on 5th February 2026 and candidates must submit their applications before the deadline of 7th March 2026. The recruitment offers competitive salary under IDA Pay Scale E3 ranging from Rs. 24,900 to Rs. 50,500 along with additional benefits including HRA, DA, and TA.
The BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Recruitment 2026 notification was officially released on 29th January 2026, opening doors for qualified candidates who meet the educational qualifications and age criteria. Selected candidates will undergo a 2-year probation period and are required to sign a 5-year service bond. With 95 vacancies in the Telecom stream and 25 in the Finance stream, this recruitment drive aims to strengthen BSNL's workforce with talented professionals. Interested candidates can apply through the official BSNL website at https://bsnl.co.in/ and should prepare thoroughly for the written examination scheduled on 29th March 2026.
BSNL Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 120 Senior Executive Trainee Telecom and Finance Stream Vacancies
The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has released the official notification PDF for recruiting 120 Senior Executive Trainees in two specialized streams. This government job opportunity comes with excellent career growth prospects, job security, and attractive compensation packages that make it one of the most sought-after positions for fresh engineering graduates and finance professionals.
Candidates appearing for this recruitment must understand that BSNL is looking for dedicated professionals who can contribute to the organization's growth in the rapidly evolving telecommunications sector. The Telecom stream requires candidates with engineering backgrounds in Electronics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical, and Instrumentation disciplines, while the Finance stream is exclusively for qualified Chartered Accountants and Cost & Management Accountants.
For candidates preparing for similar central government positions, our comprehensive guide on Punjab Police Constable Recruitment 2026 offers valuable insights into the application process and preparation strategies that can be applied across various government examinations.
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Vacancy Details 2026 - Telecom and Finance Stream Breakdown
| Category | Telecom Stream | Finance Stream | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open/General | 40 | 11 | 51 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 14 | 04 | 18 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 07 | 02 | 09 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 25 | 06 | 31 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 09 | 02 | 11 |
| Total | 95 | 25 | 120 |
The vacancy distribution clearly indicates that the Telecom stream has significantly more openings compared to the Finance stream. This allocation reflects BSNL's strategic focus on strengthening its technical workforce to compete in the modern telecommunications landscape. Candidates from all categories including General, SC, ST, OBC, and EWS have fair representation in this recruitment drive, ensuring equal opportunities for deserving candidates across India.
Complete Eligibility Criteria for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Posts 2026
Educational Qualification Requirements for Telecom and Finance Streams
| Stream | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Telecom Stream | Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree with minimum 60% marks in regular full-time mode in: Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical, Instrumentation, or combination of these disciplines with emerging branches |
| Finance Stream | Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) qualification from recognized institutes |
Engineering candidates must ensure they have secured at least 60% aggregate marks in their qualifying degree. Distance education or part-time degrees are not acceptable for this recruitment. The degree must be from a recognized university or institution approved by AICTE or relevant statutory bodies.
Similarly, state government recruitment boards like HSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 also emphasize specific educational qualifications, making it crucial for candidates to verify their eligibility before applying to avoid application rejection.
Age Limit and Relaxation for BSNL SET Recruitment 2026
| Category | Upper Age Limit (as on 7th March 2026) | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved/EWS/OBC (Creamy Layer) | 30 years | Nil |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 33 years | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 35 years | 5 years |
| PwBD (General/EWS/OBC) | 40 years | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC-NCL) | 43 years | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 45 years | 15 years |
The minimum age requirement is 21 years as on the last date of application submission. Age relaxation is provided as per Government of India norms for reserved categories and persons with benchmark disabilities. Candidates must calculate their age as on 7th March 2026 to determine eligibility.
Important Dates for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Recruitment 2026
| Recruitment Event | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | 29th January 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 5th February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 7th March 2026 |
| Application Form Correction Window | 8th to 15th March 2026 |
| BSNL SET Admit Card Release | 3rd Week of March 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 29th March 2026 |
Candidates must mark these dates in their calendar and ensure timely submission of applications. Missing the deadline of 7th March 2026 will result in forfeiture of this opportunity. The correction window from 8th to 15th March allows candidates to rectify any errors in their submitted applications, so it's advisable to apply early and use this window for corrections if needed.
Just like the RSSB Lab Assistant Recruitment 2026, timely application submission is crucial as technical glitches or last-minute rush can lead to unsuccessful application attempts.
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Application Fee and Payment Details
| Candidate Category | Application Fee Amount | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | Rs. 1,000/- | Online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI) |
| SC/ST/PwBD | Rs. 500/- |
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through the official payment gateway. Candidates should keep the payment receipt safely as it may be required during document verification. Applications submitted without fee payment will be automatically rejected and will not be considered for further processing.
How to Apply Online for BSNL Recruitment 2026 - Step by Step Process
Follow these detailed steps to successfully complete your BSNL Senior Executive Trainee online application:
Step 1: Visit the official website of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited at https://bsnl.co.in/ and navigate to the homepage.
Step 2: Locate the 'About Us' section in the top navigation menu and click on it to reveal the dropdown options.
Step 3: From the dropdown menu, select 'Jobs' or 'Careers' option which will redirect you to the recruitment section.
Step 4: Find the notification titled 'BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Recruitment 2026' and click on the 'Apply Online' or 'Click Here' link.
Step 5: On the registration page, enter basic details including your name, mobile number, email ID, and create a password for future login.
Step 6: You will receive a registration number and password on your registered email ID. Save these credentials securely.
Step 7: Login to the candidate dashboard using your registration number and password to access the complete application form.
Step 8: Fill in all mandatory fields including personal details, educational qualifications, category information, and upload scanned documents as per specifications.
Step 9: Upload your recent passport-size photograph and signature in JPG/JPEG format within the prescribed size limits.
Step 10: Proceed to the payment section and pay the application fee using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
Step 11: Review all entered information carefully before final submission. Once submitted, take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Banking sector aspirants preparing for multiple exams should also check the latest updates on UCO Bank Officer Exam Date 2026 to strategically plan their preparation schedule alongside BSNL recruitment.
BSNL SET Selection Process and Examination Pattern 2026
The selection for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee posts involves a computer-based written examination followed by document verification. There is no interview component in this recruitment process, making the written exam the sole determining factor for selection. The entire recruitment process is transparent and merit-based.
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Exam Pattern Details
| Exam Components | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (Online) |
| Total Questions | 200 Questions |
| Total Marks | 200 Marks |
| Exam Duration | 180 Minutes (3 Hours) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for Correct Answer |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 for Wrong Answer |
Subject-wise Distribution of Marks
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part I - Written Aptitude (General) | 40 | 40 Marks |
| Part II - Core Subject (Telecom/Finance) | 160 | 160 Marks |
| Total | 200 | 200 Marks |
Minimum Qualifying Marks for BSNL SET Exam 2026
| Category | Part I (Aptitude) | Part II (Core) | Combined Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC-CL | 45% | 45% | 50% |
| SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD/EWS | 35% | 35% | 45% |
Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in both sections individually as well as in aggregate to be considered for final selection. Those who fail to meet the cutoff criteria will be eliminated regardless of their overall score.
For technical exam preparation strategies similar to state-level recruitments, candidates can refer to preparation methods used for HSSC Horticulture JE and Junior Draftsman Recruitment which also involves technical subject expertise.
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Salary Structure and Benefits 2026
| Salary Components | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | IDA E3 Grade |
| Basic Salary Range | Rs. 24,900 - Rs. 50,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Government Norms |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Based on Posting Location |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | Applicable |
| Medical Benefits | Comprehensive Coverage |
| Probation Period | 2 Years |
| Service Bond | 5 Years Mandatory Service |
Selected candidates will receive an attractive salary package under IDA Pay Scale E3 with starting basic pay of Rs. 24,900 which can increase up to Rs. 50,500 with annual increments and promotions. Additionally, employees are entitled to various allowances including DA, HRA, TA, and other perks that significantly enhance the total compensation package. The in-hand salary after all allowances can range between Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 70,000 depending on the posting location and grade pay.
Successful candidates must serve a probation period of 2 years during which their performance will be evaluated. They are also required to sign a service bond committing to work with BSNL for a minimum period of 5 years from the date of appointment. Breach of this bond may result in penalty charges as per organizational rules.
BSNL Exam Centre List 2026 - All India Test Cities
The BSNL Senior Executive Trainee written examination will be conducted across 27 exam centres located in different states and union territories of India. Candidates can select their preferred exam city during the online application process. However, the final allocation of exam centre is subject to availability and administrative convenience.
| S. No. | Exam Centre Name | S. No. | Exam Centre Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Port Blair | 15 | Bhopal |
| 2 | Vijayawada | 16 | Mumbai |
| 3 | Guwahati | 17 | Shillong |
| 4 | Patna | 18 | Dimapur |
| 5 | Chennai | 19 | New Delhi |
| 6 | Raipur | 20 | Bhubaneshwar |
| 7 | Ahmedabad | 21 | Chandigarh |
| 8 | Ambala | 22 | Jaipur |
| 9 | Shimla | 23 | Gangtok |
| 10 | Jammu | 24 | Hyderabad |
| 11 | Ranchi | 25 | Lucknow |
| 12 | Bangalore | 26 | Meerut |
| 13 | Thiruvananthapuram | 27 | Dehradun |
| 14 | Kolkata | ||
Candidates should choose their exam centre carefully considering travel convenience and accommodation availability. The exact exam venue address will be mentioned on the admit card which will be released in the third week of March 2026. BSNL reserves the right to add, delete, or change exam centres based on the response received.
Comparison: BSNL SET vs Other PSU Recruitment 2026
| Parameters | BSNL SET 2026 | Other PSU Recruitments |
|---|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 120 Posts | Varies (50-500) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam Only | Exam + Interview |
| Salary Range | Rs. 24,900 - 50,500 | Rs. 20,000 - 60,000 |
| Probation Period | 2 Years | 1-2 Years |
| Service Bond | 5 Years Mandatory | 3-5 Years |
| Application Fee | Rs. 500-1000 | Rs. 500-1500 |
Compared to other Public Sector Undertaking recruitments, BSNL offers a streamlined selection process with no interview stage, making it purely merit-based on written exam performance. The salary structure is competitive and comparable to other central PSUs in the telecom and finance sectors.
Pros and Cons of BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Job 2026
| Advantages (Pros) | Disadvantages (Cons) |
|---|---|
| Job Security: Permanent government job with excellent job stability and protection against arbitrary termination | High Competition: Limited vacancies attract thousands of applicants, making the competition extremely tough |
| Attractive Salary Package: IDA pay scale E3 with DA, HRA, TA and other allowances ensuring comfortable financial status | Service Bond: Mandatory 5-year service commitment which restricts career flexibility for young professionals |
| Career Growth: Clear promotion hierarchy with opportunities to reach senior management positions in BSNL | Posting Location: May be posted in remote or rural areas initially, away from metro cities |
| Work-Life Balance: Fixed working hours with weekends off, unlike private sector telecom companies | Exam Difficulty: Technical subjects require in-depth knowledge and extensive preparation, especially for core engineering topics |
| Pension & Benefits: Comprehensive retirement benefits including pension, gratuity, and medical facilities for lifetime | Probation Challenges: 2-year probation period with performance evaluation can be stressful for new joiners |
| No Interview Stress: Selection based solely on written exam performance eliminates subjectivity and interview anxiety | Limited Private Sector Mobility: PSU experience may not always be valued equally when transitioning to private companies |
While BSNL offers excellent job security and benefits typical of government organizations, candidates should carefully weigh the service bond commitment and potential posting locations against their career aspirations. The absence of an interview stage makes it a fair and transparent process, but also means that written exam preparation must be extremely thorough.
Similar judicial and administrative recruitments like Telangana District Court Recruitment 2026 also offer comparable job security and benefits, making them attractive alternatives for aspirants interested in government service.
Preparation Tips for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Exam 2026
Success in the BSNL SET exam requires strategic preparation focusing on both aptitude and core technical subjects. Since there is negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer, accuracy is as important as speed. Here are expert-recommended preparation strategies:
For Telecom Stream Candidates: Focus intensively on core engineering subjects from your specialization. Topics like Digital Electronics, Communication Systems, Network Theory, Control Systems, and Computer Networks typically carry maximum weightage. Practice previous year question papers to understand the difficulty level and question pattern.
For Finance Stream Candidates: CA and CMA candidates should thoroughly revise Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, and Financial Management. Since the exam is objective type, practicing MCQs from standard reference books is crucial.
For General Aptitude Section: This 40-mark section covers Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. Regular practice of quick calculation techniques and logical puzzles will help improve speed and accuracy. Don't ignore this section as it contributes significantly to overall score.
Time Management: With 200 questions to be attempted in 180 minutes, you have less than 1 minute per question. Practice with mock tests under timed conditions to develop optimal time allocation strategy between aptitude and core subjects.
Negative Marking Strategy: Attempt only those questions you are confident about. Random guessing can severely damage your score due to negative marking. If unsure, it's better to skip the question.
For candidates simultaneously preparing for state-level technical recruitments, the syllabus overlaps significantly with exams like MPPSC Assistant Town Planner Recruitment 2026, allowing efficient multi-exam preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about BSNL Recruitment 2026
What is the last date to apply online for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit online applications for BSNL SET Recruitment 2026 is 7th March 2026. Candidates must complete their registration and fee payment before this deadline. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. The application portal will be closed at midnight on the last date, so candidates are advised to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.
What is the salary offered to BSNL Senior Executive Trainee selected candidates in 2026?
Selected candidates for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee posts will receive a salary under IDA Pay Scale E3, ranging from Rs. 24,900 to Rs. 50,500 as basic pay. Additionally, employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other perks. The total in-hand salary can range between Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 70,000 depending on allowances and posting location, making it a financially attractive government job opportunity.
Is there any interview for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Recruitment 2026 selection process?
No, there is no interview component in the BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Recruitment 2026 selection process. Candidates will be selected purely based on their performance in the computer-based written examination scheduled for 29th March 2026. After the written exam, shortlisted candidates will only need to attend document verification. This makes the selection process completely transparent and merit-based, eliminating subjective evaluation typically associated with interview stages in other PSU recruitments.
What are the educational qualifications required for BSNL SET Telecom and Finance stream vacancies?
For Telecom Stream, candidates must possess a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree with minimum 60% marks in relevant disciplines including Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical, or Instrumentation from a recognized university. For Finance Stream, candidates must be qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) from recognized institutes. Distance education or part-time degrees are not acceptable for this recruitment.
Can SC/ST candidates get application fee exemption for BSNL Recruitment 2026 application?
SC/ST candidates do not get complete fee exemption but are entitled to a reduced application fee of Rs. 500 instead of Rs. 1,000 charged from General/OBC/EWS category candidates. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are also required to pay the reduced fee of Rs. 500. The fee payment is mandatory for all categories and must be paid online through debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Applications submitted without fee payment will be automatically rejected and will not be processed further.
What is the exam pattern and marking scheme for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Exam 2026?
The BSNL SET Exam 2026 is a computer-based test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions carrying 200 marks total. The exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). It has two parts: Part I contains 40 questions on General Aptitude (40 marks), and Part II contains 160 questions on Core Technical Subjects (160 marks). Each correct answer awards 1 mark while each wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks. Candidates must score minimum qualifying marks in both parts individually and in aggregate to qualify for selection.
When will BSNL release the admit card for Senior Executive Trainee Exam 2026?
BSNL will release the admit cards for the Senior Executive Trainee Exam 2026 in the third week of March 2026, approximately 10-12 days before the examination date of 29th March 2026. Candidates will be able to download their admit cards from the official BSNL website using their registration number and password. The admit card will contain important details including candidate's name, photograph, exam centre address, reporting time, and important instructions. Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with valid photo ID proof to the examination centre.
Is there any service bond after selection as BSNL Senior Executive Trainee?
Yes, all candidates selected as BSNL Senior Executive Trainee are required to sign a mandatory service bond committing to serve the organization for a minimum period of 5 years from the date of appointment. Additionally, there is a probation period of 2 years during which the candidate's performance will be evaluated. Breaking the service bond before completion of 5 years may attract penalty charges as per organizational rules. This service commitment ensures organizational stability and return on investment made in training the selected candidates.
About the Author
Aswin Anil
Aswin Anil is a senior government jobs news editor and SEO content strategist specializing in Indian central and state government recruitment notifications. With extensive experience in covering PSU recruitments, banking exams, SSC, UPSC, and state PSC vacancies, Aswin provides timely updates and comprehensive analysis to help job aspirants make informed career decisions. His expertise includes breaking down complex recruitment notifications into actionable information, exam pattern analysis, and eligibility guidance for lakhs of government job aspirants across India.
Disclaimer:
All information provided in this article is based on the official BSNL notification released on 29th January 2026. Candidates are advised to visit the official BSNL website at https://bsnl.co.in/ and read the complete notification PDF before applying. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Bhaisab.in is not responsible for any inadvertent errors or changes made by the recruiting authority after publication of this article.