Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has released the SET (Skilled, Experienced & Talented) Online Application Form 2026 for recruitment of various technical and non-technical posts. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official BSNL external examination portal.
This recruitment drive aims to hire professionals on a direct recruitment basis across different circles of BSNL throughout India.
Latest Update (February 2026)
5th February 2026: BSNL has officially opened the online registration for SET Recruitment 2026 on the portal externalexam.bsnl.co.in. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria can submit their applications before the deadline.
This is a major recruitment opportunity for candidates with specialized skills and experience in telecom, IT, engineering, finance, HR, and other domains. The positions offer attractive salary packages and career growth in India’s leading telecom PSU.
Recruitment Overview
| Recruitment Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) |
| Post Category | SET (Skilled, Experienced & Talented Professionals) |
| Total Vacancies | To be notified (varies by circle) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Job Type | Direct Recruitment / Contractual |
| Job Location | All India (Circle-wise) |
| Official Website | externalexam.bsnl.co.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | To be notified (likely 30 days from start date) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | To be notified |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be notified |
| Examination Date (if applicable) | To be notified |
| Interview/Skill Test Date | To be notified |
| Result Declaration | To be notified |
Note: Candidates should regularly check the official website for exact dates and updates.
BSNL SET 2026 – Vacancy Details
Total Vacancies: Circle-wise (to be specified in detailed notification)
Post Categories (Tentative):
Technical Posts:
| Post Name | Qualification | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Network Engineer | B.Tech/B.E. (ECE/Telecom/EEE) | 2-5 years |
| Software Developer | B.Tech/MCA (CS/IT) | 2-5 years |
| System Administrator | B.Tech/MCA/BCA | 1-3 years |
| Database Administrator | B.Tech/MCA (CS/IT) | 2-4 years |
| Cyber Security Specialist | B.Tech/M.Tech (CS/IT/Cyber Security) | 2-5 years |
| Telecom Engineer | B.Tech (Telecom/ECE) | 2-5 years |
| RF Planning Engineer | B.Tech (ECE/Telecom) | 2-4 years |
| NOC Engineer | B.Tech (ECE/EEE/Telecom) | 1-3 years |
Non-Technical Posts:
| Post Name | Qualification | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Finance Manager | CA/ICWA/MBA (Finance) | 3-7 years |
| HR Manager | MBA (HR)/PGDM (HR) | 3-6 years |
| Marketing Manager | MBA (Marketing)/PGDM | 3-6 years |
| Legal Officer | LLB/LLM | 2-5 years |
| Company Secretary | CS (ICSI) | 2-5 years |
| Accounts Officer | CA/M.Com | 2-4 years |
| Business Development Executive | MBA/PGDM | 2-5 years |
Category-wise Reservation:
- SC: 15%
- ST: 7.5%
- OBC: 27%
- EWS: 10%
- UR: 40.5%
- PwBD: 4% (horizontal reservation)
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
For Technical Posts:
- Engineering Positions: B.Tech/B.E. in relevant branch from AICTE approved institute
- IT Positions: B.Tech/MCA/M.Tech in Computer Science/IT
- Specialized Roles: Relevant degree/diploma with specialization
- Minimum Percentage: 60% in qualifying degree (55% for SC/ST/PwBD)
For Non-Technical Posts:
- Finance: CA/ICWA/CMA/MBA (Finance) from recognized university
- HR/Marketing: MBA/PGDM from AICTE recognized institute
- Legal: LLB (3 years) or LLB (5 years integrated) from BCI recognized college
- Company Secretary: CS from ICSI
Experience Required
Experience Criteria:
- Minimum: 1-2 years (for junior positions)
- Mid-level: 3-5 years (for manager level)
- Senior-level: 5-10 years (for senior manager/DGM level)
Relevant Experience:
- Must be in telecom sector, PSU, or reputed private organization
- Experience in similar role/domain
- Experience certificate mandatory from employer
- Internship period generally not counted
Age Limit
As on closing date of application:
| Post Level | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Junior Level | 18-30 years |
| Mid-Level | 25-40 years |
| Senior Level | 30-50 years |
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (UR) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per government rules |
| BSNL Employees | As per internal policy |
Note: Age relaxation is cumulative in case of multiple benefits.
Selection Process
The selection will be conducted through the following stages:
Stage 1: Application Screening
- Verification of educational qualifications
- Experience validation
- Document authenticity check
- Shortlisting based on eligibility
Stage 2: Written Test / Online Exam (if applicable)
- For Technical Posts:
- Technical aptitude (60-70%)
- General awareness (10-15%)
- Reasoning & quantitative ability (15-20%)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Objective type (MCQs)
- For Non-Technical Posts:
- Domain knowledge (50-60%)
- General aptitude (20-25%)
- English & communication (15-20%)
- Duration: 2 hours
Stage 3: Skill Test / Practical Test
- Hands-on technical assessment
- Software proficiency test
- Typing test (for clerical positions)
- Conducted for shortlisted candidates
Stage 4: Interview / Personal Assessment
- Technical interview (for technical posts)
- HR interview
- Domain knowledge evaluation
- Communication skills assessment
- Marks weightage: 20-30% of total
Stage 5: Document Verification
- Original certificates verification
- Experience certificate validation
- Medical examination
- Character & antecedent verification
Final Merit List:
- Based on combined performance in all stages
- Separate merit for each category (UR/SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| SC/ST/PwBD | ₹250 (or exempted) |
| Women Candidates | ₹250 (concession) |
| BSNL Employees | As per internal policy |
Payment Mode:
- Online payment through Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI
- Payment gateway charges as applicable
- Application fee is non-refundable under all circumstances
Pay Scale & Salary
Salary Structure (Tentative):
| Post Level | Pay Scale | Approx. CTC (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Engineer/Executive | E1/E2 | ₹3.5 – 5 Lakhs |
| Manager | E3/E4 | ₹6 – 9 Lakhs |
| Senior Manager | E5/E6 | ₹10 – 14 Lakhs |
| Deputy General Manager | E7 | ₹15 – 20 Lakhs |
Additional Benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Medical benefits for self and family
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Provident Fund (PF)
- Gratuity
- Pension benefits (as per policy)
- Performance-based incentives
- Mobile and broadband reimbursement
Work Mode:
- Office-based (primarily)
- Hybrid mode (select positions)
- Field work (for network/technical roles)
How to Apply for BSNL SET Online Form 2026
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit official website: externalexam.bsnl.co.in
- Click on “BSNL SET Recruitment 2026” link
- Read the complete official notification carefully
- Click on “Apply Online” button
- New User Registration:
- Enter basic details (Name, Email, Mobile)
- Verify email and mobile via OTP
- Create password
- Note down registration number
- Login with registration credentials
- Fill Application Form:
- Personal details
- Educational qualification details
- Experience details (organization, designation, duration)
- Upload experience certificates
- Category and reservation details
- Post preference (circle-wise)
- Contact details (current address, permanent address)
- Upload Documents:
- Recent passport size photograph (JPG, 20-50 KB)
- Signature (JPG, 10-20 KB)
- Educational certificates (PDF, max 200 KB each)
- Experience certificates (PDF, max 500 KB)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Preview the filled application form
- Make corrections if any errors
- Pay Application Fee:
- Select payment mode
- Complete online payment
- Save payment receipt
- Submit the application form
- Download the confirmation page
- Take printout for future reference
Important: Keep multiple printouts and save PDF copy of submitted application.
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for BSNL SET 2026 | External Exam Portal |
| Download Official Notification | Notification PDF |
| Check Detailed Vacancy | Vacancy Details |
| Syllabus & Exam Pattern | Download Syllabus |
| BSNL Official Website | bsnl.co.in |
| Track Application Status | Application Tracking |
| Payment Status Check | Payment Verification |
Note: Candidates must visit the official BSNL external examination portal at externalexam.bsnl.co.in and navigate to “Current Recruitment” or “Apply Online” section for direct access to the application form.
Documents Required (Scanned Copies)
Mandatory Documents:
- Recent Photograph:
- Passport size (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm)
- Colored, white background
- JPG format, 20-50 KB
- Taken within last 3 months
- Signature:
- On white paper with black ink
- JPG format, 10-20 KB
- Clear and legible
- Educational Certificates:
- Class 10th mark sheet (for DOB proof)
- Class 12th mark sheet
- Degree/diploma certificates
- All semester mark sheets
- Provisional degree (if final not received)
- Experience Certificates:
- Appointment letter
- Relieving letter (if applicable)
- Experience certificate on company letterhead
- Salary slips (last 3-6 months)
- Form 16 (for experience validation)
- Category Certificates:
- SC/ST/OBC certificate (as per latest format)
- EWS certificate (valid for current financial year)
- PwBD certificate (from competent authority)
- Ex-servicemen certificate
- ID Proof:
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport (if available)
File Format & Size Guidelines:
- Photo/Signature: JPG only
- Certificates: PDF format preferred
- Maximum file size: 200-500 KB per document
- All documents must be clear and readable
Important Instructions
Before Applying:
- Read the complete official notification
- Check your eligibility carefully
- Arrange all required documents
- Keep valid email ID and mobile number active
- Have scanned copies ready in correct format
- Ensure stable internet connection
While Applying:
- Fill all mandatory fields (marked with *)
- Upload documents in correct format and size
- Preview form before final submission
- Verify all entered information
- Keep transaction ID/payment receipt safe
- Take screenshot of submitted application
After Applying:
- Download and save confirmation page
- Take multiple printouts
- Note down registration/application number
- Keep checking official website for updates
- Check email and SMS regularly
- Don’t fall for fraudulent calls/emails
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Wrong email ID or mobile number
- Incorrect date of birth
- Uploading oversized or wrong format documents
- Not saving payment receipt
- Applying after deadline
- Providing false information or documents
Contact Information
BSNL Corporate Office
Address:
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
Bharat Sanchar Bhawan
H.C. Mathur Lane, Janpath
New Delhi – 110001
Contact Numbers:
- BSNL Helpline: 1800-180-1503 (Toll-Free)
- Corporate Office: 011-23037700
- Recruitment Cell: As per circle notification
Email:
- General Queries: cgm-rectt@bsnl.co.in
- Technical Support: support@externalexam.bsnl.co.in
- Recruitment Queries: recruitment@bsnl.co.in
Official Websites:
- Main: bsnl.co.in
- Exam Portal: externalexam.bsnl.co.in
Helpdesk Timing:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Circle-wise Contact: Check individual circle websites for local recruitment queries.
Preparation Tips for BSNL SET Exam
For Technical Posts:
- Revise core engineering subjects thoroughly
- Focus on telecom technologies (4G, 5G, VoLTE, IMS)
- Study networking concepts (TCP/IP, routing, switching)
- Practice previous year BSNL questions
- Stay updated with latest telecom trends
- Prepare data communication and digital electronics
- Solve technical aptitude questions daily
For Non-Technical Posts:
- Strengthen domain knowledge (Finance/HR/Marketing)
- Study relevant Acts and regulations
- Practice case studies
- Improve communication skills
- Prepare current affairs (especially telecom sector)
- Work on analytical and reasoning ability
- Practice group discussions and mock interviews
General Preparation:
- Time management during exam
- Accuracy over speed
- Regular mock tests
- Revision of important topics
- Stay updated with BSNL news and initiatives
FAQs
Q1: When did BSNL release the SET Online Form 2026?
BSNL released the SET (Skilled, Experienced & Talented) Online Application Form 2026 in February 2026 on the official portal externalexam.bsnl.co.in. Candidates can apply before the deadline mentioned in the notification.
Q2: What is the eligibility criteria for BSNL SET Recruitment 2026?
Eligibility varies by post. Generally, candidates need relevant educational qualification (B.Tech/MBA/CA/CS etc.), 1-10 years of relevant experience depending on the position, and age between 18-50 years with relaxation for reserved categories.
Q3: Is work experience mandatory for BSNL SET positions?
Yes, most SET positions require relevant work experience ranging from 1-10 years depending on the post level (junior/mid/senior). Fresh graduates may not be eligible for SET recruitment.
Q4: What is the application fee for BSNL SET 2026?
The application fee is approximately ₹500-1000 for General/EWS/OBC candidates and ₹250 or exempted for SC/ST/PwBD candidates. Exact fee details are mentioned in the official notification.
Q5: Will there be a written exam for BSNL SET Recruitment?
Yes, the selection process typically includes a written examination (online/offline), followed by skill test, interview, and document verification. The exact process is mentioned in the detailed notification.
Q6: Can I apply for multiple posts in BSNL SET 2026?
Candidates may be able to apply for multiple posts if they meet the eligibility criteria for each position. However, separate application and fee may be required. Check the official notification for clarity.
Q7: What documents are required for BSNL SET application?
Required documents include educational certificates, experience certificates, category certificate (if applicable), PwBD certificate (if applicable), recent photograph, signature, Aadhar card, and other supporting documents as mentioned in the notification.
Q8: What is the selection process for BSNL SET positions?
The selection typically involves: Application screening → Written test/Online exam → Skill test/Practical test → Interview → Document verification → Medical examination → Final merit list.
Conclusion
BSNL SET Recruitment 2026 offers excellent career opportunities for skilled and experienced professionals in India’s premier telecom PSU. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria should apply online before the deadline and prepare thoroughly for the selection process.
Stay connected with FreeSarkariJobAlert.com for updates on BSNL SET admit card, exam date, answer key, result, and final selection list.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about BSNL SET Recruitment 2026. Candidates must refer to the official notification at externalexam.bsnl.co.in for complete, authentic, and updated information. FreeSarkariJobAlert.com is not responsible for any inadvertent errors or changes in the recruitment process.
