BSNL SET Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced a big recruitment drive for the year 2026. They are looking to hire Senior Executive Trainees (SET) in two main areas: Telecom and Finance. If you want to join this prestigious organization, it is very important to understand how the exam works.
This article will help you understand the exam pattern and syllabus.
BSNL SET Exam Pattern Overview
The selection for these posts is done through a Computer-Based Test (CBT). This means you will take the exam on a computer, and all questions will be multiple-choice.
Here are the key details of the exam pattern:
- Total Marks: 200 Marks.
- Total Questions: 200 Questions (each question carries 1 mark).
- Total Time: 180 Minutes (3 hours).
- Negative Marking: There is a penalty for wrong answers. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
- Mode of Exam: Online (Computer Based).
The exam is divided into two parts:
- Part-I (Aptitude Test): This is common for both Telecom and Finance candidates.
- Part-II (Core Technical Test): This depends on the stream (Telecom or Finance) you have applied for.
| Paper | Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Part-I | Aptitude Test (Common) | 40 | 40 |
| Part-II | Technical Test (Telecom or Finance) | 160 | 160 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Also Read: HPRCA English and Mathematics Teacher Recruitment 2026
Detailed Syllabus for BSNL SET 2026
The syllabus is what you need to study to pass the exam. It is divided into two sections as mentioned below.
1. Part-I: Aptitude Test (Common for All)
This section has 40 questions. It tests your general mental ability and basic knowledge. Key topics usually include:
- General Awareness and Current Affairs.
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability.
- Numerical Ability (Basic Math).
- English Language Skills.
Also Read: BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Selection Process 2026
2. Part-II: Technical Test (Core Stream)
This section has 160 questions and focuses on your specialized knowledge.
BSNL SET Technical Syllabus: Telecom (Part-II)
This section carries 160 questions (80% weightage).
| Topic Name | Topic Subject Headlines | Weightage (%) |
| Basic Telecommunications | Signal Processing, Modulation/Demodulation, Multiplexing, Spectrum Management | 15% |
| Wireless Technologies | Wireless Principles, Mobile Antenna, Fundamentals of 2G/3G/4G/5G, Satellite (LEO, MEO), Telco-Cloud, Mobile Radio Backhaul | 15% |
| Wireline Technologies | NGN Switches, Call Routing, Broadband Internet, FTTx Technology, Signaling (SS7, SIP, Megaco), IMS Architecture | 15% |
| Transmission Infrastructure | Transmission Systems, Optical Fiber Technology (DWDM, OTN, FTTH, GPON, EPON) | 15% |
| IP/Data Networks | Routing Protocols, OSI/TCP-IP Models, Caching, IPv4 & IPv6 Addressing/Subnetting, MPLS, Cyber Security & Firewalls | 15% |
| Emerging Technologies | Internet of Things (IoT) & M2M, Block Chain, Software Defined Networks, Cloud Computing/Data Centers, AI in Telecom | 15% |
| Project Management | Project Selection, Planning & Implementation, PM Tools (Bar Chart, Gantt Chart, PERT, CPM) | 10% |
Also Read: CSIR-CRRI Non Technical Recruitment 2026
BSNL SET Technical Syllabus: Finance (Part-II)
This section also carries 160 questions (80% weightage).
| Topic Name | Topic Subject Headlines | Weightage (%) |
| Advanced Accounting | Financial Statements (BS, P&L), Financial Ratios (EBITDA), Consolidation, Projections (NPV, IRR), Accounting Standards (Ind AS) | 15% |
| Taxation Rules | Indirect: GST Laws, Input Tax Credit, CGST/IGST. Direct: Income Computation, Advance Tax, TDS/TCS | 15% |
| Cost Accounting | Cost Elements/Sheets, Break-Even Analysis, Standard/Marginal Costing, Budgetary Controls | 15% |
| Financial Management | Financial Functions & Ratios, Source of Finance, Capital Structure, Working Capital Management, Treasury & Forex | 15% |
| Corporate & Other Law | Companies Act, Prospectus & Allotment, Share Capital & Debentures, SEBI Regulations | 15% |
| Audit & Assurance | Audit Concepts, Internal Controls, Risk Assessment, Audit in Automated Environments, Audit Reports | 15% |
| Receivable Mgmt. | Credit Policy & Analysis, Accounts Receivable Turnover, Dunning Importance | 10% |
Minimum Qualifying Marks for BSNL SET
To pass the exam, you must score a minimum percentage of marks.
For General Candidates:
- You need at least 40% marks in each part (Part-I and Part-II).
- Your overall score in both parts combined must be at least 50%.
For SC/ST, OBC, PwBD, and EWS Candidates:
- You need at least 35% marks in each part.
- Your overall score in both parts combined must be at least 45%.
If you score less than these minimum marks in any section, you will not be included in the final merit list.
Important Dates to Remember
Make sure you don’t miss these important dates for the BSNL SET 2026 recruitment:
- Online Registration Starts: February 5, 2026 (10:00 AM).
- Online Registration Ends: March 7, 2026 (10:00 AM).
- Editing Window: March 8, 2026, to March 15, 2026.
- Exam Date (Tentative): March 29, 2026.
Also Read: BSNL Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Recruitment 2026, Apply Online
How to Prepare?
- Understand the Basics: Focus on your technical subjects as they carry the most marks (160 marks).
- Practice Aptitude: Do not ignore the common aptitude part, as you need to pass it separately.
- Manage Time: Since you have 180 minutes for 200 questions, speed and accuracy are very important.
- Watch Out for Negative Marking: Only answer if you are sure, as 0.25 marks will be cut for every mistake.
For more details and to apply, you can visit the official BSNL website at www.bsnl.co.in or www.externalexam.bsnl.co.in.
