1. Introduction

For many Kerala job aspirants, the last few years have been mentally exhausting.
Kerala PSC notifications come irregularly, rank lists take time to exhaust, and a large number of well-qualified candidates remain stuck in a cycle of repeated exams with no immediate appointments.

In this context, BSNL Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Recruitment 2026 stands out-not as a “Kerala government job”, but as a rare, stable Central PSU opportunity that still attracts a strong Kerala applicant base, especially engineers and finance professionals who are tired of waiting endlessly for PSC advice memos.

This recruitment is not for everyone. But for the right candidate, it can be a long-term career reset.

2. Key Details (Verified from Official Notification)

ItemDetails
Recruiting OrganisationBharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
Post NameSenior Executive Trainee (Direct Recruitment)
StreamsTelecom (95), Finance (25)
Total Vacancies120
Pay ScaleIDA E-3: ₹24,900 - ₹50,500 (pre-revised)
Age Limit21-30 years (with category-wise relaxation)
Application Start Date2026-02-05
Application Last Date2026-03-07
Exam ModeComputer Based Test (CBT)
Bond Requirement₹9 lakh for 5 years service

3. Post-Wise Eligibility - Explained in Plain Terms

Telecom Stream (95 Posts)

Who is eligible on paper:

  • B.E/B.Tech with minimum 60% marks
  • Disciplines: Electronics, ECE, Electrical, CS, IT, Instrumentation (and approved combinations)

Who is realistically suitable:

  • Engineers comfortable with core technical subjects, not just software basics
  • Candidates who have earlier prepared for GATE / PSU / Engineering Services-type exams
  • Those okay with field exposure, operations, and network-related responsibilities

Who should avoid applying:

  • Software-only candidates expecting IT-company style roles
  • Engineers who struggle with core subjects and rely only on aptitude

Finance Stream (25 Posts)

Eligibility:

  • Qualified CA or CMA

Ground reality:

  • Very limited vacancies
  • Competition includes experienced finance professionals
  • Suitable mainly for those who want a structured PSU finance career rather than private practice

4. How to Apply - With Kerala-Specific Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. Apply only through the official BSNL external exam portal.
  2. Ensure your marks conversion (CGPA to %) certificate is ready.
  3. Upload documents strictly within size limits.
  4. Pay the fee carefully-no refund under any circumstances.

Common mistakes Kerala candidates make:

  • Assuming “application correction later will fix everything” (only limited fields are editable)
  • Entering percentage without official conversion proof
  • Applying without meeting 60% criteria, hoping for leniency (there won’t be any)

5. Salary, Allowances & Career Progression - Reality, Not Hype

  • Entry pay is IDA E-3 scale, respectable but not comparable to top private MNCs
  • In-hand salary is comfortable for Kerala living standards, especially outside metros
  • After probation, designation becomes Senior Executive
  • Promotions exist, but pace is slow compared to private sector
  • Transfers are all-India, not Kerala-centric

Important Kerala context:
If your priority is staying permanently in your home district, this job may frustrate you.

6. Preparation Strategy - Kerala-Focused and Practical

Exam Pattern Insight

  • Two parts: Aptitude + Technical
  • Technical section dominates the score
  • Negative marking exists

What Kerala aspirants should focus on:

  • Core engineering fundamentals (not shortcut notes)
  • Previous PSU / BSNL-level objective questions
  • Daily 3-4 hours concept + MCQ practice, not passive reading

Suggested approach (Telecom):

  • Revise ECE/EE core subjects systematically
  • Allocate weekends for mock tests and error analysis

This exam rewards discipline and conceptual clarity, not last-minute memorisation.

7. Pros & Cons (Critical Section)

Pros

  • Stable Central PSU job
  • Predictable salary and benefits
  • Better work-life balance than many private firms
  • Escape route from endless PSC waiting

Cons

  • High competition with limited seats
  • Mandatory service bond
  • Slow promotions
  • All-India posting liability

8. Applicant Checklist (Do Not Skip)

  • ✅ Age within limit (with valid community certificate if applicable)
  • ✅ Minimum 60% marks proof
  • ✅ Degree from recognised Indian institution
  • ✅ Category / PwBD certificates in correct format
  • ✅ Willingness for all-India posting
  • ❌ No assumption of Kerala-only posting

9. Conclusion - Honest Advice

If you are a Kerala-based engineer or finance professional who:

  • Is tired of uncertain PSC timelines
  • Can handle competition at a national level
  • Is mentally prepared for postings outside Kerala

Then BSNL SET 2026 is worth serious consideration.

If, however, your priorities are:

  • Fast promotions
  • Kerala-only postings
  • High early-career pay

This may not align with your expectations.

Apply with clarity, not desperation.

10. FAQs - Real Doubts Kerala Aspirants Ask

Q. Is Malayalam language required?
No. This is a Central PSU recruitment. Malayalam is not a qualification requirement.

Q. Can PSC preparation help here?
Only partially. Aptitude overlaps, but technical preparation is completely different.

Q. Is this a permanent job?
Yes. It is a regular appointment after probation, not a contract post.

Q. Can I leave before 5 years?
Yes, but the ₹9 lakh bond becomes payable.

Q. Is waiting for Kerala PSC better than applying here?
Depends on your age, patience, and career goals. There is no universal answer.

Apply Now

Apply Link: https://externalexam.bsnl.co.in/