BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Recruitment Syllabus
BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is a leading Central Government PSU under the Government of India that conducts the Senior Executive Trainee (SET) recruitment to induct talented professionals into its executive cadre.
The BSNL Senior Executive Trainee syllabus is officially designed to assess a candidate’s technical expertise, professional knowledge and aptitude skills through a Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
A clear understanding of the latest BSNL SET syllabus, exam pattern, and high-weightage technical areas is extremely important for candidates to secure a prestigious PSU executive career through a merit-based selection process.
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Exam Pattern
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee exam pattern gives a clear picture of the test structure, marking scheme and section-wise weightage, helping candidates plan their preparation based on the high-scoring technical section and the mandatory sectional qualification rule.
Mode of examination: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Total questions: 200
Total marks: 200
Duration: 180 minutes
Negative marking: 0.25 mark for every wrong answer
| Part | Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-I | General / Aptitude | 40 | 40 |
| Part-II | Technical (Stream specific) | 160 | 160 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Part-I: Common Aptitude Test (40 Marks)
Part-I: Common Aptitude Test is a compulsory and qualifying section for both Telecom and Finance streams, designed to test a candidate’s numerical ability, logical thinking and language proficiency. A strong performance here is essential to clear the sectional cut-off.
Quantitative Ability & Data Sufficiency: Basic mathematical and numerical skills.
Reasoning: Analytical, logical, and critical reasoning.
Verbal Ability: Reading comprehension, English language skills, and analysis.
Part-II: Technical Core - Telecom Stream (160 Marks)
| Topic | Key Sub-headings | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Telecom Concepts | Signal Processing, Modulation/Demodulation, Multiplexing | 15% |
| Wireless Technologies | GSM (2G/3G), LTE (4G), 5G Use Cases, Satellite Communication (LEO, MEO), NMS | 15% |
| Wireline Technologies | NGN / Soft Switches, Call Routing, Broadband, FTTx, PSTN Signaling | 15% |
| Transmission Infra | Optical Fiber Technology, DWDM, OTN, FTTH, GPON | 15% |
| IP / Data Networks | Routing Protocols, OSI & TCP/IP Model, IPv4/IPv6, MPLS, Cyber Security & Firewalls | 15% |
| Emerging Tech | IoT & M2M, Blockchain, Software Defined Networks, Cloud Computing, AI | 15% |
| Project Management | Project Planning, Tools (Bar Chart, Gantt Chart, PERT, CPM) | 10% |
Part-II: Technical Core - Finance Stream (160 Marks)
| Topic | Key Sub-headings | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Accounting | Financial Statements, Consolidation, NPV/IRR, Inventory Valuation, IND AS | 15% |
| Taxation Rules | Direct: Income Tax, TDS, Advance Tax. Indirect: GST Laws, Input Tax Credit, CGST/IGST | 15% |
| Cost Accounting | Preparation of Cost Sheets, Break-Even Analysis, Standard & Marginal Costing, Budgetary Controls | 15% |
| Financial Management | Ratios, Sources of Finance (Bonds, Lease), Working Capital Management, Forex Management | 15% |
| Corporate Laws | Companies Act 2013, Prospectus, Allotment of Securities, SEBI Regulations | 15% |
| Audit & Assurance | Internal Controls, Risk Assessment, Audit in Automated Environments, Audit Reports | 15% |
| Accounts Receivable | Credit Policy, Receivable Management, Dunning, Turnover Ratio | 10% |
Minimum Qualifying Marks
Minimum qualifying marks are fixed separately for each part and also for the overall score, which means candidates must clear both the sectional cut-off and the aggregate cut-off to be considered for selection.
General / EWS
40% in each part
50% overall
SC / ST / OBC / PwBD
35% in each part
45% overall
Part-I Syllabus (Common for All Candidates)
Part-I syllabus (Common for all candidates) is designed to evaluate a candidate’s numerical ability, logical thinking and communication skills, and this section is mandatory for both Telecom and Finance streams.
General / Aptitude Topics :
Quantitative aptitude
Data sufficiency
Logical reasoning
Analytical reasoning
Critical reasoning
Verbal ability
Reading comprehension
Verbal analysis
Part-II Syllabus – Telecom Stream
Part-II syllabus – Telecom Stream is designed to test a candidate’s core telecom knowledge, network engineering concepts and understanding of modern communication technologies required for real-world telecom operations and infrastructure management.
1. Basic Telecommunications (15%)
Signals, systems, and communication fundamentals (Analog/Digital).
Modulation, Demodulation, and Multiplexing techniques.
Spectrum management and usage.
2. Wireless Technologies (15%)
Radio & Antenna: Principles, Mobile Antenna Systems (Azimuth, Tilt, VSWR).
Mobile Generations: GSM (2G/3G), LTE (4G), and 5G (Fundamentals, Industrial use cases, KPIs).
Infrastructure: Telco-Cloud, Mobile Radio Backhaul (Microwave, UBR, E-Band), and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
Security & Systems: USIM/eSIM/ISIM, Access Security, IMS, NMS, and Wireless Standardization.
Signaling & Protocols: SS7, SIGTRAN, SIP, Megaco, H.248, MGCP, RTP, and RTCP.
Satcom & Safety: Satellite (LEO, MEO) and ICT-based Disaster Management.
3. Wireline Technologies (15%)
Switching: NGN/Soft Switches, Call Routing/Switching, C4 & C5 Architecture, and Call Flows.
Broadband: FTTx, PSTN Signaling (SSTP), IMS Architecture, and NGN Protocols (SIP, H.248, RTP, SIGTRAN).
Enterprise Services: ISDN (PRI/BRI), EPABX, SIP Services, Wi-Fi, and Enterprise Hotspots.
4. Transmission Infrastructure (15%)
Fundamentals of Transmission and Optical Fiber Technology.
Systems: DWDM, OTN, FTTH, GPON, and EPON.
5. IP & Data Networks (15%)
Models: OSI & TCP/IP models.
Routing: Concepts, Protocols, MPLS, Caching, and Peering.
Addressing: IPv4 (Subnetting/Supernetting) and IPv6 (Addressing, Routing, Tunneling).
Architecture: Next Gen IP Cloud Design, QoS, Proxy, DNS, and Secured IP Networks.
Security: Cyber Security and Firewall fundamentals.
6. Emerging Technologies (15%)
IoT, M2M, and Blockchain.
Software Defined Networking (SDN).
Cloud Computing, Data Centers, and AI in Telecom Networks.
7. Project Management (10%)
Identification, Selection, Planning, and Implementation.
Execution, Monitoring, and Closure.
Tools: Bar Chart, Gantt Chart, PERT, and CPM.
Part-II Syllabus – Finance Stream
Part-II syllabus – Finance Stream is designed to assess a candidate’s professional accounting knowledge, financial reporting capability and understanding of statutory and regulatory requirements followed in Central Government PSU finance operations.
1. Advanced Accounting (15%)
Financial Reporting: Preparation of Balance Sheet, P&L, Cash Flow, and Financial Projections.
Analysis: Financial Ratios, EBITDA, and Capital Budgeting concepts.
Standards: Consolidation of statements, Revenue Recognition, Inventory Valuation, Depreciation, and Fixed Assets.
Corporate Actions: Mergers (PSU/Holding), Amalgamation, Reconstruction, Share Capital/Debentures, and Buybacks.
Compliance: Accounting policies, Disclosures, Indian GAAP, and Ind AS in SAP/Computerized environments.
2. Taxation Rules (15%)
Indirect Tax (GST): Laws, Liability computation, TDS, Input Tax Credit, E-way bill, and Returns.
GST Operations: Credit/Debit notes, CGST/IGST levy, Exemptions, and Composition levy.
Direct Tax: Income computation, Aggregation, Set-off/Carry forward of losses.
Compliance: Advance Tax, Self-assessment, TDS, and TCS.
3. Cost Accounting (15%)
Fundamentals: Cost elements, Cost sheet preparation, and Costing systems.
Methodologies: Activity-Based Costing (ABC), Process, Operation, and Service sector costing.
Controls: Break-even analysis, Marginal costing, and Budgetary control techniques.
4. Financial Management (15%)
Planning: Functions, Budgeting (Fixed/Flexible/ZBB), Variance analysis, and Capital Investment decisions.
Funding: Short/Long-term sources, International finance, Bonds, Lease financing, and Cost of Capital.
Structural Analysis: Capital structure, Leverages, and Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR).
Operations: Working Capital, Fund/Treasury management, Forex, and Money Market fundamentals.
Regulatory: SEBI regulations, Stock Exchange, and Bank/Debenture Trustee compliances.
5. Corporate & Other Laws (15%)
Company Incorporation, Prospectus, and Allotment of securities.
Share Capital, Debentures, and Dividend declaration/payment.
Appointment of Auditors and SEBI fund-raising regulations.
6. Audit & Assurance (15%)
Concepts, Principles, Engagement standards, and Internal control systems.
Documentation, Evidence, Risk assessment, and Internal Audit.
Fraud responsibilities, Audit Reporting, and Audit in Automated environments.
7. Accounts Receivable Management (10%)
Objectives, benefits, and Best Practices of Receivable Management.
Credit Policy, Credit Analysis, and Receivable Turnover Ratio.
Dunning and Collection management importance.
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | BSNL Website |
| Recruitment Page | Visit Here BSNL SET Recruitment 2026 |
| SET Application Portal | BSNL SET Application Portal |
| BSNL SET Syllabus | Download BSNL SET Syllabus |
Preparation Strategy for BSNL Senior Executive Trainee
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee preparation strategy helps you convert the syllabus into a practical and high-scoring study plan.
Focus first on Part-II (Technical – 160 Marks) as it carries maximum weightage
Prepare Part-I topics side-by-side to avoid missing the sectional cut-off
Divide your study time in the ratio of
70% Technical + 30% AptitudeAlways prepare important scoring areas such as
Wireless & IP Networks (Telecom) and
Accounting, Taxation & Financial Management (Finance)Revise short notes for formulas, protocols, standards and definitions
Attempt weekly mock tests to improve speed, accuracy and confidence
Final Note for Candidates
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee syllabus clearly shows that the exam is mainly driven by the Technical / Core section (160 marks), so your primary focus must be on stream-specific subjects.
To improve your chances of selection:
Give maximum priority to Part-II (Technical Syllabus)
Do not ignore Part-I (Aptitude), as sectional qualifying marks are mandatory
Prepare important and repeatedly asked areas such as Wireless & IP Networks (Telecom) and Accounting, Taxation & Financial Management (Finance)
Practice mock tests to maintain speed, accuracy and time management
A well-balanced preparation covering both Technical depth and Aptitude consistency is the key to clearing the BSNL Senior Executive Trainee examination with confidence.
BSNL Senior Executive Trainee Syllabus FAQs
Q1. What is the BSNL SET syllabus structure for Telecom and Finance streams?
Ans. The syllabus has Part-I (Common Aptitude) and Part-II (stream-specific Technical) for both Telecom and Finance.
Q2. Which section carries maximum weightage in BSNL Senior Executive Trainee exam?
Ans. The Technical section (Part-II) carries 160 marks, making it the highest-weightage section.
Q3. Is the Common Aptitude section compulsory for all candidates?
Ans. Yes, Part-I (Aptitude) is mandatory for both streams and candidates must clear its sectional cut-off.
Q4. Does the BSNL SET Finance syllabus include GST and accounting standards?
Ans. Yes, the Finance syllabus covers GST, direct tax, Ind AS, Indian GAAP and advanced accounting topics.