Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has released the Senior Executive Trainee (SET) Recruitment 2026 notification for Finance stream. Candidates preparing for this PSU exam must clearly understand the selection process and paper pattern to plan their preparation effectively.

This article explains the complete exam pattern, marking scheme, syllabus structure, and final merit preparation in a simplified manner.

✅ BSNL SET Finance 2026 – Selection Process

The selection of candidates for Senior Executive Trainee (Finance) will be done through the following stages:

🔹 Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)

• Online objective-type examination

• Mandatory for all applicants

🔹 Stage 2: Document Verification

• Candidates shortlisted on merit basis will be called

• Verification of educational qualification, age, category, etc.

🚫 There is NO interview in BSNL SET Recruitment 2026.

👉 Final selection is based purely on marks obtained in CBT.

🖥️ Mode of Examination

• Examination will be conducted in online mode (CBT)

• Questions will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Exam centres will be allotted across India

• Normalization of marks may be applied if exam is conducted in multiple shifts

📘 BSNL SET Finance Paper Pattern 2026

The examination consists of two parts:

📌 Part–I: Common (Aptitude Test)

Topics included:

• Quantitative Aptitude

• Reasoning (Analytical & Logical)

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

📌 Part–II: Core Technical (Finance)

Finance Subjects Covered:

• Advanced Accounting

• Cost Accounting

• Financial Management

• Direct Tax & Indirect Tax (GST)

• Corporate & Other Laws

• Audit & Assurance

• Working Capital & Receivables Management

• Accounting Standards & IND AS

⏱️ Exam Duration

• Total Duration: 180 Minutes (3 Hours)

• Combined time for Part-I and Part-II

• No sectional time limit mentioned

❌ Negative Marking

• 0.25 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer

• No deduction for unattempted questions

This makes accuracy very important in the exam.

🎯 Qualifying Marks

To be considered for the merit list, candidates must score:

• General / OBC / EWS: Minimum 40% in each Parts 1&2 and Cobnined 50%

• SC / ST / PwBD: Minimum 35% in each Parts 1&2 and Cobnined 45%

Candidates must secure qualifying marks both overall and category-wise.

🏆 Final Merit List Preparation

The final merit list will be prepared based on:

• Marks obtained in Part-I + Part-II

• Category-wise reservation rules

• Normalization (if applicable)

Important points:

• Rank in merit list decides selection

• Mere inclusion in merit list does not guarantee appointment

• Appointment is subject to successful document verification

📌 Key Points to Remember

✅ Only CBT-based selection
✅ No interview stage
✅ Finance paper carries 80% weightage (160/200 marks)
✅ Negative marking applicable
✅ Strong conceptual preparation is essential

📊 Preparation Strategy (Finance Candidates)

• Focus more on Technical Finance (160 marks)

• Revise CMA / CA Final-level concepts

• Practice MCQs with time management

• Avoid guesswork due to negative marking

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the selection process for BSNL SET Finance 2026?

Selection is based on Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by Document Verification. There is no interview.

Q2. How many papers are there in BSNL SET Finance exam?

There are two parts:

• Part I: Aptitude (40 marks)

• Part II: Technical Finance (160 marks)

Q3. Is there negative marking in BSNL SET Finance exam?

Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

Q4. What is the total duration of the exam?

The total exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours).

Q5. What are the qualifying marks?

• General / OBC / EWS – 40%

• SC / ST / PwBD – 35%

Q6. Is there any interview after CBT?

No, final selection is purely merit-based on CBT marks.

Q7. Which section has more weightage?

The Technical Finance section carries 160 out of 200 marks, making it the most important part.