Maharatna companies are government-owned PSUs with notable financial and operational leeway. This allows fronting big infrastructure efforts. These PSUs can also expand globally and push innovation in multiple sectors including energy, manufacturing, and finance. Other than just business, they impact jobs and national stability. This blog defines what earns a company Maharatna rank, lists India’s 2025 Maharatna firms, and covers their key roles and impact.
What is a Maharatna Company?
A Maharatna company—elite among India’s Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)—basically holds vast financial-operational latitude from governmental decree. ‘Maharatna’ means ‘great gem,’ reflecting their major economic and strategic role. These firms, active in energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing, drive India’s progress. Empowered to funnel resources into sprawling ventures and stretch overseas, Maharatna firms sculpt India’s industrial-financial terrain, swaying metrics like the BSE Sensex, Nifty 50 Price, Sensex Index Price, Nifty Index Share Price, and Bank Nifty Index Price.
List of Maharatna Companies in India 2025
The table below lists India’s Maharatna Companies as of 2025, with industries and market prices listed.
Company Name
| Industry
| Market Price (₹)
|
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd
| Aerospace & Defense
| 3,396.15
|
GAIL (India) Ltd
| Gas Utilities
| 157.96
|
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd
| Heavy Electrical Equipment
| 193.33
|
Steel Authority of India Ltd
| Steel
| 105.89
|
Coal India Ltd
| Coal & Consumable Fuels
| 378.30
|
Oil India Ltd
| Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
| 375.50
|
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd
| Integrated Oil & Gas
| 225.43
|
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd
| Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing
| 125.67
|
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd
| Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing
| 264.41
|
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd
| Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing
| 323.70
|
NTPC Ltd
| Power Generation
| 331.90
|
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd
| Electric Utilities
| 267.65
|
REC Limited
| Specialized Finance
| 406.65
|
Power Finance Corporation Ltd
| Specialized Finance
| 388.35
|
Source: Smallcase
These companies are strategically vital in their respective sectors since they contribute significantly to the infrastructure, energy security, and financial markets of India.
Overview of Maharatna Companies
Maharatna companies prop up the nation's industry and economy. Large public sector enterprises with enhanced autonomy in terms of finance and operations, they're key to growth and innovation.
1) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
BHEL basically anchors India’s engineering strength. It began in 1964, and builds power generation equipment. BHEL serves sectors like transportation, defense, and aerospace. It keeps pushing innovation for better efficiency and sustainability.
2) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
Started in 1952, BPCL has since then been a major part of India’s oil and gas industry. The company explores crude oil and markets refined petroleum products. It also supplies much of the country's daily use energy. So it's fair to say it heavily impacts the energy sector.
3) GAIL India Limited (GAIL)
GAIL is India’s largest natural gas company, established in 1984. It plays a critical role in making sure of seamless transmission and distribution of natural gas, and for this it uses an extensive pipeline network. It has significant investments in both conventional and renewable energy.
4) Coal India Limited (CIL)
Coal India Limited began in 1975. The largest global coal producer, it supports India’s energy sector crucially. CIL pursues efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Coal India Limited’s actions reflect shifts in an industry tied to the Nifty 50 Price.
5) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
Established in 1974, HPCL is a prominent player in the oil and gas sector. The company refines crude oil and manages the distribution of various petroleum products. With a focus on research and development, HPCL continuously seeks innovative methods to enhance operational efficiency, thereby contributing to the broader energy landscape.
6) Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
SAIL is India’s largest steel manufacturer, established in 1954. It produces a wide array of steel products essential for infrastructure, including rails, beams, and other construction materials. SAIL’s expansive operations not only drive industrial development but also support economic stability, which is often mirrored in major financial indicators.
7) National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
NTPC, established in 1975, is the leading power generation company in India. While primarily reliant on coal-based power, NTPC is also diversifying into gas, hydro, and renewable energy sources. This strategic shift enhances energy security and contributes to market confidence, influencing overall sentiment in indices like the Nifty Index Share Price.
8) Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC)
REC plays a crucial role in financing power infrastructure projects across India. It offers support to the energy sector in the form of various financial products, and not only boosts industrial development but also creates opportunities for retail investors.
9) Power Finance Corporation (PFC)
PFC provides financial assistance to the power sector. It facilitates a range of funding solutions, including project-term loans and lease financing, ensuring that critical infrastructure projects receive timely and adequate funding.
10) Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
Acting as the backbone of India’s electricity transmission, the Power Grid Corporation ensures that generated power reaches consumers across vast distances. Established to modernize the power distribution network, its work is critical for maintaining a steady flow of electricity—a key factor that influences market dynamics reflected in the Nifty 50 Price.
11) Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
IOCL is a vertically integrated oil and gas company, handling everything from exploration and refining to retail. As India’s largest commercial enterprise in the sector, IOCL’s operations impact the everyday energy needs of millions. Its expansive reach and financial robustness contribute to market trends observable in both the Sensex Index Price and Nifty Index Share Price.
12) Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC)
ONGC is the country’s largest oil and gas exploration company, with operations spanning both onshore and offshore. Established in 1956, its efforts in securing domestic energy resources are crucial for sustaining India’s energy security. ONGC’s performance is a significant indicator for investors, influencing broader market sentiments, including those seen in the Bank Nifty Index Price.
13) Oil India Limited (OIL)
Specializing in oil and natural gas exploration and production, Oil India Limited is pivotal in fueling the nation’s energy requirements. With a focus on innovative exploration techniques and efficient field development, OIL remains a key contributor to the energy sector, indirectly affecting market benchmarks like the Sensex Index Price.
14) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
Headquartered in Bengaluru, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a government-owned aerospace and defense company that was established on December 23, 1940, and later restructured in 1964 after merging with Aeronautics India Limited. HAL is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, repair, and overhaul of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and avionics, serving both military and civil markets—including organizations like ISRO. Recognized for its significant contributions to India’s aerospace and defense sectors, HAL was granted Maharatna status in 2024.
Characteristics and Features of Maharatna Companies
The distinct features of Maharatna companies give them both financial independence and strategic control. Then there's also the expanded investment possibilities that enables leading extensive industrial development and economic expansion.
Financial Independence
Maharatna companies operate with much higher financial autonomy, and this logically enables them to execute major investments without needing government approval beforehand. They can also conduct essential infrastructure projects, technological improvements and operational growth that benefits India's economy.
Decision-Making Authority
These enterprises hold higher decision-making authority, so there are fewer bureaucratic delays and consequently much better operational efficiency. Their boards can take strategic calls on mergers, acquisitions, and expansions, ensuring quicker responses to industry shifts and market dynamics like the Sensex Index Price.
Expanded Investment Scope
Maharatna companies can invest up to 15% of their net worth in a single project, up to a maximum limit of ₹5,000 crore. This allows them to take on large infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing ventures without continuous government intervention, fostering innovation and growth.
Borrowing Privileges
Maharatna companies obtain funding from domestic and international markets through strong financial backing and credibility without needing government guarantees. The ability to secure efficient funding for large projects positions them as leading contributors to several industries.
Global Reach
Maharatna companies engage in international operations by conducting cross-border trade activities and establishing joint ventures and acquiring new businesses. Global market expansion by these companies enhances India's economic power base and broadens the revenue portfolio.
Eligibility Criteria to Qualify as a Maharatna Company
- Must hold Navratna status before applying for Maharatna classification.
- The company needs to be listed on the Indian stock exchange while following SEBI regulations regarding public shareholding requirements.
- The company must demonstrate a minimum annual turnover of ₹25,000 crore throughout the previous three years.
- Must maintain a net worth of over ₹15,000 crore for the last three years.
- Needs to have an average annual net profit of over ₹5,000 crore for the past three years.
- Should demonstrate significant global operations and business presence.
- The board of directors must recommend the company for Maharatna status.
- The final approval must be granted by the Government of India.
Role of Maharatna Companies in India’s Economic Growth
Indian economic growth and industrial development depend heavily on Maharatna companies which drive infrastructure development and create employment opportunities and advance technological advancements. These enterprises maintain operations in vital sectors including energy, steel, finance and defense to provide stability and domestic control in essential industries. The companies make major investments without bureaucratic delays which enables fast industrial growth together with economic expansion into new sectors. The global operations of these companies along with their financial power produce foreign exchange earnings and strengthen India's trade relationships and international competitiveness. These companies shape major stock market indicators such as the Sensex Index Price and Nifty 50 Price which determine investor sentiment and financial market stability.
Benefits of Being a Maharatna Company
- Greater financial autonomy, allowing investment in large-scale projects.
- Larger investment limits, with companies allowed to invest up to 15% of their net worth per project.
- Enhanced decision-making power, reducing dependence on government approvals.
- Ability to expand globally, strengthening India’s presence in international markets.
- Higher market credibility, improving borrowing capacity for strategic growth.
- Operational flexibility, enabling quick adaptation to market and industry changes.
- Increased competitiveness, allowing companies to compete with global players in their respective industries.
Conclusion
Maharatna companies are the backbone of India’s industrial and financial ecosystem—they drive economic growth, employment generation, and technological advancements. Their financial strength, operational efficiency, and global reach position them as leaders in key sectors, influencing market trends and investor confidence. As India continues to expand its industrial and financial capabilities, these companies will remain at the forefront, shaping the nation’s economic future and contributing to its global standing.
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