India’s Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are vital to shaping its industrial and economic landscape. Among them, Navratna companies are distinguished in that they have autonomy to make substantial financial decisions without requiring prior government approval. Because of this they have outstanding operational efficiency, and as a result they contribute significantly to various sectors like energy, telecommunications, engineering, and manufacturing.
This article explores Navratna companies in India as of 2025, detailing their significance, benefits, and eligibility criteria.
What is a Navratna Company?
Navratna companies represent PSUs which receive specific financial and operational autonomy through government authorization. They demonstrate exceptional financial strength through their performance which enables them to invest independently within specified boundaries. Navratna PSUs receive authorization from the Central Government to conduct single-project investments worth up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth.
A company needs to qualify as a Miniratna Category I PSU and fulfill specific performance requirements determined by the government to reach Navratna status. The recognition enables these enterprises to conduct business on a larger scale and develop international collaborations which drives substantial economic development for India's diverse sectors.
List of Navratna Companies in India 2025
The Navratna companies in India span diverse industries like engineering, telecommunications, energy, and manufacturing. Listed below are Navratna companies in 2025, along with the year of establishment of each.
#
| Company Name
| Year of Establishment
|
1
| Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
| 1940
|
2
| Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilisers Limited (RCF)
| 1978
|
3
| National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC)
| 1960
|
4
| Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR)
| 1988
|
5
| Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
| 1954
|
6
| Engineers India Limited (EIL)
| 1965
|
7
| Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)
| 1986
|
8
| National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)
| 1958
|
9
| Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)
| 1971
|
10
| Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
| 2003
|
11
| Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC India)
| 1956
|
12
| National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
| 1981
|
13
| ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL)
| 1965
|
14
| Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI)
| 1961
|
15
| IRCON International Limited
| 1976
|
16
| RITES Limited
| 1974
|
Overview of Navratna Companies in India
Navratna companies function throughout various industrial sectors; they maintain their essential position in India's economic expansion and industrial advancement. These PSUs demonstrate leadership in engineering along with infrastructure development and energy production and telecommunications, while manufacturing operations which fuel both domestic and international markets.
Navratna PSUs have obtained increased financial autonomy to develop their operations and launch large projects and form strategic partnerships with partners through self-regulating mechanisms. Their strong financial position combined with operational excellence makes them fundamental agents of economic progress in India.
1) Engineers India Limited (EIL)
- A leading engineering consultancy firm providing services in design, procurement, construction, and project management.
- Specializes in pre-front-end engineering design (FEED), technology solutions, and supply chain management.
- Serves industries such as oil & gas, infrastructure, mining, fertilisers, petrochemicals, and nuclear power.
2) Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR)
- Manages logistics infrastructure, including container freight stations, dry ports, and multimodal transport services.
- Offers bonded warehousing, refrigerated cargo movement, LCL hub services, and container repair solutions.
- Plays a key role in domestic and international trade facilitation through containerisation.
3) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- Specialises in defence electronics, including radars, avionics, communication systems, and electronic warfare solutions.
- Supplies navigation and surveillance systems to the Indian Armed Forces.
- Expands into non-defence sectors, offering solutions in cybersecurity, telecom, e-governance, and railway systems.
4) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Engaged in aircraft and helicopter manufacturing, avionics, and aerostructures for military and civilian use.
- Provides repair, maintenance, and overhaul (MRO) services for defence and commercial aircraft.
- Works with the Indian Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard for aviation solutions.
5) Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC India)
- Operates lignite and coal-based power plants, contributing to India’s energy sector.
- Supplies power to state distribution companies (DISCOMs) in Southern India and Rajasthan.
- Expanding in renewable energy, including solar and wind power projects.
6) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)
- Operates Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, which stands as India's first facility of its kind built near the shoreline.
- Produces long steel products, wire rods, and structural steel for domestic and international markets.
- Known for quality steel production with high customer satisfaction levels.
7) Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilisers Limited (RCF)
- A leading fertiliser and chemical manufacturing PSU in India.
- Produces neem-coated urea, bio-fertilisers, water-soluble fertilisers, and complex fertilisers.
- Suphala and Ujjwala brands are well-known in the Indian agricultural sector.
8) Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)
- Provides telecommunication services in Delhi and Mumbai, including landline, broadband, and mobile services.
- Offers 3G data services, international calling, and value-added telecom services.
- Operates through subsidiaries like Millennium Telecom Limited and Mahanagar Telephone Limited.
9) National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC)
- Specialises in civil construction and infrastructure projects for government and public sector clients.
- Handles residential and commercial projects, including redevelopment of government properties.
- Provides project conceptualisation, feasibility studies, and detailed project reports.
10) National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
- Engaged in aluminium and alumina production, with major operations in Odisha.
- Produces calcined alumina, aluminium ingots, billets, wire rods, and strips.
- Operates India’s largest alumina refinery and a high-capacity aluminium smelter.
11) National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NMDC)
- India’s largest iron ore producer, also involved in copper, rock phosphate, and diamond mining.
- Key production units are located in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, with 40+ MTPA output.
- Has subsidiaries like Legacy Iron Ore Limited and NMDC Power Limited.
12) Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
- Specialises in railway infrastructure projects, including electrification, new lines, and workshops.
- Manages projects from planning to commissioning, covering design, financing, and contract management.
- Works on turnkey railway projects for state and central ministries.
13) Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI)
- A key player in shipping and maritime transport, involved in bulk, tanker, and offshore services.
- Operates in liner, breakbulk, offshore, and chartering segments.
- Provides logistics and transport solutions for cargo and passengers.
14) ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL)
- The international arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), focusing on global exploration and production.
- Operates projects in Russia, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions.
- Key projects include Lower Zakum Concession, Vankor, and ACG.
15) RITES Limited
- Provides consultancy and engineering services in transport infrastructure.
- Works in sectors like railways, metros, airports, tunnels, bridges, and ropeways.
- Offers project management, feasibility studies, and third-party inspection services.
16) IRCON International Limited
- A leading EPC contractor handling large-scale railway, metro, highway, and bridge construction projects.
- Works on projects under build-operate-transfer (BOT) and hybrid annuity models.
- Has completed 398 domestic projects and 128 international projects across 25 countries.
Benefits of Being a Navratna Company in India
- Greater Financial Autonomy – Navratna companies can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a single project without requiring government approval.
- Increased Investment Freedom – These companies can allocate up to 30% of their net worth annually, provided the total investment does not exceed ₹1,000 crore.
- Independence in Expansion and Diversification – They can establish joint ventures, form strategic alliances, and set up subsidiaries both in India and abroad.
- Flexibility in Human Resource Management – Navratna companies have greater control over hiring, employee benefits, and performance-based incentives.
- Competitive Edge in Global Markets – Their autonomy enables them to compete more effectively on international platforms, increasing export potential.
- Higher Operational Efficiency – With reduced bureaucratic delays, they can make quicker business decisions, leading to enhanced productivity and profitability.
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Navratna Company
- Miniratna Category I Status – To qualify for the scheme the company must maintain Miniratna I status and appear on Schedule A of CPSEs.
- Consistent Performance – It must have secured an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ rating under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) system for at least three out of the last five years.
- Financial Strength – The company must score at least 60 points based on the following performance metrics:
- Earnings per share (10 points)
- Profit before interest and taxes (PBIT) to turnover (15 points)
- Net profit to net worth (25 points)
- EBITDA to capital employed (15 points)
- Manpower cost to total cost of production (15 points)
- Inter-sectoral performance (20 points)
Let’s Evaluate the Role of Navratna Companies in India’s Growth and Development
- Driving Economic Growth – Navratna PSUs contribute significantly to GDP by generating revenue, employment, and investments.
- Boosting Infrastructure Development – Many of these companies lead in railways, telecommunications, defence, and energy sectors, supporting national progress.
- Enhancing Energy Security – Companies like NLC India and ONGC Videsh play a vital role in securing India’s energy supply through domestic and international projects.
- Supporting Indigenous Manufacturing – Firms such as BEL and HAL reduce import dependency by producing high-tech defence and aerospace equipment.
- Strengthening Global Presence – With increased autonomy, these companies expand operations internationally, enhancing India’s trade and diplomatic relationships.
- Encouraging Innovation and R&D – Many Navratna companies invest in cutting-edge technology to improve efficiency and sustain long-term growth.
Conclusion
Navratna companies function as major economic growth engines in India while they lead vital sectors including defense and infrastructure and energy. The financial standing of these companies affects the BSE Sensex, the Nifty 50 Price and Sensex Index Price, which determine market fluctuations. The increased autonomy enables national development through which investors are drawn to open demat account and start investing using the option of a trading account online. PSUs are expanding their global operations, which helps them maintain their influence over India's financial sector and industrial development.
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