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. This enhanced autonomy allows them to operate with greater managerial and financial flexibility, contributing to their role across sectors such as energy, telecommunications, engineering, and manufacturing.
This article explores Navratna companies in India as per the latest publicly available government notifications, detailing their significance, benefits, and eligibility criteria.
What is a Navratna Company?
Navratna companies are select Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) that are granted enhanced financial and operational autonomy by the Government of India. This status allows eligible CPSEs to make certain investment and operational decisions without prior government approval, within prescribed limits.
To be considered for Navratna status, a CPSE must already be a Miniratna Category-I enterprise, be listed under Schedule ‘A’, and meet performance and financial criteria as laid down by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). Navratna status is granted through official government notification and may change based on policy decisions and performance reviews.
Navratna companies are permitted to:
Invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a single project, whichever is lower, without prior government approval
Enter into joint ventures, subsidiaries, and strategic alliances, subject to applicable guidelines
Exercise greater flexibility in operational and human resource decisions
These provisions are intended to improve efficiency and competitiveness, particularly in capital-intensive and strategic sectors.
List of Navratna Companies in India
The following list is based on the latest publicly available information. The status of CPSEs may change based on government policy decisions.
#
| Company Name
| Year of Establishment
|
1
| Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
| 1940
|
2
| National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC)
| 1960
|
3
| Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR)
| 1988
|
4
| Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
| 1954
|
5
| Engineers India Limited (EIL)
| 1965
|
6
| National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)
| 1958
|
7
| Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC India)
| 1956
|
8
| National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
| 1981
|
9
| Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI)
| 1961
|
Note: Subsidiaries of CPSEs are not independently eligible for Navratna status. The composition of Navratna companies may change based on government decisions.
Overview of Navratna Companies in India
India’s Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) play an important role in the country’s industrial and economic development. Among them, Navratna companies are a select group of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) that have been granted enhanced financial and operational autonomy by the Government of India, within prescribed limits and subject to applicable guidelines.
This article provides an educational overview of Navratna companies in India based on the latest publicly available government notifications, along with their significance, benefits, and broad eligibility framework. The status of Navratna CPSEs is subject to change based on official policy decisions and performance reviews.
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) 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.
7) 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.
8) 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.
9) 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.
Benefits of Being a Navratna Company in India
Enhanced Financial Autonomy – Ability to undertake investments within notified limits without prior government approval
Operational Flexibility – Faster decision-making within approved governance frameworks
Expansion Opportunities – Ability to form joint ventures and subsidiaries in line with policy guidelines
Human Resource Flexibility – Limited additional autonomy in HR policies, subject to rules
Improved Competitiveness – Greater responsiveness to project execution and business opportunities
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Navratna Company
To be considered for Navratna status, a CPSE must generally:
Be a Miniratna Category-I CPSE
Be listed under Schedule ‘A’
Achieve the minimum qualifying score under the official DPE performance evaluation framework
Demonstrate consistent financial and operational performance
Final approval is granted by the Central Government based on recommendations from the competent authority.
(Detailed scoring metrics are notified by the DPE and may be revised from time to time.)
Let’s Evaluate the Role of Navratna Companies in India’s Growth and Development
Navratna CPSEs operate across sectors such as defence manufacturing, energy, mining, infrastructure, logistics, and engineering consultancy. Their enhanced autonomy enables them to undertake large-scale projects, participate in international ventures, and respond more efficiently to market and operational requirements.
These enterprises play an important role in supporting public infrastructure development, strategic manufacturing capabilities, and long-term capacity building within the Indian economy.
Conclusion
Navratna companies function as major contributors to India’s industrial and infrastructure development, operating across sectors such as defence, energy, transportation, and construction. Navratna companies represent a select group of Central Public Sector Enterprises with enhanced decision-making powers under government policy.
Their status reflects a combination of operational scale, financial capability, and strategic importance. As government policies evolve, the list and privileges associated with Navratna CPSEs may be reviewed and updated through official notifications.
Disclaimer
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.
This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.