List Of Navratna Companies In India

India's economy gets major support from its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Based on their financial performance, the government sorts these PSUs into three groups: Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna companies. Navratna companies stand out because of their operational and financial excellance. In this blog, we will understand the concept of Navratna companies, their contributions, and the benefits they enjoy.

What is a Navratna Company?

"Navratna" means "nine gems" in Hindi. This name shows how important these companies are to India's economy. The government first created the Navratna status in 1997. A Navratna company is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) that gets special status for its good performance. These companies can invest up to ₹1,000 crore without asking the government for approval.

List Of Navratna Companies In India (2025)

As of 2025, India has 24 Navratna companies. They work in different fields like energy, building, communications, fertilizers and logistics. Here's the current list:

Overview Of Navratna Companies In India

1. Engineers India Limited (EIL): An engineering consultancy company providing design, engineering, procurement, construction, and project management services. 

2. Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR): India's leading container logistics company operating a nationwide network of inland container depots and terminals. 

3. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL): A defense electronics manufacturing company producing advanced electronic products for India's military and civilian sectors. BEL manufactures radar systems, communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, naval systems, and missile electronics.

4. National Fertilisers Limited: One of India's largest fertiliser producers manufacturing urea, bio fertilisers, and industrial chemicals. The company also provides soil testing services and agricultural extension support to farmers.

5. Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC India): An integrated lignite mining and power generation company operating large open-cast mines and thermal power stations. 

6. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL): The company produces high-quality steel products including bars, rods, structural steel, and wire rods. 

7. Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilisers Limited (RCF): A major manufacturer of fertilisers and industrial chemicals with production facilities in Maharashtra. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL): The company provides telecommunications services in Mumbai and Delhi metropolitan areas, offering fixed-line telephony, broadband, and mobile services. 

8. National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC): A comprehensive construction and real estate development company executing projects across civil, residential, commercial, and environmental sectors. 

9. National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO): An integrated aluminum producer with bauxite mines, alumina refineries, smelters, and power generation facilities. The company is known for its energy-efficient operations and export-quality aluminum products.

10. National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NMDC): India's largest iron ore producer operating multiple mines and developing new mineral deposits across the country.

11. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL): Implements railway projects including new lines, doubling tracks, gauge conversion, and railway electrification.

12. Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI): India's premier shipping company operates a diverse fleet of vessels like tankers, bulk carriers, and passenger ships. 

13. ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL): The international petroleum exploration and production subsidiary of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. OVL acquires and develops oil and gas assets overseas, with investments across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. 

14. RITES Limited: A multidisciplinary engineering and infrastructure consultancy organisation specialising in transport infrastructure. RITES provides design, engineering, and project management for railways, highways, airports, and urban transport systems. 

15. IRCON International Limited: A specialised construction company focusing on railway infrastructure, highways, and industrial development. 

16. Central Warehousing Corporation: Provides scientific storage facilities for agricultural produce, industrial goods, and imported commodities. 

17. Housing & Urban Development Corporation Limited: Finances housing and urban infrastructure projects nationwide, focusing on affordable housing and sustainable urban development. 

18. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited: A specialised financial institution funding renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. IREDA provides loans for solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and other clean energy initiatives. 

20. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited: A premier shipbuilding yard constructing warships, submarines, and commercial vessels. The company contributes significantly to India's maritime defense capabilities and naval modernisation efforts.

21. Railtel Corporation of India Limited: Manages telecommunication infrastructure along railway routes, providing broadband, multimedia, and enterprise services. 

22. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Limited: Implements India's solar energy initiatives through project development, financing, and power trading. 

23. NHPC Limited: India's premier hydroelectric power company developing and operating medium and large hydropower projects. 

24. SJVN Limited: Originally established to develop the Nathpa Jhakri hydroelectric project, now diversified into multiple power generation segments. SJVN operates hydropower stations primarily in Himachal Pradesh and neighboring Himalayan states. 

Role and Contribution of Navratna Companies

• Economic Contribution

Navratna companies help grow India's GDP. They can spend money on projects that boost the economy. They also help in job creation which helps in regional and local area development. 

• Role In Innovation And Technology

Companies like BEL and HAL work in the field of electronics and defence technology including manufacturing of aircrafts under license for Indian defence sector. This helps India reduce its reliance on other countries. Many Navratna companies now use green methods. For example, NLC India treats water and fixes damaged land.

• Global Competitiveness

These companies can form partnerships with foreign firms. They can open offices in other countries too. This helps them reach more customers around the world. By working with international companies, they learn advanced methods and technologies.

• Social Impact

Beyond making money, Navratna companies help communities. They support schools, healthcare, and nature protection. Some focus on social needs too. For instance, HUDCO works to create affordable homes for people.

Eligibility Criteria For Navratna Status

To become a Navratna company, a public enterprise must meet certain standards. These rules ensure only the best companies get this status.

First, the company must already be a Miniratna Category I. This means it made profits for three years in a row. It must be listed as a Schedule A company, which means it's large and important. The government must have rated it "Excellent" or "Very Good" for at least three out of five years.

The company also needs a score of 60 or higher based on six factors. These include how profitable it is, how well it manages costs, and how it compares to other companies in different fields.

Benefits of Being a Navratna Company in India

• Financial Freedom

A Navratna company can invest up to ₹1,000 crore on one project without asking the government. This freedom helps them make quick decisions. They can also invest up to 30% of their net worth each year, as long as it's not more than ₹1,000 crore.

• Global Growth

Navratna companies can open branches in other countries. They can also team up with foreign companies. This lets them expand around the world and reach new markets. They can form strategic partnerships to access new technologies too.

• Operational Flexibility

These companies decide for themselves about spending money on new equipment. They don't have limits on how much they can spend. This independence helps them run more efficiently.

Conclusion

Since their inception, the Maharatna PSUs in India have been contributing to the national economy. Many of these companies are listed on the stock exchange and seem like safe bets for conservative investors, considering they are backed by the government and carry less risk. However, it is important to do your due diligence before blindly investing in any PSU.