Navratna Companies in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Navratna companies stand out as the top tier among Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India due to their remarkable financial and operational accomplishments. These organizations have the authority to undertake substantial investments of up to ₹1,000 crore without needing approval from the Central Government. As industry leaders, they play a pivotal role in driving India’s economic growth.

What is a Navratna Company?

A Navratna company is a public sector enterprise in India that has been granted Navratna status. These companies hold a prestigious position compared to other PSUs and significantly contribute to India’s economy. Once designated as Navratna, these companies gain enhanced autonomy in areas such as capital expenditure, investments in joint ventures or subsidiaries, and human resource management.

List of Navratna Companies in India (2025)

Below is the list of Navratna companies in India for 2025:

Overview of Navratna Companies in India

1) Engineers India Limited (EIL)

• Provides engineering consultancy services.
• Specializes in technology, project management, and supply chain management.
• Serves industries like oil & gas, infrastructure, and nuclear power.

2) Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR)

• Manages logistics facilities such as dry ports and container freight stations.
• Offers multimodal logistics solutions for domestic and international trade.

3) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

• Produces electronic equipment for defense and non-defense sectors.
• Engaged in radars, communication systems, cyber security, and homeland security.

4) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

• Develops and manufactures aircraft, helicopters, avionics, and aerospace components.
• Serves the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard.

5) Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC India)

• Engaged in lignite mining and electricity generation.
• Supplies electricity to Southern Indian states and Rajasthan.

6) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)

• Operates the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
• India’s first shore-based integrated steel plant.

7) Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilisers Limited (RCF)

• Manufactures fertilizers and chemicals.
• Popular brands include Suphala and Ujjwala.

8) Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)

• Provides fixed-line and mobile telecommunication services.
• Offers international calling, value-added services, and 3G data plans.

9) National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC)

• Specializes in infrastructure and civil construction projects.
• Provides services including feasibility studies, project conceptualization, and procurement.

10) National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)

• Engaged in the production of alumina and aluminium.
• Operates a large alumina refinery and aluminium smelter in Odisha.

11) National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NMDC)

• A leading iron ore producer with operations in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.
• Explores minerals like copper, limestone, and diamonds.

12) Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)

• Executes railway projects including electrification and new lines.
• Works on turnkey projects in collaboration with government ministries.

13) Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI)

• Engaged in transportation of goods and passengers.
• Operates tankers, bulk carriers, and offshore services.

14) ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL)

• Focuses on acquiring exploration and production licenses abroad.
• Active in the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Russia.

15) RITES Limited

• Provides transport infrastructure consultancy services.
• Specializes in railways, metros, airports, tunnels, and bridges.

16) IRCON International Limited

• Offers EPC services for infrastructure projects.
• Completed over 398 domestic and 128 international projects.

Benefits of Being a Navratna Company in India

• Higher Investment Autonomy: Can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a single project without government approval.
• Operational Independence: Freedom to form joint ventures, subsidiaries, and alliances internationally.
• Enhanced Financial Flexibility: Allowed to invest up to 30% of their net worth annually within the ₹1,000 crore limit.

Eligibility Criteria for Navratna Status

To attain Navratna status, a company must:

1. Be a Miniratna Category I company listed under Schedule A of CPSEs.
2. Maintain an outstanding performance rating under the Memorandum of Understanding System for at least three out of the last five years.
3. Score at least 60 points across six key financial and operational parameters:

Navratna companies are a crucial pillar of India’s industrial and economic framework. By leveraging their autonomy, they drive innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic expansion, reinforcing India’s position as a global economic powerhouse. Their ability to make substantial investments without government intervention enables them to respond swiftly to market opportunities, ultimately benefiting the nation’s economy.