What Are Navratna Companies in India? A Quick Overview

Navratna companies are among the top Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India.

Navratna companies play a crucial role in leading industries and contributing significantly to the country's economy through impressive financial and operational achievements. These organizations can make investments of up to ₹1,000 crore without requiring approval from the Central Government. 

Let us read more about Navratna companies in detail. Keep reading!

What is Navratna Company? 

A Navratna company in India is a public sector undertaking that has earned Navratna status. These companies play a major role in the country's economy and are highly respected compared to other PSUs, both within India and internationally.

Once a company receives Navratna status, it gains authority in spending on projects, investments in partnerships or new businesses, and managing their workforce.
 

Table of Contents

1. What is Navratna Company? 
2. Top Navratna Companies in India in 2025
3. An Overview of Navratna Companies in India 
4. The Origin of Navratna Status in India
5. What Makes a Company a Navratna?
6. How Navratna Companies Contribute to India’s Economic Growth?
7. How the Government Supports Navratna Companies?
8. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Navratna Companies
9. How AI is Revolutionizing Operations in Navratna Companies?
10. Benefits of Being a Navratna Company in India
11. Eligibility Criteria to Become a Navratna Company

Top Navratna Companies in India in 2025

Ever wondered how many Navratna companies are there in India? Let us delve into the journey of the 16 Navratna companies in India as of 2025: 

Disclaimer: The information provided on the above stocks is for informational purposes only. It is crucial to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions regarding these stocks. We do not recommend trading any stocks without comprehensive research and professional financial advice. Always consult with a certified financial advisor to ensure informed and appropriate investment choices.

An Overview of Navratna Companies in India 

Let’s go through the 16 Navratna Companies in India:

Engineers India Limited (EIL)

• EIL is an engineering firm that offers services such as designing, buying materials, engineering, building, and managing projects.
• EIL focuses on technology, early-stage project planning (FEED), project management, and managing the supply chain.
• EIL serves different industries such as oil and gas, infrastructure (roads and bridges), water and waste management, fertilizers and chemicals for making plastic, mining and metals, and solar and nuclear power.

Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) 

• CONCOR operates logistics hubs such as dry ports and container freight stations. These facilities help with both international and domestic shipping services. 
• CONCOR offers various services, including consolidating smaller shipments (LCL hub services), transporting goods by air, storing goods in bonded warehouses, using refrigerated containers, and repairing containers. 
• CONCOR is a leader in providing support for India's trade, using multiple types of transport, like containers, to make shipping easier domestically and internationally. 

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

• BEL manufactures and supplies electronic equipment and systems for both defence and non-defence purposes. 
• In defence, BEL makes navigation systems, communication devices, radars, naval systems, electronic warfare systems, and avionics, among others. 
• For the non-defence sector, BEL offers services such as cybersecurity, e-governance, civilian radars, homeland security solutions, electric vehicle technology (e-mobility), railway systems, and telecommunications solutions.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) 

• HAL focuses on creating, designing, making, and providing aircraft, helicopters, avionics, and communication gear for military and civilian uses. 
• HAL also offers services to repair, maintain, and support aircraft, including accessories for helicopters, aircraft, and aero engines.
• The company’s customers include the Army, Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, Defence Research & Development Organization, and others.

Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC India)

• NLC India Limited mines lignite in open-cast mines and produces electricity using lignite, coal, wind, and solar energy sources. 
• It provides electricity to state DISCOMS (Distribution Companies) in Southern India and Rajasthan. 
• Currently, NLC has the capacity to mine 50.1 million tonnes per year.

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) 

• RINL runs the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, which is under the Ministry of Steel. It's India's first integrated steel plant located on the shore.
• The plant is well-known for producing high-quality steel products that meet customer expectations. 

Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilisers Limited (RCF)

• RCF is a leading fertilizer and chemical manufacturer owned by the Indian government.
• They produce various products such as neem urea, bio fertilizers, complex fertilizers, micronutrients, and fully soluble fertilizers. 
• Their brands Suphala and Ujjwala are well-known nationwide for their strong reputation.

Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)

• MTNL offers landline phone services in Delhi and Mumbai. 
• MTNL mobile services include prepaid and postpaid plans, 3G data plans, mobile television, international calling, and extra services. 
• MTNL has subsidiaries like Mahanagar Telephone Limited and Millennium Telecom Limited.

Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC)

• NBCC works on civil construction projects and infrastructure projects important for national security and public services. 
• They also specialize in residential and commercial projects.
• NBCC offers services like planning projects, studying their feasibility, preparing detailed reports, and managing procurement, construction, and engineering.

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) 

• NALCO is an Indian company that makes and sells alumina and aluminium.
• It has two main parts: Chemical and Aluminium. They produce things like calcined alumina, alumina hydrate, aluminium ingots, wire rods, billets, and strips.
• NALCO runs a big alumina refinery plant in Damanjodi, Odisha, making 22.75 lakh tons per year. They also have an aluminium smelter in Angul, Odisha, and produce 4.60 lakh tons per year.

National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NMDC) 

• NMDC is a company that mines iron ore and explores different minerals like copper, rock phosphate, limestone, and diamonds.
• It produces over 40 million tonnes per year of iron ore from its mining operations in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.
• NMDC also owns subsidiaries such as Legacy Iron Ore Limited, NMDC Power Limited, and more. 

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)

• RVNL works on different railway projects like building new lines, setting up electrification, constructing bridges, and creating workshops.
• They handle everything from planning to completing the projects, which includes designing, managing contracts, and arranging finances.
• RVNL also undertakes complete projects and serves clients from government ministries at both central and state levels.

Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI)

• SCI is engaged in transporting goods and passengers.
• It operates in various segments like liner, bulk carrier, tanker, and technical & offshore services.
• They offer services such as transporting tankers, bulk carriers, containers, offshore services, handling break bulk cargo, chartering ships, and more. 

ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL)

• OVL focuses on acquiring exploration and production licenses in international markets.
• The company is engaged in multiple operational projects including producing assets, exploration blocks, and pipeline ventures across regions such as the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and Russia as well as CIS countries.
• Notable projects in its portfolio include Vankor, ACG, and the Lower Zakum Concession. 

RITES Limited

• RITES offers a variety of services in transportation infrastructure and related technologies.
• The company works in sectors like railways, metros, airports, land ports, ropeways, tunnels, and bridges. Their services include project management advice, feasibility studies, third-party inspections, overseeing construction, and other related services. 

IRCON International Limited

• IRCON provides services to build infrastructure projects such as railways, bridges, tunnels, highways, and metro systems.
• IRCON also handles projects where they build, operate, and transfer facilities, as well as projects under hybrid annuity arrangements.
• IRCON has finished about 398 projects within India and 128 projects in 25 different countries worldwide. 

The Origin of Navratna Status in India

The scheme was introduced by the Government of India in 1997 to identify and support competitive Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).

• The term 'Navratna' is Sanskrit for 'Nine Gems', initially referring to the first nine Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) granted this special status.
   
• The primary objective was to grant greater operational and financial freedom to these top-tier companies.
   
• It was designed to help selected Indian Government Companies in their journey toward global competitiveness and excellence.
   
• This status is part of the categorization of Public Sector Enterprises India into three tiers: Maharatna, Navratna companies in India, and Miniratna.

What Makes a Company a Navratna?

• A company must already hold the Miniratna Category-I status and be listed on the Indian stock exchange.
   
• It must have achieved an "Excellent" or "Very Good" performance rating under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) system for at least three out of the last five years.
• 
  The company must attain a composite score of 60 or more out of 100 based on six key performance indicators (e.g., net profit to net worth, earnings per share).
   
• It must have a consistent track record of profitability, with a positive net worth and net profit for the last three consecutive years.
   
• The goal is to select financially strong Navratna PSUs that demonstrate a significant global presence or international operations.

How Navratna Companies Contribute to India’s Economic Growth?

• They drive infrastructure development (e.g., companies like IRCON International) through major projects in railways, construction, and power.
   
• The financial Autonomy of Navratna Companies allows for quicker investment decisions, enabling timely capital expenditure and project execution.
   
• They boost global competitiveness and earn foreign exchange by expanding international operations, forming joint ventures, and undertaking mergers and acquisitions abroad.
   
• Companies like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) advance technological development and indigenous manufacturing (Make in India).
   
• They contribute significantly to public welfare and social responsibility through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, employment, and skill development.
   

How the Government Supports Navratna Companies?

• The key support is granting Autonomy of Navratna Companies, allowing them to invest up to ₹1,000 crore without prior approval from the Central Government.
   
• They are allowed to invest 15% of their net worth on a single project or 30% of their net worth in a year (subject to the ₹1,000 crore cap).
   
• The government delegates powers to the Board of Directors for decisions related to human resources management and organizational restructuring.
   
• They are given the freedom to establish financial joint ventures, wholly-owned subsidiaries, and strategic alliances both domestically and internationally.
   
• The status acts as an enhanced brand image and sign of trust, which helps these Navratna PSUs attract better talent and secure international partnerships.
   

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Navratna Companies

• AI in Navratna Companies is being adopted to enhance national defense and security capabilities, as seen with Navratna PSUs like BEL developing AI-enabled analysis software.
   
• They are fostering collaborative R&D in AI and Machine Learning (ML) by signing Memorandums of Understanding with top research institutions like IISc, Bengaluru.
   
• AI is leveraged for innovation and new product development, especially in dual-use applications that have both defense and civilian market potential.
   
• They are utilizing AI to strengthen the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative by focusing on indigenous technology development.
   
• The push for AI adoption across India, supported by government initiatives, creates an ecosystem that encourages these Indian Government Companies to integrate AI into their core strategy.
   

How AI is Revolutionizing Operations in Navratna Companies?

• AI enables predictive maintenance by analyzing sensor data to forecast equipment failures, minimizing unplanned downtime and reducing operational costs.
   
• It drives supply chain optimization through advanced analytics for demand forecasting, inventory management, and real-time logistics route planning.
   
• Automation of repetitive tasks using AI reduces human error, increases operational efficiency, and allows employees to focus on strategic activities.
   
• AI-powered quality control and inspection systems use computer vision to detect defects with high precision, ensuring consistent product quality in manufacturing sectors.
   
• AI enhances customer experience and market responsiveness through chatbots, virtual assistants, and better analysis of customer data for personalized services.

Benefits of Being a Navratna Company in India

Navratna companies can avail certain advantages such as:

• They can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in one project without government approval.
• They are allowed to invest up to 30% of their net worth in a year, as long as it does not exceed ₹1,000 crore.
• These companies have the freedom to form joint ventures, and alliances, and establish subsidiaries overseas, enhancing their operational scope and market reach.
• The Navratna status boosts the company's credibility and competitiveness in the market, potentially attracting more investors and partnerships.
• With reduced bureaucratic hurdles, Navratna companies can expedite decision-making processes, enabling quicker responses to market dynamics and opportunities. 
• The autonomy and flexibility provided often lead to improved operational efficiency, profitability, and overall performance of the company.
   

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Navratna Company

To qualify as a Navratna Company in India, a public sector enterprise (PSE) must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Government of India. 

• The company must be listed on the Indian stock exchange.
• The PSE must have consistently earned profits in the last three years.
• The company should have a positive net worth.
• The enterprise must have earned a certain level of operational autonomy, typically measured by parameters such as Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) targets achieved, net profit, net worth, and turnover for at least 3 out of the last 4 years. 
• The company should have been in operation for at least three years since its initial public offering (IPO) or since its last restructuring.
• The PSE should have a satisfactory performance track record under the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) guidelines.
• The PSE should have a significant impact on its respective industry and exhibit exemplary performance in terms of production, efficiency, and overall management.
• To qualify for Navratna status, the company should have attained Miniratna companies Category I status and be listed in Schedule A of CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises).
• To become a Navratna company, the company needs to score 60 or more in the areas listed below.

Navratna status grants eligible PSEs greater operational and financial autonomy to compete in the global market and make quick decisions without government intervention for investments up to a certain limit. It is an important recognition for a public sector enterprise in India, signifying its superior performance and management cap.

Conclusion
Navratna companies in India are pivotal across multiple sectors such as energy, engineering, and telecommunications, acting as foundational pillars for the nation's industrial advancement. Such companies make substantial contributions to India's economic growth through significant investments, fostering innovation, and delivering superior products and services.