India has some powerful government companies that play a big role in our country’s growth—but only a few earn the prestigious title of Navratna companies in India. These special companies aren’t just successful—they’ve proven themselves with strong profits, performance, and the ability to compete globally. But what exactly makes a company "Navratna"?
In this blog, you’ll find the list of Navratna companies in India 2025, along with simple answers to all your questions—what a Navratna company really is, how many there are, how they earn the title, and why they matter to every Indian. Ready to explore the most trusted names in India's public sector? Let’s get started!
India’s Navratna companies include some of the most reliable and high-performing public sector enterprises. These companies have shown strong financial results over the years and have earned extra decision-making power from the government to grow and compete globally.
These Navratna companies in India stand out for their strong governance, consistent profits, and ability to operate with greater independence compared to regular PSUs.
Let’s take a closer look at the top-performing Navratna companies in India, what they do, and why they’ve earned a spot on the government’s elite Navratna company list. These public sector companies have delivered solid results and continue to serve key industries across energy, infrastructure, defence, and logistics.
Engineers India Limited is a leading government-owned engineering consultancy that serves the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. This Navratna company in India is known for planning and executing major refinery and pipeline projects, both in India and abroad. Its consistent performance has helped it stay at the top of the Navratna company list for years.
Sector: Engineering & Project Management
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| -15.19% | 286.63% | 239.98% |
Also read: Maharatna Company List in India 2024: CPSE Company
CONCOR is a logistics PSU handling intermodal transport and freight across the country. As one of the most reliable Navratna companies in India, it plays a crucial role in India's import-export trade through rail-linked terminals. Its efficiency and revenue growth make it a standout among all Indian public sector companies in logistics.
Sector: Logistics & Transportation
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| -30.68 | 23.63 | 101.98 |
BEL is a defence-focused government PSU that manufactures radar systems, communication tools, and electronic warfare systems for the Indian military. It’s a star performer showcasing technological innovation and steady growth.
Sector: Defence Electronics
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 30.57 | 421.1 | 1614.86 |
One of the most well-known public sector companies in India, HAL is the backbone of India’s aviation and aerospace industry. It designs, manufactures, and maintains aircraft and helicopters for the defence sector. HAL is not just another Navratna PSU, but also a national asset contributing to India's strategic autonomy.
Sector: Aerospace & Defence
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| -4.67 | 463.54 | 1320.47 |
NLC India is involved in lignite mining and power generation. This government-owned company supplies electricity to multiple Indian states and is expanding into solar and wind energy. Its financial consistency and sectoral impact make it a strong part of the Navratna companies in the Indian ecosystem.
Sector: Energy & Mining
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| -2.2 | 259.83 | 439.11 |
RINL, popularly known as Vizag Steel, is a major public sector steel company producing long products used in construction and infrastructure. Despite market fluctuations, its performance keeps it on the trusted Navratna company list. It plays a key role in fulfilling India’s infrastructure development needs.
Sector: Steel Manufacturing
RCF manufactures urea, industrial chemicals, and fertilisers critical to Indian agriculture. RCF holds a strong position in the agrochemical space, supporting farmers and industries alike. Its extensive distribution network contributes to food security and rural development.
Sector: Chemicals & Fertilisers
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| -14.46 | 96.58 | 252.09 |
MTNL is a telecom PSU offering broadband and landline services in Delhi and Mumbai. Despite competition, it remains a key government telecom company in India. Being on the PSU company list reflects its legacy and role in supporting digital connectivity in urban India.
Sector: Telecommunications
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 21.92 | 168.41 | 480.79 |
Also Read: Maharatna Company List in India 2024: CPSE Company
NBCC is a major construction and infrastructure PSU executing smart city, housing, and redevelopment projects. The company also handles overseas projects and is growing rapidly in the real estate sector.
Sector: Infrastructure & Real Estate
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 15.92 | 546.83 | 692.29 |
NALCO is among India’s largest public sector companies in aluminium production. From mining bauxite to producing refined aluminium, it’s fully integrated and exports to several countries.
Sector: Metals & Mining
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.7 | 140.45 | 527.81 |
As India’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC plays a strategic role in meeting the steel sector’s raw material demand. It stands out for its mining capacity and profitability. The company is also expanding into steel manufacturing and value-added products.
Sector: Mining
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| -20.46 | 177.6 | 253.43 |
RVNL is one of the fastest-growing government infrastructure companies in India, handling railway electrification, track laying, and metro rail projects. Being part of the Navratna companies in India list shows its efficiency and contribution to India’s expanding rail network.
Sector: Rail Infrastructure
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 4.76 | 1260.47 | 2150 |
SCI is a central public sector enterprise managing India's overseas shipping, bulk carriers, and oil tankers. It supports maritime trade and defence logistics. SCI also operates passenger vessels and offshore services.
Sector: Shipping & Maritime Logistics
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| -14.22 | 138.76 | 377.28 |
OVL is the international arm of ONGC, operating oil and gas projects in over 15 countries. It strengthens India’s energy security by exploring and producing hydrocarbons abroad. OVL is a global player contributing to the nation’s overseas energy strategy.
Sector: Oil & Gas Exploration
RITES is a multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy and one of the most efficient PSUs in India. It provides planning and execution services for railways, roads, and metro infrastructure. RITES’ strong financials and export contracts have secured its place in the Navratna list.
Sector: Transport Engineering
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| -18.8 | 147.28 | 142.94 |
IRCON handles railway and highway construction projects in India and abroad, especially in developing countries. As a strong performer, IRCON is known for timely execution and technical excellence in infrastructure. It reflects India’s growing engineering strength globally.
Sector: Infrastructure Development
| 1Y Return (%) | 3Y Return (%) | 5Y Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| -23.44 | 466.35 | 380.7 |
A Navratna company is a special type of public sector company in India that performs very well and gets more freedom from the government to make important decisions. The word “Navratna” means ‘Nine Gems’, and this title was first given to nine top-performing government companies in the late 1990s. Over time, more companies have joined the Navratna company list as they met the required standards.
To become a Navratna PSU, a company must be a Miniratna Category I company first and should have a strong track record of profits, good financial results, and be active in key sectors like energy, transport, defence, or manufacturing.
These companies are important because they help India grow in many areas, and they get more independence than other regular PSUs. This means they don’t always need to ask the government before investing in new projects or forming joint ventures.
So, in simple words, a Navratna company in India is a high-performing government company that gets extra powers to expand and grow faster in both Indian and global markets.
Here are some of the most important features that make Navratna companies in India stand out:
Not every public sector company in India can become a Navratna company. To earn this prestigious title, a company must meet strict eligibility rules set by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). These rules are designed to ensure that only the most efficient and financially strong PSUs get the status.
Here are the official criteria for a company to qualify as a Navratna PSU:
Once a PSU meets all these conditions, it can be granted Navratna status, giving it more operational freedom and financial powers compared to other public sector companies.
As of 2025, there are a total of 16 Navratna companies in India. These companies have been awarded Navratna status by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for meeting strict financial and performance criteria. They belong to key sectors like energy, defence, transportation, logistics, and infrastructure.
Investing in Navratna companies in India is easy and works the same way as buying stocks of any listed company.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get started:
Understanding the difference between Maharatna and Navratna companies in India is important for investors, job seekers, and anyone interested in the public sector.
Here’s a simple comparison table to help you understand the key differences:
| Feature | Maharatna Companies | Navratna Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Authority Granting Status | Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) | Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) |
| Minimum Net Worth | ₹15,000 crore | ₹2,500 crore |
| Annual Turnover Requirement | ₹25,000 crore | ₹2,000 crore (avg over last 3 years) |
| Investment Limit Without Govt Approval | Up to ₹5,000 crore | Up to ₹1,000 crore |
| Number of Companies (2025) | 13 Maharatna companies | 16 Navratna companies |
| Example Companies | ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, IOCL | BEL, EIL, HAL, NBCC, RVNL |
| Level of Autonomy | Highest among all PSUs | Moderate autonomy |
The Navratna companies in India are some of the most reliable and impactful government-owned enterprises. With strong financials, strategic autonomy, and a presence in key sectors like defence, infrastructure, logistics, and mining, these companies are shaping India’s growth story. In 2025, with 16 total Navratna companies in India, this category continues to represent strength, stability, and opportunity in the PSU ecosystem.
Navratna companies are top-performing public sector undertakings (PSUs) in India that have been given greater financial and operational autonomy by the central government. These companies are recognised for their consistent profits, strategic importance, and ability to operate with limited government interference.
As of the year 2025, there are a total of 16 Navratna companies in India. These include public sector companies across various industries such as defence, infrastructure, logistics, and energy. The number can change if new companies meet the eligibility criteria or if existing ones are promoted to Maharatna status.
The 14th Navratna company in India is ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL). This company is the international arm of ONGC and focuses on oil and gas exploration and production across the globe. It achieved Navratna status for its strong global presence and contribution to India’s energy security.
The most recent addition to the Navratna company list is IRCON International Limited. Known for its expertise in large railway and infrastructure projects, IRCON was granted Navratna status due to its steady financial performance and expanding presence in domestic and international construction markets.
To become a Navratna company in India, a public sector enterprise must already be a Miniratna Category I company and listed as a Schedule ‘A’ CPSE. It must achieve a score of 60 or above (out of 100) in a performance-based evaluation conducted by the Department of Public Enterprises.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Please note that the data related to the mentioned companies may change over time. The securities referenced are provided as examples and should not be considered as recommendations.
