Maharatna Company List 2025 refers to the group of 14 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in India that have been granted the prestigious "Maharatna" status by the Government of India. This designation is awarded to CPSEs that demonstrate exceptional financial performance, operational autonomy, and strategic importance to the nation's economy. Read on for the complete Maharatna Company List 2025!
Maharatna companies are the top category of CPSEs in India. These are high-performing public enterprises that enjoy greater operational and financial autonomy. The term “Maharatna” literally means “a great jewel,” and these companies represent the best in India’s public sector.
The Government of India introduced the Maharatna scheme in 2010 to give more powers to top CPSEs and help them become global giants. Once a company is granted this status, it can take high-value investment decisions without government approval, making it more competitive and responsive to market conditions.
There are three categories of CPSEs in India:
Among these, Maharatna is the highest rank. The classification depends on the company’s performance, financial strength, and global presence.
As of 2025, India has 14 Maharatna companies, which play a major role in India’s economy, and many are global leaders in their sectors. Here is the Maharatna Company List 2025:
S.No. |
Maharatna Company |
Year Established |
Maharatna Status |
Key Details |
1 |
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) |
1964 |
2013 |
Power equipment manufacturing, R&D leader in India. |
2 |
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) |
1976 (as BPCL, roots to 1952) |
2017 |
Major fuel retailer operates refineries under the Ministry of Petroleum. |
3 |
Coal India Limited (CIL) |
1975 |
2011 |
Largest coal producer, operates 313 mines, serves power and steel sectors. |
4 |
Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) |
1984 |
2013 |
Natural gas company, extensive pipeline network, covers entire gas value chain. |
5 |
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) |
1974 (some sources: 1952) |
2019 |
Crude oil refining, petroleum marketing, E&P, renewables. |
6 |
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) |
1959 |
2010 |
Largest oil and gas company, extensive retail network. |
7 |
National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) |
1975 |
2010 |
Largest power utility, thermal and renewable energy. |
8 |
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) |
1956 |
2010 |
Largest upstream oil and gas company, exploration and production. |
9 |
Power Finance Corporation (PFC) |
1986 |
2021 |
Finances power sector projects, infrastructure financing. |
10 |
Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) |
1989 |
2019 |
Manages the national power grid, transmission infrastructure. |
11 |
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) |
1954 |
2010 |
Largest steel producer, with integrated steel plants. |
12 |
Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) |
1969 |
2022 |
Finances the power sector, also non-power infrastructure, and NBFC. |
13 |
Oil India Limited (OIL) |
1959 |
2023 |
Exploration and production of oil and gas, upstream services. |
14 |
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
1940 |
2024 |
Aircraft/helo manufacturing serves the Indian military and international clients. |
To be recognised as a Maharatna company, a CPSE must fulfil certain strict criteria set by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). This ensures only the best-performing companies receive this honour. The eligibility conditions are:
The Maharatna status gives companies more freedom to operate efficiently and expand without constant government approvals. These powers help in faster decision-making, global investments, and improved competitiveness. Here are the key benefits of being a Maharatna company:
To sum up, the Maharatna Company List 2025 includes India’s most powerful and profit-making public sector enterprises. These companies drive India's industrial and economic strength. With greater freedom and resources, Maharatna CPSEs are well-positioned to expand globally and boost national development.
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