What are Navratna Companies in India?
The term "Navratna" translates to "Nine Gems" in Sanskrit, a name that was given to nine of the most distinguished poets in the court of Emperor Akbar.
In the context of the Indian economy, Navratna is a special status awarded by the Government of India to top-performing public sector undertakings (PSUs).
These organisations have the authority to undertake substantial investments up to ₹1,000 crore without needing approval from the Central Government.
This designation was created to grant these companies greater operational and financial autonomy, allowing them to make faster decisions and compete more effectively in the global market.
To qualify for Navratna status, a company must:
- Be a Miniratna Category-I PSU and have achieved a "very good" or "excellent" rating in its performance for three out of the last five years.
- Have a composite score of 60 or more out of 100 based on six key performance indicators, which include metrics like net profit to net worth and earnings per share.
List of Navratna Companies in India:
| Company Name | Navratna Status Year |
| Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd | 1997 |
| Bharat Electronics Ltd | 2007 |
| National Aluminium Company Ltd | 2008 |
| NMDC Ltd | 2008 |
| Shipping Corporation of India Ltd | 2008 |
| Rashtriya Ispat Nigan Ltd | 2010 |
| Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd (NLC) | 2011 |
| Container Corporation of India Ltd | 2014 |
| Engineers India Ltd | 2014 |
| National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd (NBCC) | 2014 |
| Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) | 2023 |
| ONGC Videsh Ltd | 2023 |
| Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd | 2023 |
| IRCON International Ltd | 2023 |
| RITES Ltd | 2023 |
| Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) | 2023 |
| National Fertilizers Ltd | 2024 |
| Central Warehousing Corporation | 2024 |
| Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IRDA) | 2024 |
| Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd | 2024 |
| Railtel Corporation of India Ltd | 2024 |
| Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Ltd | 2024 |
| NHPC Ltd | 2024 |
| SJVN Ltd | 2024 |
| Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) | 2025 |
| Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd (IRFC) | 2025 |
Navratna vs. Maharatna Companies in India
While Navratna status is a significant achievement, Maharatna status is an even higher classification for a PSU. The main difference lies in the level of financial autonomy and the size of the company.
Criteria for Maharatna Company
To be eligible for Maharatna status, a company must first be a Navratna. The other criteria include:
- An average annual net profit of over ₹5,000 crore for the past three years.
- An average annual turnover of more than ₹25,000 crore for the past three years.
- An average annual net worth of over ₹15,000 crore for the past three years.
- A significant global presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Navratna companies are there in India?
As of 2025, there are 26 Navratna companies in India.
Which is the 26th Navratna company in India?
The 26th company to be granted Navratna status is Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd (IRFC), which received the status in 2025.
How many navratna companies are there in 2025?
There are 26 Navratna companies as of 2025.
Which is better, Navratna or Maharatna?
Maharatna status is considered better because it grants companies a higher degree of financial and operational freedom. Maharatna companies have higher investment limits and stricter eligibility criteria compared to Navratna companies.
