Oil India CMD Ranjit Rath Leads Race for ONGC Chairman Post

New Delhi, September 4, 2026: Oil India Limited CMD Dr. Ranjit Rath has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the top job at ONGC.

The post of Chairman & Managing Director will fall vacant on 7 December 2026 when Arun Kumar Singh completes his extended tenure.

Rath is applying for the second consecutive year.

Why Ranjit Rath is in Focus

• Age: 54 years

• Current Role: Chairman & Managing Director, Oil India Limited (since August 2022)

• Background: Geoscientist with 30+ years of experience

• Education: IIT Bombay & IIT Kharagpur

• Awards: National Geosciences Award from the President of India

Before joining Oil India, he held key positions including:

• CMD of Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited

• CEO of Khanij Bidesh India Limited

• MD of Bharat Gold Mines Limited

• Additional charge as Director General, Geological Survey of India

He also played an important role in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves project.

Strong Track Record at Oil India

Under Rath’s leadership, Oil India has delivered:

• Highest-ever oil + oil-equivalent gas production

• Record natural gas output

• Multiple discoveries through near-field exploration

• Aggressive push in deep-water and Andaman basins

• Partnerships with global energy companies

• Steady progress on Numaligarh Refinery expansion

These results have strengthened his case for the bigger responsibility at ONGC.

Selection Process

A three-member Search-cum-Selection Committee will recommend the new Chairman.
Final approval will come from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Eligibility rules were relaxed this time:

• Maximum age raised to 59 years

• Initial tenure of 3 years (extendable by 2 years)

Despite the door being opened to private sector candidates, the final shortlist has only public sector executives.

Quick Facts

Bottom Line
With proven leadership, technical expertise, and strong delivery at Oil India, Dr. Ranjit Rath remains one of the most closely watched names in the race for ONGC’s top post.

The final decision is expected in the coming months.