ONGC Next Chairman Shortlist: 7 Top Contenders Including Oil India CMD Ranjit Rath
New Delhi: The position of Chairman and Managing Director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) will fall vacant on December 7, 2026. Seven senior public-sector executives have been shortlisted for the role, according to an official office memorandum.
Here is the complete list of candidates currently in contention:
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Ranjit Rath – Chairman & Managing Director, Oil India Limited
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Rajarshi Gupta – Managing Director, ONGC Videsh Limited
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Vikram Saxena – Director (Technology & Field Services), ONGC
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Satyam Kumar – Director (Strategy & Corporate Affairs), ONGC
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Dulal Halder – Director (Operations), ONGC Videsh
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Devendra Kumar – Director (Finance), Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL)
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SP Shrivastava – Director (Marketing), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
Why No Private Sector Candidate Made the List
The government had deliberately widened the eligibility criteria this time. Candidates from other central PSUs, state-owned energy companies, and private-sector energy firms were allowed to apply. Despite this open invitation, the final shortlist contains only public-sector names. Applications closed on July 22, 2026.
How the Selection Will Happen
A three-member Search-Cum-Selection Committee will recommend the new Chairman. The panel consists of:
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Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) – as Chair
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Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas – ex-officio member
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A former Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation – as the outside expert
This is the same special route used during ONGC’s previous full CMD selection in 2022. The final appointment will be approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Key Terms of the Appointment
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Maximum age on the date of vacancy (December 7, 2026): 59 years
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Initial tenure: 3 years
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Possible extension: up to 2 additional years after performance review
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Service beyond age 60: only on contract basis
Current Chairman’s Exit
Arun Kumar Singh, the present Chairman, will complete his tenure on December 7, 2026. He joined ONGC in 2022 after retiring as Chairman of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and became the first person to head a Maharatna PSU after retirement. He received a one-year extension in December 2025.
Quick Summary for Readers
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Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
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Vacancy Date |
December 7, 2026 |
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Number of Shortlisted Names |
7 |
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Private Sector Candidates |
None |
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Selection Body |
Search-Cum-Selection Committee |
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Final Approval |
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet |
The shortlist is now with the selection panel. The next ONGC Chairman will be decided in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the current ONGC Chairman’s term end?
December 7, 2026.
Who are the top contenders?
Ranjit Rath (Oil India) and Rajarshi Gupta (ONGC Videsh) head the shortlist.
Can private-sector professionals apply?
Yes, the rules allowed it this time, but none reached the final shortlist.