Who Will Replace Gurdeep Singh as NTPC Chairman? Last Date Inside

New Delhi, February 19, 2026 – The Ministry of Power has officially hit the "start" button on one of the most significant leadership transitions in India’s energy sector. With the long-standing tenure of Gurdeep Singh, the current Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of NTPC Limited, set to conclude on July 31, 2026, the government has initiated a global search for his successor.

A high-powered Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) has been constituted to identify a visionary leader capable of steering India’s largest power utility through the complexities of the green energy transition.

A Decade of Stability Comes to an End

Gurdeep Singh’s departure marks the end of an era. Having led NTPC since 2016, his term saw the "Maharatna" company evolve from a coal-heavy generator into a diversified energy giant. Under his watch, NTPC aggressiveley pivoted toward Green Hydrogen, Nuclear Power, and Renewable Energy (RE).

The vacancy, effective August 1, 2026, leaves big shoes to fill.

Why the SCSC Route?

In a departure from the standard Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) process, the government opted for the SCSC route. This decision follows a failed attempt last year by the PESB to find a suitable candidate after interviewing over a dozen top executives.

The SCSC mechanism offers more flexibility, allowing the committee to "search" for talent beyond just the public sector, potentially tapping into private sector experts or high-ranking bureaucrats (IAS) with a proven track record in infrastructure and finance.

Key Highlights for Applicants

The Ministry of Power has set a strict timeline for the recruitment process:

Application Deadline: March 28, 2026 (Before 5:00 PM).
Eligibility: Senior executives from CPSEs, Central Government officers (including All India Services), and top-tier professionals from the private sector with a minimum turnover requirement.
Tenure: 5 years from the date of joining or until the age of superannuation.

The Road Ahead: Challenges for the New CMD

The incoming chief will inherit a company at a crossroads. While NTPC remains the backbone of India’s thermal power, the new CMD will be tasked with:

Meeting Net Zero Goals: Decarbonizing a massive fleet of coal plants.
Nuclear Ambitions: Managing the proposed ₹1.5 trillion investment in the nuclear sector.
PTC India Integration: Overseeing NTPC’s emerging role as the sole promoter of PTC India.

Expert Insight: "The selection of the next NTPC CMD is not just a corporate appointment; it is a strategic move for India’s energy security. The SCSC is looking for a leader who can balance the reliability of thermal power with the volatility of the renewable future."