New Delhi: The selection process for the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has moved to the next stage, with seven candidates shortlisted for the top post. Oil India Limited CMD Ranjit Rath is being seen as one of the prominent contenders for the position.
The second round of interviews was expected to be held this week before the Search-cum-Selection Committee, following the screening of 18 applicants on August 18. However, there has been no public confirmation so far that the committee has met. People familiar with the process have indicated that the meeting could take place at any time as the government moves to complete the selection ahead of incumbent ONGC CMD Arun Kumar Singh’s extended tenure ending on December 7, 2026.
The seven shortlisted candidates are:
- Ranjit Rath, Chairman and Managing Director, Oil India Limited
- Rajarshi Gupta, Managing Director, ONGC Videsh Limited
- Vikram Saxena, Director (Technology and Field Services), ONGC
- Satyam Kumar, Director (Strategy and Corporate Affairs), ONGC
- Dulal Halder, Director (Operations), ONGC Videsh Limited
- Devendra Kumar, Director (Finance), Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL)
- S P Shrivastava, Director (Marketing), Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Rath, 54, is considered a strong contender and is making a second attempt for the ONGC CMD post. He was also shortlisted in the previous selection process, but the government subsequently decided to extend Arun Kumar Singh’s tenure.
The selection process has also attracted attention because of a one-time relaxation in the age eligibility criterion, with candidates allowed to be up to 59 years of age on the date the vacancy arises. The vacancy is scheduled to arise on December 7, 2026, when Singh’s extended tenure ends.
The Search-cum-Selection Committee for the appointment comprises the Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), the Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and a former Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation as the outside expert.
Arun Kumar Singh was appointed ONGC CMD in December 2022 for a three-year tenure. His tenure was subsequently extended, and he is now scheduled to demit office on December 7, 2026.
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