SAIL set to appoint new Chairman; interviews likely by March-end

With the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) Chairman, Amarendu Prakash, slated to formally step down from the post on April 1, 2026, the PSU is all set to appoint its next Chairman, for which interviews are expected to be conducted by the end of March. As per reports, the race for this prestigious post has attracted a strong pool of candidates, including senior SAIL executives, IAS officers, and leaders from other public sector undertakings (PSUs).

According to sources, the shortlisting of candidates is expected by the end of March 2026, with approximately 12 to 14 individuals likely to make it to the interview stage. While most shortlisted candidates are expected to be current or former SAIL executives, a few external PSU officers could also secure a place.

Interviews are likely to be conducted online, with results being announced shortly after completion of interviews.

With an aim to ensure a smooth transition at the helm of the steel giant, the Ministry of Steel is closely monitoring the selection process.

Among those who are considered as frontrunners for the Chairman race are Priya Ranjan, Director In-Charge, Bhilai Steel Plant (BSL); Surjit Mishra, Director In-Charge, Durgapur Steel Plant; Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, Rourkela Steel Plant; A.K. Panda, Director (Finance & Accounts), SAIL; Manish Raj Gupta, Director (Mining), SAIL; Anish Sengupta, Executive Director (Projects), BSL; and S. Shubhraj, Executive Director, Alloy Steel Plant.

Apart from these SAIL insiders, officials from other PSUs and a select number of IAS officers have also reportedly submitted their applications, indicating a competitive and diverse candidate pool.

The appointment process for the SAIL chairman is considered rigorous, as the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) recommends candidates for whom detailed background and vigilance clearances are conducted.

It is the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) that takes the final call. 

If PESB does not recommend any candidate, the matter can be referred to a Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC), potentially prolonging the appointment of a full-time Chairman. This makes the interim appointment a critical decision to maintain leadership continuity.

Interestingly, as the process for appointing a new chairman is lengthy, the Ministry of Steel is preparing to appoint an interim chairman in the meantime to oversee operations until a permanent appointment is finalized. The interim posting is expected to be announced by March 30, 2026.