List of Maharatna Companies in India

May 23, 2024 Harshvardhan Mishra

In India, Maharatna companies are top-tier enterprises directly linked to the national government. They benefit from greater financial and operational freedom, allowing them to expand and compete globally.

Maharatna companies include various government-owned entities such as Public Sector Banks, Central Public Sector Enterprises, and State Level Public Enterprises. They can invest up to 15% of their net worth in a project without needing government approval.

To discover which companies are classified as Maharatna and learn more, let’s delve into this blog.

What is a Maharatna Company?

Maharatna companies are prominent Indian enterprises endowed with extensive autonomy and authority by the Government of India.

The term “Maharatna,” which means “a great jewel,” signifies the immense value these companies hold for the nation and globally. These companies are some of the most influential and financially robust public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the country. Currently, there are about 13 Maharatna companies in India.

Characteristics of Maharatna Companies in India

Here are some key features of Maharatna companies:

Financial Autonomy
These companies have significant financial independence, allowing for swift and effective decision-making and investments.

Strategic Authority
They have enhanced authority in strategic decisions, promoting growth and innovation.

Broader Investment Capacity
With Maharatna status, these companies can undertake larger and more ambitious projects.

Borrowing Rights
Their status grants them the ability to secure funds from financial institutions without needing constant government approval.

International Presence
These companies have a strong global presence, engaging in international business that boosts India’s economy and competitiveness on the world stage.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Maharatna Company

To achieve Maharatna status, an enterprise must meet the following criteria:

Hold Navratna status.
Have its stocks listed on the Indian Stock Exchange with the minimum required public shareholding as per SEBI regulations.
The enterprise should have an average annual turnover exceeding ₹25,000 crore over the last three years.
Its average net worth over the past three years must be ₹15,000 crore.
It should have made a profit after taxes of at least ₹5,000 crore in the last three years.
The enterprise must have significant international operations and a notable global presence.