Sunil Kumar Appointed Next ONGC Chairman: Tenure and Key Facts

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sunil Kumar as the next Chairman of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). According to a report by PSU Watch, the approval was conveyed through an order dated October 21, 2026, following a proposal from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas based on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC).

Kumar is currently serving as an Executive Director at ONGC. His appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge, on or after December 7, 2026.

Key Highlights

Appointee: Sunil Kumar
Organisation: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
New position: Chairman
Approving authority: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
Administrative ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Expected assumption of charge: On or after December 7, 2026
Predecessor: Arun Kumar Singh

Tenure and Pay Scale

The appointment order provides for Kumar to serve until his superannuation on December 31, 2028, followed by a contractual engagement. His combined tenure will be three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The specified pay scale is ₹2,00,000–₹3,70,000 under the Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) pattern.

Important clarification: The three-year combined tenure includes the period of service before superannuation and the subsequent contractual engagement. It does not mean an additional three years after retirement.

Sunil Kumar’s Career at ONGC

Kumar’s appointment places an existing ONGC executive in line to lead the organisation. According to company profile information cited in the report:

He assumed charge as Executive Director and Asset Manager of ONGC’s Mehsana Asset on January 8, 2025.
He was appointed ONGC’s nominee director on the company’s board with effect from January 24, 2025.

Succession to Arun Kumar Singh

Kumar is set to succeed Arun Kumar Singh, whose extended tenure is scheduled to conclude on December 6, 2026.

The government had initiated the selection process earlier in 2026. The ACC’s approval establishes the decision on Singh’s successor, although the formal leadership transition will occur when Kumar assumes charge in accordance with the appointment order.