New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sunil Kumar, currently serving as an Executive Director at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), as the company’s next Chairman. His appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge on or after December 7, 2026.
According to an order dated October 21, 2026, the ACC approved the proposal of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas based on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC). The decision settles the leadership succession at the state-owned oil and gas major ahead of the scheduled end of incumbent Chairman Arun Kumar Singh’s extended tenure.
Kumar will serve until his superannuation on December 31, 2028, and thereafter on a contractual basis, for a combined tenure of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Sunil Kumar to Take Charge as ONGC Chairman from December 7
Sunil Kumar’s appointment marks the selection of an internal executive to lead ONGC. He is currently serving as an Executive Director at the company and has held operational responsibilities within its asset management structure.
According to the company’s official profile records, Kumar assumed charge as Executive Director and Asset Manager of ONGC’s Mehsana Asset on January 8, 2025. He was subsequently appointed as ONGC’s nominee director on its Board with effect from January 24, 2025.
His appointment as Chairman will become effective when he formally assumes charge on or after December 7, 2026, in accordance with the government order.
ACC Approves Three-Year Combined Tenure for ONGC Chairman
The ACC order specifies a combined tenure of three years, covering Kumar’s remaining service until superannuation and his subsequent contractual engagement. The tenure will remain subject to further orders.
Kumar is due to superannuate on December 31, 2028. His appointment provides for him to continue on a contractual basis after that date, with the overall tenure capped at three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The approved pay scale for the position is ₹2,00,000–₹3,70,000 under the Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) pattern.
The order clarifies that the three-year period includes both the pre-retirement service period and the subsequent contractual engagement. It does not provide for an additional three-year term after retirement.
Sunil Kumar to Succeed Arun Kumar Singh as ONGC Chairman
Kumar is set to succeed Arun Kumar Singh, whose extended tenure as ONGC Chairman is scheduled to conclude on December 6, 2026.
The government had initiated the selection process for the top position earlier in 2026. Singh’s possible further extension had also been the subject of media speculation, including reports concerning the search process and the availability of a suitable successor.
The ACC’s approval establishes the government’s decision to appoint Kumar as the next Chairman. The formal leadership transition, however, will take place when he assumes charge in accordance with the appointment order.
Kumar’s selection also brings an end to uncertainty surrounding the succession process at the country’s leading oil and gas exploration and production company.
About Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It is India’s leading exploration and production company, engaged in the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas. ONGC plays a significant role in supporting India’s domestic energy supply and energy security.
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