New Delhi: Uncertainty over the selection of ONGC’s next chairman has fuelled speculation that incumbent Arun Kumar Singh could receive another extension beyond December 6, even after a fresh search progressed through shortlisting and interviews.

Sources close to the development suggested conflicting reports on the selection panel’s outcome on the search-cum-selection committee outcome. The scenario in which no candidates will be found suitable, there are strong chances of ONGC CMD AK Singh getting another extension as ONGC chairman.

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A petroleum ministry source who spoke to PSU Watch on the condition of anonymity said that the SCSC panel had reportedly failed to identify a suitable candidate, potentially opening the way for Singh’s continuation.

The succession exercise began with a recruitment notification in June. PSUWatch had subsequently reported that 18 applicants were screened in August and seven shortlisted, including Oil India CMD Ranjit Rath, ONGC Videsh Managing Director Rajarshi Gupta and ONGC Director, Technology & Field Services, Vikram Saxena.

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Singh is already serving a one-year contractual extension effective December 7, 2025. That approval allows his tenure to end earlier if a regular incumbent takes charge or further orders are issued. The government also constituted a committee to identify his successor.

An inconclusive selection could strengthen the administrative case for retaining Singh while another search is undertaken. It would not, however, automatically secure him an extension.

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