PESB Invites Applications For CMD Of GAIL (India) Limited
Incumbent CMD Sandeep Gupta to Superannuate in February 2026
The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), the central body responsible for top-level appointments in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), has issued a vacancy notification for the post of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of GAIL (India) Limited. The deadline for submission of applications is August 5, 2025.
The current CMD, Sandeep Gupta, is slated to superannuate at the end of February 2026. Industry insiders suggest that the possibility of an extension for Gupta is minimal, and it is expected that the selection will take place through the standard PESB route, rather than being handed over to the Search-cum-Selection Committee — a process reserved for special cases.
GAIL (India) Limited, formerly known as the Gas Authority of India Ltd., is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Established in August 1984, the company plays a critical role in India’s natural gas value chain — encompassing transmission, trading, processing, and distribution. It also has a footprint in petrochemicals, E&P, renewable energy (solar and wind), telecommunications (through GAILTEL), and city gas distribution.
GAIL commands a dominant position in the sector, operating a vast pipeline network of over 16,421 kilometers with a capacity of 208 MMSCMD, spanning 20 states and 3 Union Territories. The PSU holds a 70% share of India’s gas transmission network and over 50% share of the country’s natural gas sales.
With the top post opening up early next year, stakeholders and industry watchers will keenly observe the PESB’s selection process — one that could shape the future leadership of India’s gas sector major.
