MECON Gets Miniratna Category-I Status: Net Worth ₹535 Crore

MECON granted Miniratna Category-I status

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Battle Brief

The Ministry of Steel granted Miniratna Category-I status to MECON Limited, a Schedule ‘A’ CPSE based in Ranchi. MECON made profits in each of the last three years, with profit before tax of ₹104.53 crore in FY 2025-26, and had a net worth of ₹535.42 crore on 31 March 2026, meeting DPE criteria. The status gives its Board more autonomy.

Fact File

Date: 1 Jul 2026, Ministry of Steel
Company: MECON Limited; Schedule ‘A’ CPSE; Ranchi; established 1959
Status: Miniratna Category-I
PBT: ₹77.62 crore (FY 2023-24), ₹32.08 crore (FY 2024-25), ₹104.53 crore (FY 2025-26)
Net worth: ₹535.42 crore (31 March 2026)
Criteria by: Department of Public Enterprises (DPE)

In the news

MECON’s Miniratna Category-I status: what happened?

Profit and net worth decide how much freedom a public sector company’s Board gets. MECON, an engineering consultancy that has served the steel sector since 1959, has now crossed the bar for Miniratna Category-I, which brings more financial and operational autonomy.

MECON reported continuous profits in the last three financial years.
Its positive net worth met DPE’s eligibility criteria.
The status gives the Board more financial and operational autonomy for investment, modernisation and expansion.

Back Story

What does MECON do?

Engineering, consultancy, project management and contracting.
Work in steel, mining, infrastructure, power, oil and gas.

Why examiners care

Why does MECON’s Miniratna Category-I status matter?

Governance: Autonomy for high-performing CPSEs speeds decisions.
Industry: Supports steel and infrastructure project capacity.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on MECON’s Miniratna Category-I status?

MECON Limited: Ministry of Steel; Ranchi; established 1959.
Miniratna Category-I granted July 2026; criteria by DPE.
Net worth ₹535.42 crore on 31 March 2026.

How to use this in Mains

GS-III Infrastructure: energy, ports, roads, airports, railways; investment models

As per PIB (2026-07-01): steel Ministry granted Miniratna Category-I status to MECON Limited, a Schedule A CPSE, after net worth exceeded ₹535 crore.
Miniratna status gives the PSU more financial autonomy.

Quotable data point
Steel Ministry granted Miniratna Category-I status to MECON Limited, a Schedule A CPSE, after net worth exceeded ₹535 crore.
PIB: Steel: MECON Miniratna, 1 Jul 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

MECON Limited, granted Miniratna Category-I status in July 2026, is under which Ministry?

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB (Steel), 1 Jul 2026.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

Which status did MECON get in July 2026?

Miniratna Category-I, granted by the Ministry of Steel.

Who prescribes the criteria for Miniratna status?

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).

Where is MECON headquartered?

In Ranchi; it was established in 1959.