POWERGRID Director (Operations) Recruitment 2026: Complete Guide for Senior Engineers

POWERGRID has announced recruitment for the Director (Operations) position, a prestigious board-level Maharatna CPSE role arising on December 1, 2026, offering a salary of ₹1.8–3.4 lakh per month, open to senior engineering and administrative professionals with extensive power transmission experience, selected through PESB for leading India’s national power grid operations.

POWERGRID Recruitment 2026: A Major Opportunity for Board-Level Executives

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has opened applications for one of India’s most prestigious positions. The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is inviting applications for the Director (Operations) role at POWERGRID. This is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise position. The vacancy will arise on December 1, 2026. The selected candidate will receive a salary package of ₹1,80,000 to ₹3,40,000 (IDA) per month.

This is not an ordinary job posting. POWERGRID is India’s largest power transmission company. The company operates national and regional power grids across the entire country. It ensures that electricity reaches every corner of India safely and reliably. POWERGRID employs 9,034 regular staff members. The Government of India owns 51.34% of the company.

What Is the Director (Operations) Job?

The Director (Operations) position is a senior board-level role. The selected candidate will report directly to the Chairman and Managing Director. This person will be a member of POWERGRID’s Board of Directors. The job involves making important decisions about the company’s operations.

Main Responsibilities

The Director (Operations) must handle several critical responsibilities.

Setting Operational Strategy: The Director will create the operational philosophy of POWERGRID. This means deciding how the company should work. The Director must oversee the management of transmission assets nationwide. This includes substations, power lines, and transformers.

Ensuring Reliability and Efficiency: The Director must ensure that India’s power grid works reliably. The company must deliver electricity without interruptions. The Director must maintain high efficiency standards. Safety is also very important.

Adopting New Technology: Modern technology is changing the power sector. The Director must stay updated with the latest technological advances. The company must modernize its transmission systems. The Director must implement new technologies effectively.

Supporting Government Programs: The Indian government has launched the “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” program. This means promoting homegrown solutions. The Director must support the use of Indian technology. The goal is to reduce dependence on foreign equipment.

Who Can Apply for This POWERGRID Director Position?

POWERGRID has set specific eligibility criteria. Not everyone can apply for this position. The company wants experienced professionals. The candidates must come from reputable organizations.

Employment Status Requirements

The applicant must work in a regular, permanent position. Contract or temporary jobs do not qualify. The candidate must work in one of these sectors:

• Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs): These are government-owned companies like BHEL, NTPC, or IOC.
• Central Government Services (Group ‘A’ Officers): These include IAS officers, IFS officers, and other senior government staff.
• Armed Forces of the Union: Military officers can also apply.
• Public Sector Banks and Financial Institutions: Senior officers from banks and financial companies.
• State Public Sector Enterprises (SPSEs): Government companies owned by state governments (with minimum ₹10,000 crore annual turnover).
• Private Sector Companies: Large private companies with minimum ₹10,000 crore average annual turnover over three years.

Preference is given to candidates from listed companies.

Age and Experience Criteria

Age Requirement: The candidate must be between 45 and 56 years old. This is calculated on the date the vacancy occurs (December 1, 2026). The candidate must have at least 2 to 3 years of residual service remaining before superannuation (retirement at age 60).

Technical Experience: The candidate must have strong senior-level technical and operational experience. At least 5 years of this experience must be in power transmission systems. This experience must have been gained during the last 10 years. The company values practical knowledge of transmission operations.

Educational Qualifications

The candidate must be an engineering graduate. The degree must be from a recognized university or institute. The candidate must have a good academic record. An MBA qualification is an added advantage. The company values both technical knowledge and management skills.

POWERGRID Salary and Pay Scale Details

The salary for the Director (Operations) position is attractive. The basic pay scale is ₹1,80,000 to ₹3,40,000 (IDA) per month. This is the Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) scale. The actual salary depends on the candidate’s experience and pay level in the current organization.

Additional Benefits

Besides the basic salary, the Director receives several other benefits:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): This is adjusted regularly based on inflation.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): This helps with housing costs.
• Medical Benefits: The company provides comprehensive health coverage.
• Pension Benefits: A strong retirement plan is included.
• Leave Benefits: The Director gets paid leave and casual leave.

The total compensation package is quite generous. A Director can expect an annual salary of over ₹25 to ₹35 lakhs. This includes all allowances and benefits.

Application Deadline and Submission Process

The application process is conducted online only. The candidate cannot submit physical forms. The candidate must apply through the PESB website (https://pesb.gov.in).

Important Dates to Remember

Last Date for Candidate Submission: February 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM IST

Last Date for Nodal Officers to Forward Applications: February 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST

These dates are strict. Applications received after the deadline will be rejected. Incomplete applications will also be rejected. The candidate must submit all required documents.

How to Apply

The candidate can apply in two ways:

1. Online Submission: Fill the application form on the PESB website and submit it online directly.
2. Offline Submission: Fill the form online, print it, and send it through proper channels.

For government employees and armed forces personnel, the application must be forwarded through the Cadre Controlling Authority. For CPSE employees below board level, the application must go through the CPSE. Private sector candidates can submit applications directly to PESB.

Documents Required for Application

Different categories of candidates need to submit different documents.

For Private Sector Candidates

Private sector candidates must provide:

• Annual reports of the current company for the last 3 financial years
• Proof that the company is listed (if applicable)
• Evidence of working at board level or immediately below
• Self-attested copies of age proof documents
• Self-attested copies of educational qualification documents
• Details of important jobs handled in the past

For All Candidates

All candidates must provide a vigilance clearance certificate. The candidate’s current organization must confirm that the candidate has no pending vigilance cases. A prescribed vigilance profile form must be attached.

Selection Process for POWERGRID Director (Operations)

The selection process is rigorous. PESB will shortlist candidates based on their qualifications and experience. Shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews. The interview will assess the candidate’s technical knowledge, leadership qualities, and strategic thinking.

PESB reserves the right to shortlist candidates based on extant guidelines. The Board will evaluate candidates fairly. The final selection will require approval from the competent authority.

Important Undertaking Required from Candidates

Every candidate must give a written undertaking. This undertaking states that the candidate will join the position if selected. If a candidate does not give this undertaking, the application will be rejected.

Consequences of Declining the Offer

If a candidate declines after the interview, there are serious consequences. The candidate will be debarred for 2 years from being considered for any board-level position in any CPSE. If the candidate declines after receiving the final offer, the debarment period remains 2 years.

These rules apply to all candidates regardless of the source organization. The company wants to ensure that selected candidates are committed to joining.

About POWERGRID: India’s Power Transmission Leader

POWERGRID is not an ordinary company. It is a Maharatna CPSE. This is the highest classification for government companies. POWERGRID was incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1956. The company’s mission is clear: Establish and operate regional and national power grids. Facilitate the transfer of electric power within and across regions. Maintain reliability, security, and economy.

Key Facts About POWERGRID

• Headquarters: Corporate office in Gurgaon, Haryana. Registered office in New Delhi.
• Workforce: 9,034 regular employees including 5,196 executives and 3,838 non-executives (as of March 31, 2025).
• Capital: Authorized capital of ₹10,000 crore. Paid-up capital of ₹9,300.60 crore.
• Government Ownership: 51.34% shareholding by the Government of India.
• Ministry: Falls under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power.
• Classification: Maharatna CPSE status.

POWERGRID is responsible for India’s electricity transmission backbone. Without POWERGRID’s infrastructure, electricity cannot reach homes and industries across the country. The Director (Operations) plays a crucial role in this mission.

Duration of Appointment

The Director (Operations) will be appointed for a fixed period. The appointment is for 5 years from the date of joining. Alternatively, the appointment continues until the date of superannuation (age 60). Whichever comes first will be the end of the appointment. The Board can extend the appointment under certain circumstances. The appointment can also be terminated with proper notice.

Eligible Pay Scales for Different Candidates

Different candidates qualify under different pay scales. This depends on their current employment status.

For CPSE Candidates

CPSE candidates must be in eligible scales. The eligible scales include:

• ₹7,250-8,250 (IDA) – Pre 01/01/1992
• ₹9,500-11,500 (IDA) – Post 01/01/1992
• ₹20,500-26,500 (IDA) – Post 01/01/1997
• ₹51,300-73,000 (IDA) – Post 01/01/2007
• ₹120,000-280,000 (IDA) – Post 01/01/2017

Internal candidates must have at least 1 year in the eligible scale. External candidates must have at least 2 years in the eligible scale.

For Central Government Officers

Group ‘A’ officers must hold a post of Joint Secretary level. The post must carry equivalent pay on a substantive basis. Officers from Public Sector Banks must hold board level posts. Armed Forces officers must hold Major General rank or equivalent. These candidates are eligible for immediate absorption.

For State PSE and Private Sector Candidates

State PSE and private sector candidates must work at board level. Alternatively, they must work at a post immediately below board level. The candidates must have been in this position on the date of application.

Why This Position Matters for India

India is facing an energy challenge. The country’s power demand is growing rapidly. More and more people are using electricity. Industries need more power. The government wants to achieve 100% electrification. The power grid is the backbone of this mission.

The Director (Operations) at POWERGRID will lead the operations of this critical infrastructure. India’s economic growth depends on reliable electricity. The Director will ensure that the power grid functions smoothly. The Director will modernize the transmission system. The role is crucial for India’s development.

Timeline for Appointment

The selected candidate will join on December 1, 2026. This date is fixed as per the job description. The appointment will be for 5 years or until superannuation. The candidate will work in Gurgaon, which is the corporate office location.

Final Thoughts

The POWERGRID Director (Operations) position is one of India’s top government jobs. The salary is excellent. The responsibility is immense. The candidate will shape the future of India’s power sector. This is a chance to contribute to nation-building. The selected candidate will lead a critical infrastructure. The role offers prestige, security, and a chance to make a real impact.

Interested candidates must apply before February 9, 2026. The application process is straightforward. Eligible candidates should not miss this opportunity. This job is perfect for senior engineers with power transmission experience. The company values technical knowledge and leadership abilities.

The Director (Operations) will work with the best talent in India’s power sector. The role offers growth opportunities. The selected candidate will be part of POWERGRID’s senior leadership. This is a prestigious and rewarding career opportunity. Candidates who are passionate about serving India should seriously consider applying.