Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the fourteenth PSU to enter the exclusive group after being granted "Maharatna" status.

As a result of this upgrade, HAL is now the 14th Maharatna CPSE, a distinction that will strengthen its financial and operational independence. With this promotion, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is now a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). Following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's clearance, the Department of Public Enterprises announced the upgrade through a post on X (previously Twitter) on October 12. Two high-level bodies, led by the Finance Secretary on the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and the Cabinet Secretary on the Apex Committee, had already recommended HAL's upgrade. Under the Department of Defence Production (DoDP), HAL reported a net profit of Rs 7,595 crore and annual revenue of Rs. 28,162 crore for the fiscal year 2023–2024. As a result of this upgrade, HAL is now the 14th Maharatna CPSE, a distinction that will strengthen its financial and operational independence. The government gave "Maharatna" status to Oil India in August of last year, making it the most recent corporation to do so. There are currently 14 "Maharatna" public sector enterprises (PSUs) in India, including the recently renamed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and well-known companies like BHEL, BPCL, Coal India, GAIL, HPCL, Indian Oil, NTPC, ONGC, Power Grid, SAIL, Oil India, REC, and PFC. A corporation must meet strict financial requirements in order to be granted Maharatna status: an average annual net value of more than Rs 15,000 crore, an average annual turnover exceeding Rs 25,000 crore, and an average annual net profit of more than Rs 5,000 crore during the previous three years. PSUs with Maharatna status have more freedom to invest in capital projects, such as replacements or new purchases, without any financial restrictions. These businesses must also run on their own, without reliance on government assurances or budgetary support. In contrast, corporations having Navratna status can invest up to ₹1,000 crore, or 15% of their net worth, in a single project without obtaining previous government approval. This means that the category confers greater financial and operational freedom.