The selection process for the first full-time CEO of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has entered its final stage, with sources clarifying that candidates were evaluated on their professional and managerial capabilities rather than personal religious practices.
The clarification follows the completion of the final round of interviews, which were held at the Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra campus in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12, 2026.
According to sources, candidates were not asked questions about whether they consume liquor, whether they are teetotallers, their dietary preferences or whether they follow particular Hindu religious practices.
They were also not questioned about wearing a janeu, keeping a traditional braid or adopting attire associated with Hindu religious customs.
What were candidates actually assessed on?
The Search Committee’s selection process was structured around the professional requirements of the CEO’s position.
According to a statement issued on behalf of the committee, applicants were initially asked to provide detailed information regarding their:
- Management capabilities and professional experience
- Experience in handling large-scale events and personnel
- Personal excellence and achievements
- Language proficiency
- Vision for the institution
- Strategic plans
- Leadership capabilities
The first stage involved scrutiny of the curriculum vitae and other information submitted by applicants.
Multiple rounds of assessment
The selection process subsequently moved to an online interaction stage. Candidates whose submissions were comprehensively evaluated were invited for online assessments conducted over several days.
At this stage, the committee assessed candidates on communication skills, professional experience, vision, personality, leadership qualities and technological acumen.
Following the online assessment, 16 candidates were shortlisted for face-to-face interactions in Ayodhya.
The shortlisted candidates came from diverse professional backgrounds, including defence, bureaucracy, corporate and industrial sectors, education and information technology.
Final interviews completed in Ayodhya
The Search Committee said the final interviews were completed at the Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra campus on August 11 and 12.
The final evaluation focused on management skills, personality, vision, strategic planning, technology expertise and leadership potential, according to the committee.
It described all 16 candidates who reached the final stage as accomplished professionals and significant achievers in their respective fields.
Three names to be sent to Trust
With the interview process now complete, the committee will evaluate the final candidates and prepare a panel of three names.
The panel will subsequently be shared with the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which will take the final decision on the appointment of the first full-time CEO.
The committee said the process reflects its commitment to merit-based selection, institutional excellence and transparency.
Who is on the Search Committee?
The Search Committee comprises Justice Permod Kohli (retd.), Lieutenant General V K Chaturvedi (retd.) and nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Hawre.
The appointment of a full-time CEO is expected to provide dedicated professional leadership for the Trust’s administrative and operational responsibilities as activities surrounding the Ram temple continue to expand.
The Trust’s final decision will determine who takes charge of the institution’s first full-time CEO position after the completion of the multi-stage selection process.
