Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust has started the process of appointing a Chief Executive Officer or CEO to manage the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. Applications are invited from eligible candidates for this post. The deadline for submission of applications is July 18, 2026 at 4 PM. The trust announced the recruitment through their official website and social media.
Several news reports state that ‘graduate candidates can apply’ but only graduate degree holders will not be considered eligible for the post. Applicants should be between 50 to 70 years of age. Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and at least 20 years of experience in a senior administrative position in a large organization, government department, institution or company.
Candidate should have experience managing multiple departments including administration, finance, human resources, public relations, IT, security and legal. Previous experience in managing a large religious institution or temple will be preferred in selection. Applicants should be proficient in both Hindi and English as mandatory qualification.
According to the trust notification, the applicant must be a regular Hindu and have deep faith and respect for Lord Rama. This means that along with academic and administrative qualifications, religious faith is set as one of the most important criteria for this post.
The elected executive officer shall be appointed for an initial term of three years. This period can be extended based on performance evaluation. He has to stay in Ayodhya permanently during the service. Salary and other benefits will be finalized after discussion with the selected candidates.
The officer will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ram Mandir Trust and will be accountable to the General Secretary of the Trust. He will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the temple, financial management, control of staff, security, facilities for pilgrims, coordination of religious events, safeguarding of trust assets and implementation of projects approved by the Trust Board. The post also includes the responsibility of coordinating with government departments, making arrangements for distinguished guests and saints.
A three-member search and selection committee has been formed to select candidates. The committee includes retired Supreme Court Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lt. Gen. Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi and former chairman of the Sri Saibaba Sanstha Trust in Shirdi, Suresh Howare. The committee will screen applications and interview suitable candidates.
The changes come amid controversy over allegations of embezzlement of donations at Ayodhya’s Ram temple. To make the day-to-day management of the temple more professional, transparent and accountable, it has been decided to appoint a full-time executive officer for the first time.
Interested candidates should submit their application by 18 July 4 pm through the e-mail address mentioned in the official notification of the trust.