Interview focused on CV, previous experience, say Ram Temple CEO candidates

The interview process for the inaugural full-time chief executive officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya centered on the CVs of shortlisted candidates, with particular emphasis on their administrative and temple management backgrounds, according to two unnamed candidates speaking to The Hindu. The 30-40 minute interviews took place over two days on August 11 and 12, 2026.

One candidate, who is a retired temple administrator, detailed how the interview panel probed them about temple operations post-retirement, festival attendance figures, innovative technologies implemented to enhance devotee experience, and inquired about their CV. Another candidate, a government serve Level 14 officer, recounted being questioned based on his CV and past administrative performance, including a security crisis he handled during his service.

The CEO's core duties, as outlined in the official notification, revolve around the temple's administration and management, requiring successful candidates to be devout Hindus adhering strictly to Hindu customs. Shortlisted candidates numbered 16 out of over 5,200 applicants following allegations of misappropriation of donations.