SPECIAL CBM BID ROUND - 2026

To further accelerate and enhance Coal Bed Methane (CBM) production in the country, the Government of India has launched Special CBM Bid Round (SCBM) – 2026 under the ambit of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) through International Competitive Bidding (ICB) for CBM exploration and production.
SCBM-2026 offers thirteen (13) Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Blocks with a total area of approximately 5,100 sq. km, spread across three sedimentary basins, namely Bengal-Purnia, Pranhita-Godavari, and South Rewa Basins, located in the States of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

• Prior experience in Oil and Gas Sector is NOT mandatory.
• Provision of Government Mandated Work Programme (GMWP).
• Exit option available after completion of Government Mandated Work Programme (GMWP) in case of low CBM prospectivity..
• Reimbursement of Government Mandated Core Holes (GMWP) upon completion as per MRSC provisions.
• No revenue sharing for Category-II & III Basins until Windfall Gain.
• Concessions in royalty rates for early production.
• Marketing and pricing freedom.
• Availability of gas grid infrastructure.
• 100% participation permitted for foreign companies/JVs.
• Exploration allowed during entire contract period.
• Single license for conventional and unconventional Hydrocarbons.
• No overlap with existing/ proposed coal blocks/ mines..