DHRUV64: India’s First Indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit Dual-Core Microprocessor

Source: THE HINDU

Relevance: GS Paper 3 Science & Tech → Indigenisation of Technology

Important Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:

For Prelims:

DHRUV64 Microprocessor, RISC-V Architecture, Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP), C-DAC, India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), DIR-V Programme, System-on-Chip (SoC), THEJAS & SHAKTI Processors

For Mains:

Technological Self-Reliance, Strategic Digital Infrastructure, Semiconductor Ecosystem, Indigenous Chip Design, Fabless Design Capability, Innovation & R&D Capacity Building, Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM), National Technology Sovereignty

Why in News?

India has unveiled DHRUV64, the country’s first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP). The processor marks a major step in India’s semiconductor mission, strengthening domestic capability in advanced chip design and reducing dependence on foreign microprocessors.
About DHRUV64

DHRUV64 marks a major milestone in India’s semiconductor journey.
It is India’s fully indigenous microprocessor, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
The processor has been created under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP).
DHRUV64 provides the country with a reliable, homegrown processor technology.
It is capable of supporting both strategic and commercial applications.
Its development represents a significant advancement in India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in advanced chip design.
The launch strengthens India’s capability in independent microprocessor design and development.

Key Features of DHRUV64

DHRUV64 is built with modern architectural features, making it a technologically advanced processor.
It delivers higher efficiency, ensuring faster and more effective performance.
Provides enhanced multitasking capability, enabling smooth handling of multiple operations.
Offers improved reliability, essential for strategic and commercial uses.
Its advanced design allows seamless integration with a wide range of external hardware systems.
Uses modern fabrication technologies typically employed in high-performance chips.
These capabilities make DHRUV64 suitable for multiple sectors, including:
- 5G infrastructure
- Automotive systems
- Consumer electronics
- Industrial automation
- Internet of Things (IoT)

Strategic Significance of DHRUV64 for India

DHRUV64 marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward a secure and self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem.
It strengthens India’s indigenous capability in advanced processor development.
Supports the nation’s critical digital infrastructure, reducing long-term dependence on imported microprocessors.
India consumes around 20% of all microprocessors manufactured globally; DHRUV64 helps reduce foreign reliance.
Provides India’s large talent base with a fully modern processor platform to advance the domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
Before DHRUV64, India had already begun building its indigenous microprocessor ecosystem through key projects such as:
- SHAKTI (2018, IIT Madras) – Designed for strategic, space, and defence applications.
- AJIT (2018, IIT Bombay) – A microprocessor for industrial and robotics use.
- VIKRAM (2025, ISRO–SCL) – Developed for space navigation, guidance, and mission operations; built to withstand extreme space conditions.
- THEJAS64 (2025, C-DAC) – Designed for industrial automation applications.
The development of indigenous processors such as SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM, THEJAS, and now DHRUV64 is strategically important as they collectively build a robust Indian processor ecosystem.

DHRUV64’s Impact on India’s R&D and Innovation

DHRUV64 offers a fully homegrown microprocessor technology that enables startups, academia, and industry to build, test, and scale indigenous computing products without relying on foreign processors.
The processor supports affordable prototype development, allowing the creation of new system architectures at lower cost.
India already has 20% of the world’s chip design engineers; DHRUV64 strengthens this advantage by helping build a strong pipeline of skilled semiconductor professionals.
The success of DHRUV64 has accelerated India’s microprocessor roadmap, especially the development of next-generation Dhanush and Dhanush+ processors, which are currently under progress.

DHRUV64 Driving India’s Indigenous Chip Roadmap

- The launch of DHRUV64 marks a crucial step in strengthening India’s self-reliant and indigenous microprocessor ecosystem.
- By using open-source RISC-V architecture, DHRUV64 eliminates licence costs, enabling long-term, scalable deployment across multiple platforms.
- DHRUV64 is the third microprocessor fabricated under the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme, which aims to develop future-ready indigenous processors for India.
- Earlier chips under the DIR-V initiative include:
  - THEJAS32 – fabricated at the Silterra facility in Malaysia.
  - THEJAS64 – manufactured domestically at Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali.
- In addition, DHANUSH64 and DHANUSH64+ (SoC variants) are currently under design, implementation, and fabrication.
- The rollout of DHRUV64 demonstrates India’s rapidly growing capability in homegrown microprocessor development.
- The continued advancement of the DIR-V initiative reinforces India’s long-term commitment to building a robust, indigenous, and future-ready microprocessor ecosystem.

Institutional Ecosystem Driving Processor Development

India’s semiconductor progress is supported by a coordinated institutional framework led by key national agencies that guide policy, funding, and programme implementation.
These institutions collectively strengthen India’s capability to design and develop indigenous microprocessors.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

MeitY plays a central leadership role in advancing India’s processor and semiconductor initiatives.
Provides policy direction, financial support, and long-term planning for national programmes such as:
- Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP)
- Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme
- Chips to Startup (C2S)
- India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
These measures have significantly strengthened India’s design ecosystem and enabled consistent progress in indigenous processor development.

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)

C-DAC leads the design and development of India’s indigenous processors.
Develops:
- Processor Intellectual Properties (IPs)
- System-on-Chips (SoCs)
- Development boards
- Tools supporting domestic processor ecosystems
Currently advancing the next processors in the RISC-V roadmap, including Dhanush and Dhanush+.
These upcoming processors will expand India’s homegrown RISC-V ecosystem, enhancing options for strategic and commercial applications.

Key National Programmes Supporting Indigenous Chip Design

The Government of India has launched several flagship programmes to strengthen domestic chip design capabilities, expand research infrastructure, and promote innovation across academia, startups, and industry.

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

Launched in December 2021 under MeitY to build a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem.
Provides structured support and collaborates with global companies to bring large semiconductor investments into India.
As of 2025, ISM has approved 10 projects across six States, with total investment commitments of ₹1.60 lakh crore.
Positions India as a competitive player in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme

Launched in April 2022, it plays a central role in advancing indigenous chip design.
Enables development of advanced RISC-V processors within India.
Brings together researchers, startups, and industry into a shared design ecosystem, improving collaboration and innovation.

Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme

Launched in 2022 to build a strong talent pipeline and fabless design ecosystem.
Implemented across 113 institutions (100 academic & R&D bodies + 13 startups/MSMEs).
Five-year outlay of ₹250 crore.
Aims to produce 85,000 industry-ready professionals and promote vibrant chip design activity nationwide.

Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme

Introduced in 2021 to support semiconductor design startups and companies.
Provides financial incentives and design infrastructure across the development cycle of:
- Integrated Circuits (ICs)
- Chipsets
- System-on-Chips (SoCs)
- IP Cores and semiconductor-linked designs
Incentive period covers five years.

Indian Nanoelectronics Users Programme – idea to innovation (INUP-i2i)

Launched by MeitY to democratize access to India’s national nanofabrication facilities.
Offers hands-on training in chip and device fabrication to students, researchers, and startups.
Achievements so far:
- 49 familiarization workshops
- 42 hands-on training workshops
- 36 industry trainings
- 10 hackathons
- 8,000+ skilled manpower trained
- 348 short-term and 220 mid-term R&D projects supported

Conclusion

India’s progress in indigenous processor development reflects strong commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat.DHRUV64, supported by DIR-V, C2S, ISM, DLI, and INUP-i2i, demonstrates India’s maturing capability to design and prototype advanced processors.Coordinated efforts across MeitY, C-DAC, academia, and industry are building long-term national strength in semiconductors.The journey from THEJAS32 → DHRUV64 → Dhanush/Dhanush+ indicates a confident move toward technological self-reliance and processor innovation.

UPSC PYQ

Q. Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer?

(a) Dye laser
(b) Gas laser
(c) Semiconductor laser
(d) Excimer laser

Answer: (c) Semiconductor laser

Explanation:

Laser printers use semiconductor diode lasers because they are:

Compact and affordable

Energy-efficient

Capable of producing precise, focused beams to form electrostatic images on the drum

CARE MCQ

Q. Choose the Correct Pair — Indigenous Indian Microprocessors

Sl. No.	Microprocessor	Developer / Purpose
1	SHAKTI	Designed by IIT Madras for strategic, space & defence applications
2	AJIT	Designed by IIT Bombay for industrial & robotics applications
3	VIKRAM	Developed by C-DAC for industrial automation
4	THEJAS64	Developed by ISRO–SCL for space navigation & mission operations

Q: How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Correct Answer: (c) Only three

Explanation:

1. SHAKTI → IIT Madras (Correct)

India’s first open-source RISC-V based microprocessor family.
Designed for strategic, defence, and space use.

2. AJIT → IIT Bombay (Correct)

India’s first commercially produced microprocessor developed with SAMEER.
Targeted for industrial controllers, IoT devices, and robotics.

3. VIKRAM → C-DAC (Incorrect)

This pair is incorrect because:
- VIKRAM was developed by ISRO–SCL, not C-DAC.
- It is used for space navigation, guidance, and mission operations.

4. THEJAS64 → C-DAC (Correct)