NEW DELHI: India has reached an important technological milestone with the development of DHRUV64, the country’s first indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit microprocessor, designed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The achievement marks a significant step in India’s push towards technological self-reliance in critical sectors such as defence, telecommunications, and automotive electronics.
Microprocessors form the core of modern electronic systems, acting as the “brain” that processes instructions and controls how devices function. Until now, India has largely depended on imported processors for both civilian and strategic applications.
What is DHRUV64 and how does it work?
DHRUV64 is a 64-bit, dual-core processor capable of running at a clock speed of 1.0 GHz. In simple terms, it reads instructions from software, processes data, and sends commands to connected hardware, allowing electronic systems to function smoothly and efficiently.
The processor is built on RISC-V architecture, which is open-source. This means Indian engineers can design and customise the chip without paying licensing fees to foreign companies. The chip can run modern operating systems like Linux, making it suitable for a wide range of embedded and industrial applications.
Where will Dhruv64 be used?
The processor is not designed for consumer devices such as smartphones or laptops at this stage. Instead, it targets strategic and industrial use cases where security, reliability, and long-term availability are crucial.
It is expected to be used in:
• Defence electronics, including radar systems and secure communication equipment
• 5G and telecom infrastructure, such as network hardware and base stations
• Automotive electronics, including control units and connected vehicle systems
• Industrial automation and robotics
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Critical embedded systems used in infrastructure and public utilities
Why is this development significant?
The development of DHRUV64 is significant because microprocessors are the foundation of modern technology, yet India has historically relied almost entirely on foreign-designed chips. This dependence creates strategic vulnerabilities, particularly during global supply disruptions or geopolitical tensions.
By designing its own processor, India gains greater control over critical hardware, especially in sensitive sectors like defence and telecommunications. Indigenous design allows for better security auditing, customisation for local needs, and reduced exposure to hidden risks in imported hardware.
The use of RISC-V architecture further strengthens India’s position. Since it is open-source, it frees India from proprietary restrictions and licensing costs, while also encouraging innovation among domestic engineers, startups, and academic institutions.
DHRUV64 also aligns with India’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Recent global chip shortages have shown how fragile semiconductor supply chains can be. Indigenous processors reduce India’s dependence on external suppliers and help build long-term technological resilience.
Why was India late in developing indigenous microprocessors?
India’s delay in developing high-performance microprocessors is largely due to historical priorities and structural challenges. For decades, the country focused more on software services and IT outsourcing rather than hardware manufacturing and chip design.
Microprocessor development requires massive investment, specialised talent, and access to advanced fabrication facilities. In the past, importing chips was cheaper and faster than building a domestic ecosystem from scratch. As a result, India remained a major consumer of semiconductors but not a producer.
Only in recent years has the government begun investing heavily in chip design, research, and manufacturing through dedicated national programmes.
Government support and ecosystem development
DHRUV64 has been developed under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP) and is supported by initiatives such as Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V), Chips to Startup (C2S), and the India Semiconductor Mission. These programmes aim to build a complete semiconductor ecosystem, from education and design to manufacturing and deployment.
The focus is not limited to one chip but on creating long-term capability and talent within the country.
What lies ahead for India’s semiconductor journey?
DHRUV64 is seen as a foundation rather than an end product. More advanced processors, including projects such as Dhanush and Dhanush+, are already in development, with plans for higher performance and broader applications.
In parallel, India is working to establish domestic semiconductor fabrication facilities, which would allow chips designed in India to also be manufactured within the country.
While DHRUV64 does not yet compete with the most advanced global consumer processors, its importance lies in strategic control rather than raw speed. It represents India’s growing capability to design and manage its own critical technology.
As global geopolitics increasingly influence technology supply chains, India’s move towards indigenous microprocessors signals a clear shift, from being a technology consumer to becoming a technology creator.
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