India has taken a substantial leap forward in semiconductor technology with the launch of DHRUV64, the nation’s first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. Developed under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP) by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), DHRUV64 strengthens India’s microprocessor ecosystem and reduces dependence on imported chips for strategic and commercial applications. (Press Information Bureau)
Modern Architecture and Performance Features
DHRUV64 is designed around a 64-bit dual-core architecture running at 1.0 GHz, delivering improved multitasking capabilities, enhanced computational efficiency, and reliable performance suited for a range of computing environments. Leveraging RISC-V open-source architecture, this processor allows flexibility in design and eliminates licensing costs that come with proprietary instruction sets. (Press Information Bureau)
Beyond basic specifications, DHRUV64 incorporates architectural features such as superscalar execution (enabling multiple instructions per cycle) and out-of-order instruction handling to improve throughput and responsiveness in real-world workloads. (Vajiram & Ravi)
Strategic and Commercial Uses
Although not designed to directly compete with consumer desktop or server CPUs from global players, DHRUV64’s balance of performance and energy efficiency positions it as a suitable processor for embedded systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, 5G infrastructure components, automotive electronics, industrial automation, and defence applications. These sectors benefit from reliable, locally-designed silicon that can be tailored to specific national and industrial needs. (Press Information Bureau)
Strengthening India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
The launch of DHRUV64 is a key milestone in India’s broader effort to build a self-reliant semiconductor and electronics design ecosystem. Microprocessors are the core building blocks of modern electronics — powering mobile devices, automotive systems, telecommunications infrastructure, medical equipment, defence platforms and satellites. Developing these chips domestically reduces reliance on foreign suppliers and enhances technological sovereignty. (Press Information Bureau)
India currently consumes around 20 % of the world’s microprocessors, with most of them imported. DHRUV64 provides a homegrown alternative that empowers local startups, academic institutions, and industry players to design and scale computing products without dependency on external chipmakers. (Press Information Bureau)
The RISC-V Advantage
Choosing the RISC-V (Reduced Instruction Set Computing — V) architecture is strategic. RISC-V is an open-source instruction set architecture (ISA) that allows chip designers worldwide to build custom processors without paying licensing fees. This open model promotes collaboration across industry, startups, and research labs, accelerating innovation and lowering barriers to entry. (Press Information Bureau)
Under India’s Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) initiative, DHRUV64 is part of a larger portfolio of RISC-V-based microprocessors designed to support multiple sectors and applications, helping India build complete solutions from silicon to systems. (Press Information Bureau)
Growing the Talent Pipeline and R&D Capability
India already boasts a significant share of the world’s chip-design talent. DHRUV64 builds on this by providing a working platform for education, prototyping, research and development of next-generation computing systems. The processor enables startups and institutions to test novel architectures and develop new products at lower cost, helping bridge the gap between concept and commercial deployment. (Press Information Bureau)
Predecessors and the Roadmap Ahead
The indigenous processor journey did not start with DHRUV64. Earlier Indian microprocessor projects include:
- SHAKTI (2018, IIT Madras) — Focused on strategic, defence and space applications. (Press Information Bureau)
- AJIT (2018, IIT Bombay) — Designed for industrial and robotics systems. (Press Information Bureau)
- VIKRAM (2025, ISRO-SCL) — Built for space navigation and mission computing. (Press Information Bureau)
- THEJAS64 (2025, C-DAC) — Targeted at industrial automation. (Press Information Bureau)
With DHRUV64 in production, the next successors — Dhanush and Dhanush+ — are already under development, expanding India’s capabilities into System-on-Chip (SoC) designs and broader applications. (Facebook)
Institutional Support and National Programmes
India’s semiconductor ambitions are backed by coordinated national efforts:
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) provides policy guidance, funding and long-term strategy. (Press Information Bureau)
- India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) attracts investment and infrastructure development in chip design and manufacturing. (Press Information Bureau)
- Chips to Startup (C2S) programme builds design capacity across academic and industry partners. (Press Information Bureau)
- INUP-i2i initiative opens nanofabrication facilities to researchers and fosters hands-on semiconductor learning. (Press Information Bureau)
Conclusion: A New Chapter in India’s Technology Story
The introduction of DHRUV64 signals India’s growing maturity in semiconductor technologies. While global leaders continue to push the limits of raw performance, DHRUV64 shines where strategic independence, tailored application design, and local industry growth matter most. By building a homegrown microprocessor ecosystem, India not only strengthens its technology sovereignty but also nurtures a generation of engineers and innovators who can drive future breakthroughs. (Press Information Bureau)
