On 15 December, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the launch of DHRUV64. It is a fully indigenous 64-bit microprocessor. This microprocessor was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP). The launch marks a significant milestone in India’s quest for technological self-reliance and a secure, sovereign semiconductor ecosystem.
What is DHRUV64?
DHRUV64 is a general-purpose, dual-core 64-bit microprocessor designed for both embedded systems and operating-system-level workloads. The processor is built on the open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture. It operates at a clock speed of around 1 GHz. This makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial and strategic applications.
DHRUV64 is part of India’s growing family of indigenous processors. This family includes SHAKTI (IIT Madras), AJIT (IIT Bombay), VIKRAM (ISRO–SCL), and THEJAS64 (C-DAC). It is the third processor developed under the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme, following THEJAS32 and THEJAS64.
Applications Across Strategic and Commercial Sectors
The processor is designed to meet requirements where security, reliability and long-term availability are critical. Key application areas include:
- Telecom base stations and core network equipment
- Industrial automation systems and controllers
- Automotive electronics and embedded platforms
- Routers, switches and networking hardware
- Strategic, defence and government systems
By offering an indigenous alternative to imported processors, DHRUV64 reduces exposure to supply-chain disruptions and geopolitical risks.
Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme
The DIR-V Programme aims to create a complete portfolio of India-designed RISC-V microprocessors, spanning embedded to high-performance computing domains. It targets sectors such as defence, space, industry and consumer electronics. This initiative directly supports India’s goal of technological sovereignty under the Digital India vision.
Unlike proprietary architectures such as ARM or x86, RISC-V allows full design flexibility without licensing fees. This enables Indian institutions to innovate. They can customise and manufacture processors domestically.
Why RISC-V Matters for India
RISC-V is an open-source instruction set architecture (ISA) that eliminates dependence on foreign intellectual property. Its modular and scalable design allows processors to be tailored for specific use cases. These range from low-power embedded chips to advanced computing platforms. This flexibility makes it ideal for India’s diverse technological needs.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- DHRUV64 is a 64-bit, dual-core indigenous microprocessor
- Developed by C-DAC under the Microprocessor Development Programme
- Based on RISC-V open-source architecture
- Part of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme
- Third DIR-V processor after THEJAS32 and THEJAS64
Significance for India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
The launch of DHRUV64 strengthens India’s push toward a secure, self-reliant semiconductor stack, from design to deployment. As global chip supply chains face increasing fragmentation, indigenous processors like DHRUV64 help India safeguard strategic systems. They foster domestic innovation. This allows India to gradually move up the semiconductor value chain.
Share this Article with your friends :
Discover more from Srishti IAS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
