Hey everyone, big news from the Indian tech scene today – December 17, 2025 – and I'm genuinely excited about this one. The government just unveiled DHRUV64, India'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, this chip is a solid step towards making India more self-reliant in semiconductors.
We've been hearing about India's push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in tech for years, and this feels like a real milestone. India consumes about 20% of the world's microprocessors, but we've mostly relied on imports for the advanced stuff. DHRUV64 changes that by giving us a homegrown option that's designed right here.
What We Know About DHRUV64
It's a RISC-V based processor – that's the open-source architecture everyone's talking about because it's royalty-free and flexible. No paying big bucks to Arm or Intel for licenses.
Key specs:
- 64-bit dual-core design
- Clocked at 1.0 GHz
- Built on a 28nm process (not the cutting-edge 3nm stuff, but solid for embedded and strategic uses)
- Focuses on efficiency, multitasking, and easy integration with other hardware
It's aimed at real-world applications like:
- 5G infrastructure and telecom gear
- Consumer electronics
- IoT devices
- Industrial automation
- Automotive systems
- And crucially, strategic sectors (think defense and critical infrastructure where supply chain security matters a lot)
This isn't meant to power your next flagship smartphone – it's more for reliable, secure systems where trusting foreign chips could be risky.
Why This Matters So Much
In a world where chip shortages and geopolitical tensions can disrupt supplies, having our own designs is huge. Plus, RISC-V lets Indian startups, researchers, and companies innovate without barriers. It's part of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) program, which is building a full ecosystem – from design tools to fabrication support.
DHRUV64 builds on earlier efforts like:
- SHAKTI from IIT Madras
- AJIT from IIT Bombay
- VIKRAM for space (from ISRO)
- THEJAS series from C-DAC
It's the third chip fabricated under DIR-V, showing steady progress.
And the best part? The roadmap doesn't stop here. C-DAC is already working on Dhanush and Dhanush+ – next-gen chips that should be more powerful.
My Take: Proud Moment, But Let's Keep It Real
Honestly, this makes me proud. We've got massive talent in chip design (India has like 20% of the world's semiconductor engineers), and initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission are finally channeling it into homegrown tech. Reducing import dependence, especially for defense and telecom, is smart in today's world.
That said, it's not a Snapdragon or Apple Silicon killer yet – the 1GHz clock and 28nm node are modest compared to flagship chips. But that's okay! This is about building foundations: secure platforms for critical stuff, training more engineers, and fostering an ecosystem where Indian companies can prototype without foreign gatekeepers.
If we keep investing (through programs like Chips to Startup and Design Linked Incentive), we could see much more advanced indigenous chips in a few years.
What do you think? Excited for more Indian tech like this, or waiting to see real products powered by DHRUV64? Drop your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear!
(Based on official announcements from PIB, MeitY, and reports from Moneycontrol, India Today, and others. Stay tuned for more updates as details emerge!)
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