According to an official government release, India has launched DHRUV64, the country’s first 1.0 gigahertz (GHz), 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. The processor has been entirely designed in India by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme.
DHRUV64 is aimed at reducing reliance on imported processors. The release states that the chip is intended for both strategic and commercial applications, while providing the country with a dependable, domestically developed technology base.
The processor incorporates contemporary architectural improvements that enhance efficiency, multitasking performance and operational reliability. Its design allows easy integration with a broad range of external hardware platforms, enabling use across applications such as 5G networks, automotive electronics, consumer devices, industrial automation and the internet of things (IoT).
Further, the release highlights that India accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global microprocessor production, reinforcing the need for indigenous development to ensure long-term technological security. Prior to DHRUV64, India had already begun strengthening its ecosystem through processors such as SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM and THEJAS64, which helped establish a more robust domestic chip design environment.
Additionally, DHRUV64 offers start-ups, researchers and industry players a platform to develop and test products without dependence on foreign processors, while also supporting lower-cost prototype development. With India already possessing a sizeable pool of chip-design talent, the processor is expected to aid in training additional professionals for future semiconductor initiatives. DHRUV64 is also accelerating work on the upcoming Dhanush and Dhanush+ processors.
The rollout of DHRUV64 forms part of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme. The release notes that DHRUV64 is the third processor fabricated under DIR-V, following THEJAS32 and THEJAS64, with development of DHANUSH64 and DHANUSH64+ system-on-chip variants currently underway.
