TECH

India’s DHRUV64: The First 1 GHz, 64-Bit Dual-Core Microprocessor

In a landmark moment for India’s semiconductor ambitions, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has unveiled DHRUV64, the country’s first 1 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor.

Developed under the government’s Microprocessor Development Programme and showcased as part of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) initiative, DHRUV64 represents a major stride toward self-reliance in advanced chip design and computing technology.

A Milestone in Indigenous Chip Design

DHRUV64 is built on an open-source RISC-V architecture, an increasingly popular set of instructions that allows chip designers to innovate without costly licensing fees from foreign companies.

Operating at a clock speed of 1.0 GHz with dual processing cores and 64-bit capability, it brings India into the realm of gigahertz-class embedded processors, a class previously dominated by global players.

Unlike earlier academic or specialised chips, DHRUV64 is designed for broader strategic and commercial applications, including industrial automation, automotive electronics, 5G infrastructure, consumer devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems. It supports modern operating systems, integrates with diverse hardware systems, and provides multitasking efficiency suited for a range of real-world deployments.

How Does It Matter?

India currently consumes roughly 20 percent of the world’s microprocessors, yet historically has relied heavily on imports for core computing technology.

Developing a homegrown processor like DHRUV64 is significant not only for technological sovereignty but also for enhancing security, reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities, and building local expertise in semiconductor design.

By creating a platform that domestic startups, researchers, and established companies can build upon, DHRUV64 is expected to boost innovation across the electronics ecosystem and support cheaper prototyping and product development.

It also provides a foundation for a growing pipeline of skilled chip design professionals, further energising India’s tech sector.

A Step Toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Technology

DHRUV64 marks a continuation of India’s journey toward an Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) semiconductor ecosystem. The chip follows earlier indigenous designs such as SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM, and THEJAS64, and sits alongside future variants like Dhanush and Dhanush+ in the development pipeline.

While India still relies on global fabrication technologies for manufacturing, the design and strategic deployment of processors like DHRUV64 signal a slow but steady shift toward autonomous capabilities in core computing technologies, a critical competitiveness marker in the global tech landscape.