First 1.0 GHz Indigenous Processor

India’s semiconductor story has often been about ambition, scale, and future factories. With DHRUV64, the focus shifts to something more foundational: ownership of processor technology itself.

Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), DHRUV64 is India’s first fully indigenous 64-bit, 1.0 GHz dual-core microprocessor. The launch marks a meaningful step in reducing long-term dependence on imported processor architectures that power critical digital systems.

At a time when global computing is dominated by ecosystems built around Nvidia, Intel, and ARM, DHRUV64 represents a different approach. Instead of competing on sheer performance, India is building capability, control, and continuity.

Why DHRUV64 matters beyond specifications

Microprocessors sit at the heart of modern technology, from smartphones and vehicles to telecom networks and defence systems. India consumes a significant share of global processors, yet historically relied on foreign-designed cores.

DHRUV64 addresses this gap by offering a homegrown processor platform designed for real deployment, not academic experimentation. Its architecture supports multitasking, stable system performance, and integration with a wide range of external hardware.

This makes the processor suitable for telecom infrastructure, industrial automation, automotive electronics, consumer devices, and IoT systems.

Built on RISC-V, built for scale

DHRUV64 is based on the open RISC-V instruction set architecture. This removes licensing costs and allows Indian developers to build systems without external dependencies.

For startups and academic institutions, this lowers the barrier to prototyping new system designs. For industry, it offers a processor platform that can evolve without vendor lock-in.

The open architecture also aligns with India’s broader Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme, which aims to create a full portfolio of indigenous processors across sectors.

How DHRUV64 fits into India’s chip roadmap

DHRUV64 is the third processor fabricated under the DIR-V programme. It follows THEJAS32 and THEJAS64, which laid early groundwork for domestic processor development.

THEJAS32 was fabricated overseas, while THEJAS64 marked a milestone with domestic manufacturing at SCL Mohali. DHRUV64 builds on that momentum, reflecting growing confidence in India’s design ecosystem.

Meanwhile, next-generation processors such as Dhanush and Dhanush+ are already under development, pointing to a longer-term roadmap rather than a one-off launch.

Institutions behind the ecosystem

India’s processor push is supported by coordinated efforts across MeitY, C-DAC, academic institutions, and national programmes. Initiatives like DIR-V, Chips to Startup, the India Semiconductor Mission, and INUP-i2i are expanding design talent and infrastructure.

Together, they are shifting India from being primarily a consumer of chips to an active creator of core computing technology.

The larger signal

DHRUV64 does not aim to replace global processor giants overnight. Instead, it signals intent. It shows India can design, validate, and deploy advanced processors aligned with national priorities.

In a world where semiconductor control increasingly shapes economic and strategic power, that signal matters.