Electronics and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday presented India’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks the latest step in India’s journey in developing semiconductor technology & achieving self-reliance in critical sectors, explains Rishi Raj.
What is the Vikram-32 chip?
The Vikram-32, officially named ‘Vikram 3201’, is India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured 32-bit microprocessor. It was developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, a part of Isro, and fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali. It is intended for use in rockets, satellites, and other high-reliability systems. It represents a significant upgrade from Isro’s previous 16-bit processor, Vikram 1601, which has powered Indian launch vehicles since 2009.
Why is it significant?
Until now, India depended on foreign-made processors for critical aerospace applications, which posed risks such as export restrictions, supply disruptions, or potential security vulnerabilities. With Vikram-32, India has achieved self-reliance in high-end semiconductor design and fabrication. The chip signals the country’s emergence as a credible player in the global semiconductor industry.
What are the technical highlights of Vikram-32?
The processor features a 32-bit architecture and supports floating-point operations, which are essential for precise calculations in space navigation and control. It is built using a 180-nanometer CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) process. While this is not the smallest fabrication node available globally, it provides rugged reliability suitable for aerospace conditions. The chip operates on a custom instruction set optimised for Isro’s mission requirements and supports programming in the Ada language —which is designed for building reliable, safe and efficient software — with C language support under development. Vikram-32 also comes with a full in-house toolchain, including a compiler, assembler, linker, and simulator. Named in honour of Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme, its first batch has been successfully validated during the PSLV-C60 mission, proving its readiness for operational deployment.
Vikram-32 vs Intel/ ARM chips
Consumer processors are designed for speed, multi-tasking and power efficiency in everyday environments, while Vikram-32 is engineered for extreme reliability and mission-critical performance. It can withstand intense vibrations during rocket launches, extreme temperatures in space, and cosmic radiation. Importantly, the chip is fully under India’s control, ensuring security and trust in critical national missions, which commercial off-the-shelf processors cannot always guarantee.
Milestone achieved so far
Tge first batch of Vikram-32 devices was deployed on the PSLV-C60 mission, where they successfully performed under actual space conditions. This milestone marked the chip as flight-qualified and operationally ready, giving Isro a domestically produced microprocessor for future missions.
Is it only for space missions?
Although designed for Isro’s rockets and satellites, its robust design makes it suitable for high-reliability domains such as advanced automotive applications, defence systems, and critical energy infrastructure. The same reliability that ensures its performance in space can benefit guidance computers, radar systems, electric vehicles, and energy grid controls.
Semiconductor mission & this chip
The unveiling of Vikram-32 at Semicon India 2025 highlighted the country’s progress under the India Semiconductor Mission and the design linked incentive scheme. These initiatives aim to develop a complete ecosystem for chip design, manufacturing, and innovation.
What challenges remain ahead?
Vikram-32 is built using a 180-nanometer process, while global leaders manufacture processors at 3 nanometers or below. Bridging this gap will require substantial investment and research. India also needs a stronger semiconductor ecosystem, including skilled engineers, EDA (exploratory data analysis) tools, and supply chains for critical materials. Finally, moving from specialised space-grade chips to mass-market consumer processors will present additional challenges.
What does the future look like?
Vikram-32 is just the first step toward more advanced indigenous processors, including 64-bit designs, radiation-hardened systems, and smaller fabrication nodes. Its success sets the stage for greater autonomy in critical technologies, reducing import dependence, and potentially supplying chips to friendly nations in aerospace and defence.