DHRUV64 is a new 64 bit dual core RISC V processor developed by India’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing as part of a broader push to build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem. The chip runs at 1 GHz, is built on a 28 nm process and can boot Linux, positioning it as a general purpose application processor for areas like 5G infrastructure, automotive systems, industrial automation, consumer devices and IoT where long term platform control matters more than chasing absolute peak performance. Technically it implements a modern 64G RISC V set with an out of order pipeline, MMU, cache hierarchy and hardware floating point, but it sits far behind current leading edge designs in raw speed and efficiency.
The real story is the pace of progress inside India’s chip efforts, which have gone from 32 bit 180 nm parts at around 100 MHz to a 64 bit 1 GHz design on 28 nm in less than five years, helped by government backed programs like DIR V and a strategic bet on open RISC V cores instead of licensed ISAs. Follow on quad core DHANUSH64 and DHANUSH64+ processors are planned for around 2027 on 28 nm and 16/14 nm, with clocks up to 2 GHz, indicating a cautious but steady plan to climb the technology ladder rather than a quick headline grab.
