India to produce first commercial chip by 2025, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India would produce its first commercial semiconductor chip in 2025. Speaking at IIT-Hyderabad’s convocation, he highlighted developments in electronics, telecom, AI, and railways. A total of 1,273 degrees, including 134 PhDs, were awarded

Sangareddy: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India’s rapid strides in technological transformation, particularly in electronics manufacturing and the national semiconductor mission.

Addressing students during the 14th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad (IIT-H) at its Kandi campus in Sangareddy district on Saturday, he announced that India is set to produce its first commercial-scale semiconductor chip in 2025.

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The Minister said six semiconductor units were currently under construction across the country, with significant focus on design and talent development. Notably, eight out of 20 semiconductor chips designed by students—many from IIT-H—have already been successfully taped out.

Vaishnaw also spoke about the India AI Mission and detailed the progress made in achieving telecom self-reliance. He noted that India had developed its own 4G technology stack, upgradable to 5G, in just three and a half years.

On railway modernisation, he highlighted the indigenous innovation of Kavach, India’s automatic train protection system developed in Hyderabad, which is now being deployed across the national rail network.

A total of 1,273 degrees were conferred at the ceremony, including 134 PhDs. Interestingly, the number of MTech graduates surpassed BTech pass-outs. While 511 MTech students, including those in integrated courses, received degrees, 460 BTech students graduated this year. Four students were awarded gold medals for academic excellence, and 44 others received silver medals.

Medak MP M Raghunandan Rao, Chairman of Board of Governors BVR Mohan Reddy, Director Prof B S Murty, and other dignitaries were present.