India Semiconductor Mission (Semicon 2.0)
GS: GS PAPER III — Make in India & Technology
₹1.27 lakh crore initiative to build self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem covering fabrication, design, packaging, and supply chains.
Key Points
- Approved by Union Cabinet in July 2026 with ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay
- Implemented by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) through India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
- Vision: Atmanirbhar Bharat — self-reliant, trusted, globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem
- Focus areas: Fabrication (Fab) units, ATMP/OSAT facilities, compound semiconductors, advanced packaging
- Covers semiconductor design ecosystem and R&D
- Includes equipment, materials and component supply chains
- Skill development and workforce creation component
- Extends beyond chip manufacturing to entire value chain: raw materials, specialty chemicals, gases, equipment
- Complementary with Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) for electronics ecosystem deepening
Exam Significance
- Reduces India’s import dependence on semiconductors
- Strengthens electronics manufacturing base and supply chain resilience
- Promotes high-value manufacturing and employment creation
- Enhances strategic capabilities in AI, defence, automobiles, telecom, consumer electronics
- Positions India as a semiconductor design and manufacturing hub
Prelims MCQ
With reference to the India Semiconductor Mission (Semicon 2.0), consider the following statements: 1. It aims to promote only semiconductor fabrication plants in India. 2. It seeks to strengthen the complete semiconductor value chain, including design, packaging and materials. 3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect — Semicon 2.0 covers the entire semiconductor ecosystem (design, fabrication, ATMP/OSAT, materials, equipment), not just fabrication plants. It is implemented under MeitY through the India Semiconductor Mission.
