The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) has made the Semiconductor Laboratory\u2019s (SCL) indigenous 1.2-micrometre Process Design Kit (PDK) available through the eChipHub platform. Linked to 1.2µm CMOS technology, the PDK is meant for integrated circuit design, prototyping and semiconductor education across India.

A Process Design Kit contains the technical files, design rules and device models for a specific semiconductor manufacturing process. Chip designers use a PDK to create integrated circuits that match the parameters of a fabrication technology. This particular 1.2µm PDK is open-source and is built to work with open-source Electronic Design Automation (EDA) toolchains, lowering the cost barrier for learners and startups.

eChipHub is a MeitY-funded platform managed by NIELIT and jointly developed with SoCTeamup Semiconductors Private Limited. It provides a secure Aadhaar-authenticated download system for the PDK, ensuring verified access primarily for students and educational programmes. NIELIT functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

The collaboration connects technical education with practical chip-development workflows used in the semiconductor sector. Nearly 30,000 students are expected to receive training through these programmes. On 27 May 2026, Sh. S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, inaugurated the Open Source PDK for analog and digital flow in 1.2µm CMOS technology, marking a milestone in indigenous chip-design capacity building.

The initiative supports the India Semiconductor Mission, a Government of India programme for semiconductor ecosystem development. By providing free, indigenous design tools, it builds a skilled talent pipeline, reduces reliance on costly proprietary foreign toolchains, encourages domestic startups, and strengthens India\u2019s long-term strategic autonomy and self-reliance in the critical semiconductor value chain.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

A total of 10 questions — 7 moderate level and 3 UPSC/RPSC level.

UPSC / RPSC Relevance

• ➜ Prelims: NIELIT, SCL, eChipHub, India Semiconductor Mission, CMOS.
• ➜ Mains GS-III: Science & technology, semiconductor ecosystem and indigenisation.
• ➜ Economy / Industry: Skilling, startups and reducing import dependence.
• ➜ Strategic Autonomy: Self-reliance in the critical semiconductor value chain.

UPSC Mains Descriptive Question