Important Indian Schemes · Science & Technology

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

Building India's capabilities in quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials.

Approved 2023 · Department of Science & Technology · 2023–2031 timeline
Approved
2023
Outlay
₹6,003.65 cr
Department
DST
Period
2023–2031

Overview

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2023 to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial research and development in quantum technologies. With an outlay of about ₹6,003 crore for the period 2023–2031, the mission aims to make India one of the leading nations in the development of quantum computing, secure communication, precision sensing and advanced materials.

Key Objectives

  • Develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with growing qubit capacity
  • Build satellite-based and long-distance secure quantum communication
  • Develop high-sensitivity quantum sensors (magnetometers, atomic clocks)
  • Advance design and synthesis of quantum materials and devices

Salient Features

The mission will set up four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and national research institutes, focusing on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing & metrology, and quantum materials & devices. By targeting capabilities such as multi-qubit quantum computers and satellite-based quantum key distribution, the NQM seeks to strengthen national security, cryptography, and India's position in the global deep-tech landscape.

Key Facts at a Glance

Approved 2023 (Union Cabinet)
Total Outlay About ₹6,003.65 crore
Implementation Period 2023 to 2031
Nodal Department Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Thematic Hubs 4 (Computing, Communication, Sensing, Materials)
Key Targets Multi-qubit computers, satellite-based QKD, quantum sensors
EXAM FOCUS  Recall the approval year (2023), the ~₹6,003 crore outlay, the 2023–2031 period, the nodal DST, and the four thematic hubs covering computing, communication, sensing and materials.

Practice Questions

Five multiple-choice questions for revision

1. The National Quantum Mission was approved in which year?
a)2020
b)2021
c)2022
d)2023
2. NQM is implemented under which department?
a)Department of Atomic Energy
b)Department of Science & Technology
c)Department of Space
d)Department of Telecom
3. How many thematic hubs are envisaged under NQM?
a)2
b)4
c)6
d)8
4. Which of these is a focus area of the NQM?
a)Quantum computing
b)Crop insurance
c)Rural roads
d)River cleaning
5. The implementation period of the NQM is:
a)2023–2031
b)2020–2025
c)2024–2030
d)2023–2028
Answer Key
1. (d) 20232. (b) Department of Science & Technology3. (b) 44. (a) Quantum computing5. (a) 2023–2031