UPSC Mains 2025 GS3 Q16 — Science and Technology, Semiconductors
India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What areMention
- Scope keywords
- semiconductor manufacturing hubchallenges faced by the semiconductor industryIndia Semiconductor Missionsalient features
- Implicit sub-parts
- Strategic significance: Why does India need this industry (Supply chain resilience/National Security)?
- Bottlenecks: Why has India historically failed in fab-manufacturing?
- ISM components: Details on the four specific schemes under the mission.
- Way forward: What additional structural changes are needed beyond financial incentives?
- Common pitfalls
- Confusing semiconductor design (where India is strong) with actual fabrication/manufacturing (where India lacks).
- Vague description of challenges without mentioning specific resource needs like ultra-pure water, stable power, or specialized gases.
- Failing to mention the 'Modified Programme' (Dec 2022) which increased fiscal support to 50% across all nodes.
- Ignoring the geopolitical context such as the 'China Plus One' strategy or the 'CHIPS Act' of other nations.
- Dimensions required
- Infrastructure and LogisticsGeopolitical and Economic SecurityResearch and DevelopmentSkilled Human CapitalEnvironmental and Natural Resources
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 40 words for a context-setting introduction on India's electronics vision. Dedicate 100 words to a categorized breakdown of challenges (technical, financial, infrastructural). Spend 80 words detailing the specific schemes of the ISM (Fab, Display, ATMP, DLI). Conclude with 30 words on the long-term outlook.
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