Overview

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the Union Cabinet on 19 April 2023 with a total outlay of Rs 6,003.65 crore for an eight-year period (2023-24 to 2030-31). The mission aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D in Quantum Technology (QT), positioning India among the leading nations in quantum technologies and applications.

India became the seventh country in the world (after the US, China, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia) to have a dedicated national quantum mission. The mission is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, with the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India providing overarching coordination.

Parameter Detail
Approved by Union Cabinet, 19 April 2023
Total outlay Rs 6,003.65 crore
Duration 8 years (2023-24 to 2030-31)
Implementing department Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Thematic Hubs 4 (Quantum Computing, Communication, Sensing, Materials)
FY 2025-26 allocation Rs 1,260.98 crore
Researchers involved 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 States and 2 UTs
Mission period 2023-2031

Mission Objectives

Core Goals

  • Develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with increasing qubit capacity over defined timelines
  • Establish satellite-based secure quantum communications across 2,000 km within India
  • Build inter-city quantum key distribution networks over 2,000 km
  • Develop quantum magnetometers and atomic clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation
  • Create high-sensitivity quantum sensors for defence, healthcare, and geological applications
  • Build a robust quantum technology ecosystem with industry participation and startup incubation

Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs)

The mission has established four Thematic Hubs at premier Indian institutions, each focusing on a specific quantum technology domain:

Thematic Hub Lead Institution Collaborators FY 2025-26 Release
Quantum Computing IISc Bengaluru IIT Guwahati, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, TIFR Mumbai Rs 172.70 crore
Quantum Communication IIT Madras + C-DOT IIT Tirupati, IIT Patna, IIT Delhi, C-DAC Bangalore, IISc, RRI, IIT Hyderabad Rs 101.28 crore
Quantum Sensing and Metrology IIT Bombay Multiple partner institutions Under implementation
Quantum Materials and Devices IIT Delhi Multiple partner institutions Under implementation

The sanctioned allocation for the Quantum Communication Hub alone is Rs 614.31 crore, divided among centres across the country.

Technology Targets and Milestones

Milestone Timeline Target
Phase 1 3 years (by 2026) Quantum computers with 20-50 physical qubits
Phase 2 5 years (by 2028) Quantum computers with 50-100 physical qubits
Phase 3 8 years (by 2031) Quantum computers with 50-1,000 physical qubits
Quantum Communication 8 years Satellite-based secure quantum communication (2,000 km range)
Quantum Key Distribution 8 years Inter-city QKD network over 2,000 km
Quantum Networks 8 years Multi-node quantum networks with quantum memories
Quantum Sensors 8 years High-sensitivity magnetometers and atomic clocks

Annual Budget Allocation

Financial Year Allocation (Rs crore)
FY 2023-24 704.10
FY 2025-26 1,260.98
Total (8 years) 6,003.65

Latest Developments

  • March 2025: PIB published a detailed progress report on NQM, confirming all four Thematic Hubs are fully operational and engaged in technology development, human resource development, and industry collaboration
  • FY 2025-26: Rs 1,260.98 crore allocated, a significant increase from Rs 704.10 crore in FY 2023-24, indicating accelerated implementation
  • 2024-25: All four T-Hubs became operational, bringing together 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 States and 2 Union Territories
  • December 2025: Reports confirm the mission is building a strong environment for innovation, security, and advanced research with international collaborations underway
  • FY 2024-25: Quantum Computing Hub received Rs 3.05 crore (initial release) and Quantum Communication Hub received Rs 5.16 crore for foundational activities

Prelims Importance

  • NQM approved: 19 April 2023; total outlay: Rs 6,003.65 crore for 8 years
  • India is the 7th country with a dedicated national quantum mission
  • Four Thematic Hubs: Quantum Computing (IISc Bengaluru), Quantum Communication (IIT Madras + C-DOT), Quantum Sensing and Metrology (IIT Bombay), Quantum Materials and Devices (IIT Delhi)
  • Target: Quantum computers with 50-1,000 physical qubits in 8 years
  • Satellite-based quantum communication target range: 2,000 km
  • Inter-city quantum key distribution: 2,000 km network
  • FY 2025-26 allocation: Rs 1,260.98 crore
  • 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 States and 2 UTs involved

Mains & Interview Importance

GS3 — Science and Technology; Economy

  • Strategic significance: Quantum technology has applications in national security (unbreakable encryption), financial services (portfolio optimisation), drug discovery, weather forecasting, and logistics
  • Global quantum race: India’s NQM positions it alongside the US ($1.2 billion National Quantum Initiative), China (over $15 billion invested), and the EU (Quantum Flagship programme, EUR 1 billion) in the global quantum competition
  • Industry-academia linkage: The T-Hub model promotes collaborative research between IITs, IISc, and industry partners, addressing India’s historically weak university-industry R&D connection
  • Self-reliance in critical tech: Quantum communication provides the foundation for quantum-secure networks essential for defence and banking infrastructure

Interview Angles

  • “India’s quantum mission has a modest budget compared to China and the US. Can India compete in the quantum race with Rs 6,000 crore?”
  • “Quantum computing threatens current encryption systems. How should India prepare its cybersecurity infrastructure?”
  • “How do thematic hubs at IITs and IISc address the challenge of translating academic research into commercial quantum products?”