General Studies 2025 GS Paper III 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Mention

Q16

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) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत ने एक सेमीकंडक्टर विनिर्माण केन्द्र बनने का लक्ष्य रखा है। भारत में सेमीकंडक्टर उद्योग के सामने क्या चुनौतियाँ हैं ? भारत सेमीकंडक्टर मिशन की प्रमुख विशेषताओं का उल्लेख कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Mention

This question asks you to mention. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'mention' requires concise, specific coverage of both components: challenges faced by India's semiconductor industry and salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. Structure with a brief introduction on strategic importance, followed by two distinct sections (challenges and ISM features), and conclude with forward-looking synthesis on India's semiconductor ambitions.

Key points expected

  • Challenges: high capital intensity (fab costs $5-10 billion), lack of ecosystem (raw materials, chemicals, gases), skilled talent shortage in chip design and fabrication, unreliable power/water infrastructure, geopolitical technology denial regimes, and fragmented supply chain dependencies
  • Challenges: absence of domestic fab-grade silicon wafer manufacturing, limited R&D investment compared to global leaders, and long gestation periods deterring private investment
  • India Semiconductor Mission features: $10 billion incentive scheme under Semicon India Programme, fiscal support covering 50% of project cost for fabs, design-linked incentives for semiconductor design companies
  • ISM features: establishment of India Semiconductor Research Centre (ISRC), focus on mature node (28nm+) manufacturing initially, state-level partnerships (Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Assam for fabs)
  • ISM features: integrated approach covering design, fabrication, packaging, and testing; recent approvals for Tata-CG Power (Gujarat), ISMC Digital (Karnataka), and Micron's ATMP unit (Gujarat)

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Demand-directive understanding20%3Correctly interprets 'mention' as requiring specific, enumerated coverage of both challenges and ISM features without elaborate elaboration; maintains balanced treatment of both question components within 250 wordsCovers both parts but misinterprets 'mention' as requiring detailed explanation, leading to word imbalance or one part underdeveloped; or conflates challenges with ISM featuresMisses one component entirely, treats only challenges or only ISM features, or fundamentally misunderstands 'mention' as opinion-based directive
Content depth & accuracy20%3Accurately identifies 4-5 specific challenges (capital, ecosystem, talent, infrastructure, geopolitical) and 4-5 precise ISM features (incentive quantum, coverage percentage, nodal agency, node focus, recent projects); no factual errors on scheme names or amountsLists generic challenges (cost, technology) and ISM features (investment, support) without specifics; minor errors on incentive percentages or confuses ISM with older schemes like SPECSVague or incorrect content; states challenges like 'lack of technology' or ISM features as 'government help'; confuses semiconductor manufacturing with electronics assembly
Structure & flow20%3Clear two-part structure with distinct headings or logical separation; smooth transition from challenges to policy response; introduction contextualizes India's $300 billion chip import dependency; conclusion synthesizes both partsBoth parts present but poorly demarcated; mixed presentation of challenges and ISM features; abrupt transitions; weak or missing introduction/conclusionDisorganized stream of information; no identifiable structure; random placement of points; or single paragraph attempting both parts without coherence
Examples / case-law / data20%3Cites specific data: $10 billion outlay, 50% fiscal support, 28nm/65nm node focus; names approved projects (Tata-CG Power fab Gujarat, Micron ATMP $2.75 billion, ISMC Digital $3 billion); references global context (Taiwan TSMC dominance, CHIPS Act comparison)Mentions 'billions in incentives' without specific figures; names ISM without scheme details; vague reference to 'some companies investing' without names or locationsNo data or examples; or incorrect data (e.g., $100 billion outlay, 90% subsidy claims); irrelevant examples like mobile manufacturing or IT services
Conclusion & analytical edge20%3Concludes with analytical insight: ISM addresses supply-side constraints but demand certainty (anchor customers) and geopolitical alignment (Quad semiconductor supply chain partnership) remain critical; or notes mature-node strategy as pragmatic stepping stone to advanced nodesGeneric conclusion restating India's potential as hub without critical assessment; or mere summary of points made; no forward-looking or evaluative elementNo conclusion; or abrupt ending; or irrelevant conclusion on digital India/Make in India without connecting to semiconductor specifics; purely aspirational statement without grounding in challenges discussed

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