NEW DELHI: India is targeting the training of 85,000 semiconductor design engineers over the next decade as the country expands its capabilities across chip design, manufacturing and related technologies.
Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on September 18 that around 70,000 semiconductor design engineers had already been trained in the first four years of the programme. He made the remarks during a fireside discussion at Semicon India 2026 in New Delhi.
The minister said students across the country are now working on chip designs and taking them through the tape-out stage, an important step in the semiconductor design process. Around 400 engineering colleges have access to industry-grade Electronic Design Automation tools, enabling students to gain practical exposure to technologies used in chip development.
Vaishnaw also highlighted the importance of trust in the global semiconductor industry. He said protecting intellectual property and enabling international companies to design complete products in India would be important as the country develops its semiconductor ecosystem.
India has been working to build capabilities across the semiconductor value chain, including chip design, fabrication, packaging, testing and equipment. The government has also been encouraging partnerships between Indian institutions, companies and global technology firms.
The expansion of semiconductor design education is aimed at creating a larger pool of engineers who can contribute to the industry’s growing requirements. Semiconductor design involves specialised skills in areas such as electronic circuits, chip architecture, verification and computer-aided design.
Semicon India 2026 has brought together companies, researchers, technology professionals and policymakers to discuss developments across the semiconductor sector.
Vaishnaw said India’s growing pool of trained engineers and access to industry-standard design tools could help strengthen the country’s position in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
The government is also seeking to connect academic institutions more closely with industry so that students receive practical experience alongside conventional engineering education.
The latest figures indicate that workforce development is becoming an important part of India’s broader semiconductor strategy, alongside investment in manufacturing facilities and research infrastructure.
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