PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NATIONAL QUANTUM MISSION (NQM)

1. At a Glance

• National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a Government of India mission to build cutting-edge quantum computing, communication, sensing-metrology, and materials capability, with an outlay of ₹6003.65 crore over 8 years [1][3].
• Implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology; approved by the Union Cabinet on 19 April 2023 [1][4].
• Strategic relevance: places India among a handful of nations (US, China, EU, UK, Russia, Japan, Canada) with a national-level quantum programme; dual-use tech with defence, finance, communication, and computing implications [3].

2. Why in the News

• Parliament Question dated 04 February 2026 in which the Ministry of Science & Technology disclosed status of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) incorporated as Section-8 companies in FY 2024-25, Hub Governing Boards constituted, and progress on fabrication & central facilities [1].

3. Background & Evolution

• 2018: DST launched QuEST (Quantum-Enabled Science & Technology) programme — precursor R&D effort [3].
• 2020 Union Budget: announced National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NMQTA) with ₹8,000 cr indicative outlay (later restructured) [3].
• 19 April 2023: Cabinet approval of NQM (2023-2031) with ₹6003.65 cr outlay [4].
• 2024: PSA Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood unveiled four T-Hubs and 14 Technical Groups [2].
• FY 2024-25: Four T-Hubs incorporated as Section-8 companies by host institutions [1].

4. Core Static Facts

• Nodal Ministry/Dept: Ministry of Science & Technology — Department of Science & Technology (DST) [3].
• Outlay: ₹6003.65 crore; Duration: 8 years (2023-24 to 2030-31) [1][4].

• Four Verticals / Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) [1][2]: | Hub | Host Institution | Theme | |---|---|---| | T-Hub 1 | IISc Bengaluru | Quantum Computing | | T-Hub 2 | IIT Madras + C-DoT | Quantum Communication | | T-Hub 3 | IIT Bombay | Quantum Sensing & Metrology | | T-Hub 4 | IIT Delhi | Quantum Materials & Devices |

• Quantum Computing targets: 20-50 qubits in 3 yrs; 50-100 in 5 yrs; 50-1000 in 8 yrs (superconducting & photonic) [3].

• Quantum Communication targets: Satellite-based secure communication over 2000 km within India; inter-city QKD over 2000 km using trusted nodes; long-distance links with other countries [3].
• Fabrication facilities: major at IISc Bengaluru and IIT Bombay; smaller at IIT Delhi & IIT Kanpur [2].
• Manpower: 14 Technical Groups, 17 Project Teams, 152 researchers across 43 institutions [2].
• NQM is one of nine missions under PM-STIAC (PM Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Council) [3].

5. Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Scientific / Technological

• Covers four verticals: computing, communication, sensing-metrology, materials [1].
• Domestic fabrication push for qubits, single-photon sources/detectors, entangled-photon sources, topological materials, superconductors [3].

Strategic / Geopolitical

• Quantum-secure communication critical for defence, diplomatic cables, banking; reduces dependence on foreign cryptographic stacks [3].
• Positions India alongside US, China, EU, UK, Russia, Japan, Canada — only countries with dedicated national quantum programmes [3].

Economic

• Targets startup ecosystem & industry-academia linkages via Section-8 company T-Hub model for governance flexibility [1].
• Likely spillovers in telecom, fintech, drug discovery, materials.

Administrative / Governance

• Mission Governing Board chaired by eminent scientist; Mission Coordination Cell at DST.
• T-Hubs as Section-8 (not-for-profit) companies with their own Hub Governing Boards (HGBs) — institutional autonomy [1].

Ethical

• "Q-Day" risk: quantum computers may break RSA/ECC encryption — urgency for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) migration in critical infra.

6. Recent Developments (last 12-18 months)

• FY 2024-25: Four T-Hubs incorporated as Section-8 companies; HGBs constituted [1].
• 2024: PSA A.K. Sood launched 14 Technical Groups & 17 Project Teams [2].
• 04 Feb 2026: Parliament Q&A confirms progress on Fabrication & Central Facilities under NQM [1].

7. Prelims Hooks

• NQM outlay: ₹6003.65 crore over 8 years (2023-2031) [1].
• Approved by Union Cabinet on 19 April 2023 [4].
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Science & Technology / DST (NOT MeitY, NOT DRDO) [3].
• Four verticals: quantum computing, communication, sensing-metrology, materials [1].
• T-Hub for Quantum Computing → IISc Bengaluru [2].
• T-Hub for Quantum Communication → IIT Madras with C-DoT [2].
• T-Hub for Quantum Sensing & Metrology → IIT Bombay [2].
• T-Hub for Quantum Materials & Devices → IIT Delhi [2].
• T-Hubs are Section-8 Companies of the Companies Act, 2013 [1].
• 8-year qubit target: 50-1000 physical qubits [3].
• Satellite-based quantum-secure communication target: 2000 km within India [3].
• NQM is one of nine PM-STIAC missions [3].
• Predecessor programme: QuEST (2018) by DST [3].

8. Mains Relevance

• GS Paper III — Science & Technology: "Achievements of Indians in S&T; indigenisation of technology and developing new technology."
• GS Paper III — Internal Security: encryption, cyber-security implications of quantum.
• Possible question stems:
• "The National Quantum Mission marks India's entry into the elite club of quantum-capable nations. Discuss its objectives, institutional architecture, and strategic significance." (15 marks)
• "Quantum technologies are dual-use. Examine the opportunities and security challenges they pose for India." (10 marks)
• "Critically evaluate the Thematic Hub model adopted under the NQM for translating R&D into deployable quantum technologies." (15 marks)

9. Related Topics to Study Next

• PM-STIAC & nine national missions — parent advisory framework for NQM.
• National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) — adjacent deep-tech mission under DST.
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) — fabrication ecosystem complementarity.
• C-DoT (Centre for Development of Telematics) — partner in Quantum Communication T-Hub.
• Post-Quantum Cryptography & National Cyber Security Policy — defensive flank.
• DRDO's QKD demonstrations & ISRO's quantum experiments — defence-space angle.
• Section-8 Companies under Companies Act, 2013 — governance vehicle for T-Hubs.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) — overarching R&D funding architecture.

10. Common Errors / Trap Areas

• Wrong Ministry: NQM is under DST (Min. of S&T), NOT MeitY or DRDO.
• Outlay confusion: Correct figure is ₹6003.65 cr, not the earlier-announced ₹8,000 cr of NMQTA (2020).
• Wrong T-Hub mapping: IIT Bombay = Sensing/Metrology (not Materials); IIT Delhi = Materials & Devices (not Computing).
• Duration: 8 years (2023-2031), not 5 or 10.
• T-Hub legal form: Section-8 Company, not a Society or autonomous body.
• NQM ≠ QuEST (2018 precursor) — sometimes confused.