UPSC Prelims 2026 Q49: National Quantum Mission — Explained

Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?

1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits.

2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Statement-wise explanation

  • 1: correct — The Department of Science & Technology lists this as the Mission's flagship computing target: intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits within 8 years. The Union Cabinet's 2023 approval set steps along the way: 20-50 physical qubits in 3 years, 50-100 in 5 years and 50-1000 in 8 years. The computers are to be built on platforms such as superconducting and photonic technology.
  • 2: correct — The Mission is carried out through four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) set up in top academic and national R&D institutes. Each hub covers one field: Quantum Computing (IISc Bengaluru), Quantum Communication (IIT Madras with C-DOT), Quantum Sensing & Metrology (IIT Bombay) and Quantum Materials & Devices (IIT Delhi). The hubs were set up in 2024-25 as Section-8 (not-for-profit) companies.

How to eliminate

Elimination does not help much here. Neither statement uses an absolute word like 'only', 'all' or 'always', and both read like lines taken straight from a scheme document. Two clues still point the right way. First, 'intermediate-scale' with 50 to a few hundred or 1000 qubits is the standard term for today's noisy quantum machines (NISQ), so a national target in that range is believable. Second, quantum technology is usually split into four fields: computing, communication, sensing and materials. That makes 'four' hubs a natural number. In the end you need the facts. Remember these: 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years, four T-Hubs, ₹6,003.65 crore, 2023-24 to 2030-31.

Know more

National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the Union Cabinet on 19 April 2023. Its outlay is ₹6,003.65 crore for 2023-24 to 2030-31 (8 years). The Department of Science & Technology (DST) runs it. The aim is to build scientific and industrial R&D in quantum technology and make India a leading country in the field.

Key targets (8 years)

  • Computing: intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits, on superconducting, photonic and other platforms.
  • Communication: satellite-based secure quantum communication over 2,000 km within India; inter-city quantum key distribution (QKD) over 2,000 km; long-distance secure links with other countries.
  • Sensing & metrology: high-sensitivity magnetometers in atomic systems; atomic clocks for precise timing, communication and navigation.
  • Materials: superconductors, new semiconductor structures and topological materials for making quantum devices.

The four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs)

Domain Host Section-8 entity
Quantum Computing IISc Bengaluru Foundation for QC Innovation
Quantum Communication IIT Madras (with C-DOT) IITM CDOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation
Quantum Sensing & Metrology IIT Bombay QMet Tech Foundation
Quantum Materials & Devices IIT Delhi QMD Foundation

Physical vs logical qubits: A physical qubit is the actual hardware unit, such as a superconducting circuit or a photon. Physical qubits are noisy and make errors. A logical qubit is an error-corrected qubit built from many physical qubits. Machines with roughly 50-1000 noisy physical qubits are called NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) devices. This explains the word 'intermediate-scale' in the NQM target.

In the news

The NQM was in the news all through early 2026. Parliament answers in February 2026 restated the 8-year qubit targets and the four T-Hubs set up in 2024-25. Ministers also announced new milestones: a 1,000-km secure quantum communication link and the Amaravati Quantum Centre.

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