MeitY Launches Param Shakti Supercomputing Facility at IIT Madras
On January 8, 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) inaugurated the Param Shakti supercomputing facility at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance India’s research capabilities in high-performance computing and is a significant step towards the country’s self-reliance in critical computing infrastructure.
Overview of the Param Shakti Facility
The Param Shakti facility features an indigenous supercomputing system known as PARAM Rudra, which boasts a remarkable computing power of 3.1 petaflops. This means it can perform over 3.1 quadrillion calculations per second, positioning it among the most powerful computing systems available in Indian academia.
The launch took place in Chennai, with MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan emphasizing the importance of this facility in the context of the National Supercomputing Mission. The facility is expected to support advanced research across various fields, including:
- Aerospace
- Materials Science
- Climate Modelling
- Drug Discovery
- Manufacturing
Significance of the Launch
According to MeitY, the introduction of the Param Shakti facility will enable researchers to reduce experimental timelines and manage complex simulations at scale. IIT Madras director V. Kamakoti highlighted the importance of government-led computing initiatives, such as the National Knowledge Network, which connects centrally funded academic institutions across the country.
During the launch event, Krishnan addressed students and faculty, encouraging them to focus on energy-efficient programming and effective sharing of GPU resources. He stated, “It is encouraging to see faculty and researchers from diverse departments coming together to use this facility and contribute meaningfully in their respective domains.”
Expanding India’s Supercomputing Footprint
Krishnan noted that India’s supercomputing capabilities are steadily expanding. With 37 supercomputers already installed across various institutions and more in the pipeline, including the largest system planned for Bengaluru, these initiatives are strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The PARAM Rudra system, which powers the Param Shakti facility, has been entirely developed in India. It utilizes C-DAC’s Rudra series servers and operates on open-source software, including AlmaLinux and an indigenous system software stack. This development aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in critical computing infrastructure.
Link to the IndiaAI Mission
Krishnan also connected the Param Shakti facility to the broader IndiaAI Mission, which aims to diversify technology platforms and reduce dependence on a single technology provider. He stated, “By enabling access to multiple GPU architectures, we want our innovators, scientists, and researchers to gain broad exposure and develop the capability to master diverse platforms.”
E. Magesh, the director general of C-DAC, emphasized the importance of adopting indigenous high-performance computing systems. He encouraged researchers to leverage the Rudra platform, stating that wider adoption would be critical for building long-term capabilities in advanced computing.
Operational Efficiency and Future Prospects
Since becoming operational in May 2025, the Param Shakti facility has already recorded over 80% utilization, indicating a strong demand from researchers across various disciplines. The data center operates with a power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.2-1.4, reflecting a commitment to energy efficiency.
MeitY officials indicated that the launch of the Param Shakti facility marks a significant milestone as the National Supercomputing Mission progresses towards its next phase. With India’s total computing capacity expected to approach exascale levels in the coming years, the facility is poised to play a vital role in advancing research and innovation.
Conclusion
The launch of the Param Shakti supercomputing facility at IIT Madras is a landmark achievement for India’s research community. By providing access to cutting-edge computing resources, the facility is set to enhance research capabilities across multiple domains and contribute to the nation’s self-reliance in technology. As India continues to expand its supercomputing footprint, the Param Shakti facility stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in scientific research.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates available as of January 2026.
