- Why in news
- On 7 October 2026, PIB published a explainer on Additive Manufacturing in India. It reports progress under the National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (NSAM) and says the strategy is moving to its NSAM 2.0 phase.
- What it is
- The National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (NSAM) is India's policy framework for 3D printing, released by MeitY in February 2022. Additive manufacturing builds an object layer by layer from a digital file, instead of cutting material away. The strategy sets targets for technologies, start-ups, products, skills and market share.
- Nodal ministry and date
- MeitY released NSAM in February 2022. It is aligned with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Market and GDP target
- NSAM aims for 5% of the global AM market and about US$1 billion added to India's GDP.
- Development and Deployment Centres
- Seven specialised Development and Deployment Centres support R&D, skilling and hands-on technology access.
- STL file
- An STL (Standard Tessellation Language) file represents a 3D model as a collection of triangular surfaces. It is a commonly used file format for AM.
Don’t confuse with Additive vs subtractive manufacturing: Additive builds an object up layer by layer. Subtractive methods such as machining cut material away from a block.
Don’t confuse with NSAM vs NAMS: NSAM is the national strategy. NAMS is the National Additive Manufacturing Symposium, a MeitY platform whose 2nd edition was held on 13 March 2026.
Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.
Why it matters
- Supports indigenous manufacturing and cuts import dependence in medical devices, aerospace and electronics.
- Enables faster, customised and lower-emission production, for example in construction and implants.
Problems
- Machines and materials remain costly, so affordability is a barrier for small firms.
- Skills, standards and intellectual property generation need to catch up with the technology.
Way forward
- Build affordability through clusters, as NSAM 2.0 plans, and expand the start-up base.
- Deepen international cooperation on standards, joint research and technology partnerships.
Put in your answer
Agnikul Agnibaan-SOrTeD: In May 2024 an IIT Madras-incubated start-up launched a rocket with a single-piece, AM-printed semi-cryogenic engine.
3D-printed construction: The Kelvin 6K Pro printer has shown 2,500 sq ft homes can be built in under 30 days with low-carbon geopolymer material.
Army AM dwelling: The Indian Army inaugurated its first AM-printed two-story dwelling unit at Ahmedabad, built in 12 weeks.
- 2013Mains GS3 · Q16How 3D printing works, and its advantages and disadvantages
- 2018Prelims Q84Which applications 3D printing has across confectionery, bionic ears, automotive, surgery, data processing
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting sci-tech topic; science and tech is 17% of Prelims questions, mostly on concepts like 3D printing. Release facts are mostly numbers, so no practice question.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.