Specifications on Inception are just getting started.

The Planning specifications are developing a Ratification Plan based on current policies, utilizing the Planning Tool to support this process.

Assume everything is subject to change. At this stage, ideas, structures, and content are still evolving. Feedback and iteration are encouraged as nothing is final, and adjustments may be frequent.

In the Stabilization phase, the focus shifts toward refining and solidifying ideas, structures, and content. While changes may still occur, they should be incremental and carefully considered. Feedback remains valuable but is now aimed at fine-tuning rather than major revisions, ensuring consistency and readiness for finalization.

During the Stabilization phase, the Internal Review is a mandatory two-week period that allows RISC-V Members to review a stable specification before it is finalized and frozen.

Changes are highly unlikely. A high threshold will be applied, and modifications will only be made in response to critical issues. Any other proposed changes should be addressed through a follow-on extension.

At the Freeze stage, the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) plays a critical role in assessing whether the RISC-V specification is truly ready to advance toward ratification. Unlike earlier consultative reviews, this phase is a decisive checkpoint where the focus is on ensuring completeness, stability, and readiness. The ARC evaluates the specification for any necessary refinements, determining if it can proceed as-is or if further modifications are required before moving forward in the ratification process.

The Public Review phase is a 30-day period during which the specification is made publicly available for review by anyone worldwide. This open review process allows for broad community feedback and is conducted via the public isa-dev mailing list, ensuring transparency and inclusivity before the specification moves toward ratification.

At the Ratification-Ready stage, the specification has undergone thorough review and refinement and is now awaiting final approval. The Technical Steering Committee (TSC) plays a key role in this phase, formally approving that the specification is complete, stable, and ready to be presented to the Board of Directors for final ratification.

In the Publication phase, the specification undergoes final review and approval by the Board of Directors (BoD). Once approved, it is officially designated as version 1.0, signifying that it has been ratified and is now a formal, stable standard within the RISC-V ecosystem.