India began its first mission to Mars, seeking to beat China to the red planet and showcase its push for technological development.

"It's lift off," said a commentator on state television as the red-and-black rocket launched into a slightly overcast sky on schedule at 2.38pm local time from the southern spaceport in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh state.

The 350-tonne launch vehicle carries an unmanned probe that Indian scientists plan to put into orbit around Mars, a feat only the US, Europe and Russia have achieved. The launch was monitored by dozens of scientists in the control room who face their most daunting task since India began its space program in 1963.

The journey of about 680 million kilometres will take almost a year, the Indian Space Research Organisation said.