Admissions to all PG Diploma programs offered by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing are done through the C-CAT (Common Admission Test). The exam is conducted in a computer-based format at designated C-DAC test centres.
Candidates need to apply online through the official C-DAC website. Admission is strictly based on C-CAT rank along with course and centre preferences selected by the candidate.
Structure of the Exam
C-CAT is divided into three sections:
- Section A
- Section B
- Section C
Each section is conducted separately and has a duration of one hour.
Depending on the course you choose, you may need to appear for:
- Only Section A
- Section A and Section B
- Section A, Section B, and Section C
The exam is conducted in English.
Question Pattern and Marking Scheme
Each section contains 50 multiple-choice questions. Every question has four options, and only one correct answer.
Marking scheme:
- +3 marks for every correct answer
- -1 mark for every incorrect answer
- 0 marks for unanswered questions
The maximum score for each section is 150 marks.
Course Categories and Required Sections
Category I
Courses like PG-DGi require only Section A
Category II
Courses such as PG-DAC, PG-DBDA, PG-DITISS, PG-DAI, PG-DIoT, PG-DMC, PG-DASSD, PG-DHPCSA, PG-DFBD, and PG-DCSF require Section A and Section B
Category III
Courses like PG-DESD, PG-DVLSI, and PG-DRAT require all three sections: A, B, and C
C-CAT Syllabus
Section A
Topics include English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning
Duration: 1 hour
Section B
Covers Computer Fundamentals, C Programming, Data Structures, Object-Oriented Programming, and Operating Systems
Duration: 1 hour
Section C
Includes Computer Architecture, Digital Electronics, and Microprocessors
Duration: 1 hour
Recommended Books
Section A
English: Wren & Martin (or any standard grammar book)
Quantitative Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal, M Tyra, Barron’s GRE
Section B
Computer Fundamentals: Pradeep Sinha
C Programming: Kernighan & Ritchie, Yashavant Kanetkar
Data Structures: S.K. Srivastava
Operating Systems: Silberschatz, Galvin, Gagne
OOP Concepts: Yashavant Kanetkar
Section C
Computer Architecture: William Stallings
Digital Electronics: Morris Mano, R.P. Jain, John Wakerly
Microprocessors: Ramesh Gaonkar, Barry Brey
C-CAT Application Fee
The application fee depends on the number of sections you choose:
- Section A only: Rs 1350
- Section A + B: Rs 1550
- Section A + B + C: Rs 1750
The fee once paid is non-refundable.
Important Note
Candidates should carefully choose the course category before applying, as it determines the sections they need to attempt. A better understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus can significantly improve preparation and performance.