If you are planning to build a successful career in Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Development, Cyber Security, VLSI, Big Data, or Cloud Computing, then C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) is regarded as one of India’s most prestigious training institutes. Every year, C-DAC organizes the C-CAT (Common Admission Test) twice—once for admission to the February batch and again for the August batch. Through these two admission cycles, thousands of aspiring students secure admission into various postgraduate diploma programs offered by C-DAC.
This comprehensive guide explains the entire C-DAC admission process in simple and easy-to-understand language, making it suitable even for beginners who are appearing for C-CAT for the first time.
1. How to Register for C-CAT 2026
The registration process for the C-DAC C-CAT examination is conducted entirely online.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Visit the official C-DAC admission portal: www.cdac.in or acts.cdac.in
- Click on the Register or Apply Online option.
- Enter your basic information, including:
- Full Name
- Mobile Number
- Email Address
- Once registration is completed, C-DAC will generate a Form Number and Password.
- Keep these credentials secure, as they will be required for downloading the admit card, participating in counselling, checking results, and accessing other admission-related services.
- Log in using your Form Number and complete the application form by providing:
- Personal details
- Educational qualifications
- Passport-size photograph upload
- Course Category selection (Category II or Category III)
- Three preferred examination cities
- Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.
- Submit the application form and download the PDF copy for future reference.
2. Eligibility Criteria for C-DAC Courses
Different C-DAC courses have specific eligibility requirements. However, the general eligibility conditions are as follows:
Basic Eligibility
Candidates should possess one of the following qualifications:
- Engineering Degree (any branch)
- MCA / MCM
- MSc / MS in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Electronics
- Postgraduate Degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Statistics (applicable for certain courses)
Other Important Conditions
- There is no upper age limit.
- Final-year students are eligible to apply, provided they submit the required proof before the course commencement date.
- Minimum qualifying marks generally range between 55% and 60%, depending upon the selected course.
3. C-CAT Examination Pattern
C-CAT is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) at authorized examination centres located across India.
The examination consists of three separate sections.
| Section | Topics Covered | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|
| A | English, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Computer Fundamentals | All Candidates |
| B | C Programming, Data Structures, OOPs, Operating Systems, Networking, AI & Big Data Basics | Category II & III |
| C | Digital Electronics, Computer Architecture, Microprocessors | Category III |
Exam Format
- Duration of each section: 1 Hour
- Number of questions per section: 50
- Correct answer: +3 marks
- Incorrect answer: -1 mark
- Unattempted question: 0 marks
- Examination language: English
- The exam is conducted over two days in multiple morning and afternoon sessions.
4. C-CAT Syllabus (Simplified Overview)
Section A
- English Grammar
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Logical Reasoning
- Computer Fundamentals
- Basic Programming Concepts
Section B
- C Programming
- Data Structures
- Object-Oriented Programming Concepts (C++)
- Operating Systems
- Computer Networks
- Fundamentals of Big Data
- Basics of Artificial Intelligence
Section C
- Digital Electronics
- Microprocessors
- Computer Architecture
The syllabus listed above is indicative in nature. Candidates should always refer to the latest official C-DAC admission booklet for updated topics and detailed coverage.
5. C-CAT Schedule and Examination Cities
C-CAT 2026 Tentative Schedule
- Examination Dates: 10 January 2026 and 11 January 2026
- Admit Card Download: 6 January 2026 to 10 January 2026
Major Cities Where C-CAT Is Conducted
C-CAT examinations are organized in more than 30 cities across India, including:
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Mumbai
- Pune
- Noida
- Kolkata
- Ahmedabad
- Jaipur
- Patna
- Guwahati
- Lucknow
- Kochi
- Varanasi
- Vijayawada
…and several other cities.
Applicants are required to select three preferred examination cities while submitting the application form.
6. C-CAT Fee Structure and Ranking System
C-CAT Examination Fee
| Category | Sections | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Category II | A + B | ₹1550 |
| Category III | A + B + C | ₹1750 |
The fee can be paid online through:
- UPI
- Net Banking
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
How the Ranking System Works
Your rank is calculated based on performance in the required sections.
- Category II Candidates: Section A + Section B
- Category III Candidates: Section A + Section B + Section C
Important Rule:
If a candidate scores zero or negative marks in any mandatory section, no rank will be awarded.
Tie-Breaking Criteria
In case of a tie:
- Higher marks in Section A are considered.
- Better accuracy ratio (Correct Answers ÷ Questions Attempted) is considered.
A higher rank significantly improves the chances of getting admission to preferred centres such as Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
7. Counselling and Seat Allocation Process
After declaration of results, C-DAC conducts online counselling in multiple phases.
Counselling Procedure
- Log in to the counselling portal.
- Fill in course and centre preferences.
- C-DAC announces Round 1 seat allotment results.
- If a seat is allotted, pay the first installment fee to confirm admission.
- Candidates may either freeze the allotted seat or wait for Round 2 to seek a higher preference.
- After Round 2, a second counselling process is conducted for vacant seats.
- Round 3 serves as the final seat allocation round based on second counselling preferences.
Important Information
Seat allocation is strictly based on:
- Candidate Rank
- Preference Order
- Seat Availability
Candidates will only be considered for centres and courses that they selected during counselling.
8. Seat Availability at Training Centres
C-DAC operates multiple training centres across India. Depending on the course, centres may offer classroom mode, online mode, or a hybrid learning model.
Popular C-DAC Training Centres
- C-DAC Pune – Large intake for PG-DAC, AI, and BDA programs
- C-DAC Bengaluru – AI, ESD, and MC programs
- C-DAC Hyderabad – VLSI, DAC, and ESD programs
- C-DAC Mumbai (Kharghar) – AC, CSF, and BDA programs
- C-DAC Noida – ITISS and HPCSA programs
- Sunbeam Pune/Karad – PG-DAC
- MET Mumbai/Nashik
- IACSD Akurdi
- Know-IT Pune
- Infoway Pune
The number of seats varies every admission cycle and is officially announced in the latest C-DAC admission booklet.
9. Important Dates for C-CAT 2026 (Official Schedule)
(Reference: C-DAC Admission Schedule for the August 2026 Batch)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Beginning of Online Registration and Application for C-CAT | 26 May 2026 |
| Pan-CDAC Online Q&A Session on PG Certificate Programmes and C-CAT Application Process | 9 June 2026 (3:00 PM) |
| Closing of Online Registration, Application Submission, and Payment of Examination Fee | 23 June 2026 |
| Downloading of C-CAT Admit Cards | 30 June – 4 July 2026 |
| C-DAC Common Admission Test (C-CAT) | 4 July 2026 & 5 July 2026 |
| Announcement of C-CAT Ranks | 16 July 2026 |
| Online Selection of Courses and Centres (1st Counselling) | 16 – 23 July 2026 |
| Pan-CDAC Online Q&A Session on C-CAT Counselling and Seat Allocation Process | 17 July 2026 (3:00 PM) |
| Declaration of First Round Seat Allocation | 25 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Payment of First Installment Course Fee (₹15,000 + GST) for Candidates Allotted Seats in Round 1 | 31 July 2026 (Till 5:00 PM) |
| Declaration of Second Round Seat Allocation | 2 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Payment of First Installment Course Fee (₹15,000 + GST) for Candidates Allotted Seats for the First Time in Round 2 | 6 August 2026 (Till 5:00 PM) |
| Payment of Caution Deposit (₹15,000 + GST) and Online Selection of Courses and Centres (2nd Counselling) | 7 – 12 August 2026 (Till 5:00 PM) |
| Declaration of Third Round Seat Allocation (Based on 2nd Counselling) | 13 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Payment of Balance Course Fee | 20 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration of Students | 21 August 2026 |
| Commencement of PG Certificate Programmes Across India | 24 August 2026 |
| Completion of PG Certificate Programmes Across India | 6 February 2027 |
Important Note
Candidates are advised to complete all registration, fee payment, counselling, and admission-related activities well before the respective deadlines. Missing any deadline may result in cancellation of candidature or loss of seat allocation. It is also recommended to regularly check the official C-DAC admission portal for notifications, schedule changes, and important announcements related to the August 2026 admission cycle.
Final Words: Your Complete Roadmap to C-DAC Admission
C-DAC serves as an excellent career accelerator for students who aspire to work in high-growth technology domains such as:
- Software Development
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Data Analytics
- Cyber Security
- VLSI and Embedded Systems
- Cloud Computing and DevOps
By gaining a clear understanding of the C-CAT examination pattern, eligibility criteria, registration process, syllabus, ranking methodology, counselling procedure, and seat allocation system, candidates can navigate the admission journey with confidence.
A strong preparation strategy combined with a good C-CAT rank can help you secure admission to leading centres such as Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, and Mumbai, where placement opportunities and career outcomes are highly promising.