If you want to build a strong career in IT, AI, Software Development, Cyber Security, VLSI, Big Data or Cloud, then C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) is one of the best institutes in India. Every year, C-DAC conducts the C-CAT (Common Admission Test) twice — once for the February batch and once for the August batch — and thousands of students join C-DAC through these two admission cycles.

This guide explains everything in simple language so that any student — even a beginner — can understand the complete process clearly.

1. How to Register for C-CAT 2026

Registering for the C-DAC C-CAT exam is completely online.

Step-by-step Registration Process

1. Visit the official C-DAC admission website: www.cdac.in or acts.cdac.in 
2. Click on Register / Apply Online.
3. Fill your basic details — name, mobile number, email.
4. After registration, C-DAC gives you a Form Number + Password.
   (Keep these safe — you will need them for downloading admit card, counselling, etc.)
5. Log in using your Form Number and fill the application form:
   • Personal details
   • Educational qualification
   • Upload passport-size photo
   • Choose Course Category (II or III)
   • Select 3 exam cities
   • Pay exam fee online
6. Submit the form and download the PDF application for your records.

2. Eligibility Criteria for C-DAC Courses

C-DAC courses have different eligibility requirements, but the general criteria are:

Basic Eligibility

• Engineering graduate (any branch) OR
• MCA / MCM OR
• MSc / MS (Computer Science, IT, Electronics) OR
• Postgraduate in Physics / Maths / Statistics (for some courses)

Other Important Rules

• No age limit
• Final-year students can apply (must submit proof by joining time)
• Minimum marks required: 55%–60%, depending on the course

3. C-CAT Examination Pattern

C-CAT is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted at authorised test centres across India.

C-CAT has three sections:

Section	What it contains	Who needs it
A	English, Quant, Reasoning, Computer Basics	All candidates
B	C, Data Structures, OOPs, OS, Networking, Basics of AI/Big Data	Category II & III
C	Digital Electronics, Architecture, Microprocessors	Category III

Exam Format

• Each section = 1 hour
• 50 questions per section
• +3 for correct, –1 for wrong, 0 for not attempted
• Medium: English
• Conducted over two days with morning/afternoon slots

4. C-CAT Syllabus (Easy Breakdown)

Section A

• English grammar
• Quantitative aptitude
• Logical reasoning
• Computer fundamentals & basic programming concepts

Section B

• C programming
• Data structures
• Object-oriented concepts (C++)
• Operating systems
• Computer networks
• Basics of Big Data & AI

Section C

• Digital electronics
• Microprocessors
• Computer architecture

This is an indicative syllabus — always refer to the official booklet for updated topics.

5. C-CAT Schedule & Exam Cities

C-CAT 2026 Tentative Dates

• Exam Dates: 10 & 11 January 2026
• Admit Card Download: 6–10 January 2026

Cities Where C-CAT Is Conducted

C-CAT is held in 30+ cities, including:

• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Mumbai
• Pune
• Noida
• Kolkata
• Ahmedabad
• Jaipur
• Patna
• Guwahati
• Lucknow
• Kochi
• Varanasi
• Vijayawada
  …and many more.

You must select three city preferences while applying.

6. C-CAT Fee & Ranking Method

C-CAT Exam Fee

Category	Papers	Fee
Category II	Sections A + B	₹1550
Category III	Sections A + B + C	₹1750

Fees are paid online only — UPI, Net banking, Debit/Credit card.

How Ranking Works

• Ranking depends on your performance in required sections:
  • Category II → Section A + B
  • Category III → Section A + B + C
• If you get zero or negative in any required section → No Rank
• Tie-breaker:
  1. Higher marks in Section A
  2. Better accuracy (correct/attempted ratio)

Higher rank means better chances of getting centres like Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai.

7. Counselling & Seat Allocation Process

After results, C-DAC conducts online counselling in two phases.

Counselling Steps

1. Log in and give your course + centre preferences.
2. C-DAC releases Round 1 seat allocation.
3. If allotted a seat → Pay 1st installment fee to confirm.
4. You can freeze your seat or wait for Round 2 for a higher preference.
5. After Round 2, C-DAC conducts 2nd counselling for vacant seats.
6. Round 3 (final round) happens based on the 2nd counselling.

Important

• Seats are allotted strictly based on:
  Rank + Preference Order + Seat Availability
• You will not get any centre/course that you didn’t choose.

8. Seat Capacity at Training Centres

C-DAC has centres across India — some offer online mode, some physical mode, depending on the course.

Examples of Popular Centres

• C-DAC Pune – Large number of seats for PG-DAC, AI, BDA
• C-DAC Bengaluru – AI, ESD, MC
• C-DAC Hyderabad – VLSI, ESD, DAC
• C-DAC Mumbai (Kharghar) – AC, CSF, BDA
• C-DAC Noida – ITISS, HPCSA
• Sunbeam Pune/Karad – PG-DAC
• MET Mumbai/Nashik, IACSD Akurdi, Know-IT Pune, Infoway Pune, etc.

Seat numbers vary by course and centre and are announced in the official admission booklet.

9. Important Dates for C-CAT 2026 (Official Schedule)

(Reference: C-DAC Admission Booklet 2026)

Event	Date
Online Registration Starts	27 Nov 2025
Last Date to Apply	29 Dec 2025
Download Admit Cards	6–10 Jan 2026
C-CAT Exam	10 & 11 Jan 2026
Results / Ranks	22 Jan 2026
1st Counselling (Choice Filling)	22–28 Jan 2026
Round 1 Allocation	30 Jan 2026
Fee Payment (Round 1)	Till 4 Feb 2026
Round 2 Allocation	6 Feb 2026
Fee Payment (Round 2)	Till 10 Feb 2026
2nd Counselling	11–16 Feb 2026
Round 3 Allocation	17 Feb 2026
Final Fee Payment	23 Feb 2026
Course Starts	25 Feb 2026
Course Ends	11 Aug 2026

Final Words: Your Roadmap to Getting Into C-DAC

C-DAC is a powerful launchpad for students aiming for high-paying jobs in:

• Software Development
• AI & ML
• Data Analytics
• Cyber Security
• VLSI & Embedded Systems
• Cloud & DevOps

By understanding the C-CAT exam, eligibility, registration process, syllabus, ranking, counselling, and seat capacity, you can easily navigate the entire admission process.

If you prepare well and score a good rank, you can grab a seat in top centres like Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, and Mumbai — where placement results are excellent.