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
- Visit the official C-DAC admission website: www.cdac.in or acts.cdac.in
- Click on Register / Apply Online.
- Fill your basic details — name, mobile number, email.
- After registration, C-DAC gives you a Form Number + Password.
(Keep these safe — you will need them for downloading admit card, counselling, etc.) - 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
- 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:
- Higher marks in Section A
- 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
- Log in and give your course + centre preferences.
- C-DAC releases Round 1 seat allocation.
- If allotted a seat → Pay 1st installment fee to confirm.
- You can freeze your seat or wait for Round 2 for a higher preference.
- After Round 2, C-DAC conducts 2nd counselling for vacant seats.
- 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 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 |
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.