CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Check Section-wise Pattern & Marking Scheme
CDAC Common Admissions Test 2026 ( CDAC C-CAT )
The CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam pattern is available on official portal. Through the CDAC C-CAT exam pattern 2026, the candidates can know how to approach for the exam preparation. Some of the vital information that the candidates can check through the exam pattern of CDAC C-CAT 2026 is the examination mode, duration, sections, total number of questions, marking scheme and more. All candidates are advised to check the official CDAC C-CAT exam pattern to prepare for the upcoming examination. As per the exam pattern, CDAC C-CAT 2026 will be held as an online test. Along with the pattern, the candidates are also advised to check the official CDAC C-CAT 2025 syllabus. Read to know more about the CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Pattern.
- CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
- Categories of PG Diploma Courses and the Test Paper(s) in CDAC C-CAT
- CDAC C-CAT 2026 Syllabus
CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam pattern has important information that candidates should be aware of before starting their preparation process. The detailed exam pattern of CDAC C-CAT 2026 is provided below.
CDAC C-CAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Number of Questions | 150 |
| Sections |
|
| Marking Scheme |
|
Categories of PG Diploma Courses and the Test Paper(s) in CDAC C-CAT
| Course Category |
Course Name |
C-CAT Paper(s) |
|---|---|---|
| II |
PG Diploma in Advanced Computing (PG-DAC) |
Section A + Section B |
| PG Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (PG-DAI)
|
||
| PG Diploma in Internet of Things (PG-DIoT) | ||
| PG Diploma in Mobile Computing (PG-DMC) |
||
| PG Diploma in System Software Development (PG-DSSD) |
||
| PG Diploma in IT Infrastructure, Systems & Security (PG-DITISS) |
||
| PG Diploma in FinTech & Blockchain Development (PG-DFBD)
|
||
| PG Diploma in Cyber Security & Forensics (PG-DCSF) | ||
| PG Diploma in Robotics & Allied Technologies (PG-DRAT) | ||
| PG Diploma in Big Data Analytics (PG-DBDA) |
||
| PG Diploma in Internet of Things (PG-DIoT) |
||
| PG Diploma in HPC System Administration (PG-DHPCSA) |
||
|
|
PG Diploma in UAS Programming (PG-DUASP)
|
|
| III |
PG Diploma in Embedded Systems Design (PG-DESD) |
Section A + Section B + Section C |
| PG Diploma in VLSI Design (PG-DVLSI) |
Commonly asked questions
The release date for the CDAC C-CAT 2026 application form, February cycle, has not been announced, but the C-CAT is typically conducted in January for the February admissions. Application forms are usually released around December. You are advised to check the C-DAC website regularly for announcements regarding the C-CAT 2026.
Categories of PG Diploma Courses and the Test Paper(s) in CDAC C-CAT
| Course Category |
Course Name |
C-CAT Paper(s) |
|---|---|---|
| II |
PG Diploma in Advanced Computing (PG-DAC) |
Section A + Section B |
| PG Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (PG-DAI)
|
||
| PG Diploma in Internet of Things (PG-DIoT) | ||
| PG Diploma in Mobile Computing (PG-DMC) |
||
| PG Diploma in System Software Development (PG-DSSD) |
||
| PG Diploma in IT Infrastructure, Systems & Security (PG-DITISS) |
||
| PG Diploma in FinTech & Blockchain Development (PG-DFBD)
|
||
| PG Diploma in Cyber Security & Forensics (PG-DCSF) | ||
| PG Diploma in Robotics & Allied Technologies (PG-DRAT) | ||
| PG Diploma in Big Data Analytics (PG-DBDA) |
||
| PG Diploma in Internet of Things (PG-DIoT) |
||
| PG Diploma in HPC System Administration (PG-DHPCSA) |
||
|
|
PG Diploma in UAS Programming (PG-DUASP)
|
|
| III |
PG Diploma in Embedded Systems Design (PG-DESD) |
Section A + Section B + Section C |
| PG Diploma in VLSI Design (PG-DVLSI) |
CDAC C-CAT 2026 Syllabus
The CDAC C-CAT 2026 syllabus has been released online. Candidates can check the list of subjects, units and topics that need to be studied on the official portal or on this platform. A good understanding of the CDAC C-CAT 2026 syllabus will help in better preparation for the test.
| Sections |
Topics |
DURATION |
|---|---|---|
| Section A |
English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Computer Fundamentals & Concepts of Programming |
1 hour |
| Section B |
C Programming, Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming Concepts using C++, Operating Systems & Networking, Basics of Big Data & Artificial Intelligence |
1 hour |
| Section C |
Computer Architecture, Digital Electronics, Microprocessors |
1 hour |
Please note that the syllabus of CDAC C-CAT 2026 is at par with the graduation-level syllabus.
Commonly asked questions
As per the CDAC C-CAT syllabus, the candidates will have to study English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Computer Fundamentals & Concepts of Programming, C Programming, Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming Concepts using C+, Operating Systems & Networking, Basics of Big Data & Artificial Intelligence, Computer Architecture, Digital Electronics, Microprocessors.
CDAC C-CAT syllabus is released online at cdac.in. Candidates will be able to check the list of subjects, units and topics to be studied for the entrance examination through the syllabus of CDAC C-CAT. The authorities will not use any other mode to release the CDAC C-CAT syllabus. All candidates are advised to carefully check the syllabus to be prepared for the examination.
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CDAC C-CAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
| Criterion | Rule for 2026 Ranking |
|---|---|
| Disqualification | the lowest 20% (A & B) or 10% (C) of performers. |
| Minimum Score | Must be greater than 0 in all attempted sections. |
| 1st Tie-Breaker | Higher marks in Section A. |
| 2nd Tie-Breaker | Higher accuracy ratio (Correct / Attempted). |
| 3rd Tie-Breaker | Older age (preference for older candidates). |
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, candidates in the lowest 10 -20% of performers may not be included in the rank list, depending on overall performance. Here it is-
- the lowest Performers Excluded: Candidates in the the lowest 20% of performers for Sections A & B, or the the lowest 10% for Section C, do not receive a rank.
- Minimum
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
To be eligible for a CDAC C-CAT rank, candidates must score above zero in all the sections they attempted.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
The official rank list for the February 2026 batch will be released on January 22, 2026.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
CDAC C-CAT exam consists of 150 questions in total, with a maximum score of 150 marks across Sections A, B, and C.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
You can calculate your score using the official marking scheme:
+3 marks for correct answers
–1 mark for incorrect answers
0 marks for unattempted questions
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, candidates must pay a non-refundable fee of INR 500 per question to raise an objection to the CDAC C-CAT 2026 answer key.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, candidates can raise objections if they find errors in the provisional answer key. The objection window usually opens within 48 hours of the answer key release.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
During CDAC C-CAT counselling, seat allotment is based on your C-CAT rank, chosen preferences, and seat availability. Higher-ranked candidates get priority during the allocation process.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
Yes. Participating in CDAC C-CAT online counselling is mandatory. Without selecting courses and centres during this stage, you will not be considered for seat allocation.
R
Contributor-Level 9
1 Institutes accepting CDAC C-CAT
CDAC - Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
Pashan, Pune • Public
3.4- ₹ 1.15 Lakh
- 30 weeks
- |
- Full Time
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