CDAC C-CAT 2026 Syllabus: Check Section-wise Latest C-CAT Syllabus

CDAC Common Admissions Test 2025 ( CDAC C-CAT )

DeskCalelnderResult - 22 Jan '26

Rashmi Karan
Updated on Jan 9, 2026 14:17 IST

By Rashmi Karan, Manager - Content

CDAC C-CAT 2026 syllabus comprises of three sections:

  • Section A (General Aptitude)
  • Section B (Computer Programming and Concepts) 
  • Section C (Computer Architecture)

Before starting the preparation process, candidates are advised to go through the syllabus of CDAC C-CAT 2026. This will ensure that the candidates know which topics will be referred to while preparing the CDAC C-CAT 2026 question paper. The subjects and topics included in the CDAC C-CAT 2026 syllabus will be at the same level as those at the graduation level. Along with the syllabus, the candidates are advised to check the CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam pattern. Read to know more about the CDAC C-CAT Syllabus 2026.

Table of contents
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Syllabus
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Best Books
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
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CDAC C-CAT 2026 Syllabus

 

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

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Do I have to study the entire CDAC C-CAT syllabus?
A: 

Yes. The candidates are advised to study the entire CDAC C-CAT syllabus. This will help the candidates to understand which topics have to be studied in the entrance examination to perform well in the examination. Since the question paper is prepared as per the syllabus, the candidates will be able to benefit by being familiar with the syllabus.

Q:   Is the CDAC C-CAT question paper prepared from the syllabus?
A: 

Yes. The authorities will prepare the CDAC C-CAT question paper based on the official syllabus. All of the topics present in the syllabus will be considered and accordingly the questions will be prepared for the upcoming entrance examination. Therefore, the candidates are advised to check the CDAC C-CAT syllabus carefully before commencing their preparation process. The official CDAC C-CAT syllabus is released online by the authorities.

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CDAC C-CAT 2026 Best Books

Candidates can check the list of best books for CDAC C-CAT 2026 below. The section-wise reference books have been given to help with the preparation process for CDAC C-CAT 2026. 

SECTION

TOPIC

REFERENCE BOOK

A

English

  • Any High School Grammar Book (e.g. Wren & Martin)

Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning

  • Quantitative Aptitude Fully Solved (R. S. Aggarwal)
  • Quantitative Aptitude (M Tyara)
  • Barron’s New GRE

Computer Fundamentals & Concepts of Programming

  • Foundations of Computing (Pradeep Sinha & Priti Sinha)

B

C Programming

  • C Programming Language (Kernighan & Ritchie)
  • Let Us C (Yashavant Kanetkar)

Data Structures

  • Data Structures Through C in Depth (S. K. Srivastava)

Operating Systems & Networking

  • Operating System Principles (Silberschatz, Galvin, Gagne)
  • Data Communication & Networking (Forouzan)

OOP Concepts

  • Test Your C++ Skills (Yashavant Kanetkar)

Basics of Big Data & AI

  • Fundamentals of Data Engineering (Joe Reis, Matt Housley)
  • Artificial Intelligence for Dummies (John Paul Mueller, Luca Massaron)

C

Computer Architecture

  • Computer Organization & Architecture (William Stallings)

Digital Electronics

  • Digital Design (Morris Mano)
  • Digital Design: Principles & Practices (John Wakerly)
  • Modern Digital Electronics (R. P. Jain)

Microprocessors

  • Microprocessor Architecture, Programming & Applications with 8085 (Ramesh Gaonkar)
  • The Intel Microprocessor (Barry Brey)
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the best books for the CDAC C-CAT Section A paper?
A: 

To prepare for the CDAC C-CAT Section A paper, the candidates are advised to refer to the following list of books.

  • English - Any High School Grammar Book (e.g. Wren & Martin)
  • Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning - Quantitative Aptitude Fully Solved (R. S. Aggarwal), Quantitative Aptitude (M Tyara), Barron's New GRE.
  • Computer Fundamentals & Concepts of Programming - Foundations of Computing (Pradeep Sinha & Priti Sinha)
Q:   Which are the best books to study CDAC C-CAT Section C?
A: 

To prepare for the CDAC C-CAT Section C paper, the candidates are advised to check the best reference materials. The list of best books to study CDAC C-CAT Section C are listed below.

  • Computer Architecture - Computer Organization & Architecture (William Stallings)
  • Digital Electronics - Digital Design (Morris Mano), Digital Design: Principles & Practices (John Wakerly), Modern Digital Electronics (R. P. Jain)
  • Microprocessors - Microprocessor Architecture, Programming & Applications with 8085 (Ramesh Gaonkar), The Intel Microprocessor (Barry Brey)
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CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Through the CDAC C-CAT exam pattern 2026, candidates can check the examination mode, duration, sections, total number of questions, marking scheme and more. The question paper will consist of 3 sections. Each section should be completed in 1 hour. The question paper will include 150 objective, multiple-choice questions.

The CDAC C-CAT marking scheme is as follows:

  • For every correct answer: +3 marks 
  • For every incorrect answer: -1 mark
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the sections included in CDAC C-CAT paper?
A: 

CDAC C-CAT paper consists of three sections:.

  • Section A - English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning
  • Section B - Computer Fundamentals, C Programming, Data Structures, Data Communication & Networking, Object Oriented Programming Concepts, Operating Systems
  • Section C - Computer Architecture, Digital Electronics, Microprocessors
Q:   What is the duration of CDAC C-CAT paper?
A: 

The time duration of the CDAC C-CAT exam is 180 minutes. The question paper includes 150 multiple-choice questions. Please note that no extra time will be given to complete the question paper. 

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CDAC C-CAT 2026 Marking Scheme

The CDAC C-CAT 2026 question paper will include 150 objective, multiple-choice questions. CDAC C-CAT marking scheme is as follows:

  • For every correct answer: +3 marks 
  • For every incorrect answer: -1 mark
 
 
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CDAC C-CAT Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a week 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

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week 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

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Your exam centre, date, and time will be clearly mentioned on your C-CAT admit card. You must check it carefully and reach the venue on time.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

After filling your personal and educational details on the CDAC C-CAT application form, upload your photo and pay the exam fee online. Once done, all steps will show a tick mark on the dashboard. 

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

No. Once the CDAC C-CAT application form is submitted,  the selected course category cannot be changed. Carefully review the application form before submitting.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

In CDAC C-CAT, Category III candidates can apply for both Category II and III courses if eligible. Category II candidates can apply only for Category II courses.

 

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Mandatory information to include in the CDAC C-CAT application form are: 

  • Full name, email address, phone number, and other personal details  
  • Class 10th, 12th, and graduation marks details
  • Course category (II or III)
  • 3 examination cities 
  • Passport-size photo of the candidate & digital signature

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes, admission to all CDAC PG Certificate Programmes like PG Diploma in Advanced Computing (PG-DAC), PG Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (PG-AI/PGCP-AI), PG Diploma in Big Data Analytics (PG-DBDA/PGCP-BDA), PG Diploma in Cyber Security & Forensics (PG-CSF), PG Diploma in VLSI Design (PG-DVLSI), PG

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

CDAC C-CAT is conducted twice a year,  in January (for February admissions) and July (for August admissions).

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

After registering for CDAC C-CAT 2026, you will receive an Application Form number. Use this number to log in and complete the C-CAT application form.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

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