CDAC C-CAT 2026 Syllabus Sectional Breakdown: How to Prepare for Sections A & B

The CDAC Common Admission Test (CDAC C-CAT) 2026 is the main entrance test for admission to CDAC PG Certificate Programmes. Check the detailed sectional analysis of Sections A (General Aptitude & Fundamentals) and B (Programming & Computer Concepts) of the C-CAT syllabus. You will also learn which topics are important, how to prepare for them, recommended books, and exam strategies.

To perform well in C-CAT 2026, candidates must clearly understand the section-wise exam structure, syllabus, and preparation strategy. The C-CAT exam is divided into 3 sections- A, B & C. Applicants must attempt sections depending on the course category they have applied for.

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

During the test, candidates are going to attempt sections based on their selected course category. Here's the CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Pattern-

• Section A: Mandatory for all categories (I, II, and III)
• Section B: Mandatory for Categories II and III
• Section C: Required only for Category III

In this blog, we have covered the first two, Sections A and B of the CDAC CCAT syllabus.

Section-Wise Structure

Candidates are required to complete each section in the given time. Time cannot be carried forward from one section to another.

Marking Scheme for CDAC C-CAT 2026

• Correct Answer: +3 marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
• Unattempted Question: 0 marks

There is negative marking, so you must avoid any guesswork.

CDAC C-CAT Section A: General Aptitude & Fundamentals

Section A is common for all aspirants, irrespective of their course category. This section evaluates a candidate’s analytical thinking, numerical ability, language skills, and basic computing knowledge.

Section A: Topics 

Section A broadly includes the following four components:

• Quantitative Aptitude
• Logical Reasoning
• English Language
• Computer Fundamentals

Quantitative Aptitude

The quantitative aptitude section focuses on basic arithmetic concepts, of school level. The questions are straightforward but time-sensitive.

Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning tests a candidate’s ability to think logically and identify patterns. Most questions are concept-based and require you to understand it very carefully.

English 

The English section evaluates basic grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. The difficulty level is moderate.

Computer Fundamentals

This part tests basic computer awareness and introductory programming logic. Candidates with a non-computer background need to be extra cautious and pay special attention here.

Recommended Resources for Section A

CDAC C-CAT: Section B

Section B covers Computer Programming & Core Concepts and is mandatory for Category II and Category III candidates. It covers highly technical questions from-

• C Programming
• Data Structures
• Object-Oriented Programming Concepts using C++
• Operating Systems & Networking
• Basics of Big Data & Artificial Intelligence

C Programming

C programming forms the basis for many topics in Section B. Questions are mostly conceptual, with some requiring logic-based output.

Data Structures

This section tests the candidate’s ability to understand how data is organised, managed, and stored to enable efficient access and modification.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Using C++

OOP concepts are important for students aiming for advanced software development roles.

Operating Systems (OS)

Operating systems form a critical part of Section B and are often considered challenging.

Data Communication & Networking

Data Communication & Networking checks the basic networking awareness of the candidate.

Section B: Recommended Books

Key Exam Strategy for CDAC C-CAT 2026

Below are some tips to help you crack the CDAC C-CAT 2026.

1. Time Management

Each section provides 60 minutes for 50 questions, which means around 72 seconds are going to be available for every question.

• • In Section A, go for easier aptitude and English questions first.
  • In Section B, start answering questions that you are most confident about.

2. Accuracy Over Attempts: Due to negative marking, avoid blind guessing. Prioritise questions you are confident about and eliminate incorrect options.
3. Regular Mock Tests: Mock tests help in:

• • Improving speed and accuracy
  • Understanding weak areas
  • Building exam-day confidence

4. Follow the Official Syllabus: Always cross-check the latest syllabus on the official C-DAC portal, so that your preparation is accurate.

Conclusion

You should have a balanced approach with a foolproof preparation plan. We hope the above tips helped you understand how to prepare for the CDAC C-CAT so that you can give your best in the test.