CDAC C-CAT 2026 Registration, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, & Exam Pattern
CDAC Common Admissions Test 2026 ( CDAC C-CAT )
The CDAC C-CAT is a national-level entrance test conducted by CDAC for admission to various PG certificate courses. It is a popular entrance test for engineering and computer science graduates as well as IT professionals seeking to build and enhance skills in software development, data science, advanced computing, AI, and cybersecurity. Learn all about CDAC C-CAT 2026 in this blog.
- What is CDAC C-CAT?
- CDAC C-CAT 2026: Highlights
- CDAC C-CAT Registrations
- CDAC C-CAT 2026 Important Dates (February Batch)
- CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Slots
- CDAC C-CAT 2026 Eligibility
- CDAC C-CAT Syllabus 2026
- CDAC C-CAT 2026 Application Fee
- CDAC C-CAT Exam Pattern 2026
- CDAC C-CAT Marking Scheme
- Categories of PG Diploma Courses and Test Papers
- CDAC C-CAT 2026 Result and Counselling
What is CDAC C-CAT?
The CDAC C-CAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC). Based on their performance in the C-CAT, candidates will be shortlisted for counselling and seat allocation for PG certificate courses (Previously referred to as PG Diploma Course) at CDAC centres in Bangalore, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, New Delhi, Noida, Patna, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram.
No. The authorities will not accept requests to review the obtained CDAC C-CAT score. Candidates will not be allowed to raise any requests to review their scores. In case of any other mistakes in the CDAC C-CAT result, then the candidates will be able to contact the authorities. Once the result is downloaded, the candidates are advised to check the details carefully.
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 Diploma in IT Infrastructure, Systems & Security (PG-DITISS), etc.,
is done only through CDAC C-CAT.
CDAC C-CAT 2026: Highlights
Here are the main highlights of the CDAC C-CAT 2026
| Exam Name | CDAC C-CAT |
| Conducting Body | Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) |
| Level | National level |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test conducted physically at test centres |
| Type of Questions | Objective type |
| Number of Questions | 50 Questions per section (Total 150) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Purpose | Admission to CDAC PG Certificate Courses |
CDAC C-CAT Registrations
CDAC C-CAT 2026 registration is fully online. Candidates must apply through the official CDAC admission website.
While filling out the CDAC C-CAT application form, the candidates will have to select their choice of exam cities. The selection has to be done in the order of preference since it will be considered during the allotment of CDAC C-CAT centers. Candidates will be able to check the details on their allotted exam centers through the CDAC C-CAT admit card.
- BE or B.Tech. in IT/CS/Electronics/Telecommunications/Electrical/Instrumentation
OR
- M.Sc. or MS in CS/IT/Electronics
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.
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CDAC C-CAT 2026 Important Dates (February Batch)
| Event | Date | |
| C-CAT Application Window | November 27 - December 29, 2025 | |
| Downloading of C-CAT Admit Cards | January 6 - 10, 2026 | |
| CDAC C-CAT Date | January 10 & 11, 2026 | |
| Announcement of C-CAT Ranks (Results) | January 22, 2026 | |
| Online Selection of Courses and Centres (First Counselling) | January 22 - 28, 2026 | |
| Declaration of First Round of Seat Allocation | January 30, 2026 | |
| Last Date of Payment of first installment course fee (INR 10,000 + GST) | February 4, 2026 | |
| Declaration of Second Round of Seat Allocation | February 6, 2026 | |
| Last Date of first installment course fee payment (INR 10,000 + GST) | February 10, 2026 | |
| Start of PG Certificate Programmes | February 25, 2026 | |
| End of PG Certificate Programmes | August 11, 2026 | |
CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Slots
CDAC C-CAT 2026 will be conducted on January 6 - 10, 2026, in multiple slots, as follows-
| Test Paper |
Morning Slot Timings |
Afternoon Slot Timings |
| Section A |
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Section B |
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM |
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM |
| Section C |
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
CDAC C-CAT 2026 Eligibility
Before applying, candidates must check whether they meet the eligibility requirements.
| Qualification | Min. Marks |
| B.E. / B.Tech | 55 - 60% |
| M.Sc. / M.S. | 55 - 60% |
| MCA / MCM | 55 - 60% |
| Postgraduate degree (IT/CS mandatory at graduation) | 55 - 60% |
| Final year students (Must show course completion proof by June 30, 2026) | - |
CDAC C-CAT Syllabus 2026
The C-CAT syllabus is divided into 3 sections - A, B, and C. Each section tests the candidate on a different knowledge level.
| Test Paper |
Topics |
Duration |
| Section A |
|
1 hour |
| Section B |
|
1 hour |
| Section C |
|
1 hour |
Note: Depending on the selected course category, candidates can appear for Sections A+B or A+B+C.
CDAC C-CAT 2026 Application Fee
Please check the application fee for C-CAT papers under different course categories-
| Course Category | C-CAT Paper(s) | C-CAT Fee |
| II | A+B | INR 1550 |
| III | A+B+C | INR 1750 |
CDAC C-CAT Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the CDAC C-CAT exam pattern will help you in your preparation process.
| Particulars |
Details |
| Mode of Exam |
Online |
| Medium |
English |
| Duration |
3 Hours |
| Type of Questions |
MCQs |
| Total Questions |
150 |
| Sections |
A, B & C |
CDAC C-CAT Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: 3 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
- Unattempted Questions: No deduction
Because of negative marking, please avoid blind guessing.
Categories of PG Diploma Courses and Test Papers
CDAC PG Diploma courses are grouped into different categories. Each category requires candidates to appear for specific sections of the C-CAT exam.
| Foundation-Level Courses |
|
| Advanced-Level Courses |
|
| Specialized Courses |
|
Please check course-wise section requirement before applying.
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CDAC C-CAT 2026 Result and Counselling
Check out the phases involved in the result and counselling process of CDAC C-CAT 2026, and their announced dates-
- Rank Cards out on: Ranks for the February 2026 batch are going to be announced on January 22, 2026. Check your section-wise marks and rank. You can download your rank card by logging into the official CDAC portal using your form number and password.
- Qualifying Criteria: In order to secure a rank, you must not be in the lowest 10-20% and must score above zero in all of your attempted sections.
C-CAT Result Announcement: January 22, 2026
The C-CAT 2026 results will be published on the official CDAC website on 22 January 2026. Candidates can check their results by logging in with their credentials. Ranks will be awarded based on performance in Sections A+B or A+B+C, depending on the category. Candidates may receive more than one rank if eligible.
First Round of Online Counselling (Choice Filling): January 22 - 28, 2026
Candidates must select their preferred courses and training centres online within this period. Seat allocation is going to be based on C-CAT rank, eligibility, and mentioned order of preferences. Preferences can be edited and saved multiple times until January 28, 2026.
Declaration of First Round Seat Allocation: January 30, 2026
The first round seat allocation results will be released online. Candidates may be allotted their top or lower preferences depending on rank and seat availability. No manual centre change requests will be accepted.
First Instalment Fee Payment Deadline: 4 February 2026 (till 5 PM)
Selected candidates must pay INR 10,000 + GST to confirm their provisional admission. Failure to pay will result in disqualification from subsequent rounds.
Second Round of Seat Allocation: 6 February 2026
Candidates not allotted seats earlier or seeking higher preferences will be considered. Seats allotted in this round are final.
Second Counselling and Third Round Allocation: 11 - 17 February 2026
Vacant seats will be filled through the second counselling with a caution deposit. The final seat allocation will be announced on 17 February 2026.
Please note that the remaining course fee has to be paid by February 23, 2026.
Rashmi Karan is a writer and editor with more than 15 years of exp., focusing on educational content. Her expertise is IT & Software domain. She also creates articles on trending tech like data science,
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month ago
The official rank list for the February 2026 batch will be released on January 22, 2026.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month 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
According to the CDAC C-CAT result guidelines, candidates with the lowest 20% performance in Section A and Section B, and the lowest 10% performance in Section C of the examination, will not be qualified for ranking in that particular section and its higher sections. After the removal of these candidates, if there are any candidates in any section with zero or fewer than zero marks, then they will also not be qualified for ranking.