CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam LIVE Updates: Exam Day Guidelines, Schedule, and Instructions
The CDAC CCAT 2026 is scheduled to start today, January 10, 2026. It is going to be a computer-based test conducted at various CDAC test centres across India. The examination will continue on January 10 and January 11, 2026, for admission to the February 2026 PG Certificate programmes. Get the latest updates on the CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam day here.
According to the official schedule, the CDAC CCAT 2026 morning slot will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by the afternoon slot at 2:00 PM. Candidates would need to complete 3 sections, Section A, B, and C, in the fixed order. Short breaks will be allowed between each section.
Candidates must check their admit cards carefully for all exam-day details, such as date, exam time, reporting time, and slot. Entry to the exam centre will be granted only after document verification as well as biometric checks.
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines & Reporting
- Multiple Exam Slots: The examination is conducted in three sections (A, B, and C) across multiple shifts.
| Exam Section |
Morning Shift Timing |
Afternoon Shift Timing |
| 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 |
- Ensure arriving at your allocated exam centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time as mentioned on your admit card. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter.
- Carry at least one printed copy of the C-CAT 2026 admit card and a valid original photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License). Soft copies of admit cards are not going to be allowed.
LIVE UPDATE
CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Day Live Updates: Exam Dates January 10, 11, 2026
- 9:02 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Section B (10:45–11:45 AM): Core Technical Focus
This section tests programming and CS fundamentals. Morning slot candidates usually find this section more manageable than Section A.
- 8:49 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: 15-Minute Gap Between Section A & B
The short break from 10:30–10:45 AM is mainly for system transition. Candidates cannot leave the lab, so mental reset is limited.
- 8:38 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Section A (9:30–10:30 AM)
Section A is 60 minutes long and assesses aptitude and reasoning. Candidates report that time management becomes crucial right from the first section.
- 8:27 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: C-CAT Morning Slot Begins at 9:30 AM
Candidates are advised to reach test centres by 8:30 AM. Morning slots are generally preferred by fresh candidates due to better concentration levels.
- 8:19 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Do Not Carry Prohibited Items
Electronic devices, study material, bags, and personal belongings are not allowed inside the exam centre. Candidates should follow instructions provided by the centre staff.
- 8:09 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Follow Reporting Time Strictly
Candidates should report well before the scheduled exam time. Late arrivals may not be permitted to enter the test centre under any circumstances.
- 8:01 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Carry Required Documents
Candidates must carry their C-CAT admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam centre. Entry will not be allowed without proper identification.
- 7:48 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Section C is the last one
Section C is the last part of the exam and tests advanced subject understanding. Candidates need to maintain concentration despite exam fatigue.
- 7:12 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Arrive Early, Stay Relaxed
Reaching the exam centre early allows candidates time to settle down, complete formalities calmly, and avoid last-minute panic caused by travel delays or crowding.
- 7:01 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Section B Focuses on Technical Knowledge
Section B evaluates candidates on computer fundamentals and programming concepts. Accuracy and clarity of concepts play a key role in this section.
- 6:12 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Section A Tests Aptitude Skills
Section A focuses on English, quantitative aptitude, and reasoning skills. Candidates are advised to manage time carefully, as this section sets the pace for the exam.
- 5:01 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Rough Sheets Provided at Centre
Rough sheets are provided for calculations and notes during the exam. These must be returned to the invigilator before leaving the examination hall.
- 3:41 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Prohibited Items Strictly Checked
Electronic devices, study materials, bags, and personal items are not allowed in the exam hall. Candidates are advised to carry only essential documents.
- 2:22 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Breaks Provided Between Sections
Short breaks are provided between sections to allow system reset and candidate readiness. However, candidates are not allowed to leave their seats during these intervals.
- 1:12 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: No Section Reattempt Allowed
Once a section is completed or time expires, candidates cannot return to it. Time management is therefore critical throughout the CDAC CCAT 2026 examination.
- 12:15 AM IST• 10 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Instructions Displayed On Screen
Important instructions related to navigation, time limits, and submission are displayed on the computer screen before the exam begins. Candidates should read them carefully.
- 11:40 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: City Allocation As Per Application
Candidates will be appearing at centres allocated based on their city preferences submitted during the application. City changes are not permitted on exam day under any circumstances.
- 11:12 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Same Pattern Across All Centres
The exam pattern, duration, and section order remain uniform across all centres and slots to maintain fairness and consistency for all candidates appearing for the test.
- 11:01 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Admit Card Verification Mandatory
Entry to the exam hall is allowed only after verification of the CDAC CCAT 2026 admit card and valid photo identification. Candidates without proper documents may be denied entry.
- 10:40 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Eve: Reporting Time Strictly Enforced
Candidates must report to the exam centre 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Late entry is generally not permitted, even if the candidate holds a valid admit card.
- 10:15 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Eve: Essential Identification and Access Requirements
For a smooth entry process, please ensure you have the required admission documentation and an original, valid photo ID. Failure to present these documents will result in ineligibility to participate in the scheduled session.
- 9:59 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam: Guidelines for Parents
- Provide calm encouragement instead of pressure to keep the candidate confident.
- Help verify the exam centre location and plan travel to ensure a stress-free arrival.
- Ensure the candidate gets enough sleep, stays hydrated, and eats healthy meals.
- Focus only on your child’s progress and avoid comparing them with other candidates to prevent anxiety.
- 9:44 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Section-Wise Exam Structure
The exam includes Section A, Section B, and Section C, conducted sequentially with short breaks. Candidates must complete each section within the allotted time before moving to the next.
- 9:30 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
Advise for students - Exam Eve Checklist for CDAC C-CAT 2026
- Documents: Pack your printed admit card and original photo ID.
- Logistics: Confirm your exam centre location and shift timing.
- Rest: Sleep early; focus is vital for negative marking.
- Electronics: Leave gadgets at home; they are strictly prohibited.
- Routine: Eat light and stay hydrated.
- 9:22 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Morning and Afternoon Slots
The exam is being held in both morning and afternoon slots on January 10 and 11, 2026. Slot allocation details are mentioned on individual admit cards and cannot be changed on exam day.
- 9:11 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam Day: Exam Conducted in Computer-Based Mode
The CDAC CCAT 2026 exam is being conducted in computer-based mode at designated C-DAC centres across India. Candidates are required to follow on-screen instructions carefully throughout the examination.
- 9:01 PM IST• 9 Jan 2026
CDAC CCAT 2026 Exam: Exams Commencing Tomorrow
Candidates are reminded that the CDAC C-CAT 2026 for the February batch is scheduled to begin tomorrow, January 10.
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.
The candidates will be able to check the details regarding the allotted CDAC C-CAT exam centre through the admit card. The information regarding the allotted exam centre, date, timings, guidelines and more will be available in the CDAC C-CAT exam centre. All candidates are advised to check the details of the exam centre carefully to know the address of the venue where they are supposed to report for the exam.
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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,
The CDAC-C-CAT Exam is conducted in January for February cycle admissions and in July for August cycle admissions. You are advised to keep the official C-DAC website checking regularly for the release of the admission, which will contain the full schedule for the January and July 2026 exams and admissions.
Important dates for the CDAC C-CAT 2026 are expected to be released around December 2025.