CDAC C-CAT 2026: Exams Analysis, Answer Key, Results, Counselling & Result

CDAC Common Admissions Test 2026 ( CDAC C-CAT )

DeskCalelnderResult - 22 Jan '26

Rashmi Karan
Updated on Jan 11, 2026 14:46 IST

By Rashmi Karan, Manager - Content

With the CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam for the February batch now over, the focus shifts to the admission cycle, starting with the release of ranks and counselling on January 22, 2026
The CDAC C-CAT 2026 counselling and choice filling rounds will be conducted from January 22 to 28, 2026. Seat allotments will occur in multiple phases through January and February, and
Following the counselling period, the first round of seat allocation will be announced on January 30, 2026.
The entire process culminates in the payment of balance fees by February 23, leading to the official commencement of classes for all Post Graduate Certificate Programmes on February 25, 2026. Candidates are advised to monitor the  C-DAC Candidate Login portal to download their rank cards and track allotment updates.
 
CDAC C-CAT is conducted to provide admissions to CDAC PG Certificate Programmes such as PG-DAC, PG-DBDA, PGCP-AI, PGCP-CSF, etc.

Read to know more about CDAC C-CAT 2026.

Table of contents
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Latest Updates
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Dates
  • What is CDAC C-CAT?
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Result
  • CDAC C-CAT Counselling 2026
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Admit Card
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Syllabus
  • CDAC C-CAT 2026 Application Form
View More
CDAC C-CAT Logo

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Latest Updates

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Dates

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
22 Jan ' 26

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Result (February Batch)

22 Jan ' 26 - 28 Jan ' 26

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Counselling Choice Filling (February Batch)

30 Jan ' 26

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Seat Allotment (February Batch) - Round 1

06 Feb ' 26

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Seat Allotment (February Batch) - Round 2

17 Feb ' 26

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Seat Allotment (February Batch) - Round 3

17 Feb ' 26

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Counselling Choice Filling (February Batch) - Round 3

25 Feb ' 26

CDAC C-CAT 2026 (February Batch) - Commencement of Classes

DatesPast Exam Dates
10 Jan ' 26 - 11 Jan ' 26

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Date (February Batch)

06 Jan ' 26 - 10 Jan ' 26

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Admit Card (February Batch)

27 Nov ' 25 - 29 Dec ' 25

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Application Form (February Batch)

CDAC C-CAT Logo

What is CDAC C-CAT?

CDAC C-CAT is a Common Admissions Test conducted by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing for admission to all Postgraduate Diploma courses offered at CDAC.

CDAC is a premier R&D organisation in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) that conducts research and development in IT, electronics, and related disciplines. The CDAC was set up in 1988. Since then, it has been building multiple generations of supercomputers, starting with PARAM, which had 1 GF in 1988. Today, it is a premier R&D organisation in IT&E (Information Technology and Electronics) in India, working to strengthen national technological capabilities amid global developments.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the qualification criteria for CDAC C-CAT ranks?
A: 

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.

Q:   Is CDAC C-CAT an online test?
A: 

Yes. The authorities will conduct CDAC C-CAT online, i.e., as a computer-based test at various exam centres. During the exam, the candidates will have to attempt objective multiple-choice questions, and to select the correct option. 

Q:   Is CDAC C-CAT compulsory for CDAC PG courses?
A: 

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.

Q:   When is the next CDAC C-CAT exam?
A: 

The CDAC C-CAT exam for Feb 2026 batch was conducted on January 10 & 11, 2026. The next CDAC C-CAT exams are tentatively scheduled for July for the August 2026 batch.

CDAC C-CAT Logo

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Result

CDAC C-CAT 2025 result for the February batch will be tentatively announced on January 22, 2026. The CDAC-C-CAT exam is scheduled on  January 10 & 11, 2026. The scores and ranks obtained in the entrance examination will be available through the CDAC C-CAT result 2026. To access the results of CDAC C-CAT 2026, candidates will need to log in using the required credentials. No other mode will be used to declare the CDAC C-CAT result. Qualified candidates will participate in the CDAC C-CAT 2026 counselling process for admission.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Will the authorities accept review of CDAC C-CAT score?
A: 

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.

Q:   What is a "good" rank in CDAC C-CAT for admission?
A: 

Admission through CDAC C-CAT depends on the course and centre. For the popular PG-DAC course, a rank under 1,500 is considered good, while top centres like C-DAC Pune (ACTS) often require a rank below 500.

Q:   What are the steps to check the CDAC C-CAT result?
A: 

The CDAC C-CAT result is released online. To check the result of CDAC C-CAT result, follow below steps.

  • Go to cdac.in
  • Candidates will have to click on the login page.
  • Provide the application number and password.
  • Click on 'Login'
  • The results will be displayed on the screen.
Q:   Which C-CAT is valid for February 2026 admission?
A: 

Candidates who qualify the CDAC C-CAT exam, which was held on January 10 & 11, 2026, will be considered for February 2026 admissions.

CDAC C-CAT Logo

CDAC C-CAT Counselling 2026

The CDAC C-CAT 2026 counselling and choice filling rounds for the February 2026 batch are scheduled from January 22 to 28, 2026. Candidates must register and select their choices for CDAC C-CAT counselling 2026 before the last date. Seat selection will be made in order of preference. The CDAC C-CAT seat allotment result will be available online. Students can check their seat allotment by logging in with their form number and password. Seats will be allocated based on the rank, preferences, category, and seat availability.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for CDAC C-CAT counselling?
A: 

The most basic eligibility criteria for CDAC C-CAT counselling is qualifying the entrance examination with minimum scores. At the time of counselling, candidates must fill in their choices within the given time.

 

 

 

Q:   Is CDAC C-CAT counselling held online?
A: 

Yes. The authorities will conduct CDAC C-CAT counselling process online. All eligible candidates will have to register and fill out their choices at the official website. The authorities will announce the CDAC C-CAT seat allotment result online. Allotment of seats will be done based on the candidate's rank, preferences, category and seat availability.

Q:   Is CDAC C-CAT online counselling compulsory for admission?
A: 

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.

Q:   How is seat allotment done during CDAC C-CAT counselling?
A: 

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.

CDAC C-CAT Logo

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CDAC C-CAT 2026 admit card for the February batch is now available from January 6 to 10, 2026 at cdac.in/index.aspx?id=studentslogin. Registered candidates can download the CDAC C-CAT admit card 2026 by logging in with their credentials. The authorities will not use any other mode to release the CDAC C-CAT admit card. Details of the allotted exam centre, date, time, and more will be available on the admit card for CDAC C-CAT 2026. When reporting to the exam centre, candidates must bring their CDAC C-CAT 2026 hall ticket and a valid identity proof. Without these documents, candidates will not be able to attempt CDAC C-CAT 2026 paper.

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Cities

Exam Cities Exam Cities
Ahmedabad Aurangabad 
Bengaluru Bhilai
Bhopal Bhubaneswar
Chennai Guwahati

Hyderabad

Imphal
Indore Jaipur
Karad Kochi
Kolhapur Kolkata
Lucknow Mohali
Mumbai Nagpur
Nashik Navi Mumbai
New Delhi Noida
Patna Prayagraj
Pune Ranchi
Silchar Solapur
Srinagar Thiruvananthapuram
Varanasi Vijayawada
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Will CDAC C-CAT admit card be released online?
A: 

Yes. CDAC C-CAT admit card is released online. The candidates will be able to access the CDAC C-CAT admit card download link online at cdac.in. No other mode will be used by the authorities to release the CDAC C-CAT admit card. To log in, the candidates will have to provide the required credentials. A print out of the admit card has to be taken for future use.

Q:   There is a mistake in my CDAC C-CAT admit card. What should I do?
A: 

In case any mistakes are found in the CDAC C-CAT admit card, the candidates are advised to contact the authorities. All mistakes should be corrected before the entrance examination so that the candidates do not face any issues at the examination centre.  

Q:   How will I know my CDAC C-CAT exam centre details?
A: 

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.

Q:   How do I complete the CDAC C-CAT application process?
A: 

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. 

CDAC C-CAT Logo

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam pattern will be released online soon. The CDAC C-CAT exam pattern 2026 will help candidates prepare for upcoming entrance test. Information available in the CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam pattern includes exam mode, duration, sections, total number of questions, marking scheme, etc. CDAC C-CAT 2026 will be conducted online. Along with the exam pattern, candidates are also advised to check the official CDAC C-CAT 2025 syllabus.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there any negative marking in CDAC C-CAT?
A: 

Yes, there is negative marking in CDAC C-CAT. For every wrong answer, the authorities will deduct 1 mark. 

Q:   What is the marking scheme of CDAC C-CAT?
A: 

According to the official CDAC C-CAT exam marking scheme, 3 marks will be given for every correct answer, and 1 mark will be deducted for incorrect ones. Since there is negative marking for the exam, the candidates must be careful while attempting the questions.

Q:   How will I know my CDAC C-CAT exam centre details?
A: 

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.

Q:   How do I complete the CDAC C-CAT application process?
A: 

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. 

CDAC C-CAT Logo

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Syllabus

The CDAC C-CAT 2026 syllabus has been released. It comprises of three sections:

Section Topics
Section A (General Aptitude) English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning
Section B (Computer Programming and Concepts) C programming, Data Structures, OS, and Networking
Section C (Computer Architecture) Computer Architecture, Digital Electronics, and Microprocessors

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which subjects have to be prepared for CDAC C-CAT?
A: 

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.

Q:   What subjects will be covered in each section of CDAC C-CAT 2026?
A: 

CDAC C-CAT question paper will include below sections and subjects

  • Section A: English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning.
  • Section B: Computer Fundamentals, C Programming, Data Structures, Object-Oriented Programming (C+), Operating Systems, and Networking.
  • Section C: Computer Architecture, Digital Electronics & Microprocessors.

 

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:   Which C-CAT is valid for February 2026 admission?
A: 

Candidates who qualify the CDAC C-CAT exam, which was held on January 10 & 11, 2026, will be considered for February 2026 admissions.

CDAC C-CAT Logo

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Application Form

The CDAC C-CAT application window for 2026 is now closed. For your reference, here are the steps to fill the application form.

  • Go to cdac.in
  • Register using the required basic details.
  • Fill the application form with your personal, academic and contact details. Select the preferred exam cities.
  • Upload your scanned passport-size photograph and sign as per the official specifications.
  • Pay the CDAC C-CAT 2025 application fee online.

CDAC C-CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before registration, candidates were advised to check the official CDAC C-CAT eligibility criteria. Course-wise eligibility for CDAC C-CAT 2026 is listed below.

CDAC C-CAT Eligibility Criteria

COURSE CODE/COURSE NAME

ELIGIBILITY

MIN. %

CATEGORY I (Section A in C-CAT)

PG-DGi

Post Graduate Diploma in Geoinformatics

·   Common eligibility criteria, OR

·   Post Graduate Degree in Applied Sciences/ Geography/ Geology/ Physics/  Computational Sciences/ Mathematics or allied areas

50 %

CATEGORY II (Sections A+B in C-CAT)

PG-DAC

Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Computing

·   Common eligibility criteria, OR

·   Graduate in any discipline of Engineering or equivalent, OR

·   MCA, MCM, OR

·   Post Graduate Degree in Physics/ Computational Sciences/ Mathematics or allied areas, OR

·   Post Graduate Degree in Management with a graduation in Science/ IT/ Computer Applications

50 %

PG-DMC

Post Graduate Diploma in Mobile Computing

·   Common eligibility criteria, OR

·   Post Graduate Degree in Mathematics or allied areas, OR

·   MCA

50 %

PG-DSSD

Post Graduate Diploma in System Software Development

·   Common eligibility criteria, OR

·   Post Graduate Degree in Mathematics or allied areas, OR

·   MCA

55 %

PG-DITISS

Post Graduate Diploma in IT Infrastructure, Systems & Security

·   Common eligibility criteria, OR

·   Post Graduate Degree in Mathematics or allied areas, OR

·   MCA

55 %

PG-DBDA

Post Graduate Diploma in Big Data Analytics

·   Common eligibility criteria, OR

·   Graduate in any discipline of Engineering or equivalent, OR

·   Post Graduate Degree in Mathematics/ Statistics/ Physics/ MBA Systems, OR

·   MCA

55 %

PG-DIoT

Post Graduate Diploma in Internet of Things

·   Common eligibility criteria, OR

·   MCA

55 %

PG-DHPCSA

Post Graduate Diploma in HPC System Administration

·   Common eligibility criteria, OR

·   Post Graduate Degree in Mathematics or allied areas, OR

·   MCA

55 %

CATEGORY III (Sections A+B+C in C-CAT)

PG-DESD

Post Graduate Diploma in Embedded Systems Design

·   Common eligibility criteria

55 %

PG-DVLSI

Post Graduate Diploma in VLSI Design

·   Common eligibility criteria

55 %

PG-DBIHI

Post Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Instrumentation & Health Informatics

·   Common  eligibility criteria, OR

·   BE in Biomedical-related fields

55 %

Admissions at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing are subject to the following conditions: 

(a) All parts of their qualifying degree examination shall be completed by the date of joining the course.

(b) Proof of having passed the qualifying degree with at least the required minimum marks shall be submitted at CDAC by the due date.  

Note: It is mandatory for candidates to comply with the eligibility criteria for admission at CDAC. Admission of a candidate is subject to their eligibility and C-CAT scores. 

Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which documents have to be uploaded in CDAC C-CAT application form?
A: 

When filling out the CDAC C-CAT application form, candidates must upload scanned documents. A passport-sized photograph and signature must be uploaded to the application form. The scanned documents must meet specifications as mentioned on the official portal.

Q:   What is the next step after the CDAC C-CAT registration?
A: 

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.

Q:   What details must be filled in the CDAC C-CAT 2026 application form?
A: 

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
Q:   What are Category II and Category III courses in CDAC C-CAT?
A: 

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 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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