What is CDAC C-CAT?
If you're a fresh engineering or science graduate looking to land your first tech job — or switch into a high-growth domain like AI, Cybersecurity, or Embedded Systems — CDAC's Post Graduate Certificate Programs (PGCP) are one of the most respected pathways in India.
The C-CAT (C-DAC Common Admission Test) is the gateway to all these programs. It's a single entrance exam that determines your rank — and your rank determines which course and which CDAC centre you get into. Done right, one month of focused preparation can open doors to a 6-month industry-ready program that genuinely changes careers.
This guide covers the August 2026 batch — the most sought-after batch of the year. Let's get into everything you need to know.
Quick tip: C-DAC courses run for 24 weeks (about 6 months). The August 2026 batch runs from 24 August 2026 to 6 February 2027. Perfect timing to graduate and be job-ready by early 2027.
Important Dates — August 2026 Batch
Bookmark this section. These dates define your entire journey from application to batch start. Miss any one of these and you'll be waiting for the next batch.
C-CAT Exam Pattern — Know This Inside Out
C-CAT is divided into three sections — A, B, and C. Each section is a separate 1-hour paper. Most courses require only Sections A and B. Category III courses (Embedded & VLSI) require all three sections.
150 Marks (3 marks each)
−1 for wrong answer
Required for all courses
150 Marks (3 marks each)
−1 for wrong answer
Required for all courses
150 Marks (3 marks each)
−1 for wrong answer
Required for Category III only
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Sections | 3 (A, B, C) |
| Duration per Section | 1 hour |
| Questions per Section | 50 objective-type (MCQs) |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +3 marks |
| Negative Marking | −1 for wrong answer |
| Unattempted Questions | 0 marks (no penalty) |
| Total Marks per Section | 150 marks |
| Language | English only |
Negative Marking Alert: With −1 for wrong answers and +3 for correct ones, the math is simple: don't guess blindly. If you're unsure between 3 options, skip. If you've narrowed it down to 2, attempt it — the expected value is positive.
Complete Syllabus — Section by Section
The syllabus is broad but very structured. Here's the complete breakdown. New additions for 2026 are marked with a NEW badge — pay attention to these, as examiners typically test new topics in the first year.
Section A — General Aptitude
Section B — Computer Programming & Concepts
Section C — Hardware (Category III Only)
Only for ESD and VLSI students. If you're applying for Embedded Systems Design (PGCP-ESD) or VLSI Design (PGCP-VLSI), you must also appear for Section C. This section tests hardware and electronics fundamentals.
Eligibility Criteria
C-DAC is welcoming to engineers and science graduates from a range of disciplines. Here's exactly what you need to qualify:
Core Engineering Graduates
BE/BTech in IT, Computer Science, Electronics, Telecommunications, Electrical, or Instrumentation (10+2+4 format)
Science Postgraduates
MSc/MS in Computer Science, IT, or Electronics (10+2+3+2 format). Three-year degrees with a postgrad qualify too.
Minimum Marks Required
55% aggregate for most courses.
60% for PGCP-AI (Artificial Intelligence) specifically.
Age Limit
There is no age restriction for the C-CAT. Anyone who meets the educational criteria can apply, regardless of age.
Final Year Students
If you're appearing for your final exams in 2026, you can apply for provisional admission. You must submit proof of passing by 31 December 2026.
Aspiring for PGCP-AI? Note the higher eligibility bar — 60% minimum vs the usual 55% for other courses. Ensure your degree percentage meets this before choosing AI as your first preference.
Category II vs Category III — What's the Difference?
C-DAC divides its courses into two categories based on which exam sections you need to appear for:
| Category | Courses | Sections Required | C-CAT Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category II | PGCP-AC, PGCP-BDA, PGCP-AI, PGCP-MC, PGCP-ITISS, PGCP-ASSD, PGCP-HPCSA, PGCP-FBD, PGCP-CSF, PGCP-RAT | Sections A + B | ₹1,550 (incl. GST) |
| Category III | PGCP-ESD (Embedded Systems), PGCP-VLSI (VLSI Design) | Sections A + B + C | ₹1,750 (incl. GST) |
Pro Tip: The C-CAT fee is very affordable and non-refundable. If you're even slightly interested in hardware roles, pay the extra ₹200 and appear for Category III (A+B+C). This keeps your options open for ESD and VLSI courses too.
35 Exam Cities Across India
C-CAT is conducted across 35 cities in India. During the application, you'll be asked to select 3 city preferences in order of priority. You'll be allotted one centre based on availability.
Remember to select 3 city preferences during the application — not just one. List them in the order you'd prefer. City allocation is based on availability and is not guaranteed.
Counselling & Seat Allocation Process
This is where your rank becomes a seat. The process runs over 3 rounds across 2 counselling sessions. Here's how it works, step by step:
Ranks Announced (16 July)
C-DAC publishes your rank based on your combined score across sections. Your rank is your currency in the counselling process.
1st Counselling — Course & Centre Selection (16–23 July)
You log in and submit your preferences: which courses and which CDAC centres you want, in order of priority. Think carefully — higher-ranked candidates get first pick.
Round 1 Seat Allocation (25 July)
Seats are allotted based on rank and preferences. To lock your Round 1 seat, pay the first installment of ₹15,000 + GST. This is non-refundable once you freeze.
Round 2 Seat Allocation (2 August)
A second round of allocation for remaining seats and candidates who didn't confirm Round 1. If a better option appears, you may upgrade your preference.
Round 3 — 2nd Counselling for Vacant Seats (13 August)
Remaining vacant seats go into a second counselling. This is your last chance if you didn't get your desired course or centre in earlier rounds.
Batch Begins (24 August 2026)
Report to your allocated CDAC centre. The 24-week program begins — leading to course completion on 6 February 2027.
Freezing a seat: Once you pay the first installment (₹15,000 + GST) and freeze Round 1, you're committed to that course and centre. Choose wisely — don't freeze just because you're nervous about availability.
C-CAT Exam Fee
The exam fee is straightforward and very affordable compared to most competitive entrance tests:
Important: The C-CAT exam fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Complete your payment before the 23 June 5 PM deadline. Don't risk missing it — technical failures happen at the last minute.
Preparation Tips That Actually Work
You have about 5–6 weeks from application to exam day. Here's how to use them well:
Master Section B First
C Programming, Data Structures, and OOP — these form the bulk of Section B and are the most predictable. If you have an engineering background, this is your scoring zone.
Don't Ignore Quant
Many technical candidates underestimate Section A. Speed and accuracy in quant can separate you from thousands of candidates with similar technical knowledge.
Study the New Topics
The new additions (AI basics, IoT, Cloud, Blockchain in Section A, and Data Engineering in Section B) are fresh — most existing material won't cover them. Read up specifically.
Attempt Mock Tests Weekly
Timed mock tests are non-negotiable. They train your instincts for which questions to attempt, skip, or guess — skills that can't be built from reading alone.
Manage Your 60 Minutes
50 questions in 60 minutes = 72 seconds per question. Practice finishing in 50 minutes so you have time to revisit tricky questions without panic.
Smart Negative Marking Strategy
Skip questions you have zero idea about. Attempt when you can eliminate at least 2 options. The expected value favours attempting if you've narrowed it to 2 choices.