Overview of CDAC C-CAT 2026 - Complete Guide

Key highlights of CDAC C-CAT Notification 2026

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Common Admission Test (C-CAT) is a crucial examination for admissions into its Post Graduate (PG) Certificate programmes. For the February 2026 batch, the C-CAT examination is scheduled to be held in computerised mode on January 10 and 11, 2026.

Application and Registration

The application window for the C-CAT 2026 January batch opened on November 27, 2025, and closed on December 29, 2025. Candidates were required to apply online through the official C-DAC website. It is essential for applicants to ensure they meet the specified eligibility criteria before registering.

Examination Details

The C-CAT exam comprises three sections, with candidates needing to appear for either two (Section A and B) or all three (Section A, B, and C) test papers, depending on the chosen course category. The examination will be conducted in various cities across India, and candidates are allowed to select three preferred exam cities during the application process. Admit cards were available for download from January 6 to 10, 2026.

Results and Counselling

The C-CAT 2026 results are expected to be announced on January 22, 2026. Following the result declaration, the online counselling and choice-filling process will commence from January 22 to 28, 2026, allowing candidates to select their preferred courses and training centers. The first round of seat allocation will be declared on January 30, 2026, with a fee payment deadline of February 4, 2026, to confirm provisional admission.

Eligibility and Other Important Notes

There is no age restriction for admission to C-DAC's PG Certificate Programmes. Candidates awaiting their final degree examination results in 2026 are also eligible, provided they submit proof of passing by June 30, 2026. It's important to note that qualifying in C-CAT and receiving a rank does not automatically guarantee admission; candidates must meet the eligibility criteria at every stage.

How many vacancies have been released for the CDAC C-CAT 2026?

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) has released 4680 vacancies for its C-CAT exam. These vacancies are for admission to their Post Graduate (PG) Certificate programmes.

Important dates for CDAC C-CAT Exam 2026

The application window for the CDAC C-CAT 2026 for the February batch was from November 27 to December 29, 2025. Candidates could download their C-CAT admit cards from January 6 to January 10, 2026.

The CDAC C-CAT 2026 examination was conducted on January 10 and January 11, 2026. Following the exam, the C-CAT ranks (results) were announced on January 22, 2026.

The online selection of courses and centers (first counseling) took place from January 22 to January 28, 2026. The first round of seat allocation was declared on January 30, 2026, with the last date for the first installment of the course fee being February 4, 2026. The second round of seat allocation was announced on February 6, 2026, and the PG Certificate Programmes commenced on February 25, 2026.

What is the eligibility criteria for CDAC C-CAT 2026?

The eligibility criteria for CDAC C-CAT 2026 encompass a range of educational qualifications and minimum marks. Generally, candidates should have completed a graduate degree in engineering or technology, or possess an MCA or MCM degree. Specific engineering disciplines often preferred include IT, Computer Science, Electronics, Telecommunications, Electrical, and Instrumentation.

Educational Qualifications

Engineering Graduates: A Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree is a primary qualification. The program typically requires a 10+2+4 or 10+3+3 year pattern of education.
Master's Degree Holders: Those with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Master of Studies (M.S.) in Computer Science, IT, or Electronics are also eligible. This usually follows a 10+2+3+2 year pattern.
* Other Eligible Degrees: Additionally, candidates with an MCA, MCM, or a postgraduate degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Statistics can be considered for specific courses, provided they meet the course-specific requirements. A postgraduate degree in Management combined with a graduation in IT, Computer Science, or Computer Applications is also accepted for certain programs.

Minimum Marks Requirement

A minimum of 55% to 60% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree is generally required. However, the exact percentage may vary slightly depending on the specific course.

Final Year Students

Students who are appearing for their final qualifying degree examinations in 2026 are eligible to apply provisionally. They must submit proof of having passed their degree examination with the required minimum marks by June 30, 2026. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of their candidature.

Other Important Criteria

Mathematics at 10+2 Level: Candidates must have studied Mathematics at the 10+2 level. This requirement may be waived for students who entered engineering through a diploma.
No Age Restriction: There is no upper age limit for admission to C-DAC's PG Certificate Programmes.
* Sectional Performance: To be eligible for a CDAC C-CAT rank, candidates must score more than zero in all attempted sections of the exam. Candidates falling in the lowest 20% of performers in Sections A & B, or the lowest 10% in Section C, will not be ranked.

When will the application for CDAC C-CAT 2026 begin?

The application process for CDAC C-CAT for the February 2026 batch has begun. The registration and application period started on November 27, 2025, and will conclude on December 29, 2025.

How to apply for CDAC C-CAT 2026?

To apply for CDAC C-CAT 2026, you need to follow a clear online application process. This typically involves several key steps to ensure your application is successfully submitted.

Application Steps

1. Online Registration: Begin by visiting the official CDAC website and registering yourself. This step requires you to provide basic details such as your name, email address, and mobile number, and to create a password for future use. It's crucial to use accurate personal contact information.
2. Fill Application Form: After registration, log in to the portal using your credentials. You will then need to fill in your personal and academic details accurately in the designated sections. Ensure all information is verified before proceeding.
3. Upload Documents: Candidates are required to upload necessary documents, which typically include a passport-sized photograph and signature, adhering to the specified format and size.
4. Pay Exam Fee: An online payment of the examination fee is mandatory. This can usually be done via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
5. Submit Application: Review all the details entered in the application form carefully. Once you are satisfied that all information is correct, submit the application form before the deadline. It is also advisable to download a copy of the submitted form for your records.

The application window for the February 2026 batch of CDAC C-CAT closed on December 29, 2025. For future batches, keep an eye on the official CDAC website for updated application dates.

What is the application fees for the CDAC C-CAT recruitment 2026?

The application fee for the CDAC C-CAT 2026 varies based on the course category selected.

Course Category Fees

Category II (Papers A+B): The application fee is Rs. 1,550.
Category III (Papers A+B+C): The application fee is Rs. 1,750.

For General, OBC, and EWS candidates, the approximate fee is ₹1,800, while for SC, ST, PwD, and female candidates, it is approximately ₹900. This fee is non-refundable and can be paid online.

What is the selection process for CDAC C-CAT 2026?

The selection process for CDAC C-CAT 2026 is primarily based on the candidate's performance in the Common Admission Test (C-CAT). Admission to all PG Certificate Programmes for the February 2026 batch is conducted through this test.

C-CAT Examination

The C-CAT is a computer-based test with three sections: Section A, Section B, and Section C, each lasting one hour. Depending on the chosen course category, candidates will appear for either two test papers (Section A and B) or all three papers (A, B, and C). The exam was held on January 10 and 11, 2026, for the February batch.

Ranking and Tie-Breaking

To be eligible for a C-CAT rank, candidates must score greater than zero in all attempted sections. Candidates in the lowest 20% of performers for Sections A & B, or the lowest 10% for Section C, do not receive a rank. In case of a tie in scores, the following criteria are used:
Higher marks in Section A.
Higher accuracy ratio (correct answers divided by attempted questions).
* Older age (preference is given to older candidates).

Counselling and Admission

Candidates who clear the C-CAT exam are then called for a counselling process. This process includes choice filling, seat allotment, and seat acceptance. The counselling for the February batch began on January 22, 2026, with seat allotment rounds and payment deadlines following in subsequent weeks. Candidates must pay the required course fee by the specified deadlines to confirm their admission.

What is the exam pattern for CDAC C-CAT 2026?

The CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam is conducted in computerised mode, physically at C-DAC's test centers. The exam is held in English and consists of three sections: Section A, Section B, and Section C. Depending on the category of courses selected by the candidate, they will have to appear for either two test papers (Section A and Section B) or all three test papers (Section A, Section B, and Section C).

Exam Structure and Marking Scheme

Each section of the C-CAT exam contains 50 objective-type questions, with four options provided for each question, out of which only one is correct. The duration for each section is one hour. The marking scheme is as follows:
+3 marks for each correct answer.
-1 mark for each incorrect answer.
* 0 marks for each unattempted question.

A candidate can score a maximum of 150 marks in any given section. For the purpose of ranking, candidates' scores are considered based on Sections A+B or A+B+C, depending on the course category. Candidates must achieve a score greater than 0 in all attempted sections to be considered for ranking. Tie-breakers for identical scores include higher marks in Section A, followed by a higher accuracy ratio (correct/attempted), and then older age.

What is the salary for the CDAC C-CAT 2026?

For candidates aspiring to join CDAC through the C-CAT exam for the 2026 intake, salary expectations can vary based on the specific role and qualifications. While exact figures for 2026 are still emerging, historical data and recent trends provide a good indication.

Project Engineer and Associate Roles

For entry-level positions such as Project Engineer (Fresher) or Project Associate, the Cost to Company (CTC) typically ranges from approximately ₹3.6 LPA to ₹5.40 LPA. Some sources indicate a starting CTC of around ₹4.49 LPA for Project Engineers.

Experienced and Senior Positions

For more experienced roles or senior positions like Project Manager, the salary packages are significantly higher. Project Managers can expect a CTC ranging from approximately ₹12.63 LPA to ₹22.9 LPA. Senior Project Engineers or Module Leads may see salaries between ₹8.49 LPA and ₹14 LPA.

Overall Average Salary

Looking at the broader picture for individuals associated with CDAC, the average salary reported by employees is around ₹21.5 lakhs per year, with a significant portion of salaries falling between ₹17 lakhs and ₹62 lakhs. It's important to note that these figures represent a wide range of roles and experience levels within CDAC.

It is also worth mentioning that CDAC offers various perks and allowances in addition to the base salary, which may include Dearness Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance, and House Rent Allowance, among others. These benefits can further enhance the overall compensation package.

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