C-DAC C-CAT (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing – Common Admission Test)

C-DAC C-CAT is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to postgraduate diploma courses offered by C-DAC centres across India.

A student writes the C-DAC C-CAT examination and receives a score.

Based on the score, students may become eligible for admission to postgraduate diploma courses offered by participating C-DAC centres.

Conducted by: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

📌 Quick Facts

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Science, or other eligible disciplines (varies depending on the course).

Exam Pattern: Computer-Based Test (CBT) consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

Mode: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT).

Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

Total Marks: 300 Marks.

Duration: 2 Hours.

Frequency: Conducted twice every year (usually in January and July).

Qualification:

  • Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Science, or other eligible disciplines from a recognized university.
  • The required qualification may vary depending on the postgraduate certificate programme selected.
  • Appearing Candidates: Students appearing for the final year of their qualifying degree examination can also apply.

Age Limit:

  • There is no age limit for appearing in C-DAC C-CAT.

Minimum Marks:

  • The minimum percentage of marks required varies depending on the postgraduate certificate programme.
  • Candidates must satisfy the eligibility criteria prescribed for the programme they wish to join.

Attempts:

  • There is no limit on the number of times a candidate can appear for C-DAC C-CAT.
  • Example: If a student appears for C-DAC C-CAT in 2026 but does not get the desired rank, the student can appear again in the next admission cycle, such as 2027, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted at C-DAC test centres.

Frequency: Conducted twice every year (usually for February and August batches).

Duration: 2 or 3 hours, depending on the course selected.

Frequency: Conducted twice every year (usually in January and July).

Total Questions: 100 or 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), depending on the sections you take.

Total Marks: 300 or 450 Marks, depending on the sections you take.

Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

Question Paper Structure:

The examination has three sections. The sections you need to take depend on the course you apply for.

  • Section A: English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Computer Fundamentals, and Programming Concepts (50 Questions).
  • Section B: C Programming, Data Structures, Object-Oriented Programming, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence (50 Questions).
  • Section C: Computer Architecture, Digital Electronics, and Microprocessors (50 Questions).

Marking Scheme:

  • Each correct answer carries 3 marks.
  • Negative Marking: 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
  • No marks are awarded or deducted for unanswered questions.

Important:

  • Category I & II Courses: Candidates take Sections A & B (2 hours, 100 questions).
  • Category III Courses: Candidates take Sections A, B & C (3 hours, 150 questions).
  • Admission is based on the rank obtained in the examination.

C-DAC C-CAT scores are used for admission to various postgraduate diploma programmes offered by C-DAC centres across India.

Courses may include:

  • Advanced Computing & Software Programmes
    • PG Diploma in Advanced Computing (PG-DAC)
    • PG Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (PG-DAI)
    • PG Diploma in Big Data Analytics (PG-DBDA)
    • PG Diploma in Advanced Secure Software Development (PG-DASSD)
    • PG Diploma in Mobile Computing (PG-DMC)
  • Cyber Security & Infrastructure Programmes
    • PG Diploma in Cyber Security & Forensics (PG-DCSF)
    • PG Diploma in IT Infrastructure, Systems & Security (PG-DITISS)
    • PG Diploma in FinTech (PG-DFIN)
  • Electronics & Embedded Systems Programmes
    • PG Diploma in Embedded Systems Design (PG-DESD)
    • PG Diploma in VLSI Design (PG-DVLSI)
    • PG Diploma in Internet of Things (PG-DIoT)
    • PG Diploma in Robotics & Allied Technologies (PG-DRAT)

Note: The programmes offered may vary depending on the C-DAC centre and the admission cycle.

🌐 Official Websites

For the latest information regarding the C-DAC C-CAT (Common Admission Test), including registration, eligibility, exam dates, admit card, results, counselling, seat allocation, and admission process, visit the official website below.

Note:

Candidates should regularly visit the official website for notifications regarding registration, exam dates, admit cards, results, counselling, seat allocation, and admissions.