The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) has announced the dates for its **Common Admission Test (C-CAT) 2026**. This important exam will be held on **January 10 and 11, 2026**. Students who want to join CDAC's **Post Graduate (PG) Certificate Programmes** for the **February 2026 batch** must take this test. The C-CAT is a computer-based exam conducted at various centres across the country.
The C-CAT is the main way for students to get admission into CDAC's popular PG Certificate Programmes. CDAC is a leading government organisation in India focusing on advanced computing. These PG Certificate Programmes are short, specialized courses designed for graduates. They help students gain modern skills in areas like software development, embedded systems, and cyber security, preparing them for good jobs in the IT sector.
Key Dates for CDAC C-CAT 2026
Here are the important dates for students planning to take the CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam:
| Event | Date |
| CDAC C-CAT 2026 Examination Dates | January 10 and 11, 2026 |
| Admission Batch | February 2026 |
These dates are final for admissions to the February 2026 batch of PG Certificate Programmes at CDAC.
How to Apply for CDAC C-CAT 2026
Students must apply for the C-CAT exam online. The application process is simple and direct:
- Go to the official CDAC websites: **www.cdac.in** or **acts.cdac.in**.
- Find the link for C-CAT 2026 application.
- Fill in all required details carefully in the online form.
- During the application, students must choose their preferred course categories. This choice is very important as it decides which sections of the C-CAT exam they need to attempt.
CDAC C-CAT Exam Pattern
The CDAC C-CAT is a computer-based test with a clear structure. Understanding this pattern helps students prepare well.
- The exam has three main sections: Section A, Section B, and Section C .
- Each section of the C-CAT exam lasts for **1 hour**.
- The entire exam is conducted in **English**.
- Students do not have to attempt all three sections. The number of sections a student takes depends on the PG Certificate Programme category they apply for.
- For some course categories, students need to appear for **Section A and Section B** only.
- For other course categories, students must appear for **Section A, Section B, and Section C**.
- Students should only attempt the sections required for their chosen course category.
Marking Scheme
The C-CAT exam has a specific marking system:
- Each section of the exam contains **50 objective-type questions**.
- Each question provides four options, and students must select the single correct answer.
- For every correct answer, 3 marks are awarded.
- For every wrong answer, 1 mark is deducted. This means there is negative marking.
- No marks are given or deducted for questions that are not attempted.
- The maximum marks a student can get in each section is 150 (50 questions x 3 marks).
Important Advice for Students
It is crucial for students to carefully choose their course categories when filling the online application form. This choice directly determines which sections of the C-CAT exam they will be required to attempt. Making the correct selection ensures that students take the right test sections for their desired PG programme.
After the Exam
Only those students who successfully qualify in the January 2026 C-CAT exam will be considered for admission. The final selection for the PG Certificate Programmes will be based on the student's **C-CAT rank**. It also depends on the **preferred course and centre choices** made by the candidate during the application process. Students should aim for a good rank to secure admission to their desired programme and location.
