The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) successfully finished its C-CAT 2026 entrance exam on January 11, 2026 . This was the second and final day of the test. Over 7,000 students took the exam across various cities in India. The C-CAT exam helps students get admission into advanced postgraduate (PG) certificate courses in important fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and Advanced Computing . These courses are offered at top CDAC centers in major IT cities such as Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Noida .
The successful completion of the exam marks an important step for many young people aiming for a career in technology. CDAC's PG certificate programs are highly regarded for their focus on industry-relevant skills. They prepare students for the demands of the modern IT sector, which is always looking for skilled professionals in these cutting-edge areas.
Understanding the C-CAT 2026 Exam Structure
The CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam was held over multiple time slots to accommodate all candidates. The test was divided into three main sections, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a student's knowledge and abilities:
- Section A: Aptitude – This section assessed general problem-solving, logical reasoning, and basic quantitative skills. Most students found this part to be relatively easy.
- Section B: Programming – This section focused on core computer programming concepts and problem-solving through coding. Many students reported that this section was quite challenging, requiring a strong understanding of programming principles.
- Section C: Operating Systems – This part tested knowledge related to the fundamentals of operating systems, including concepts like process management, memory management, and file systems.
Following the exam, feedback from students indicated a common pattern: Section B (Programming) stood out as the most difficult, while Section A (Aptitude) was generally considered manageable. Education experts have analyzed the exam difficulty. They suggest that securing approximately 35 to 40 correct answers in each section would be a strong performance. Such a score is expected to help candidates achieve a good rank, which is crucial for gaining admission to their desired CDAC postgraduate course and center.
Key Dates for CDAC C-CAT 2026 Admissions
For all candidates who appeared for the CDAC C-CAT 2026 exam, here are the important dates for the upcoming admission process. Please keep these dates in mind to avoid missing any steps:
| Event | Date |
| Declaration of C-CAT Ranks | January 22, 2026 |
| First Counselling (Choice Filling) | January 22 - 28, 2026 |
| First Round Seat Allocation | January 30, 2026 |
| Second Round Seat Allocation | February 9, 2026 |
| Start of PG Courses | February 25, 2026 |
The first significant date is January 22, 2026 , when the official C-CAT Ranks will be declared. Students will be able to check their ranks on this day. Immediately after the ranks are announced, the window for First Counselling (Choice Filling) will open. This period runs from January 22 to January 28, 2026 . During this week, students must carefully select their preferred postgraduate courses and CDAC centers based on their rank and interests.
Once choice filling is complete, the results of the First Round Seat Allocation will be published on January 30, 2026 . This will inform students which course and center they have been provisionally allotted. For those who may not get their first choice or wish to explore other options, a Second Round Seat Allocation will follow on February 9, 2026 .
Finally, all selected candidates will begin their postgraduate certificate courses on February 25, 2026 . This timeline ensures a smooth and structured admission process, allowing students to plan for their future academic endeavors.
Why These PG Courses Matter
CDAC's postgraduate certificate courses are highly valued because they focus on cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future. Artificial Intelligence (AI) teaches how machines can learn and make decisions, which is vital for new software and smart devices. Big Data training involves processing and analyzing massive amounts of information to find useful patterns, a skill needed by almost every large company today. Advanced Computing covers complex computer science topics and helps develop high-performance systems.
These specialized programs provide practical skills and industry exposure. They prepare students not just for entry-level jobs but for leadership roles in innovation. Enrolling in these courses can lead to rewarding careers in various high-demand sectors of the technology industry.
