CDAC C-CAT Syllabus 2027 – Section-Wise Breakdown

strategy 23 July 2026 12 min read

CDAC C-CAT Syllabus

The CDAC Computerized Common Admission Test (C-CAT) covers a wide range of subjects from aptitude to core computer science and electronics. Before starting your preparation, it’s important to understand what topics are actually included in the syllabus.

While C-DAC publishes the subjects tested in each section, it does not release an official chapter-wise weightage. This guide combines the official syllabus with commonly observed topic distributions from previous C-CAT exams to help you prioritize your preparation.

C-CAT Exam Sections

The examination consists of three independent sections.

Section	Subjects
Section A	English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Computer Fundamentals
Section B	C Programming, Data Structures, C++, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, AI & Big Data
Section C	Computer Architecture, Digital Electronics, Microprocessors

Depending on the admission category of your desired course, you may need to attempt one, two, or all three sections.

Section A (Common for All Candidates)

Every candidate appearing for C-CAT must prepare Section A.

English

Frequently tested areas include:

Grammar
Vocabulary
Synonyms & Antonyms
Error Spotting
Sentence Correction
Fill in the Blanks
Reading Comprehension
One-word Substitution
Idioms and Phrases

The questions are generally straightforward and test basic language skills.

Quantitative Aptitude

Prepare topics such as:

Number System
Percentages
Profit & Loss
Ratio & Proportion
Average
Time & Work
Time, Speed & Distance
Simple & Compound Interest
Probability
Permutation & Combination
Logarithms
Algebra
Geometry
Data Interpretation

Regular practice is more important than memorising formulas.

Logical Reasoning

Important topics include:

Series
Analogies
Coding-Decoding
Blood Relations
Directions
Seating Arrangement
Syllogisms
Statement & Conclusion
Puzzles
Clock & Calendar Problems

Computer Fundamentals

Prepare:

Computer Generations
Input & Output Devices
Memory
Number Systems
Binary Arithmetic
Boolean Algebra
Operating System Basics
Computer Organization
Software Types
Internet Basics

Many questions are theory-based.

Section B (Computer Science)

For most software-oriented programmes, Section B is the most important section.

C Programming

The highest-weightage subject in previous C-CAT exams.

Important topics:

Variables
Data Types
Operators
Loops
Functions
Arrays
Strings
Pointers
Structures
Unions
Enumerations
Dynamic Memory Allocation
Storage Classes
File Handling
Preprocessor Directives
Recursion
Command Line Arguments

Expect both theory questions and code-based MCQs.

Data Structures & Algorithms

Study:

Arrays
Linked Lists
Stacks
Queues
Trees
Binary Search Trees
Graphs
Searching Algorithms
Sorting Algorithms
Hashing
Recursion
Time Complexity
Space Complexity

Time and Space Complexity appear frequently.

Object-Oriented Programming (C++)

Important topics:

Classes
Objects
Constructors
Destructors
Encapsulation
Abstraction
Inheritance
Polymorphism
Virtual Functions
Function Overloading
Operator Overloading
Templates
Exception Handling

Many questions test conceptual understanding rather than lengthy programs.

Operating Systems

Prepare:

Processes
Threads
CPU Scheduling
Deadlocks
Synchronization
Semaphores
Memory Management
Paging
Segmentation
Virtual Memory
File Systems
Disk Scheduling

Most questions are concept-based.

Computer Networks

Focus on:

OSI Model
TCP/IP Model
IPv4
IPv6
Routing
Switching
TCP
UDP
HTTP
FTP
DNS
DHCP
Ethernet
MAC Address
Network Devices

Revise abbreviations and protocol names carefully.

Artificial Intelligence & Big Data

The syllabus generally includes introductory concepts such as:

Artificial Intelligence

AI Basics
Machine Learning
Expert Systems
Neural Networks
Applications of AI

Big Data

Big Data Characteristics
Hadoop
MapReduce
Spark
Data Analytics Basics

Questions are usually introductory rather than mathematical.

Section C (Electronics)

Candidates applying for Category III programmes should prepare Section C.

Computer Architecture

Topics include:

Number Systems
Boolean Algebra
CPU Organization
Instruction Cycle
Memory Hierarchy
Cache Memory
Pipeline Processing
Interrupts

Digital Electronics

Prepare:

Logic Gates
Boolean Expressions
Karnaugh Maps
Flip-Flops
Counters
Registers
Multiplexers
Encoders
Decoders
Sequential Circuits
Combinational Circuits

Microprocessors

Important topics:

8085 Architecture
Instruction Set
Addressing Modes
Interrupts
Memory Interfacing
I/O Interfacing
Timing Diagrams
Assembly Language Basics

Topic Weightage (Observed Trends)

Note: C-DAC does not publish official chapter-wise weightage. The following estimates are based on previous admission cycles.

Subject	Approximate Questions
C Programming	15–18
Operating Systems + Computer Networks	10–12
Artificial Intelligence + Big Data	9–12
Data Structures & Algorithms	9–12
C++ & OOP	8–10

The exact distribution changes from batch to batch.

High-Priority Topics

If you’re short on time, prioritise these:

Must Study

C Programming
Data Structures
Operating Systems
Computer Networks

Important

OOP using C++
Aptitude
Reasoning

Moderate Priority

AI
Big Data

Candidates appearing for Category III should also give sufficient time to Digital Electronics and Computer Architecture.

How to Use This Syllabus

A good study sequence is:

Understand the syllabus.
Learn the concepts.
Solve chapter-wise MCQs.
Revise short notes.
Attempt full-length mock tests.

Avoid trying to study every subject simultaneously.

Key Takeaways

Section A is common for all candidates.
Section B is the most important section for software-related programmes.
Section C is required mainly for electronics and embedded programmes.
C-DAC publishes the subjects but does not release official chapter-wise weightage.
C Programming consistently carries the highest weightage in previous exams.
Focus on understanding concepts before solving MCQs.