CDAC is a pioneer institute that concentrates mainly in the field of research and development of information technology. The institution also offers various academic courses to aspirants. The selection of candidates in to certain courses such as Diploma in System Software Design, Embedded Systems Design, Advanced Business Computing etc. are carried out through entrance exams. Common Entrance Test (CET) is conducted at national level for the selection of candidates to these courses.

Structure of CDAC Common Entrance Test (CET)

The Common Entrance Test carried out by CDAC is an online entrance exam. The test includes objective type multiple choice questions. The test covers aptitude questions as well as questions from technical topics. The total number of questions is 150. The time allotted for the completion of the same is 2 hours. The candidate can gain one mark for each correct answer and loses ¼ marks for each wrong one.

Syllabus of CDAC Common Entrance Test (CET)

The first section includes questions on Computing Fundamentals. A total of 10 marks is awarded for this section. The questions of this section are based on the topics mentioned below.

• Classification of computers
• Computer generations
• Computer organization
• Computer software
• Data communications and computer networking
• Evolutions of computers
• Input-output devices
• Multimedia
• Operating systems
• Primary and Secondary storage

The second section includes questions on the Fundamentals of Programming. This section takes 15 marks of the total marks. The important topics covered under the section are mentioned here.

• Algorithms
• Computer languages
• Data processing
• File organizations
• Flowcharts
• System implementation and operation

The third section is based on Programming in C and the maximum marks is 50. The syllabus of the third section is given here.

• Arrays
• C Fundamentals
• Control statement
• Data Input and Output
• Functions
• Introductory concepts
• Linked Lists
• Operators and Expressions
• Pointers
• Queues
• Stacks
• Structures and Unions

The fourth section includes questions on the Basic of OOPS and C++ programming. This section carries 25 marks. The topics included under the section are mentioned below.

• Abstract Classes
• Classes and Objects
• Generalizations
• Object oriented concepts
• Polymorphism
• Re-usability

The last section covers General Aptitude questions and the same carries 50 marks.

Eligibility Criteria

The candidates who are applying for the examination should possess sound computing and programming skills. Apart from this they must possess any of the educational qualifications mentioned below.

• Bachelor of Engineering /Technology
• Master of Engineering /Technology or Equivalent
• Bachelor of Science (Engineering)
• Master of Computer Application
• Master of Science in Electronics
• Master of Science in Instrumentation
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Information Technology
• Master of Computer Management (After B.Sc)
• Master of Business Administration (Systems)
• Bachelor of Science (Information Technology)
• Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
• Bachelor of Computer Application
• Bachelor of Internet Sciences
• Bachelor of E-Commerce

How to Apply?

The application fee for applying to CDAC common entrance examination is Rs. 500/- . This fee amount is applicable if the candidate applies for the examination through online methods. In case of manual payment, the candidate should pay an amount of Rs. 600/-. The fee must be payable in the name of ‘C-DAC, ACTS’. This must be payable at any nationalized bank in Pune. After filling the application completely, the same must be submitted before last date.

How to fill the Form?

• Follow the guidelines provided in the information brochure
• Fill the columns legibly/correctly
• Recheck whether all the details are filled clearly
• Mention the name and signature of the candidate in the back side of the Demand Draft

Important Dates (Tentative)

[Please note that we only provide tentative dates based on previous years dates. For exact dates related information it is always best to check official websites only.]

Last Date of submission of application form : Second week of January, 2012

Date of Common Entrance Test (CET):  Last week of January, 2012

Date of Declaration Exam results: Second week of February, 2012

List of CDAC Common Entrance Test (CET) Centers

• C-DAC Bangalore
• C-DAC Chennai
• C-DAC Hyderabad
• C-DAC Kolkata
• C-DAC, Noida
• C-DAC, Pune
• C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram
• DOEACC Aurangabad

Contact Address for CDAC Common Entrance Test (CET)

• Address: The Programme Coordinator, C-DAC, Advanced Computing Training School, 5th Floor,N.S.G. IT Park, S.No. 127/2B/2A,Aundh, Pune –411 007, Maharashtra, India
• Telephone : +91-20-25503100 / 06 / 07 /32
• Fax : +91-20-25503131
• Email : [email protected]
• Website URL : http://www.acts.cdac.in

Institutions Accepting the CDAC Common Entrance Test (CET) Score

CDAC centers

Reference Books for CDAC Common Entrance Test (CET)

• Algorithms in C++ by R. Sedgewick
• Calculus with Applications and Computing by P. Lax, S. Burstein, A. Lax
• Computer Organization and Architecture by William Stallings
• Computer Systems Organization & Architecture by J.D. Carpinelli
• Data & Computer Communication by William Stallings
• Data Structures by Lipschutz and Seymour
• Data Structures, Algorithms and Applications by S. Sahni
• Digital Logic and Computer Design by Morris Mano
• Digital Principles and Applications by Malvino
• Discrete Mathematical Structures with Applications to Computer Science by J.P. Trembley, R.Manohar
• Elements of Discrete Mathematics by C.L. Liu
• Introduction to Algorithms by T.H. Cormen, C.E. Leiserson, R.L. Rivest
• Microprocessors and Interfacing by Douglas V Hall
• Operating System Concepts by Silbeschatz and Galvin
• The Art of Computer Programming by D.E. Knuth
• The C programming Language by B W Kernighan & Dennis Ritchie
• The Essence of Logic by J.Kelly
• The Study of Language by G. Yule

Coaching Centers for CDAC Common Entrance Test (CET)

• Pearson Tandem
• Agrawal Classes
• Advent Solution
• Career Forum
• Krishna Coaching
• Magnus
• Pie Education
• Professional Rating Tutorials
• Zephyr
• Elite Academy
• CET Tutorials Pvt. Ltd
• Vision Infinity Ltd
• Ascent Education
• Insight Tutorials
• Global Educational Trust
• T.I.M.E. (Triumphant Institute of Management Education Pvt. Ltd)
• Brilliant Tutorials
• Gupta Tutorials
• Quest - Power Coaching
• Prime Centre

Study Plan

First of all, the candidate should prepare a convenient time schedule for study. They must follow the time table regularly. Key words and important topics can be tracked in a separate sheet. Aspirants should make use of the reference books meant for study. They must revise all the topics once again before appearing for the test.

How and Where To Get the Results?

The result of CDAC Common Entrance Test (CET) can be obtained from the official website of CDAC.

Score Validity

The score validity of CDAC Common Entrance Test (CET) will be only for one year.