Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C‑DAC), commonly known as C‑DAC, is an autonomous scientific society headquartered in Pune and a premier research & development institutionunder the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It was established in 1988 with the core objective of advancing India’s capabilities in high‑end computing, advanced technologies and digital innovation. C‑DAC’s mission encompasses bridging technology gaps, nurturing highly skilled talent, and creating indigenous solutions that support national goals in computing and electronics.

The C‑DAC Chennai Centre is located at Tidel Park, 8th Floor, D Block (North & South), No. 4, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Taramani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600113.  Established in 2002, the centre occupies modern facilities within Tidel Park, a major tech hub in Chennai, and adopts a collaborative approach that integrates research, education, development and industry partnerships for technological growth.

C‑DAC operates as an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and is recognized nationally for its R&D and training programmes. Its courses and training frameworks are aligned with national vocational and technical education standards, including recognition under the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) scheme for certain programmes.  C‑DAC is widely acknowledged as a key institution supporting national initiatives such as India’s National Supercomputing Mission and advances in areas like cyber security, AI, multilingual computing, and health informatics.

As part of the national C‑DAC network, the Chennai centrefocuses on specialized technology areas rather than traditional “colleges” or “faculties”. It works alongside multiple C‑DAC units across India, including centres in Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Noida, Mohali, Patna, and Thiruvananthapuram.  Chennai’s focus areas include Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), ubiquitous computing, upskilling/reskilling, cybersecurity solutions, IoT, AI & machine learning technologies.

C‑DAC offers a range of postgraduate diploma programmes, certificate programmes, and specialised training in advanced computing fields such as Embedded System Design, VLSI, Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Geoinformatics and more through its Advanced Computing Training School (ACTS).  Admissions to most extended programmes are through the C‑DAC Common Admission Test (C‑CAT), typically held twice annually, with eligibility generally requiring a bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or related disciplines.  Some schemes and partnerships also offer internships and work‑based learning programmes, with stipends available in select domain areas.  Scholarship provisions may vary by programme and government schemes, and prospective students are advised to check the latest notifications on official portals.

C‑DAC Chennai has access to state‑of‑the‑art labs, computing facilities, research infrastructure and collaboration spaces in the Tidel Park complex. The environment supports hands‑on training, project work, research activities, and development of technology solutions. Facilities are geared toward high‑performance computing tasks, cybersecurity labs, IoT and AI research setups, and advanced software development environments.

C‑DAC conducts industry interaction programmes and placement drives for participants of its diploma and certificate courses. Students from centres nationwide are invited to Common Campus Placement Programmes (CCPP) where numerous companies recruit graduates across technology domains. Placement support includes career counselling, interview preparation, resume building, and coordination with recruiters. Companies from IT services, product development and emerging tech sectors participate in these drives.

Overall, C‑DAC, Chennai stands as a distinguished government‑backed institution advancing India’s capabilities in advanced computing technology and professional training. Leveraging deep expertise, national‑level recognition, and industry‑aligned programmes, C‑DAC contributes to building a skilled workforce, fostering innovation, and addressing complex technological challenges.

Some Highlights Centre for Development of Advanced Computingc- C-DAC, Chennai

• Government of India Institution under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)

• Nationally recognized for excellence in advanced computing and R&D

• Industry-oriented curriculum designed by domain experts

• Strong focus on hands-on training, live projects, and practical learning

• Admission through C-DAC Common Admission Test (C-CAT) ensuring quality intake

• Access to national-level placement drives with leading IT companies

• State-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced computing laboratories

• Located in Tidel Park, Chennai, a major IT and technology hub

• Experienced faculty with research and industry exposure

• Excellent career opportunities in AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, VLSI, Embedded Systems, and HPC

To be a centre of excellence in advanced computing and emerging technologies, driving innovation, research, and skill development to support national technological self-reliance and global competitiveness.

• To design, develop, and deploy indigenous computing technologies in strategic and societal domains.

• To provide industry-ready education and advanced training through high-quality, practice-oriented programmes.

• To foster research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in cutting-edge areas such as AI, HPC, Cyber Security, IoT, and Data Science.

Admission Process

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C‑DAC) in Chennai (and other training centres across India) are primarily based on performance in the C‑DAC Common Admission Test (C‑CAT), a nationwide, computer‑based entrance exam conducted by C‑DAC twice a year for its Post Graduate Diploma Courses in advanced computing and emerging technologies. Prospective candidates must first register and apply online for C‑CAT through the official C‑DAC website during the designated application window (typically in May–June for the August/September batch and November–December for the February/March batch). After successfully appearing in C‑CAT and obtaining a rank, candidates participate in online counselling and seat allocation, where they fill in their preferences for courses and training centres; seats are then allotted strictly based on C‑CAT rank and preference order. Once a seat is allocated, candidates must pay the first installment of the course fee online by the stipulated deadline to confirm admission, followed by payment of the remaining fee as scheduled. The process applies to PG Diploma programs such as PG‑DAC, PG‑DBDA, PG‑DCSF, PG‑DAI, and others, and includes certificate courses and counselling rounds leading up to the commencement of the program

Admission Criteria

Eligibility for C‑DAC Programs (Chennai)

1. Educational Qualification:

   • Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology, MCA, or M.Sc (Computer Science/IT/Electronics/Related Fields) from a recognized university.

   • For some specialized programs, candidates with B.Sc or BCA may also be eligible depending on the course.

2. Minimum Marks:

   • Typically, a minimum of 50% aggregate in the qualifying degree is required (varies slightly by program).

3. Other Requirements:

   • Candidates should have good programming, analytical, and computer skills.

   • There is no age limit, but candidates must meet specific course prerequisites if mentioned.

1. Apply Online: Register and fill the C‑DAC Common Admission Test (C‑CAT) application form on the official C‑DAC website during the specified window.

2. Appear for C‑CAT: Take the computer-based entrance exam, which tests aptitude, reasoning, computer awareness, and domain knowledge.

3. Check Results: Scores and ranks are published on the official portal.

4. Counselling & Seat Allocation: Participate in online counselling to select preferred programs and training centres (like Chennai). Seats are allotted based on rank and availability.

5. Fee Payment & Confirmation: Pay the first installment online to confirm admission. Remaining fees are paid as per schedule.

6. Commencement: Join the program on the scheduled start date.

C-DAC Chennai provides strong placement support to students enrolled in its long-term and advanced training programmes. The centre participates in C-DAC’s centralized placement system, known as the Common Campus Placement Programme (CCPP), where students from all C-DAC centres across India are eligible to participate. Reputed IT companies, software service firms, product-based organizations, and technology startups recruit candidates for roles in areas such as Software Development, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Embedded Systems, VLSI, and Cloud Computing.

The placement cell supports students through career guidance, resume building, aptitude training, mock interviews, and industry interaction sessions. With its government backing, industry-relevant curriculum, and strong alumni network, C-DAC Chennai offers promising placement opportunities and career growth for aspiring technology professionals.

C-DAC Chennai offers limited scholarship and financial assistance opportunities primarily through government-sponsored schemes and industry partnerships. While C-DAC does not provide regular in-house scholarships for all programmes, eligible candidates may benefit from stipends, fee concessions, or sponsorships under specific national initiatives, skill development programmes, or project-based training schemes supported by the Government of India.

Meritorious students, candidates from economically weaker sections, and those admitted under special government or corporate-sponsored programmes may be eligible for financial support as per prevailing norms. Applicants are advised to regularly check official C-DAC notifications and programme guidelines for the latest information on scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.

C-DAC Chennai offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support advanced learning, research, and innovation. The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art computer laboratories, high-performance computing resources, and advanced software tools required for cutting-edge technologies. Students and professionals benefit from smart classrooms, high-speed internet connectivity, and well-maintained training halls that promote an effective learning environment. The institute also provides project development labs, research support facilities, and access to digital learning resources. Located within Tidel Park, C-DAC Chennai ensures a professional, technology-driven ecosystem that encourages collaboration, skill development, and practical exposure.

C-DAC Chennai does not operate dedicated transport facilities for students or staff. However, the centre is located at Tidel Park, Taramani, one of Chennai’s major IT hubs, and is well-connected by public transportation. Frequent MTC buses, suburban railway services (Taramani MRTS station), auto-rickshaws, and cab services provide easy access from different parts of the city. The excellent connectivity ensures convenient daily commuting for students, professionals, and faculty