How to Apply for CDAC Recruitment 2026 – 5 Best Interview Tips For Shortlisting & Application Form

The CDAC Recruitment 2026 campaign is now open for 60 Project Engineer jobs at the Bengaluru center. To be able to go to the walk-in interview that is tentatively set for February 2026, candidates must sign up online by January 31, 2026. This job offer includes a salary range of ₹4.49–7.11 LPA for a contract that can be renewed every three years.

CDAC Recruitment 2026 Overview (Notification Highlights)

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Bengaluru, has released its official notification for CDAC Recruitment 2026. This drive specifically targets engineering graduates and postgraduates for 60 contract-based vacancies in cutting-edge domains like AI, VLSI, and Embedded Systems.

This hiring process is different from regular government tests because it puts more weight on technical skills that have been checked through a screening process and a walk-in interview. Candidates looking for the CDAC notification 2026 PDF download should know that the official full advertisement (Advt No: CDACB/RCT/2026) can be found on the C-DAC careers portal.

Recruitment Summary Table

Feature	Details
Recruitment Body	Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
Post Name	Project Engineer (Contractual)
Total Vacancies	60 Posts
Location	Bengaluru, Karnataka
Salary Range	₹4.49 LPA – ₹7.11 LPA
Application Mode	Online Registration (Mandatory for Walk-in)
Official Website	www.cdac.in

The CDAC Recruitment 2026 is a great chance for professionals who want to work on R&D projects at the national level. The positions are only for a short time (3 years at first), but the chance to work on Exascale Computing and Microprocessor Development projects makes this a very competitive field.

If you’re looking for other technical government jobs, you might want to look into the upcoming CDAC ACR Recruitment 2026 for more chances in the computing field.

Detailed Job Profiles: What Does a CDAC Project Engineer Do?

Before you rush to complete your CDAC Recruitment 2026 application, it is vital to understand the role you are signing up for. Unlike generic IT jobs, a Project Engineer at C-DAC works on mission-critical government technology.

1. Embedded Systems & Firmware (PE-01)

• Core Work: You will likely work on developing Board Support Packages (BSPs) and device drivers for indigenous hardware.
• Tech Stack: C, Embedded C, RTOS, and ARM architecture.

2. VLSI & Hardware Design (PE-04)

• Core Work: This role involves RTL design, verification, and FPGA prototyping. You might contribute to India’s Microprocessor Development Programme (DIR-V).
• Tech Stack: Verilog, SystemVerilog, Xilinx Vivado, and ASIC flow tools.

3. AI & Machine Learning (PE-06)

• Core Work: Developing NLP models for Indian languages or computer vision systems for security.
• Tech Stack: Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and CUDA programming.

Understanding these profiles helps you tailor your resume, which is the single most important factor for getting shortlisted in CDAC Recruitment 2026.

Eligibility Criteria for CDAC Project Engineer Recruitment 2026

Candidates for the CDAC Project Engineer recruitment 2026 must strictly follow the academic and age limits set out in the notification in order to pass the screening. C-DAC is known for its strict eligibility filtering. Even a small mistake can get you disqualified right away during the document verification phase. 

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a First Class degree (minimum 60% aggregate) in one of the following:

• B.E. / B.Tech in CSE, IT, Electronics, ECE, or related disciplines.
• M.E. / M.Tech or Ph.D. in relevant domains.
• MCA / M.Sc. (Computer Science/IT) with 60% marks.

Age Limit (As of Jan 31, 2026)

• Freshers: Maximum 30 years.
• Experienced: Maximum 45 years (varies by post code).
• Note: Age relaxation applies for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates as per GoI rules.

Meeting these criteria is the first step. If you do not meet the 60% cutoff, your application will likely be rejected by the automated screening system used in CDAC Recruitment 2026.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for CDAC Recruitment 2026

The application process is a hybrid model involving online registration followed by a physical interview. Many candidates fail to receive an interview call because they treat the CDAC Recruitment 2026 apply online process too casually.

Follow these steps to ensure your application is shortlisted:

1. Access the Portal: Visit the “Careers” section on the official C-DAC website and locate the CDAC Recruitment 2026 advertisement.
2. Register Online: Click on the “Apply Now” link. You must enter a valid email ID as the interview schedule will be communicated only via email.
3. Fill Detailed Bio-data: Enter your academic scores, project details, and experience.
   • Tip: Be precise with your “Skills” section. The screening algorithm matches these keywords against the CDAC Project Engineer recruitment 2026 job description.
4. Upload Documents: Upload a passport-sized photo and signature. Ensure your resume highlights technical projects relevant to the post code (e.g., VLSI projects for PE-04).
5. Submit and Print: After submitting, download the generated application form. You must carry a printed copy of this form to the walk-in venue.

Crucial Note: There is no “Walk-in” without prior registration. You cannot simply show up at the venue. You must complete the CDAC Recruitment 2026 apply online steps before the deadline to generate your admit card/application ID.

If you are struggling with technical concepts for the interview, reviewing guides on How to attempt GATE 2026 can actually help clarify the core engineering fundamentals C-DAC expects.

CDAC Selection Process and Walk-in Interview Details

The selection workflow for CDAC Recruitment 2026 eliminates the traditional written exam for most experienced roles, relying instead on a “Screening + Interview” model. This places immense weight on your resume quality and face-to-face technical performance.

Phase 1: Screening

A committee screens the online applications based on academic performance and relevance of experience. Only shortlisted candidates receive the email invite for the interview. This is why accurately filling out the CDAC Project Engineer recruitment 2026 form is critical.

Phase 2: Walk-in Interview (Bengaluru)

For the shortlisted candidates, the CDAC walk-in interview Bengaluru 2026 is the final hurdle.

• Venue: C-DAC, No. 87-A, 6th Cross, Opp. KFC, Wipro Gate, Electronic City Phase-1, Bengaluru.
• Format: Technical Interview followed by HR discussion.
• Focus: Core domain knowledge (C, C++, Java, Python, Verilog), previous project experience, and problem-solving abilities.

If you are looking for the CDAC notification 2026 PDF download, ensure you check the specific interview dates for your Post Code (PE-01 to PE-08), as they may be staggered across different days in February.

5 Best Interview Tips for CDAC Shortlisting

Ranking high in the CDAC selection process & interview tips 2026 search results requires more than generic advice. C-DAC interviews are technically dense. Here is how to convert your shortlisting into an offer:

1. Master Your “Final Year Project”

Panelists spend 40% of the time discussing your past projects. Be ready to explain the architecture, the specific code you wrote, and the challenges you solved. If you applied for an AI role, know your model’s hyperparameters inside out.

2. Brush Up on C-DAC Proprietary Tech

Mentioning familiarity with C-DAC’s initiatives (like PARAM supercomputers or BOSS Linux) shows genuine interest. It separates you from candidates who treat this as “just another job.”

3. Code on Paper

In the CDAC walk-in interview Bengaluru 2026, interviewers often ask candidates to write snippets of code (C pointers, Python lists, or Verilog modules) on paper. Practice handwriting code; syntax errors on paper can look sloppy.

4. Know the “Why” Behind Your Tech Stack

Don’t just say you used React.js. Explain why you chose it over Angular for that specific problem. C-DAC engineers value decision-making logic over mere tool proficiency.

5. Prepare for Domain-Specific Questions

• Embedded: RTOS concepts, ISR handling.
• VLSI: Static Timing Analysis (STA), CMOS basics.
• Software: Data Structures (Linked Lists, Trees) are mandatory.

Applying these specific CDAC selection process & interview tips 2026 will significantly boost your chances of clearing the technical round.

Detailed Syllabus & Topics for Technical Preparation

While there is no written exam for this specific CDAC Recruitment 2026 drive, the interview will quiz you on these topics. Treat this as your verbal syllabus.

Domain	Key Topics to Prepare
C / C++ Programming	Pointers, Memory Management (malloc/free), Polymorphism, STL Containers (Vectors, Maps).
Operating Systems	Process vs Thread, Deadlocks, Semaphores, Linux Commands, Shell Scripting.
Data Structures	Linked Lists (Single/Double), Stack/Queue operations, Binary Search Trees, Sorting Algorithms.
Networking	OSI Model, TCP/IP Handshake, Socket Programming, HTTP vs HTTPS.
VLSI (Specific)	FSM Design, Flip-flops vs Latches, Clock Domain Crossing, Setup & Hold Time.

If you are also preparing for other state-level exams, such as the BPSC AE Recruitment 2026, you will find that the technical syllabus overlaps significantly with C-DAC’s requirements.

Salary Structure and Benefits for CDAC Project Engineers

A major query for applicants is the CDAC salary 2026 Project Engineer package. While the role is contractual, the compensation is competitive and structured based on experience.

Pay Scale Breakdown

• Consolidated Pay: ₹4.49 Lakh to ₹7.11 Lakh per annum.
• Freshers: Usually start at the lower end (approx. ₹37,000/month).
• Experienced Candidates: Those with 3+ years of experience are placed higher (approx. ₹59,000/month).

Additional Perks

• Increment: Annual performance-based increments are standard, typically ranging from 3% to 10% based on project funding and individual performance.
• Medical Benefits: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage for self and immediate family.
• Leave Policy: Generous leave benefits including Casual, Earned, and Medical leaves.
• Career Value: The opportunity to work on high-value government projects adds immense value to your CV, often more than a higher-paying but generic private job.

The CDAC salary 2026 Project Engineer structure is “consolidated,” meaning there are fewer deductions compared to a regular scale, resulting in a higher take-home pay relative to the CTC.

Critical Analysis: Why Candidates Get Rejected in CDAC Recruitment

Contrary to popular belief, most candidates are not rejected due to a lack of technical skills, but due to application negligence.

In previous cycles of CDAC Project Engineer recruitment 2026 (and earlier), nearly 30% of applicants were filtered out during the initial screening. Why?

• Generic Resumes: Uploading a generic software engineer resume for a specialized Embedded Systems role is a fatal mistake. Your resume must scream the specific skills asked for in the CDAC notification 2026.
• Incomplete Data: Leaving the “Project Details” section sparse in the online form. The screening AI cannot “guess” your skills; if it’s not in the form, it doesn’t exist.
• Ignoring the “Walk-in” Protocol: Assuming they can attend the CDAC walk-in interview Bengaluru 2026 without the online registration slip.

The Fix: Treat the application form as your first interview. Optimize keywords in your description to match the CDAC Recruitment 2026 requirements exactly.

Important Dates and Application Deadlines

To ensure you do not miss this opportunity, mark these dates. The CDAC application last date 2026 is strict, and no extensions are usually granted.

Event	Date
Notification Release	January 17, 2026
Online Application Start	January 17, 2026
Online Application Ends	January 31, 2026
Interview Call Letter	Sent via Email (Post-Screening)
Walk-in Interview Date	February 2026 (Tentative)

Ensure you complete the CDAC Recruitment 2026 apply online process well before January 31st to avoid server traffic issues. Keep checking your registered email for the specific venue slot for the CDAC walk-in interview Bengaluru 2026.

For those looking for a backup plan, the BSNL JTO Recruitment 2026 is another excellent technical government exam to keep on your radar.

Document Checklist for Walk-in Interview

When you head to the CDAC walk-in interview Bengaluru 2026, missing a single document can cost you the opportunity. Here is the mandatory checklist:

• Printed Application Form: The one you downloaded after the CDAC Recruitment 2026 apply online process.
• Photo ID Proof: Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Passport (Original + Copy).
• Educational Certificates: 10th, 12th, B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech Mark sheets and Degree Certificates (Original + Copies).
• Experience Certificates: Relieving letters and experience certificates from previous employers (if claiming experience).
• Date of Birth Proof: Birth certificate or 10th passing certificate.
• Photographs: 2 recent passport-sized color photos.

Final Thoughts: Is CDAC Recruitment 2026 Worth It?

Think about your long-term goals if you’re not sure whether or not to apply for CDAC Recruitment 2026. C-DAC is more than just another employer; it is a research institution, even though the job is only temporary. Working on national security projects, supercomputing, or designing indigenous processors here for a year is often worth three years of experience at a regular IT service company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)