The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), India’s premier R&D organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, has released its latest consolidated recruitment notification for 951 contractual positions across all levels — Project Manager, Senior Project Engineer, Project Engineer (Experienced), Project Associate (Fresher), Project Technician, and Project Service & Support staff — across 11 centres including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mohali, Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, and CINE (North-East). Technical domains include AI/ML, HPC, Cybersecurity, Software Development, Embedded Systems, VLSI, Cloud Computing, IoT, Data Science, Networking, and more. Apply online at careers.cdac.in. No application fee. Minimum 60% in qualifying degree. Contract duration up to 3 years.
Quick Facts
| Total Posts | 951 |
| Noida (Highest) | 283 |
| Centres | 11 |
| Max CTC (PM) | ₹22.9 Lakh |
| Contract Period | 3 Years |
| Application Fee | NIL |
1. Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) — Autonomous Scientific Society under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India |
| Post Names | Project Manager (PM) | Program Manager | Program Delivery Manager | Senior Project Engineer (SPE) | Project Engineer (PE) | Project Service & Operations (PS&O) | Project Associate (PA) | Project Technician | Knowledge Partner | Project Support Staff |
| Total Vacancies | 951 Contractual Positions across all C-DAC centres |
| Nature of Employment | Purely Contractual — consolidated emoluments, initially for up to 3 years or project completion (whichever is earlier). Candidates may be reassigned to another project based on organisational requirements. |
| Application Mode | Online only at careers.cdac.in — apply for specific centre and post combination; apply separately for each centre |
| Application Fee | NIL — no fee for any category |
| Age Limit | Maximum 56 years for most posts — with standard GoI relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/Government employees |
| Minimum Qualification | BE/B.Tech/ME/M.Tech/MCA/M.Sc (CS/IT)/PhD in relevant discipline with minimum 60% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (6.5+) throughout academic career |
| Domains Covered | AI/ML, High Performance Computing (HPC), Cybersecurity, Software Development, Embedded Systems, VLSI/FPGA, Cloud Computing, IoT, Data Science, Networking, Database, System Administration, Emergency Services (ERSS 112), Healthcare IT, eGovernance, Blockchain, AR/VR, Natural Language Processing |
| Centres | Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mohali, Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, CINE (North-East) |
| CTC Range | Project Associate (Fresher): ₹3.60 LPA | Project Engineer (Experienced): from ₹4.49 LPA | Project Manager: ₹12.63 LPA to ₹22.90 LPA |
| Selection Process | Application Screening → Online Written Test (if applicable) → Personal/Technical Interview → Document Verification |
| Official Websites | careers.cdac.in | www.cdac.in |
About C-DAC: C-DAC is India’s top government technology R&D body — the organisation that built PARAM supercomputers, PunTrans translation software, Indix language processing tools, GEMS hospital management systems, and critical national digital infrastructure. Working at C-DAC gives engineers hands-on experience with nationally significant technology projects in AI, HPC, cybersecurity, and eGovernance. The contractual nature is the primary trade-off, but C-DAC experience adds substantial value to a technology professional’s resume.
2. Post Levels, Experience & CTC
5 levels from Fresher to Senior Manager — consolidated pay based on experience — no fixed components
| Post Level | Typical Min. Qualification | Min. Experience | Annual CTC Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Manager/Program Manager/PDM/Knowledge Partner | BE/B.Tech/ME/M.Tech/MCA/PhD with 60% | 10+ years in relevant domain | ₹12.63 LPA – ₹22.90 LPA |
| Senior Project Engineer | BE/B.Tech/ME/M.Tech/MCA with 60% | 5–8 years in relevant domain | ~₹7 LPA – ₹14 LPA |
| Project Engineer/PS&O Executive | BE/B.Tech/MCA with 60% | 2–5 years (some posts: 0–3 years) | ₹4.49 LPA – ₹9 LPA |
| Project Associate (Fresher) | BE/B.Tech/MCA with 60% | Fresher (0 years) | ₹3.60 LPA (₹30,000/month) |
| Project Technician/Support Staff | Diploma/ITI/BSc with relevant marks | As specified per role | ~₹2.50 LPA – ₹4 LPA |
⚠ CTC figures are approximate consolidated annual packages. Actual CTC is determined during the interview based on candidate’s current CTC, experience, and skills. There are no fixed or variable components — only consolidated monthly pay. No PF, gratuity, or pension as these are contractual positions.
3. Centre-wise Vacancy Distribution
951 posts across 11 C-DAC centres — Noida leads with 283 vacancies
| C-DAC Centre | Location | Approx. Vacancies | Key Domains |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-DAC Noida | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | 283 | AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Cloud, NLP, eGovernance |
| C-DAC Hyderabad | Hyderabad, Telangana | 105 | HPC, Data Science, Hardware Design, Embedded, VLSI |
| C-DAC Chennai | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 97 | IoT, Robotics, AR/VR, Embedded, Healthcare IT |
| C-DAC Bengaluru | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 83 | VLSI, Embedded, Power Electronics, Software, Networking |
| C-DAC Pune | Pune, Maharashtra | 80 | HPC, PARAM Supercomputer, AI, DIC (Digital India) |
| C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | 71 | ERSS 112, Emergency Services, Network, Database, Security |
| C-DAC Delhi | New Delhi | 52 | eGovernance, Digital Heritage, Language Technology |
| C-DAC Mumbai | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 47 | Education Technology, eLearning, Content Development |
| C-DAC Mohali | Mohali, Punjab | 37 | Healthcare IT, Medical Informatics, Language Processing |
| C-DAC Kolkata | Kolkata, West Bengal | 30 | Technology Incubation, Digital India, Software |
| CINE (North-East) | North-East India | ~20 | Digital Infrastructure, Capacity Building, North-East Projects |
| Grand Total | 11 Centres | 951 Posts |
Apply Separately for Each Centre: If you are interested in positions at multiple C-DAC centres, you must apply separately at careers.cdac.in for each centre. There is no single consolidated application covering all centres. Each centre has its own set of posts, domains, and experience requirements. Read each centre’s Job Description (JD) carefully before applying — technical requirements vary significantly between posts even with the same designation.
4. Technical Domains & Specialisations
30+ technology domains across all C-DAC centres — check individual JDs on careers.cdac.in
Domains: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, High Performance Computing, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Embedded Systems, VLSI/FPGA, Data Science, Networking, Big Data Analytics, IoT, AR/VR/Extended Reality, Blockchain, Natural Language Processing, eGovernance, Healthcare IT, Software Development, Database Administration, System Administration, Digital Forensics, eLearning/EdTech, Robotics, Power Electronics, Mobile App Development, Environmental IT, Project Management, Technical Writing
| Discipline/Stream | Eligible Degrees | Applicable Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science/IT | BE/B.Tech (CS/IT), MCA, M.Sc (CS/IT), ME/M.Tech (CS/IT), PhD | All levels — PA to PM — most centres |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | BE/B.Tech (ECE), ME/M.Tech (ECE/Signal Processing/VLSI) | PE, SPE, PM — Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering | BE/B.Tech (EEE/EE), ME/M.Tech (Power/Control) | PE, SPE — Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Artificial Intelligence/Data Science | BE/B.Tech with AI/ML specialisation, M.Tech (AI/DS), PhD (AI/ML) | PA to PM — Noida, Hyderabad, Pune |
| Cybersecurity/Information Security | BE/B.Tech (CS/IT), M.Tech (Information Security), Certified (CISSP/CEH preferred) | PE to PM — Noida, Hyderabad, Delhi |
| Healthcare IT/Informatics | BE/B.Tech (CS/IT) or BCA/MCA with healthcare domain knowledge | PA to SPE — Mohali, Chennai |
| Mechanical/Civil (support roles) | BE/B.Tech (Mech/Civil) for specific infrastructure/estate posts | PS&O, Support Staff |
| Science Graduates (technical support) | BSc (Physics/Chemistry/Maths), BCA, Diploma (CS/IT/ECE) | Project Technician, Project Support Staff |
Minimum 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) throughout the academic career is mandatory for all technical posts at Engineer level and above. Some advanced posts may require PhD or additional certifications. Always check the specific Job Description (JD) on careers.cdac.in for each role’s exact requirement.
5. Eligibility Criteria
Age max 56 years — 60% throughout academic career — experience as per post level — no application fee
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | BE/B.Tech (4-year full-time) OR ME/M.Tech OR MCA (3-year full-time) OR M.Sc (CS/IT or related) with 60% OR PhD in relevant discipline. Minimum 60% aggregate marks throughout the entire academic career (10th, 12th, graduation, and post-graduation). CGPA equivalent: minimum 6.5 on 10-point scale. |
| No Percentage Relaxation | The 60% minimum is non-negotiable — final degree certificate must show 60% or above. Appearing candidates or those awaiting results are NOT eligible. |
| Maximum Age | 56 years for most posts — calculated as on the last date of application |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST/OBC: as per GoI norms | PwBD: as per GoI norms | Ex-Servicemen: as per GoI norms | Government employees on pay scale: +5 years additional relaxation over applicable relaxation |
| Work Experience | Varies by post level — Project Associate: 0 years (Freshers eligible) | Project Engineer: typically 2–5 years | Senior Project Engineer: 5–8 years | Project Manager: 10+ years — in directly relevant technical domain |
| Nationality | Indian Nationals only |
| Employment Status | Contractual — NOT a permanent government job. No government pay scale, PF, gratuity, or pension benefits |
Important Eligibility Conditions
- 60% throughout academic career means 10th, 12th, Bachelor’s, and Master’s (if applicable) — all must individually show 60% or above. Scoring high in the final degree does not compensate for lower marks in 10th or 12th.
- Candidates must have their final degree certificate — not just a provisional or appearing letter — at the time of application
- Contractual experience at C-DAC itself does not count as permanent/regular work experience for some higher-level posts — check individual JD requirements
- Candidates with service breaks exceeding 3 years after their last qualification may face scrutiny for relevant domain exposure — be prepared to explain during interview
6. Selection Process
Application Screening → Online Test (if applicable) → Interview → Document Verification
- Stage 1 — Application Screening — applications submitted at careers.cdac.in are screened based on educational qualifications (60% throughout), work experience, and other specified criteria. Candidates not meeting eligibility are rejected at this stage. Shortlisted candidates are intimated via registered email ID.
- Stage 2 — Online Written Test (if applicable) — for certain posts and centres (primarily junior/mid-level technical roles), C-DAC may conduct an Online Technical Test — objective type, 90–120 minutes, covering Domain Knowledge and General Aptitude. Medium: English. Possible negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Not all centres/posts conduct a test — interview-only selection is common for experienced/senior roles.
- Stage 3 — Technical Interview (Online or In-Person) — shortlisted candidates are called for a Technical Interview conducted by a C-DAC technical panel, typically online (video call) but may be in-person for senior positions. Assesses domain expertise, problem-solving, project experience, and communication skills. Interview date communicated only via registered email — usually 5–7 days’ notice.
- Stage 4 — Document Verification & Offer — selected candidates are issued an offer letter via email. Original educational certificates, experience certificates, pay slips, PAN, Aadhaar, and community/disability certificates are verified before joining. Consolidated CTC is finalised based on verified experience and current CTC. Any discrepancy between declared and actual marks leads to immediate withdrawal of offer.
Interview Tips for C-DAC Technical Roles
- Be very clear about your specific technical domain — C-DAC interviews are highly domain-specific (e.g., algorithms and tools for AI/ML; threat vectors, OWASP, and penetration testing for cybersecurity)
- Prepare to discuss your project experience in detail — what you built, the tech stack, your specific contribution, and measurable outcomes
- For senior roles (SPE and above), be ready to lead a technical discussion and demonstrate system design thinking
- CTC negotiation for experienced candidates is based on your last drawn CTC — carry 3 months’ salary slips and the last employer’s offer letter
7. How to Apply Online at careers.cdac.in
Register with mobile number → OTP login → Select centre → Apply for post — no fee — apply early
- Visit careers.cdac.in and Login with Mobile Number — go to careers.cdac.in, click “Apply” against the desired position and centre. The portal uses mobile number + OTP authentication. If you’ve applied earlier, the system may pre-fill your details — review and update carefully before submitting.
- Select Centre, Domain & Post Level — browse open positions; each listing shows Centre, Domain/Project, Post Level, and experience requirement. Click “View Details” to read the full Job Description (JD) before applying. Apply only where you meet ALL eligibility criteria. You can apply to multiple positions/centres by repeating this process.
- Fill Application Form Accurately — fill personal details, educational qualifications (exact percentage — not rounded), work experience (each organisation separately with dates, designation, domain), current CTC, and notice period. Upload updated resume/CV in PDF format. Incorrect or inflated entries lead to offer withdrawal even after selection.
- Submit & Monitor Email — after submission, download or screenshot the confirmation. No application fee is charged. Monitor your registered email inbox (and spam folder) for the written test link or interview call. Turnaround varies by centre — 2 to 8 weeks after application closes. Keep relevant project portfolios, GitHub links, or technical write-ups ready.
8. FAQs
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is C-DAC and why should I apply? | C-DAC is India’s premier government R&D organisation under MeitY. It built India’s PARAM supercomputers, the PunTrans translation platform, and several national digital infrastructure systems. Working at C-DAC gives professionals direct exposure to cutting-edge national projects in AI, HPC, cybersecurity, cloud, and eGovernance. The contractual nature means no permanent security, but the technical exposure is highly valued across India’s government IT ecosystem. |
| 2 | Are the CDAC 2026 positions permanent government jobs? | No — all positions are purely contractual, engaged on consolidated emoluments for up to 3 years or project completion, whichever is earlier. Not on government pay scales; no PF contributions, gratuity, or pension. Contracts may be extended or candidates reassigned to another project, but there’s no automatic renewal or permanency guarantee. |
| 3 | Can freshers apply? | Yes — freshers can apply for the Project Associate position, designed for fresh graduates with BE/B.Tech or MCA with minimum 60% marks. Minimum CTC is ₹3.60 LPA (₹30,000/month). Most of the 951 vacancies are for experienced professionals at Project Engineer, Senior Project Engineer, and Project Manager levels. |
| 4 | Is there any application fee? | No — there is absolutely no application fee for any post or category. The entire process at careers.cdac.in is completely free. Any website or person claiming to charge a fee for CDAC applications is committing fraud — report it to C-DAC immediately. |
| 5 | What is the minimum percentage required? | A minimum of 60% aggregate marks throughout the entire academic career is mandatory — 10th, 12th, Bachelor’s, and PG degree (if applicable) must each show 60% or above. CGPA equivalent is 6.5 on a 10-point scale. No rounding off is accepted, and a lower 10th/12th percentage cannot be compensated by a higher graduation score. |
| 6 | What is the CTC for Project Engineer? | Starts from approximately ₹4.49 LPA as the minimum (for candidates with minimal experience). Actual CTC is based on current CTC, years of relevant experience, and skills. Experienced candidates with 3–5 years in relevant domains can expect approximately ₹6–9 LPA. All pay is consolidated monthly — no HRA, PF, or variable component. |
| 7 | Which C-DAC centre has the most vacancies? | C-DAC Noida has the highest number of vacancies at 283, followed by C-DAC Hyderabad (105), C-DAC Chennai (97), C-DAC Bengaluru (83), and C-DAC Pune (80). Noida’s high hiring is driven by its focus on AI/ML, cybersecurity, and eGovernance projects prioritised under Digital India and other government programs. |
| 8 | How is the C-DAC interview conducted? | Most interviews are conducted online (video call) — especially for Project Associate and Project Engineer roles and candidates applying from non-local centres. Senior positions (SPE and above) may involve in-person interviews at the respective centre. Interview date and mode are communicated only via registered email, usually 5–7 days before the scheduled date; calls can come within 2–8 weeks of application closure. |
Official Links & Resources
- Apply Online — careers.cdac.in (Official C-DAC Careers Portal — Login with Mobile OTP)
- C-DAC Official Website — cdac.in (About Organisation, Projects, News)
- C-DAC Job Openings Page — cdac.in Job Openings (All Active Notifications)
Contact Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) |
| Under | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India |
| Apply Portal | careers.cdac.in |
| Official Website | www.cdac.in |
| Headquarters | Pune, Maharashtra |
| Centres | Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mohali, Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, CINE |
All interview dates, test links, and offer letters are communicated exclusively via registered email. C-DAC does not send postal communications. Monitor your email inbox and spam folder regularly after submission.
Important Warnings
- C-DAC does not charge any application fee — anyone asking for payment in C-DAC’s name is a fraudster
- C-DAC does not appoint any agents or consultants for recruitment — all communication is through official email from cdac.in domain addresses
- The positions are contractual — do not expect or negotiate permanent employment benefits; verify contract terms during the offer stage
- If applying to multiple centres, use the same mobile number and email ID to keep track of all application communications in one place
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