You've cleared CCAT (or you're about to), and now the real question hits: PG-DAC, PG-DBDA, or PG-DESD? This choice shapes the next 6 months of your life and your first job after CDAC. Most people just pick whatever their seniors recommend, but that's a gamble — what worked for them may not suit your background and goals.
This guide breaks down all three courses honestly — no sugarcoating, no "all courses are equally good." Some are better for specific career paths, and you deserve to know which one aligns with yours.
In This Article
Quick Comparison: PG-DAC vs PG-DBDA vs PG-DESD
| Factor | PG-DAC | PG-DBDA | PG-DESD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Advanced Computing | Big Data Analytics | Embedded Systems Design |
| Focus Area | Software Development | Data Science & ML | Embedded & IoT |
| Duration | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months |
| Avg Package | ₹4-7 LPA | ₹4.5-8 LPA | ₹3.5-6 LPA |
| Best For | CS/IT/Any Engineering | CS/IT/Math/Stats | EC/EE/CS |
| Placement Rate | 85-92% | 80-88% | 70-80% |
| Companies | TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Capgemini | Mu Sigma, Tiger Analytics, Fractal | L&T, Bosch, Qualcomm |
| CCAT Sections | A + B | A + B | A + C |
PG-DAC — Advanced Computing
PG-DAC is the most popular CDAC course and for good reason — it has the broadest placement opportunities. If you're from any engineering branch and want to switch to IT/software development, this is your safest bet.
What You'll Learn
- Programming: C++, Java, .NET (C#), Web Technologies
- Database: SQL, PL/SQL, MongoDB
- Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular/React basics
- Software Engineering: SDLC, Agile, Design Patterns
- Operating Systems: Linux fundamentals
PG-DBDA — Big Data Analytics
PG-DBDA is the data science and analytics focused course. If you love working with data, statistics, and machine learning, this is your path. The demand for data professionals has been growing steadily.
What You'll Learn
- Programming: Python, R, SQL
- Big Data: Hadoop, Spark, Hive, MapReduce
- Machine Learning: Supervised/Unsupervised learning, Neural Networks
- Statistics: Probability, Hypothesis Testing, Regression
- Visualization: Tableau, Power BI basics
PG-DESD — Embedded Systems Design
PG-DESD is for Electronics and Electrical engineering graduates who want to stay in the hardware-software domain. It's more niche than PG-DAC or PG-DBDA, but the skills are highly specialized.
What You'll Learn
- Embedded C: Microcontroller programming, RTOS
- Hardware: ARM processors, FPGA, PCB design
- IoT: Sensor interfacing, communication protocols
- Linux: Device drivers, kernel programming
- Testing: Hardware testing, signal processing
Placement Comparison
PG-DAC Strengths
- Maximum number of hiring companies
- Broad role eligibility — web, backend, full-stack
- Available at most CDAC centres
- Easiest to prepare for (familiar tech stack)
PG-DAC Limitations
- Very high competition (most candidates choose it)
- Generic skill set — may need additional learning
- Entry packages can be on lower side (3.5-4 LPA)
- Companies may offer mass roles
PG-DBDA graduates often get slightly higher packages because data roles are specialized and in demand. PG-DESD has fewer placements but in specialized companies with good growth potential.
Who Should Choose What?
| Your Background | Your Goal | Best Course |
|---|---|---|
| CS/IT Graduate | Software Developer | PG-DAC |
| CS/IT Graduate | Data Scientist / ML Engineer | PG-DBDA |
| Non-CS Engineer (Mech/Civil) | Switch to IT | PG-DAC |
| EC/EE Graduate | Embedded / IoT roles | PG-DESD |
| EC/EE Graduate | Switch to software | PG-DAC |
| Math/Stats Graduate | Analytics career | PG-DBDA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from PG-DBDA to PG-DAC after joining?
Generally no. Once you accept a seat in a specific course during counselling, switching isn't allowed. Choose carefully before locking in.
Does the centre matter more than the course?
Both matter. A top centre (Pune ACTS, Bangalore, Hyderabad) with PG-DAC is usually better than a lower-tier centre with any course. But within the same centre, course choice should align with your career goals.
Are there other CDAC courses besides these three?
Yes — PG-DITISS (IT Security), PG-DIoT (Internet of Things), PG-DMC (Mobile Computing), PG-DAI (Artificial Intelligence), and more. These are offered at fewer centres and have smaller batch sizes. Read our complete CDAC courses guide for details.