In 2005, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C was composed of five rounds. In the first one, the 64 teams were divided in 16 groups of 4 teams each. Teams in each group played against each other in home and away games. The two best ranked teams of each group advanced to the second round, where they were paired 2-by-2 and played home and away games. The 32 teams played such rounds until there were just four teams left. The four eventual finalists were put in a single group, and played against each other in home and away games. América (RN) and Remo (PA) were promoted to the Série B, beating Novo Hamburgo (RS) and Ipatinga (MG).

Participating teams

Stages of the competition

First stage

Second stage

In bold, the clubs qualified to the next stage.

Third stage

In bold, the clubs qualified to the next stage.'

Quarterfinals

In bold, the clubs qualified to the next stage.

Final stage