The present invention relates to a non-hydrogenated transition metal-doped diamond-like carbon (DLC), wherein the non-hydrogenated DLC comprises at least one transition metal selected from groups 4d, 5d and 6d of the periodic table of elements. A part of the at least one transition metal is present in the form of carbide of the at least one transition metal in the non-hydrogenated DLC as a matrix, and another part is present as metal droplets. The non-hydrogenated transition metal-doped DLC has an indentation hardness of ≥35 GPa, preferably of ≥40 GPa. Due to the presence of metal droplets, the doped DLC is highly effective in improving wear resistance and/or reducing friction of a surface when a coating of the material is applied on the surface. Further, the present invention provides a cathodic arc discharge deposition method for depositing a coating of the non-hydrogenated transition metal-doped DLC according to the present invention.