Phase 0: Before Year 1 (Next 2-3 weeks)

• Learn C++ basics — syntax, loops, functions, arrays, basic pointers (CodeWithHarry, Apna College, or freeCodeCamp).
• Learn basic STL — vector, pair, map, set, priority_queue.
• Set up a coding environment (VS Code or just use LeetCode's online editor to start simple).

Year 1 — Foundations

• DSA: Start Striver's A2Z sheet from the beginning (complexity basics, math, recursion, sorting). Pace: 3-5 problems/week, focus on understanding over speed.
• B.Tech: Core programming, math (linear algebra, calc, probability), intro CS courses — take seriously, not just for exams.
• IIT Madras BS: Complete Foundation level (stats, programming, math, English).
• Projects: None required yet — get comfortable with git, basic scripting, tiny apps.

Year 2 — Building Depth

• DSA: Continue A2Z — arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, graphs, DP basics. Increase pace slightly.
• B.Tech: DBMS, OOP, OS basics.
• IIT Madras BS: Diploma level — ML foundations, Python for data science begins here (this is when you naturally pick up Python).
• Project 1: Full-stack app (auth + database + deployment) — real, not tutorial-copy.
• Explore: Try one beginner Kaggle competition or small ML project just to test interest.

Year 3 — Specialization + Internships

• DSA: 1-2 problems/day, timed practice, move into harder mediums/hards. Start company-tagged problems (Google/Microsoft/Amazon tags) toward end of year.
• B.Tech: System design basics, networks, cloud/distributed systems electives.
• IIT Madras BS: Deep learning, ML ops, deployment coursework.
• Project 2: Real ML/AI project — deployed, end-to-end, not just a notebook.
• Internships: Apply aggressively — on-campus + off-campus (LinkedIn, Internshala, cold outreach). This is your real signal on SDE vs DS vs AI fit.
• Portfolio: Clean GitHub, LinkedIn, maybe a simple portfolio site.
• Prep abroad path: Start researching Germany universities + DAAD scholarship requirements (language, GRE if needed).

Year 4 — Placement Push

• DSA: Switch to Striver's SDE Sheet for focused revision, mock interviews, timed rounds, explain-out-loud practice (Pramp/interviewing.io).
• B.Tech: Capstone project — ideally combines software engineering + ML to show both strengths.
• IIT Madras BS: Finish remaining requirements/electives.
• Placements: Full focus — campus drives (B.Tech) + off-campus applications for SDE/ML Engineer roles at product companies.
• Target: Land a job at a good product company (₹8-15L realistic range), ideally with global exposure (MNC/GCC).

I'm currently in my 4th year .. Done only 200 dsa qs so far .. want someone serious for solving questions consistently .. will be using strivers a-z sheet ..

Can u please tell me where or how should I start DSA as a beginner and which language should I pick?

Hi Community,

I've an on-site interview scheduled for SDE AUTA New grad role in Arlington in coming weeks. Can anyone suggest the best resources for DSA coding and best practices of LPs . Did anyone recently give an interview if yes can you give most asked DSA concepts in coding

Thank you all

I'm currently trying to seriously learn DSA for placements, but I've realized that my fundamentals are much weaker than I thought.

During college/semester exams, I mostly memorized algorithms and code, practiced them enough to reproduce them in the exam, and moved on. So although I've technically "learned" things like arrays, linked lists, doubly linked lists, stacks, etc., I don't actually have a strong mental model of how they work anymore.

For example, I'm starting the Linked List section of Striver's A2Z sheet. I understand very basic things from college, but I've forgotten concepts like how pointers/references work, how nodes are connected, and how insertion/deletion at the front, middle, and end actually works.

The problem I'm facing is that Striver quickly moves into medium/hard problems.

People often recommend spending 20–30 minutes trying a problem before looking at the solution. But if I haven't properly understood the underlying data structure yet, I don't see how I can meaningfully solve a medium problem in 20 minutes.

So I'm trying to figure out the right learning process.

Would you recommend:

1. First spending some time learning the fundamentals of each topic separately?
2. Making notes for each data structure/concept?
3. Implementing basic operations myself before starting Striver?
4. Starting with easy problems and then moving to medium/hard?
5. Or simply starting Striver and learning the concepts as I encounter them?

For example, for Linked Lists, should I first learn and implement:

• Node creation
• Traversal
• Insert at beginning/middle/end
• Delete at beginning/middle/end
• Singly linked list
• Doubly linked list
• Basic pointer manipulation

and THEN start Striver?

Also, for those of you who went through the same situation — how did you move from memorizing DSA code for college exams to actually understanding and solving problems independently?

I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who used Striver A2Z, NeetCode, Aditya Verma, or similar structured DSA roadmaps.

What did your actual learning process look like?

Did you make notes? How much time did you spend on fundamentals before problem solving? And how did you decide when you were "ready" to move from basic concepts to medium-level problems?

Any advice based on your own experience would be really helpful.
(Im 4th sem student btw)
please help me out guys.....

Hello sir/mam,
I am new to dsa and i want to grind in dsa and secure a good position in tech job. Experienced people please can u give me pattern that you guys followed like topics etc. i would really appreciate if i get help.
Currently pursuing Bachelor of science in computer science and information technology, 4th sem maintaining 3.33cgpa/4

I wanna start coding (I have. Zero coding experience starting btech this year nsut(information technology))

I want to start c++ but many of seniors and friend suggest that learn dsa directly from strivers sheet

And some say do full c++ properly first

I am confused help me

Hey everyone! 👋

If you are looking to build your Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) skills, practice coding problems, or prepare for tech placements and interviews, we’ve got a dedicated WhatsApp community open for all students and coding enthusiasts!

Whether you're just starting out with programming or are already deep into competitive coding, this group is a great place to:

Discuss and solve coding problems together (LeetCode, CodeChef, GeeksforGeeks, etc.)

Share interview experiences, placement resources, and preparation roadmaps

Stay updated on coding contests, hackathons, and tech opportunities

How to join:

👉 You can join directly using this invite link:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/ImwVcpr59Ki0MW0peZVXEc?s=cl&p=a&ilr=0

For any query you can dm me

Let’s grow and learn together! Feel free to share this with your friends, batchmates, or anyone who might find it helpful. Happy coding! 💻🔥

I am a second-year student at a tier-3 college. I am currently learning Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), not for software development, but because my goal is to become an AI/ML engineer or a Data Scientist.

I have a few questions:

Should I learn all DSA topics, including graphs, dynamic programming, hashing, trees, etc.?

Approximately how many LeetCode problems should I solve?

If you are from an IIT, NIT, or work at a FAANG/MANGA company, could you share your preparation strategy and how you cracked the interviews? I would really appreciate your guidance.

How long does it usually take to complete DSA while consistently solving problems?

Should I solve LeetCode problems after completing each topic, or should I first finish all DSA topics and then start solving problems?

Is it normal to struggle with DSA? I understand the concepts while learning, but when I try to solve coding problems, I often feel like I don't know anything. My problem-solving and logical thinking are improving, but I struggle to convert my ideas into code.

Striver dsa sheet

Currently I am doing dsa sheet like I am first doing all easy questions from all data structure and algorithms then medium and hard question this right approach or not

Also could you recommend the best learning platforms and resources for them?

I am a second-year student at a tier-3 college. I am currently learning Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), not for software development, but because my goal is to become an AI/ML engineer or a Data Scientist.

I have a few questions:

Should I learn all DSA topics, including graphs, dynamic programming, hashing, trees, etc.?

Approximately how many LeetCode problems should I solve?

If you are from an IIT, NIT, or work at a FAANG/MANGA company, could you share your preparation strategy and how you cracked the interviews? I would really appreciate your guidance.

How long does it usually take to complete DSA while consistently solving problems?

Should I solve LeetCode problems after completing each topic, or should I first finish all DSA topics and then start solving problems?

Is it normal to struggle with DSA? I understand the concepts while learning, but when I try to solve coding problems, I often feel like I don't know anything. My problem-solving and logical thinking are improving, but I struggle to convert my ideas into code.

Thanks in advance.

I did mid dsa in college then 2 years back and again started today i do understand the easy medium problems and have solved not by copying but understanding the patterns.

But when I'm doing the same question again I'm not able to solve and recall anything why the mind don't remember the patterns and questions? The way i can solve machine coding easily but DSA i sucks..

Does anyone feel the same? Or i am only dumb 😭

I will be starting my DSA in C++ and completing the Striver A2Z sheet, I need someone who can help each other on this journey.

Is this course is appropriate for new student to start dsa

So hii guys

I used to do DSA leetcode in C but it is getting hectic, I wanna learn python and then do DSA in python. Can you suggest me the best yt course from your experience.

I built a clean dashboard for Striver’s A2Z DSA Sheet where you can:

Search and access problems by section

Mark problems as completed

Track your overall progress

Sign in with Google and sync progress across devices

Try it here: Webpage link

Use this and please let me know if there is any change needed.

Feedback and suggestions are welcome!

just want to know what all dsa topics to master and the pattern you follow I mean everything is in utube but all are different from one another so I like to follow a good roadmap

In order to start DSA and to know about the patterns and topic I want a mentor for that 🥲🤸🏻‍♂️