Vanakkam DSA Cohort 2

Pre-requisites

• Time and Space Complexity (Watch here)

• Java or Python basics (must have skill)

• Every topic will be covered like this:

  • Introduce the Data Structure

  • Explain with diagrams

  • Typical problems asked

  • When to use this structure

  • Why it works best

  • Time & Space Complexity analysis

  • Coding few sample problems

  • Extra problems with references

Month 1: Foundation Basics

• Week 1: Arrays (manipulation, traversal, problems)

• Week 2: Strings (manipulation, pattern matching, algorithms)

• Week 3: Hashing + Matrix (hash tables, collisions, 2D problems)

• Week 4: Sorting + Two Pointers (sorting algorithms, 2-pointer use cases)

Weekly doubt-solving + extra practice problems

Month 2: Core Data Structures

• Week 5: Binary Search (variations and mastery)

• Week 6: Stacks + Queues (LIFO, FIFO, applications)

• Week 7: Linked Lists (operations and problems)

• Week 8: Recursion + Backtracking (recursive thinking, backtracking)

Month 3: Advanced Data Structures

(You're ready for big tech interviews)

• Week 9: Heap (priority queues, heap algorithms)

• Week 10: Sliding Window (efficient substring/subarray problems)

• Week 11: Trees Theory (binary trees, traversals, properties)

• Week 12: Trees Problems (advanced tree problems)

Month 4: Graphs & Dynamic Programming

• Week 13: Graphs Theory + Problems (representation, basic algos)

• Week 14: Advanced Graph Problems (applications)

• Week 15: DP Basics and Theory (intro to dynamic programming)

• Week 16: Advanced DP Problems (optimization, practice)

Month 5: Advanced Topics & Design

• Week 17: Trie + System Design (intro)

• Week 18: Design Problems (advanced)

• Week 19: Bit Manipulation (bitwise operations)

• Week 20: Math (mathematical algorithms, number theory)

Month 6: Famous Named Algorithms

(For nerdy/tricky interviews)

• Famous algorithms: Dijkstra, Floyd-Warshall, Kruskal, Prim, etc.

• Deep dive into implementation + optimization

Core CS Concepts

• Quick revision of:

  • OOP

  • DBMS

  • Operating System

  • Computer Networks

• Resume Creation

Interactive Learning (in doubt-solving sessions)

• Resume creation (mind-blowing session)

• LinkedIn setup & networking hacks

• LeetCode contests (with guest competitive programmer)

• Resume reviews (extended, 2 days)

• Why Core CS is important

• Basics of System Design

• Guest lectures (FAANG + top-tier engineers)

• Share resources like Grind75, articles, cheat sheets

End-of-Program Assessment

• Tips to prepare for interviews

• How to revise at your own pace for life

• How to prepare for system design interviews