Below is an all-in-one, comprehensive 2‑year roadmap for entering competitive
programming—from scratch with Python to mastering advanced techniques in C++ and
high-level contests like ICPC. This guide includes every step, resource, and tip you need to
become a well-rounded competitive programmer.
Year 1: Building Your Foundation
Months 1–3: Learn Programming Fundamentals with Python
● Goals:
○ Master Python basics: syntax, data types, conditionals, loops, functions,
recursion, and basic I/O.
● Action Items:
○ Tutorials & Courses:
■ Python for Beginners (W3Schools)
■ Python Basics (Real Python)
■ Learn Python (Codecademy)
○ Practice:
■ Solve simple problems on HackerRank 10 Days of Python.
■ Build small projects (e.g., calculators, text-based games).
○ Additional Tips:
■ Code daily—even small scripts matter.
■ Keep a coding journal to note challenges and solutions.
Months 4–6: Introduction to Data Structures & Basic Algorithms
● Goals:
○ Understand and implement basic data structures (arrays, lists, dictionaries,
sets, strings) and algorithms (sorting, searching, recursion, and basic
backtracking).
● Action Items:
○ Learning Resources:
■ GeeksforGeeks – Python Data Structures
■ CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science (focus on Python modules)
○ Practice:
■ Solve problems on HackerRank and LeetCode (start with easy
problems).
■ Work on challenges involving loops, arrays, and string manipulations.
○ Mini-Project:
■ Create a small data processing script or game to apply what you've
learned.
Months 7–9: Deepen DSA Knowledge & Start CP Problem Solving
● Goals:
○ Expand your understanding of recursion, backtracking, and introductory
dynamic programming (DP).
○ Begin solving competitive programming problems.
● Action Items:
○ Topics to Cover:
■ Recursion & Backtracking (e.g., permutations, maze solving)
■ Basic DP (e.g., Fibonacci, coin change)
■ Basic Graph Algorithms (BFS & DFS)
○ Resources:
■ CP-Algorithms (Basic Sections)
■ Dynamic Programming – TutorialsPoint
○ Practice:
■ Start with beginner contests on [Codeforces Div. 4] or CodeChef
practice problems.
○ Tips:
■ Read contest editorials even when you solve a problem.
■ Practice time-bound problem solving to build speed.
Months 10–12: Introduction to C++ & Intermediate CP Techniques
● Goals:
○ Learn C++ basics to benefit from its speed and the Standard Template Library
(STL).
○ Begin solving competitive problems in C++.
● Action Items:
○ C++ Learning:
■ Topics: C++ syntax, control structures, functions, arrays, pointers, and
basic STL (vectors, maps, sets).
■ Resources:
■ Learn C++ (GeeksforGeeks)
■ C++ Tutorial (cplusplus.com)
■ C++ for Competitive Programming (YouTube Series)
○ Practice:
■ Re-solve problems from previous months using C++.
■ Participate in contests on Codeforces and AtCoder.
○ Mini-Projects:
■ Write small programs using C++ to familiarize yourself with fast I/O
and STL utilities.
Year 2: Advancing to Competitive
Programming Mastery
Months 13–15: Advanced Data Structures & Algorithms
● Goals:
○ Master more advanced data structures (trees, heaps, tries) and algorithmic
techniques (greedy, more dynamic programming, graph algorithms).
● Action Items:
○ Topics to Cover:
■ Trees (binary trees, BSTs), heaps, and tries.
■ Graph algorithms: Shortest paths (Dijkstra, Bellman-Ford) and
Minimum Spanning Trees (Kruskal, Prim).
○ Resources:
■ CP-Algorithms – Graph Algorithms
■ GeeksforGeeks – Advanced Data Structures
○ Practice:
■ Solve medium-level problems on LeetCode and [HackerRank].
■ Participate in themed contests focusing on graphs or DP.
○ Tips:
■ Use diagrams to visualize tree/graph problems.
■ Write pseudocode before actual coding to clarify your approach.
Months 16–18: Optimization, Advanced Techniques & Performance
● Goals:
○ Write optimized C++ code and dive into advanced competitive programming
techniques.
● Action Items:
○ Topics to Cover:
■ Advanced DP (bitmask DP, digit DP, SOS DP)
■ Advanced data structures: Segment Trees, Fenwick Trees (Binary
Indexed Trees), Disjoint Set Union (Union-Find)
■ Number theory: Sieve of Eratosthenes, modular arithmetic, fast
exponentiation
○ Resources:
■ CP-Algorithms – Advanced Topics
■ E-olymp Tutorials
○ Practice:
■ Take on challenging problems on [Codeforces Div. 1/2] contests.
■ Participate in virtual contests with strict time limits.
○ Tips:
■ Learn fast I/O techniques in C++ (e.g., using
ios::sync_with_stdio(false)).
■ Write modular, clean code to ease debugging and enhance readability.
Months 19–21: Mock Contests & Strategic Practice
● Goals:
○ Simulate real contest conditions to improve time management, speed, and
accuracy.
○ Analyze performance to identify and fix weak areas.
● Action Items:
○ Mock Contests:
■ Organize or join mock contests (aim for 2–3 per month) using past
problems from Codeforces or UVA Online Judge.
○ Review & Reflection:
■ Analyze your contest performance, noting mistakes and areas for
improvement.
■ Re-solve problems and review editorial solutions (check out YouTube
channels like William Lin and Errichto).
○ Community Engagement:
■ Join CP communities on forums (e.g., Codeforces, Reddit’s
r/competitiveprogramming).
■ Consider pairing with a mentor or study group.
○ Additional Practice:
■ Refine your debugging skills (learn to use gdb for C++ and pdb for
Python).
■ Start using version control (e.g., Git) to manage your projects.
○ Tips:
■ Keep a progress journal and track recurring mistakes.
■ Ensure you balance practice with sufficient breaks to avoid burnout.
Months 22–24: Final Preparation for High-Level Competitions (ICPC &
Beyond)
● Goals:
○ Prepare for high-stakes contests (ICPC regionals, Codeforces Div. 1/2) and
team-based competitions.
○ Refine strategies, speed, and advanced problem-solving skills.
● Action Items:
○ Advanced Problem Solving:
■ Tackle challenging problems from past ICPC contests and other
high-level competitions.
■ Explore additional topics like game theory, advanced graph algorithms
(e.g., heavy-light decomposition), and complex combinatorics.
○ Team Practice:
■ If you plan to compete in teams, form one and run regular team
practice sessions.
■ Work on strategy, communication, and dividing problem-solving
responsibilities.
○ Resource Deep Dive:
■ Practice using ICPC Live Archive and Timus Online Judge.
○ Final Contests:
■ Participate in high-level contests on platforms like Codeforces and
AtCoder.
■ Use mock contests as final dress rehearsals.
○ Final Tips:
■ Regularly review all topics to keep your skills fresh.
■ Maintain balance: practice advanced problems, but also ensure you
manage stress and stay healthy.
■ Keep up with new techniques by following CP blogs and community
discussions.
Additional Essential Elements
Throughout Your Journey
1. Version Control & Collaboration:
○ Learn Git to manage your code and collaborate with others.
○ Git Handbook
2. Debugging & Profiling:
○ Practice debugging in Python (pdb) and C++ (gdb).
○ Explore profiling tools to optimize code performance.
3. Mathematical Foundations:
○ Strengthen your skills in discrete math, combinatorics, probability, and even
computational geometry.
○ Art of Problem Solving
4. Soft Skills & Teamwork:
○ Develop communication and collaboration skills, especially for team contests
like ICPC.
○ Engage in communities and study groups.
5. Wellbeing & Balance:
○ Ensure regular breaks, exercise, and social interactions to manage stress.
○ Maintain a healthy routine to support sustained learning and performance.
6. Consistent Revision:
○ Keep a notebook or digital journal of algorithms, techniques, and mistakes.
○ Regularly review and re-solve past problems to reinforce learning.
7. Development Tools:
○ Use a well-configured IDE (like VS Code with CP-friendly extensions) to
speed up coding.
○ Learn shortcuts and customizations to enhance productivity.
This unified, detailed roadmap is designed to take you from a beginner in Python to an
advanced competitive programmer, fully prepared for high-level contests. Stick to the plan,
adapt based on your progress, and enjoy the journey to mastery!
