Vineet20-September-2025

DSA Course for Beginners to Experts – Crack Coding Interviews

When it comes to coding interviews, one truth never changes: Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) decide everything.

You might know multiple programming languages, but the interviewer usually cares about something else:

• Can you break down problems logically?

• Do you pick the right data structure at the right time?

• Can you write an efficient solution when the clock is ticking?

That’s why following a structured DSA roadmap makes all the difference. Whether you’re just starting out with arrays or pushing yourself into advanced topics like dynamic programming and graphs, having a plan matters.

When I started my own journey, I made the classic mistake of learning from random playlists. I’d jump from one topic to another with no real order, and the result was — zero confidence in interviews. Once I switched to a structured path, everything started making sense.

Why Learn DSA in a Structured Way?

Think of DSA like climbing stairs. If you skip the first few steps and try leaping straight to the top, you’re going to fall. I learned things the hard way because I didn’t had any one to guide me...when I attempted DP before even understanding recursion properly.

Here are some suggestions on how you should do :

1. Foundations (Beginner Level)

• Arrays, Strings, Recursion, Linked Lists

• Basics of complexity (Big-O, Big-Theta, Big-Omega)

• Classic searching and sorting

2. Intermediate Level

• Stacks, Queues, Hashing

• Trees and Binary Search Trees

• Greedy algorithms and simple dynamic programming

3. Advanced Level (Expert Mode)

• Graphs (BFS, DFS, Dijkstra, Floyd–Warshall, etc.)

• Tougher DP problems like Knapsack, Matrix Chain Multiplication

• Segment Trees, Fenwick Trees, Tries

• Practicing problem-solving under time pressure

Or as someone once told me: “You can’t build skyscrapers on weak foundations.”

My Personal DSA Journey
During my first interview prep, I thought arrays were enough. Then the interviewer asked a simple tree traversal question, and I completely froze. That moment made me realize — DSA isn’t optional, it’s essential.
So, I built myself a routine:
• 2–3 hours of DSA practice every day
• Starting each new topic with the simplest example possible
• Solving previous year questions (PYQs) from big tech interviews
I wasn’t a fast learner, but consistency paid off. Slowly, solving problems became less about stress and more about fun.
At this stage, having a roadmap really helped. And I noticed that many of my peers using structured platforms like ExamPrepTool (EPT) improved even faster — mostly because they didn’t waste time figuring out “what to study next.”

Why I Recommend Structured Platforms (Like EPT)
There are endless free resources, but here’s why I suggest something structured if you can get it:
1. Beginner-Friendly Onboarding
• Basics like arrays and recursion are explained in a way that clicks instantly.
• Analogies make concepts ring in mind like a sweet music.
2. Mentorship along with Step-by-Step Growth
• Topics move in increasing order of difficulty.
• Practice problems in every module before jumping ahead.
3. Interview-Focused Prep
• Includes PYQs from real tech companies.
• You don’t just learn algorithms — you learn how they’re asked in interviews.
4. Mentorship & Progress Tracking
• Discussion forums where doubts actually get solved.
• Trackers that keep you accountable and show what’s left.
I’ve seen friends burn out trying to figure everything alone. Having this structure feels like having a personal mentor walking beside you.

Tips If You’re Just Starting Out
• Start small → Don’t rush into graphs. Nail arrays, recursion, and strings first.

• Dry run on paper → Coding by hand builds confidence before you hit “run.”
• Be consistent → 2–3 problems a day beats 20 problems once a week.
• Use PYQs → They show what really gets asked in interviews.
• Ask for help → Don’t stay stuck forever. Reach out to peers, mentors, or even communities like EPT.
Remember: smart coders don’t just solve problems. They solve the right problems in the right way.
For me, DSA was the bridge between “knowing how to code” and “actually cracking interviews.” If you’re preparing for placements, GATE, or even FAANG-level interviews, DSA mastery will give you that edge.
What worked for me was:
• Consistency → Builds confidence
• Smart work → Saves time
• Guidance → Speeds up growth
If you can get all three in one place, platforms like ExamPrepTool (EPT) are worth checking out. They don’t just teach algorithms — they train you to think like a problem solver, which is exactly what interviewers want to see.
So my final piece of advice I can offer is Do not just learn randomly. Follow a fixed path, track your own progress every day, and practice as much as possible every single day. With the correct mix of hard work, guidance, revision and consistency, you’ll not only become a master in DSA but also walk into interviews with the confidence to crack them.
In the end, interviews are not designed to test your memory — they are just there to test your problem-solving skills and mindset when you come across something difficult. And that’s exactly what true DSA preparation gives you.