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!