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How to become a SDE / Software Engineer

The general software engineering path most campus processes hire for: strong DSA, solid core CS, one language you own.

18-27 weeks4 phases15 steps50 free resources3 checkpoint tests

Best for

Anyone targeting mass recruiters and product companies alike. If you are unsure which specialism you want, start here - it keeps every door open.

Maybe not for you if

If you already know you want data, infrastructure or security, the specialised paths get you there faster.

The 4 phases

What each phase gets you to. The steps, resources and checkpoint inside each one open with a free account.

  1. Phase 1 - Language fluency, tooling and complexity

    3-4 weeks

    Goal: Write clean code in one language, use Git and a Linux shell without friction, and state the time and space cost of what you wrote.

    3 steps · ends in a build deliverable · assumes first-year programming coursework

  2. Phase 2 - DSA, the core of every technical round

    8-12 weeks

    Goal: Solve medium problems in roughly 30 minutes and explain the trade-offs while doing it.

    4 steps · ends in a scored checkpoint (60% to clear)

  3. Phase 3 - Core CS subjects

    4-6 weeks

    Goal: Handle OS, DBMS, SQL, networks and OOP questions with mechanisms and examples, not memorised definitions.

    4 steps · ends in a scored checkpoint (60% to clear)

  4. Phase 4 - Projects, shipping and the written round

    3-5 weeks

    Goal: Have two defensible projects with one of them deployed behind CI, a resume that survives a six-second scan, and aptitude sectionals cleared with margin.

    4 steps · ends in a scored checkpoint (65% to clear)

Open the full SDE / Software Engineer roadmap

Free account, no card. It takes about a minute and you do not need to verify your email to start.

  • All 15 steps, in order, with why each one is there
  • 50 hand-picked free resources, no paid course upsells
  • The specific mistake people make at each stage
  • 3 scored checkpoint tests, so progress is earned not ticked
  • Progress saved per step, so a break does not cost you the thread
  • Adaptive start, phases your test history already clears are skipped
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What hiring actually looks like here

Most campus processes follow the same shape: an online test (aptitude plus coding), then technical rounds on DSA and core CS, then HR. Service companies typically weight aptitude heavily; product companies typically weight DSA heavily.

We claim no placement outcome, salary or success rate. This describes what is commonly reported about the role, nothing more. Linked resources are credited to their authors.

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