The Lost Algorithm (DSA)

Find the Code. Conquer the Chaos. Claim the Algorithm. The Lost Algorithm is a competitive Data Structures & Algorithms coding competition organized by DevClub, Thakur Ramnarayan College of Arts and Commerce as a part of Zettaabyte 5.0. Hidden among ancient ruins lies a legendary algorithm. Participants must navigate through three progressively difficult rounds, solve challenging coding problems, and survive the eliminations to reach the final stage. This is not just a coding contest — it is a journey from the First Clue to the Lost Ruins, and finally into The Abyss, where only the strongest programmers remain. Register Here : https://www.devclubtrcac.in/zettaabyte/events/lost-algorithm ABOUT THE EVENT: The Lost Algorithm is a solo, elimination-based DSA coding competition designed to test participants on: Data Structures & Algorithms Logical Thinking Problem Solving Algorithm Selection Time Complexity Space Complexity Coding Accuracy Optimization Participants will compete individually and solve problems using Python or C++ through the official coding platform. Each round becomes progressively more difficult, and only qualifying participants move forward. COMPETITION FORMAT: The competition consists of 3 elimination rounds. ROUND 1 — THE FIRST CLUE: Difficulty: Easy Problems: 5–7 Duration: 30–40 Minutes The opening round tests fundamental programming and DSA concepts. Topics may include: Arrays Strings Searching Sorting Basic Recursion Stack & Queue Basic Mathematics Basic Implementation Participants who meet the qualification criteria proceed to Round 2. ROUND 2 — THE LOST RUINS: Difficulty: Medium Problems: 3–5 Duration: 45–60 Minutes The second stage introduces more complex problems and focuses on efficient algorithm selection and problem-solving ability. Topics may include: Linked Lists Hashing Trees Recursion Greedy Algorithms Dynamic Programming Fundamentals Graph Fundamentals Searching & Optimization Only qualified participants from Round 1 can enter this round. ROUND 3 — THE ABYSS: Difficulty: Hard Problems: 2–3 Duration: 60–90 Minutes The final round is designed to challenge the strongest participants. Topics may include: Advanced Dynamic Programming Graph Algorithms Advanced Trees Backtracking Advanced Optimization Complex Data Structures Advanced Algorithmic Problem Solving The participants who survive The Abyss compete for the top positions. HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS: Register for The Lost Algorithm. Log in to the official competition platform. Read and accept the competition rules. Enter Round 1 when the competition begins. Solve and submit coding problems within the given time. Solutions are automatically evaluated. Participants are ranked based on their performance. Qualified participants advance to the next round. The difficulty increases with every round. The final leaderboard determines the winners. JUDGING CRITERIA: Participants will be evaluated on: Correctness: Whether the submitted solution produces the correct output. Efficiency: How efficiently the solution executes, including execution time and memory usage. Complexity: The quality of the chosen algorithm and its time and space complexity. Solutions may also be evaluated against hidden test cases to ensure they work correctly beyond the visible examples. RULES & GUIDELINES: Individual participation only. The competition consists of 3 elimination rounds. Each round is strictly time-bound. Python and C++ are the only allowed programming languages. Participants must use the official coding platform. Collaboration or external assistance is strictly prohibited. Use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, GitHub Copilot, or similar tools is strictly prohibited. Plagiarism and copying solutions are strictly prohibited. Hidden test cases will be used for evaluation. Attempting to exploit or bypass the judging system may result in disqualification. Participants are responsible for having a functional laptop/desktop and stable internet connection. Submissions after the round timer ends will not be accepted. The judges' decision will be final and binding. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?: The event is designed for students and coding enthusiasts who are interested in: Data Structures & Algorithms Competitive Programming Problem Solving Programming Software Development Participants should have basic programming knowledge and be comfortable with at least one of the supported languages: Python or C++. WHAT YOU NEED: Participants should have: A laptop or desktop Stable internet connection Basic programming knowledge Knowledge of DSA fundamentals Familiarity with Python or C++ A laptop/desktop is strongly recommended because the competition involves coding directly on the online platform. EVENT EXPERIENCE: The Lost Algorithm follows a cinematic pirate and treasure-hunt concept. Your journey: THE FIRST CLUE ↓ THE LOST RUINS ↓ THE ABYSS ↓ THE FINAL CODE ↓ THE LOST ALGORITHM Every round takes you deeper into the challenge, with increasing difficulty and higher stakes. PRIZES: 1st Place Trophy + Certificate 2nd Place Trophy + Certificate 3rd Place Trophy + Certificate WHY PARTICIPATE?: Test your DSA and competitive programming skills. Compete against other passionate coders. Experience a multi-round elimination coding competition. Challenge yourself with progressively harder problems. Earn recognition through the final leaderboard. Win a trophy and certificate. Experience competitive programming in a unique themed environment.