From an M.Sc. in Physics to TCS Research

Hi, I’m Rohan Pattanayak, and I completed my M.Sc. in Physics from IIT Hyderabad in July 2026.

Coming from a non-technical background, my preparation journey was different from that of many Computer Science students. I had a two-year course, so I started preparing from my second semester and focused on building the skills required for the roles I wanted to pursue.

In December, I got shortlisted for an interview with the TCS Research & Innovation unit. I cleared the interview and received my offer in January.

Starting DSA from Scratch with TUF

I started learning Data Structures and Algorithms from scratch through TakeUForward (TUF). What I liked most was Striver's approach to problem-solving.

Instead of jumping directly to the optimal solution, I learned how to start with a brute-force approach, understand the problem, and gradually improve the solution. I also learned how to explain my thought process and approach problems from an interviewer's perspective.

The biggest change was that I stopped trying to memorize solutions and started recognizing patterns. This helped me understand how to approach unfamiliar problems rather than depending on previously learned code.

Preparing According to My Target Roles

I was primarily targeting analytics, consulting, and data science roles, so I planned my preparation accordingly instead of trying to solve every DSA problem.

I focused on Arrays, Stacks, and Queues, practising problems up to medium difficulty based on my preparation needs. Alongside DSA, I studied Machine Learning using different resources and prepared Aptitude and SQL for online assessments.

This approach helped me divide my time between the different skills required for my target roles.

Staying Consistent Until the Offer

Since my course was only two years long and I was coming from a non-tech background, I knew I needed to use my time wisely.

• Starting in my second semester gave me time to build my fundamentals gradually. I tried to solve at least 2–3 DSA problems every day, adjusting the difficulty according to the problem and my understanding.

My preparation wasn't about covering everything at once. It was about making steady progress and staying consistent until I was ready for the opportunities ahead.

That consistency helped me reach the TCS Research & Innovation interview shortlist in December. After clearing the interview, I received my offer in January.

My Advice to Students Preparing for Tech Roles

My biggest advice is to prepare according to the role you're targeting rather than trying to learn everything.

Different roles require different skill sets, so understand what your target role demands and prioritise accordingly. This makes preparation more focused and helps you manage your time better.

You don't always need to solve hundreds of problems or cover every topic. Build strong fundamentals, practise consistently, and focus on understanding the logic behind each solution.

Coming from a non-tech background taught me that a different starting point doesn't mean you cannot make it into the tech industry. With a clear goal, a focused strategy, and consistent effort, you can make meaningful progress.