Clash of Code: DSA Competition - The Ultimate Battle of Logic

Competition Overview and Mission

Clash of Code is the flagship Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) competition organized by [Insert Organizing Body/Club Name] at [Insert University Name]. Designed to be the premier platform for coding enthusiasts, this event challenges and showcases the problem-solving mastery and coding prowess of undergraduate students. The competition aims not only to identify the top coders but also to foster a robust culture of competitive programming, encouraging participants to apply their theoretical knowledge to complex, real-world algorithmic problems.

The competition is structured as a demanding, two-round online event, ensuring a rigorous assessment that tests both foundational computer science theory and practical implementation skills.

Eligibility and Participation

The competition is exclusively open to all undergraduate students.

Participation Format: The event strictly enforces individual participation. Collaboration, discussion, or teamwork of any kind is prohibited during either round of the contest.

Round 1: The Knowledge Gauntlet (MCQ Quiz)

Round 1 serves as the mandatory preliminary stage, acting as a filter for the main event. Its primary goal is to assess the participants' foundational computer science knowledge, which is vital for success in advanced programming.

Format and Content

• Format: Online Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) quiz.

• Total Questions: 30 questions.

• Content: Questions will evaluate general computer knowledge, focusing on:

  • Data Structures & Algorithms Theory: Theoretical concepts of arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, and algorithmic paradigms like sorting, searching, and dynamic programming.

  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Core principles including encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction.

  • General Programming Aptitude: Logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and basic coding syntax comprehension.

Scoring and Qualification

• Correct Answer: +2 points.

• Incorrect Answer: -0.5 points (Strict negative marking applies).

• Unattempted Question: 0 points.

Participants must achieve a minimum qualifying score (cut-off), determined by the organizers after the round, to advance to the Final Code Clash.

Round 2: The Final Code Clash (DSA Coding)

This is the central competitive round, exclusively for those who qualify from Round 1. It is designed to challenge participants to implement efficient, clean, and bug-free code solutions.

Format and Submission

• Total Problems: 3 DSA-based problems of increasing complexity, covering a broad range of topics from basic data structures to advanced algorithms.

• Languages: Participants can use any of the standard programming languages supported by the platform (e.g., C++, Java, Python, etc.). The full list will be confirmed prior to the contest.

• Submissions: Solutions are submitted to an online judge, which evaluates the code against a set of hidden test cases.

Scoring and Ranking Criteria

1. Problem Scoring: Each problem has a maximum score. Points are awarded based on the number of test cases passed by the submitted code. Partial scoring is fully enabled, meaning a correct approach, even if not perfectly optimized, may earn points.

2. Best Submission: For any given problem, only the submission that yields the highest score will count toward the participant's final total.

3. Tie-Breaker (Crucial): In the event that two or more participants achieve the same total score, the tie will be broken by the time taken. The participant who achieved their final score in the shortest cumulative time will be ranked higher.

Integrity, Rules, and Code of Conduct

The integrity of the competition is paramount. All participants are expected to adhere to the following strict rules:

• Cheating is Strictly Prohibited: Sharing code, receiving solutions, engaging in plagiarism, or attempting to use any form of external, unauthorized assistance (including communication with other individuals) during the contest will result in immediate and irreversible disqualification.

• Allowed Resources: Participants may use standard language libraries and functions. Accessing official language documentation or syntax lookup is generally permitted, but searching for the solutions to the active problems is strictly forbidden.

• Technical Responsibility: Participants are responsible for securing their own hardware and ensuring a stable internet connection. No extra time or extensions will be granted for technical issues occurring on the participant’s end.

• Final Authority: All decisions regarding scoring, ranking, and disqualification rest solely with the organizing committee and the judges and are final and binding.

We look forward to witnessing your logical brilliance at the "Clash of Code" and wish you the best of luck!