B.

Tech CSE (AI & ML) – 4-Year Roadmap

The curriculum is divided semester-wise. Each semester builds on programming, math, and CS
fundamentals, while integrating AI/ML topics progressively. Core areas include Data Structures &
Algorithms (DSA), Machine Learning, System Design, and Career Preparation (coding interviews,
projects, internships). Below is a comprehensive roadmap with key topics, practical focus, project
ideas, and Indian learning resources:

Semester 1 (Year 1, Sem 1)

• Core Topics: Programming fundamentals (variables, loops, functions in C/C++/Python), basic
algorithms (searching, sorting) 1 , discrete mathematics (sets, logic), and computer basics
(architecture, OOP concepts).
• Key Skills: Logical thinking, problem decomposition, writing and tracing simple programs, basic
math.
• Resources (Indian): NPTEL: Intro to Programming in C (IIT Kanpur) – covers C and algorithmic
thinking; NPTEL: Programming & DSA with Python (CMI) – builds Python coding and DSA
foundations; Telusko YouTube (Python/C++) – beginner-friendly coding tutorials; GeeksforGeeks
– DSA Basics – introductory articles.
• Projects: Build simple console programs (calculator, bank account simulator, to-do list) to apply
syntax and logic; host code on GitHub.
• Practice: Start solving very easy problems on CodeChef Practice or HackerRank; aim 10–20
problems to solidify basics 2 . Join college coding clubs and participate in beginner coding
contests (e.g. CodeChef Starters). Focus is on learning, not placements yet.

Semester 2 (Year 1, Sem 2)

• Core Topics: Deeper programming (functions, recursion, basic data structures: arrays, strings,
structs), Object-Oriented Programming (classes/objects in C++ or Java), calculus and probability
basics for algorithms.
• Key Skills: Writing modular code, algorithmic thinking (divide-and-conquer), simple time
complexity reasoning.
• Resources (Indian): NPTEL: Data Structures (IIT Bombay) – covers arrays, stacks, queues; Take U
Forward (Striver) YouTube – structured DSA tutorials; Gate Smashers YouTube – C/C++ and data
structures in Hindi.
• Projects: Enhance previous projects (e.g. implement the to-do list using dynamic arrays or linked
lists); create small games (like number guessing) using loops and conditionals.
• Practice: Solve more DSA problems (arrays, strings) on CodeChef/HackerRank; begin using GfG
practice problems. Focus on understanding simple algorithms rather than memorizing code 1 .

Semester 3 (Year 2, Sem 3)

• Core Topics: Data structures (linked lists, stacks, queues, trees) and algorithms (sorting,
searching, recursion) 3 ; discrete math (combinatorics, probability); databases (SQL basics);
introduction to machine learning concepts (basic statistics, Python libraries).
• Key Skills: Implement and use linked lists/trees, analyze simple algorithms (big-O); basic
database queries; introductory data analysis with Python.

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 • Resources (Indian): GeeksforGeeks – DSA Roadmap – key DSA topics; CodingNinjas YouTube –
DSA – free tutorials; Khan Academy Math (for discrete math refresher).
• Projects: Develop intermediate projects applying data structures (e.g. implement a contact
manager using linked lists, or a basic student database with SQL); try a simple data analysis in
Python (e.g. weather stats).
• Practice: Continue practicing DSA on platforms like CodeChef and start using InterviewBit or
GfG practice sheets. Aim to solve medium-level problems in sorting, searching, and basic tree
traversals.

Semester 4 (Year 2, Sem 4)

• Core Topics: Advanced DSA (graphs, hashing, dynamic programming) 4 ; operating systems
and networks basics; probability & statistics (for ML foundation); introduction to system design
(architecture, scalability basics).
• Key Skills: Graph algorithms (DFS/BFS), DP problem-solving, understanding of OS concepts
(processes, memory); probability for ML (bayes, distributions).
• Resources (Indian): GeeksforGeeks – Graph Algorithms – graph tutorials; NPTEL: Graph Theory
(IIT Madras) – graph theory basics; Errichto (takeuforward) – DP Tutorials – covers DP.
• Projects: Build non-trivial programs (e.g. a basic chat server/client to learn OS/networking, or
use graph libraries for mapping); start a simple machine learning project (e.g. linear regression
on a small dataset) to apply stats.
• Practice: Systematically solve DSA problems including graphs/DP on LeetCode or CodeChef
(target 50+ problems by end of sem) 2 . Use GeeksforGeeks coding practice (DSA Sheet). This is
a good time to start participating in coding competitions (CodeChef Long/Starters).
• Internships: Begin considering summer internships. By end of this semester, update your
resume/GitHub with projects. Apply for research internships or open-source projects for the
following summer.

Semester 5 (Year 3, Sem 5)

• Core Topics: Machine Learning I: Supervised learning (regression, classification), linear algebra,
statistical inference 5 ; Data Science: Python libraries (NumPy, pandas), data preprocessing;
databases (advanced SQL, NoSQL basics); Systems: design patterns, basics of system
architecture (client-server, APIs).
• Key Skills: Implement ML algorithms (e.g. linear/logistic regression) from scratch; data cleaning
and analysis; designing modular code.
• Resources (Indian): NPTEL: Intro to Machine Learning (IIT Madras) – covers ML fundamentals;
Great Learning – Machine Learning – free Indian MOOC; Krish Naik (YouTube) – practical ML/DL
tutorials.
• Projects: Complete a full ML mini-project (e.g. Titanic dataset prediction, spam classifier) and
publish on GitHub/Kaggle. Build web apps using databases (e.g. a blog site with login) to apply
backend skills.
• Practice: Continue solving algorithmic problems to keep DSA sharp. Begin solving ML/Data
Science practice problems (e.g. Kaggle micro-courses, Analytics Vidhya challenges).
• Internships: Aim for a summer internship in software or data science. By this semester, many
Indian companies recruit interns for roles in tech. Prepare for internships by applying from late
Sem5.

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Semester 6 (Year 3, Sem 6)
• Core Topics: Advanced ML/AI: Neural networks, deep learning basics, computer vision or NLP
fundamentals; Big Data & Cloud: Hadoop/Spark intro, AWS/GCP basics; System Design:
Databases (sharding, indexing), caching, load balancing; Career Prep: advanced interview
problems, resume building.
• Key Skills: Build and train simple neural networks, preprocess large datasets; design REST APIs;
analyze system requirements for scalability.
• Resources (Indian): NPTEL: Deep Learning (IIT Kharagpur) – DL architectures (CNNs, RNNs) 6 ;
Crio.Do or UpGrad courses – project-based AI; PrepInsta – Indian placement prep (interview
questions).
• Projects: Build a deep learning project (e.g. image classifier with CNN, chatbot with NLP); use
cloud credits for a project (deploy a model on AWS/GCP). Contribute to open-source or publish
your project work on GitHub/Medium.
• Practice: Intensify coding interview prep: solve medium-hard LeetCode problems and mock
interviews. Use platforms like InterviewBit and GeeksforGeeks “Placement Series”.
• Internships/Research: Secure a major internship in AI/ML or begin a research project under a
professor. If interested in research, start a minor publication or extended project (e.g. at a
conference or journal).

Semester 7 (Year 4, Sem 7)

• Core Topics: AI electives (e.g. Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Reinforcement
Learning); software architecture (microservices, distributed systems); advanced DSA (oscillating
implementation, optimization).
• Key Skills: Implement advanced AI models (transformers, GANs), design scalable systems,
optimize algorithms.
• Resources (Indian): NPTEL: Advanced AI Courses (search electives like NLP, CV); IITBombayX
(NPTEL) YouTube – various CS lectures; InterviewBit – interview course by Indian founders.
• Projects: Undertake a capstone project: build an end-to-end AI product (e.g. deploy a web app
with ML backend). Present it to peers or at tech fests. Consider writing a blog/creating a portfolio
website.
• Practice: Refine system design skills by reading case studies (e.g. design YouTube/WhatsApp).
Practice mock placement interviews (system design and coding) with peers or online groups.
• Career: Apply to 30+ LPA (3+ Cr INR) companies by early Sem7. Focus on resumes highlighting
projects and internships. Attend interviews; prepare aptitude and communication skills as
needed.

Semester 8 (Year 4, Sem 8)

• Core Topics: Final Year Project (focused on AI/ML specialization), elective courses (e.g. robotics,
data mining), and advanced topics (MLOps, AI ethics).
• Key Skills: Project management, collaboration (team project work), mastery of chosen AI/ML
tools.
• Resources (Indian): Simplilearn – AI/ML courses (bootcamps); Internshala – find internships/
projects; NPTEL/YouTube for any remaining gaps.
• Projects: Complete and present your major project at college seminars or tech fairs.
Contribute final improvements, document your work thoroughly.
• Preparation: Focus on final placement rounds. Revise DSA and system design. Network with
companies and alumni. Plan next steps (higher studies or job).

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Core Areas Emphasis (all semesters): Continuous practice of DSA is critical – it’s the backbone of
coding interviews 1 . Consistently build projects (from simple apps early on to AI systems later) to
solidify learning and impress recruiters 7 . Learn system design concepts gradually: they “act as a
backbone” in software development and are often asked in product-company interviews 8 .
Internships are best started from 3rd year summer onward; aim for at least two internships/research
projects by final year. Throughout, use Indian resources like NPTEL (3200+ courses by IIT/IISc 9 ),
GeeksforGeeks, CodeChef, and Indian YouTubers/educators. Focus on hands-on learning – for example,
apply ML skills on Kaggle or local datasets, and practice coding on platforms like CodeChef and
HackerRank 2 . By following this semester-wise roadmap and leveraging these resources, you’ll build
strong skills, a project portfolio, and confidence to land high-paying (30+ LPA) placements 10 .

Highlighted Project Ideas: Build a personal portfolio website (with resume and project links); create
small games; develop web apps (e.g. blog, chat app); ML mini-projects (e.g. image classifier, chatbot);
capstone AI/ML project (like sentiment analyzer or object detector) 7 .

Recommended Practice Platforms: CodeChef, HackerRank, LeetCode, GeeksforGeeks practice,

InterviewBit – solve a mix of easy to hard problems routinely 2 .

Internship Timeline: Focus on academics in Year 1–2. Start applying for internships by end of 2nd year
(summer after Sem4). Secure summer internships in Year 3 (after Sem6) in relevant tech/AI roles. Use
Internshala and college placement cells, and build on those experiences in Year 4.

References: Authoritative guides confirm DSA and ML skills are cornerstones of CS education and tech
careers 1 10 , and emphasize learning through projects 7 and system design fundamentals 8 .
NPTEL (IIT/IISc) and Indian platforms offer thousands of high-quality free courses 9 to support this
roadmap.

1 2 3 4 DSA for Placement | GeeksforGeeks

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/dsa-forplacement/

5 Introduction to Machine Learning - Course

https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc23_cs18/preview

6 Deep Learning - Course

https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc20_cs62/preview

7 100+ Machine Learning Projects with Source Code [2025] | GeeksforGeeks

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/machine-learning-projects/

8 What is System Design? A Comprehensive Guide to System Architecture and Design Principles |
GeeksforGeeks
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-system-design-learn-system-design/

9 nptel.ac.in
https://nptel.ac.in/

10 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Career Roadmap: Jobs and Levels Guide | Coursera
https://www.coursera.org/resources/job-leveling-matrix-for-artificial-intelligence-career-pathways