Detailed and optimized 4-year roadmap
OVERALL STRATEGY
1. Year 1: Build a strong foundation in programming, problem-solving, and computer
science basics.
2. Year 2: Deep dive into core CS subjects + start AI/ML basics + build mini projects.
3. Year 3: Specialize in AI/ML + build serious projects + internships + open-source
contributions.
4. Year 4: Placement, interviews, advanced projects, hackathons, resume & LinkedIn
boost.
YEAR-WISE & MONTH-WISE ROADMAP
Year 1: (Foundation Year)
Goal: Master programming fundamentals and logical thinking.
Months 1–3: Basic Setup & Programming Start
● Learn Programming: Start with Python
○ Free: W3Schools Python, freeCodeCamp
○ Paid: [Udemy - Python Bootcamp by Colt Steele]
● Tools: Git, GitHub, VS Code, Google Colab
● Practice Platform: HackerRank, LeetCode
● Mini Projects: Calculator, To-do app, Rock-paper-scissors
Months 4–6: Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA)
● Learn Arrays, Strings, Linked List, Stack, Queue
● Free: [Abdul Bari YouTube], [GeeksforGeeks Basics]
● Platform: [CodeStudio (Coding Ninjas)], [Striver's DSA Sheet]
● Start Competitive Coding: 2 problems/day on LeetCode or GFG
Months 7–9: Web Development Basics
● Frontend: HTML, CSS, JS (freeCodeCamp)
● Backend: Flask or Django basics (for AI projects later)
● Build: Portfolio Website, Resume Page
Months 10–12: Start CS Basics
● OS (Operating System), DBMS (MySQL), CN (Computer Networks)
● Resources: Neso Academy (YouTube), GateSmashers
Year 2: (Core + AI/ML Entry)
Goal: Learn core CS subjects + introduce AI/ML with math foundation
Months 1–3: Advanced DSA + DBMS Projects
● Practice medium-level DSA on LeetCode
● Build: Library Management System with MySQL + Python
● Resume Tip: Create GitHub README with project demo
Months 4–6: Math for AI
● Linear Algebra, Probability, Statistics, Calculus
● Free: Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare
● Paid: [Mathematics for ML - Coursera]
Months 7–9: Intro to AI/ML
● Course: [Andrew Ng’s ML Course - Coursera (Free)]
● Concepts: Supervised, Unsupervised, Regression, Classification
● Tools: NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Scikit-learn
● Projects: House Price Predictor, Iris Classification, Spam Email Detector
Months 10–12: Start Kaggle
● Create a Kaggle account
● Participate in beginner-level competitions
● Build your first ML Portfolio notebook
Year 3: (Specialization + Real-World Projects)
Goal: Deep AI/ML + internships + open-source + resume building
Months 1–3: Deep Learning Start
● Course: [Deep Learning Specialization - Coursera]
● Learn: ANN, CNN, RNN, LSTM, NLP Basics
● Tools: TensorFlow or PyTorch
Months 4–6: NLP & Computer Vision
● Projects: Chatbot, Image Classification App, Fake News Detection
● Use pre-trained models like BERT, ResNet
Months 7–9: Build Internship Profile
● Create Portfolio Website (React + GitHub Pages)
● Create Resume on Overleaf
● Apply on: Internshala, LinkedIn, HackerEarth, AngelList, AICTE Internships
Months 10–12: Open Source & Community
● Participate in: GSSoC, Hacktoberfest, MLH
● Join: Google Developers Student Clubs (DSC), Kaggle Discussions, AI Clubs
Year 4: (Placement + Freelance + Final Projects)
Goal: Product-based job, internships, or freelance income
Months 1–3: Resume Finalization + Interview Prep
● Finalize 3–4 AI/ML projects
● DSA (revise whole Striver sheet)
● Interview platforms: [InterviewBit], [Scaler Free Mock Interviews]
Months 4–6: Product-based Company Prep
● System Design Basics (YouTube: Gaurav Sen)
● Solve 150+ LeetCode Questions (Medium + Hard)
● Resume: ATS-friendly (use Rezi)
Months 7–12: Job Applications + Freelancing (if needed)
● Apply via: LinkedIn, Naukri, Internshala, Turing, Toptal
● Freelance: Fiverr, Upwork (AI-based gigs)
● Attend Hiring Challenges: TCS Codevita, Flipkart GRiD, Amazon Hackathons
Certifications to Pursue (Anytime in Year 2–3)
Networking Strategy
● LinkedIn: 2 posts/month about your progress or projects
● GitHub: Public repos, proper commits, pinned projects
● Hackathons: Participate in 2 per year
● Contribute: To 1 open-source project per year
● Follow: Top AI/ML creators (e.g., Daniel Bourke, Andrew Ng)
Free Tools to Maintain
● Notion Template: Weekly Goal Tracker + Resume Section
● Google Sheets: Skill Tracker + Course Planner
● Google Drive: Store Certificates, Projects, Resume
Coming Next:
1. PDF with full roadmap
2. Notion Template
3. Google Sheet Skill Tracker
4. Calendar View (Month-wise Planner)
Shall I start creating these for you one-by-one?
