I recently started participating in CodeForces contest and am a complete beginner. I currently have a basic knowledge of C++. I can write C++ code for basic problems and programs. Please tell me the rating that I should aim for and how much time it could take on average to reach that rating on CodeForces for clearing ZCO and INOI and getting into the IOITC.
Please answer according to the Indian Informatics Olympiad competition and participation only.
I know that my great USACO Silver coach made the Indian Informatics Olympiad with a Codeforces rating of 1700-1800.
Probably 1700-1800, like zrli mentioned previously. I've heard of some 1500s reaching TC, but it's rare, so you should aim for high expert.
Ohk. Thanks. What about the rating required to qualify ZCO, the first stage.
You need to know how to write code, in order to get past ZCO, having knowldege of greedy techniques, dynamic programming (even basics), binary search & prefix sums might prove to be helpful, many newbies and unrated people clear zco every year, though having some knowledge of topics i told will be be very useful and also i'm expecting you to have good knowledge of C++ STL or equivalent of it in your preferred language. About how much time it will take it? time left right now is suffice to be good-enough in topics i mentioned to clear ZCO, real deal is INOI for it you need to have skill level greater than 1600-rated cf user depending on which class you're in right now, getting there can take from a 2 month to 2 years or even more, it depends alot on your current skill level and intelligence. if you're a complete beginners you should do cses problemset, it has good collection of standard problem.
Hope it answers your query. Good Luck!!
Thanks a lot for the precise list of topics. I'll try my best.
This time, they are hosting mock tests before the ZCO, one of the problem seems to be Div2B/Div2C level from the last mock test. Anyways I have to give it anyway this Sunday. I am good at dp(I practiced it specifically for this olympiad due to the high weightage), do you think I will qualify?.
Probably 1700.