Talentd

Category: Career Advice

  • Top 5 Budget-Friendly DSA Books Every Fresher Must Read in 2025 in Java, C++, Python

    Top 5 Budget-Friendly DSA Books Every Fresher Must Read in 2025 in Java, C++, Python

    If you’re a student preparing for coding interviews or placements, choosing the right Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) book can make a huge difference. A well-structured book simplifies complex concepts, strengthens problem-solving skills, and prepares you for real-world coding challenges.

    To save you time and confusion, we’ve shortlisted five affordable DSA books under ₹1000 that are beginner-friendly and widely recommended by software engineers.

    1. Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy – Narasimha Karumanchi

    Why this book?

    This book is perfect for freshers who want to build a strong foundation in DSA. It explains concepts in a simple way and includes hundreds of coding problems commonly asked in interviews.

    Key Highlights:

    • Beginner-friendly explanations
    • Covers stacks, queues, trees, graphs, and dynamic programming
    • Coding problems with solutions

    🔗 Buy from Amazon

    2. Grokking Algorithms – Aditya Bhargava

    Why this book?

    If you’re a visual learner, this book is a game-changer. It breaks down complex algorithms using diagrams, real-world examples, and step-by-step explanations.

    Key Highlights:

    • Best for absolute beginners
    • Covers sorting, searching, recursion, graphs, and dynamic programming
    • Simple, engaging writing style with illustrations

    🔗 Check price on Amazon

    3. Cracking the Coding Interview – Gayle Laakmann McDowell

    Why this book?

    If you’re aiming for FAANG-level interviews, this book is a must-read. It includes 189 programming questions, covering DSA, system design, and problem-solving strategies.

    Key Highlights:

    • Interview-specific preparation
    • Coding problems with step-by-step solutions
    • Covers behavior and HR interview questions

    🔗 Check price on Amazon

    4. Introduction to Algorithms (Eastern Economy Edition) – Thomas H. Cormen

    Why this book?

    Known as the “CLRS” book, this comprehensive text offers in-depth coverage of algorithms, suitable for both beginners and advanced learners.

    Key Highlights:

    • Detailed explanations with mathematical rigor
    • Covers a broad range of algorithms and data structures
    • Exercises at the end of each chapter to test understanding

    🔗 Check price on Amazon

    5. Data Structures and Algorithms in Python

    Why this book?

    Data Structures & Algorithms in Python (Indian Adaptation) is a well-structured book that provides a deep understanding of DSA concepts with clear explanations and practical Python implementations. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate learners looking to strengthen their problem-solving skills.

    Key Highlights:

    • Covers fundamental to advanced DSA concepts
    • Python-based examples for better clarity
    • Suitable for competitive programming and interviews

    🔗 Check price on Amazon

    Which DSA Book Should You Choose?

    • For absolute beginners → Grokking Algorithms
    • For strong theoretical concepts → Algorithms by Sedgewick
    • For placement preparation → Cracking the Coding Interview
    • For coding practice → Elements of Programming Interviews
    • For a structured learning approach → DSA Made Easy

    These books are budget-friendly, available in India, and highly recommended by software engineers and coding experts.

    This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support Talentd in providing free resources for job seekers and learners.

  • You’re a Fresher, Not an Expert — Here’s How to Get Hired (Software Engineer)

    You’re a Fresher, Not an Expert — Here’s How to Get Hired (Software Engineer)

    The Harsh Truth About Landing Your First Tech Job

    If you’re a fresher or even someone with a bit of experience, you might not like what I’m about to say—but you need to hear it.

    1. Stop Being Picky Before You Even Get an Offer

    I see it all the time: people hesitate to apply for jobs because they think:

    • “I’m not sure if I want to join this company.”
    • “What if I get selected but don’t like the role?”

    Here’s the reality: FIRST GET THE OFFER LETTER, THEN DECIDE.

    You’re not in a position to be selective before even landing an interview. The job market isn’t easy, and opportunities don’t fall into your lap. Get the offer first. You can always decide later if it’s right for you.

    2. Freshers, Stop Niching Down Your Job Search

    I’ve seen fresh graduates limit themselves like this:

    • “I’m only looking for DevOps roles.”
    • “I’ll apply only for Data Science positions.”
    • “Frontend or nothing.”

    Reality check: You’re a fresher. You don’t have real-world experience with projects, scalability, SCRUM, or even basic corporate communication.

    Companies aren’t hiring you to work on your “dream project.” They’re hiring you as a Software Engineer and will place you where they need you. Once you gain 1-2 years of real experience, you can switch roles internally or explore new opportunities with credibility.

    3. Skills and Projects Are All That Matter

    Be real: In today’s IT industry, the only things that matter are:

    1. Your Skills
    2. Your Projects

    If you have both, companies will reach out to you. No need to chase them. They’ll find you.

    Let me share my story: When I applied for my first corporate job in 2020 (during my 7th semester), I had built 100+ projects through freelancing for US/UK clients. When I created my profile on Naukri.com, I was getting 7-8 interview calls daily.

    Why? Not because of some fancy degree or niche role preference.

    It was because of my skills and projects. That’s it.

    4. Keep Your Options Open

    You might think Data Science is cool today, but what if you discover a passion for Backend Development that also pays better?

    The point is: you don’t know what you don’t know.

    • Apply broadly.
    • Gain real-world experience.
    • Learn what you actually enjoy.

    Focus on growth, not perfection. You can always pivot later once you’ve built a solid foundation.

    Final Thoughts

    Stop overthinking. Apply for jobs. Build real projects. Sharpen your skills.

    Your first job won’t define your career—but how you approach it will.