If you know Python but still struggle in technical interviews, the problem is usually not coding – it is Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA). Most companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Accenture test your problem-solving ability and optimization skills, not just syntax knowledge. In this complete 2026 guide on how to learn DSA in Python, you will learn:
Companies test DSA because it measures:
Slow approach (O(n)):
def search(arr, x):
for i in arr:
if i == x:
return True
return False
Optimized approach (O(1) average):
def search(arr, x):
s = set(arr)
return x in s
Understanding this difference is what clears interviews.
Without DSA:
These are commonly asked in product and service-based companies:
Follow this exact order.
Before DSA, you must know:
Example:
student = {"name": "Ravi", "marks": 85}
print(student["name"])
Strong basics make DSA easier.
Learn:
Example:
for i in range(n):
print(i)
Time Complexity: O(n)
This helps compare solutions.
Most interviews focus heavily here.
Arrays
Strings
Used in:
Example:
def factorial(n):
if n == 0:
return 1
return n * factorial(n - 1)
Stack → LIFO
Queue → FIFO
Used in:
Important topics:
Used in:
Hashing improves performance drastically.
Used in:
Very important for product companies.
Learn:
Most difficult but high scoring.
Topics:
DP is frequently asked in Amazon, Microsoft, and Google interviews.
| Month | Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | Basics + Arrays + Recursion | Build foundation |
| Month 2 | Linked List + Trees + Hashing | Intermediate mastery |
| Month 3 | Graphs + DP + Mock Interviews | Advanced problem solving |
Practice daily.
Solve:
This level is enough for most companies.
| Company Type | Difficulty Level | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Service-based | Easy–Medium | Arrays, Strings, Basics |
| Mid-level Product | Medium | Trees, Hashing, Graphs |
| Top Product | Medium–Hard | DP, Graphs, Advanced Trees |
Avoiding these saves months of effort.
Learning how to learn DSA in Python is not about memorizing solutions. It is about:
If you seriously follow this 3-month DSA plan in Python and solve problems daily, you can confidently clear most coding interviews in service-based and mid-level product companies.
Start today. Stay consistent. Build your problem-solving mindset.
Your IT career depends on it.
Yes, if you practice consistently 2–3 problems daily and revise weekly.
Basic Python knowledge is required, but you don’t need advanced programming.
Python is beginner-friendly. C++ offers better memory control. Both are accepted in interviews.
2–3 high-quality problems daily is enough for steady improvement.
Author
Embedded Systems trainer – IIES
Updated On: 11-02-26