What is EC?

What is the level of algorithms and data structures knowledge expected from an EC guy for a PhD admission interview at SERC, IISc?

• For my PhD interview preparations (I am from EC background) I prepared Linear Algebra and Probability & Statistics. When I got the test call letter, I found that the interview will be including algorithms and data structures. What must be the strategy for EC people now?

• Answer:

  I gave that interview some time back this is what I remember from that. In SERC Algorithms is not the primary focus, but you will need it later for research, so they want to check whether you know the basics. As soon as you go to the interview, they ask you which are your favorite subjects. If you are not confident about algorithms, don't choose it.   Having said that, start with linked lists. Be super good at linked list operations - inserting, deleting nodes etc. If you slip there, they won't go further. Brush up sorting and searching - special focus on quick sort. Trees and heaps are favourite data structures. Time and space complexity of algorithms is another fertile subject. If you are applying for computer systems groups, it would help to know about algorithms used in EDA tools, Testing automation etc.