Problem Solving Through Programming in C Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Anupam Basu
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 15459 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Computer Science and Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Art of Problem Solving with C Programming: A Premier Course from IIT Kharagpur
In the digital age, the ability to translate complex problems into efficient computer programs is a superpower. At the heart of this skill lies a strong foundation in a fundamental programming language like C. The course "Problem Solving Through Programming in C," offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and available on platforms like NPTEL, is designed to build this very foundation from the ground up. Led by an eminent professor, this 12-week journey is your gateway to computational thinking and robust software development.
Your Guide: A Distinguished Instructor
The course is taught by Prof. Anupam Basu, a leading authority in Computer Science & Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. His credentials speak volumes:
- Professor & Chairman: Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering and Head of the Center for Educational Technology, IIT Kharagpur.
- Expertise: Active researcher in Cognitive & Intelligent Systems, Embedded Systems, and Language Processing.
- Real-World Impact: Developed embedded systems tools for empowering the physically challenged, leading national projects in the area.
- Global Acclaim: Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).
- Award-Winning Work: Recipient of the State Award (2014), Universal Design Award (2011), National Award (2007), and the Da-Vinci Award (2004) for his innovative assistive technologies.
Learning from an instructor of this caliber, who blends deep academic knowledge with groundbreaking practical application, provides an unparalleled educational experience.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for a wide audience, making it an ideal starting point or a solid refresher:
- Intended Audience: BE/BTech students in all disciplines, BCA, MCA, and M.Sc students.
- Industry Support: The curriculum is highly relevant and supported by all IT industries, ensuring the skills you learn are in direct demand in the job market.
- Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate.
What Will You Learn? Course Objectives
The course aims to transform you from a beginner to a confident problem-solver using C. By the end, you will be able to:
- Formulate algorithms for arithmetic and logical problems.
- Translate algorithms into syntactically correct C programs.
- Test, execute, and debug programs (fix syntax and logical errors).
- Implement core programming constructs: conditional branching, loops (iteration), and recursion.
- Decompose complex problems using functions and the divide-and-conquer approach.
- Use fundamental data structures: arrays, pointers, and structures.
- Apply programming to solve problems like matrix operations, searching, sorting, and basic numerical methods (root finding, differentiation, integration).
Your 12-Week Learning Roadmap
The course is structured into a progressive 12-week schedule, each week building upon the last:
| Week | Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | Problem solving, Flowcharts/Pseudo codes, Compilation, Errors, Variables & Data Types. |
| 2 | Expressions & Logic | Arithmetic/Relational/Logical Expressions, Introduction to Conditional Branching. |
| 3 | Control Flow | Deep dive into Conditional Branching (if-else, switch) and Iterative Loops (for, while, do-while). |
| 4 | Arrays | Storing and manipulating sequences of data using one-dimensional arrays. |
| 5 | Advanced Arrays | 2-D arrays (matrices), Character Arrays, and String handling. |
| 6 | Basic Algorithms | Implementing fundamental algorithms, including numerical algorithms. |
| 7 | Functions I | Creating functions, understanding scope, and parameter passing by value. |
| 8 | Functions II | Passing arrays to functions, and the powerful concept of Call by Reference using pointers. |
| 9 | Recursion | Solving problems by having functions call themselves—a key programming paradigm. |
| 10 | Structures & Pointers | Creating custom data types (structures) and mastering memory addresses with pointers. |
| 11 | Data Structures Intro | Self-referential structures and an introduction to linked lists. |
| 12 | Advanced Topics | Consolidation and exploration of further advanced concepts in C. |
Essential Reading Material
To complement the video lectures and assignments, the course recommends authoritative textbooks:
Textbooks:
- Byron Gottfried, Schaum's Outline of Programming with C, McGraw-Hill.
- E. Balaguruswamy, Programming in ANSI C, Tata McGraw-Hill.
Reference Book:
- Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie, The C Programming Language, Prentice Hall of India (often called the "K&R" book, the definitive guide to C).
Why This Course is a Must-Do
"Problem Solving Through Programming in C" is more than just a language tutorial. It's a discipline in computational thinking. C remains the bedrock of modern computing—the language of operating systems, embedded devices, and performance-critical applications. Mastering C gives you a deep understanding of how computers work at a fundamental level, making it easier to learn other languages like C++, Java, or Python.
Under the guidance of Prof. Anupam Basu, you won't just learn syntax; you'll learn how to think like a programmer and solve real-world problems efficiently. This course is your first and most crucial step towards a successful career in technology, software development, data science, or any field that values logical problem-solving.
Enroll today and embark on a 12-week journey to unlock the power of programming.
Enroll Now →