Master core concepts, components, and strategies to crack your next interview with confidence.
Start Your Prep NowMost of us are taught to believe that only IITians or students from prestigious institutes like NITs or IIITs get a fair shot at companies like Google. But here’s the truth: your college doesn’t define your destiny — your mindset does. 💯
This is the story of Arjun (name changed), a small-town student from a Tier-3 college with no campus placements, limited exposure, and a slow internet connection — but with big dreams.
Arjun entered his college with the same dream many of us have — to get a good job and make his parents proud. But soon, the reality hit.
So, how did Arjun end up at Google? Let’s break it down.
Arjun didn’t start by solving 100 problems a day. He began with a very basic but powerful step: introspecting.
👉 “Why do I want to join Google?”
👉 “What do I enjoy doing in tech?”
Once he was clear about his goals, he stopped comparing his journey to others and decided to follow a routine tailored to him.
He asked seniors, browsed Reddit forums, followed tech YouTubers, and understood this simple formula.
“DSA + Problem Solving + Projects + Communication = Cracking Big Tech”
No coaching. No peer group. Tons of distractions. But Arjun discovered a game-changer — The Pomodoro Technique. 🍅
25 minutes of focused work followed by 5-minute breaks boosted his concentration and energy.
(We wrote a full blog on this technique here).
Arjun created a minimal, one-page resume with:
✅ DSA skills (with problem counts)
✅ Projects (GitHub links)
✅ Achievements (online contests, ranks)
✅ Keywords tailored to the JD
His LinkedIn was a mirror of this — active, engaging, and honest.
🔗 Check out our guide on creating perfect tech resumes
Arjun didn’t wait for luck. He took mock interviews from platforms like:
He also cold messaged ex-Googlers on LinkedIn. Some didn’t respond. But a few replied with tips and referrals. 🙌
After 6 months of focused prep, Arjun got an online coding challenge from Google via a referral.
🧠 2 DSA problems (medium-hard)
⏰ Time limit: 90 mins
✅ Passed
🧠 DSA + System design (real-time problem solving)
🗣️ Communicated every step clearly
✅ Passed
🗣️ Soft skills, past experiences, passion for learning
✨ Shared stories about how he learned without guidance
✅ Final round cleared
Months later, he got a call: “You’ve been selected.”
He cried. His parents cried. His roommates screamed.
A Tier-3 boy just bagged Google. 🎉
Here’s what you can start doing right now:
If you’re from a Tier-3 college or feeling stuck, remember this:
💬 “Your background doesn’t define your success — your effort and persistence does.”
Start today. Even if it’s just one step.
College Name ≠ Career Limit
Coming from a tier-3 college doesn’t define your career ceiling. Skills, projects, and perseverance matter more than the brand of your institution.
Strong Foundations in DSA & CS Fundamentals
Mastery of data structures, algorithms, operating systems, databases, and system design is essential for cracking FAANG-level interviews.
Leverage Online Resources & Communities
Platforms like LeetCode, Codeforces, GitHub, Coursera, and open-source communities help bridge the knowledge gap when college resources are lacking.
Projects Showcase > Resume Titles
Real, impactful projects (apps, research work, internships, or open-source contributions) often speak louder than a college’s reputation.
Networking & Referrals Help
Building a LinkedIn presence, reaching out to alumni, and participating in hackathons/competitions can open unexpected doors.
Q1. Can someone from a tier-3 college really get into Google?
👉 Yes. Google hires based on skills, not just the college name. Many engineers from tier-3 and even non-CS backgrounds have cracked Google interviews through consistent preparation in DSA, system design, and strong projects.
Q2. What should I focus on first – coding, projects, or networking?
👉 Start with strong foundations in coding and problem-solving (DSA), then work on projects to showcase practical skills. Networking and referrals should go hand-in-hand, but only after you have something strong to present.
Q3. Do CGPA and college grades matter for Google?
👉 A decent CGPA (usually above 7.0/10) is enough to clear eligibility criteria. Beyond that, your coding skills, projects, and interview performance matter far more than your marks or college rank.
Q4. How much time does it take to prepare for Google from scratch?
👉 It varies. With consistent effort (2–3 hours daily), it usually takes 12–18 months to build the right coding, system design, and interview prep level, even starting from a tier-3 background.
Q5. Are internships necessary for landing at Google?
👉 Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Internships at startups or open-source contributions add credibility and real-world experience to your resume, making it easier to stand out.
Q6. What if I get rejected once—can I apply again?
👉 Yes. Google allows reapplications after a cool-off period (6–12 months). Use this time to strengthen your weak areas before reapplying.
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