1st Round – DSA (60 mins)

• Codeforces 1133C

• LeetCode: Partition Array Into Two Arrays to Minimize Sum Difference

Approach:

• Solved the first question using a brute-force approach (O(n²)) and later optimized it to O(n log n) within 25 minutes.

• For the second question, I explained the DP-based logic and managed to complete the full code in the remaining 30 minutes.

• Verdict: Positive — moved to the LLD round.

2nd Round – LLD (Design + Implementation) (60 min)

• Started with a brief self-introduction (~5 minutes).

• The interviewer asked me to design and implement a Splitwise.

• I spent around 10 minutes discussing functional requirements and identifying key objects.

• The interviewer was heavily focused on coding. I started with a UML diagram, but begin to panic due to the too much requirements and limited time.

• I managed to start coding in VS Code and implemented partial functionality, but the interviewer expected a fully working application.

Verdict: Rejected.

My Thoughts

• The LLD round was honestly overwhelming. Expecting a fully functional Splitwise app with uml diagram in just 45 minutes felt unrealistic. I’d love to hear from the community — what’s your point of view on such interview expectations?