Let us start off with a couple of disclaimers – if your rating is above 1600, this will have literally no change for you. If your rating is between 1400 and 1599, you’ll find your Div-3 contests getting a bit more interesting. More on these below!
We had introduced the Division system in CodeChef back in 2018, intending to provide an even playing field for all coders of all levels. With time, we realized that the level of skills among the CodeCheffers cannot be segregated into just two Divisions.
The existence of the intermediate between beginner and advanced levels couldn’t be denied. Hence, we introduced Division 3 in January 2021 for coders just starting. With three Divisions playing into action, the contests have become much more dynamic with three sets of problems – and we’re about to make it even better!
Introducing Division 4 – But Why?
The skills and learning requirements of Division-3 were getting too diverse. We felt that splitting out Division 3 and Division 4 would allow us to better serve 2 large user types – users who know programming languages and users who have now progressed to basic algorithms and data structures, with sufficient problems and competition for both sets of users.
| Division | Rating range | Contest tailored for | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Div-1 | 2000 + | Hardcore CP | The very best! The super zenthusiasts. Coders who are in it purely for the love of CP |
| Div-2 | 1600-1999 | Advanced Data structures and algorithms | Getting serious now. Lots of concepts and practice required to crack 5★ |
| Div-3 | 1400 – 1599 | Math, programming constructs, and basic DSA | Fun phase. Practice and participate in multiple contests, learn the platform, learn the game |
| Div-4 | 0 – 1399 | Basic programming concepts | Absolute beginners. Whether you are in a school or an engineering college, this is the ideal starting point |
What Changes Now?
The advent of the new Division implies some modifications to the contest structure. While no such changes affect the system for the rest of the Divisions, there will be a separate contest page for all Div 4 players, the same way it is for the rest. The problem set in this contest page will be easier than the rest, but appropriate for the skill levels of the Division.
Note that number of contests per month will remain the same, and we will not be having contests rated only for Div-4. Instead our existing contests will just have the easier problems moved to Div-4, and Div-3’s problems will get a bit more harder.
While we believe that the introduction of the new Division will make competitive programming more accessible for coders who are just starting out, we would love to know your thoughts on this. Are there any concerns regarding the step that you would like to raise? Please let us know in the comments.
Excellent decision.
great decision
now any one can start directly from codechef
Sounds good. I hop this will help new ppl.🫂
Acha
I’m happy for finally your Division is here.
very well said
Yes! div 4 is beginner friendly.
Awesome change!
cout << "Nice Decision" << "\n";
IT IS A NICE DECISION . BUT I REQUEST ONE MORE IMPORTANT THING :
PLZ FOR GOD SHAKE KEEP AN EYE ON YOUTUBE DURING ONGOING CONTESTS…THE ANSWERS GET LEAKED IN YOUTUBE …WHICH INVERSELY DETERIORATES OUR RATING TOO….
I WISH THAT CODECHEF WILL LOOK INTO THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY …
yes, Exactly
yeah ++
It’s a great initiative now one can start his/her programming journey directly from CodeChef itself
I think the rating distribution should be re-structured. Users below 1600 rating are just very beginners, they should be in division 4. 1600-1900 can be categorized as Division 3, and for division 2, 1900-2200 is fine, the rest 2200+ should be in division 1. Division 1 barrier should be more as you can clearly see sometimes in a tough Div1 round, even 5-star coders struggle to get even a single question. Division distribution should be such that people of that division should at least be able to solve the first problem quickly. One more thing can be done like 2000-2200 can participate in Div1 as well as Div2 rounds like we have in codeforces.
Yes , It is nice decision . Thanks🙏
don`t do bullshit over this platform , you have to focus to make a system which catch Plagiarism on your remaining div contest , always there is a huge plag. and codechef put cloth in his eye
Please make one more decision open test cases for view when we get wrong answer
I love this. <3 <3 <3
This will be my birthday gift for sure. I looooovvveeeedddd this…
Please introduce a bit more problem levels also. Every problem is easy-medium for you, lol.
A beginner can never reach 2 star as div 4 contains too many cheaters spoiling honest hardworker