Get into Google without Leetcode

The competitions you can participate in to get into Google without Leetcode!

Here are 5 Google-affiliated programs that can help you land a position at Google by showcasing your real-world skills, creativity, and impact instead of just algorithmic problem-solving:

1. Google Summer of Code (GSoC)

• What is it: Google Summer of Code is a global program focused on bringing more developers into open source software development.

• Requirement: Show your passion for open source contributions through GitHub activity and have strong coding skills in any programming language

• When: Applications usually March.

• Apply: Google Summer of Code

• Why it works: GSoC participants get direct exposure to Google engineers as mentors, & many GSoC alumni later join Google full-time.

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2. Google Kick Start

• What is it: Google's global competitive programming platform designed to help you practice and improve your coding skills through fun, challenging problems.

• Requirement: Strong problem-solving skills in any programming language

• When: Rounds held throughout the year (Feb–Nov).

• Apply: Kick Start

• Why it works: Top performers often get directly recruited by Google recruiters who actively monitor the leaderboards.

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3. Google Hash Code (Team Competition)

• What is it: Google Hash Code Programming Challenge is a team-based programming competition organized by Google for students and industry professionals.

• Requirement: Similar to hackathons where you and your team solve and optimize engineering real-world Google problem statements

• When: Registration opens January, contest in Feb–March.

• Apply: Hash Code

• Why it works: Hash Code problems mirror actual Google engineering challenges and hence the winners often receive job offers.

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4. Google AI Residency / Research Apprenticeship

• What it is: A 1-year research program where you work directly with Google researchers on AI/ML projects, publishing papers and contributing to research initiatives.

• Requirement: Strong ML/AI background, research interest, publications help.

• When: Applications usually November–December.

• Apply: Apprenticeship

• Why it works: Direct path into Google Research or Google DeepMind.

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5. Google Scholarships (Women Techmakers, Generation Google, etc.)

• What is it: Various scholarship programs targeting underrepresented groups in tech, including Women Techmakers Scholars Program, Generation Google Scholarship, and Google Developer Scholarships.

• Requirement: For students in CS who can demonstrate leadership + impact

• When: Applications usually December–January.

• Apply: Google Scholarships

• Why it works: Scholarship recipients get direct access to Google mentors, exclusive events, and many scholars receive internship offers and full-time positions after graduation.

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🚀 Final Thoughts

These programs prove that Google values creativity, collaboration, and real-world impact as much as algorithmic prowess.

Thanks for reading!
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