Code to Escape

Solve coding challenges to break free from virtual rooms

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Code to Escape Poster

About the Event

Code to Escape combines the thrill of escape rooms with the challenge of competitive programming. Participants will navigate through a series of virtual rooms, each requiring them to solve coding problems to unlock the next level. You'll need quick thinking, problem-solving skills, and efficient coding to escape before time runs out!

This event is designed to test both your algorithmic thinking and ability to perform under pressure. With a mix of logic puzzles, algorithm challenges, and debugging tasks, Code to Escape provides an exciting competitive experience for programmers of all skill levels.

Date & Time

April 11, 2025

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Venue

Computer Lab 301

CSE Department

Team Size

Team of 2

Prizes

1st Place: ₹8,000

2nd Place: ₹4,000

3rd Place: ₹2,000

Event Format

Escape Room Structure

The virtual escape room consists of 5 interconnected chambers, each with its own theme and programming challenges:

Chamber 1: The Logic Gate

Solve logical puzzles and implement basic algorithms to unlock the first door

Chamber 2: The Data Labyrinth

Navigate through data structure challenges involving arrays, linked lists, and trees

Chamber 3: The Algorithm Vault

Implement efficient sorting, searching, and graph algorithms to proceed

Chamber 4: The Debug Dungeon

Find and fix bugs in complex code snippets with multiple interconnected issues

Chamber 5: The Final Cipher

Solve a cryptographic challenge that requires combining skills from all previous chambers

Game Mechanics

  • Teams have a total of 4 hours to escape from all chambers
  • Each chamber has a maximum time limit; exceeding it results in penalty points
  • Successfully solving a challenge provides the key (in the form of code or password) to the next chamber
  • Teams can request hints, but each hint reduces the potential points for that chamber
  • Final ranking is determined by the number of chambers completed and time taken

Technical Requirements

Programming Languages

Participants can code in any of the following languages:

  • Python 3.x
  • Java
  • C++
  • JavaScript

Required Knowledge

  • Data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs)
  • Algorithms (sorting, searching, graph traversal, dynamic programming basics)
  • Problem-solving approaches and optimization techniques
  • Basic debugging skills
  • Time and space complexity analysis

Equipment

Each team should bring:

  • At least one laptop with your preferred IDE/editor installed
  • Charger and any necessary adapters
  • Pen and paper for planning and algorithm design

Note: Internet access will be restricted to the competition platform only. No external resources, including previously written code or AI assistants, are allowed.

Scoring System

Chamber Completion

Each chamber is worth 200 base points; all 5 chambers equal 1000 points total

Time Bonus

Remaining time at the end of the challenge converts to bonus points (1 minute = 2 points)

Code Quality

Up to 50 bonus points per chamber for elegant, efficient, and well-commented code

Hint Penalties

First hint: -20 points, Second hint: -30 points, Third hint: -50 points

Tiebreaker Rules

In case of tied scores, the following criteria will be applied in order:

  1. Total time taken (less time ranks higher)
  2. Number of hints used (fewer hints ranks higher)
  3. Code quality score (higher score ranks higher)
  4. Performance in the Final Cipher chamber (better performance ranks higher)
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Event Organizers

Meet the team behind Code to Escape:

Dr. Suresh Kumar

Dr. Suresh Kumar

Faculty Coordinator

Department of Computer Science & Engineering

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Arjun Reddy

Arjun Reddy

Student Coordinator

3rd Year, Computer Science

Email Contact

"Code to Escape is designed to challenge participants' problem-solving skills in an engaging, time-sensitive environment. It's not just about coding speed—it's about strategic thinking and the ability to perform under pressure. We're excited to see how participants navigate through our digital escape rooms!"

- Dr. Suresh Kumar, Event Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions

What skill level is required for this competition?
The competition is designed for intermediate to advanced programmers. Early chambers are accessible to those with basic algorithmic knowledge, while later chambers will challenge even experienced coders. We recommend having experience with competitive programming or coding challenges before participating.
How will the competition platform work?
The competition will run on a custom web platform that combines storytelling elements with a code editor and execution environment. Your code will be tested against hidden test cases, and you'll receive immediate feedback on whether your solution is correct.
Can we bring reference materials?
You may bring printed reference materials like algorithm cheat sheets, but no digital materials. All electronic devices apart from your competition laptop must be turned off and stored away during the event.
What happens if we get completely stuck on a chamber?
After exhausting all available hints, teams that are still stuck can opt for a "chamber bypass" which allows them to proceed to the next chamber. However, this results in zero points for the bypassed chamber and a 50-point penalty on your total score.