<!DOCTYPE html>
<html class="client-nojs vector-feature-night-mode-disabled vector-feature-language-in-header-enabled vector-feature-language-in-main-page-header-disabled vector-feature-page-tools-pinned-disabled vector-feature-toc-pinned-clientpref-1 vector-feature-main-menu-pinned-disabled vector-feature-limited-width-clientpref-1 vector-feature-limited-width-content-enabled vector-feature-custom-font-size-clientpref-1 vector-feature-appearance-pinned-clientpref-1 vector-sticky-header-enabled" lang="en" dir="ltr"><head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>CodeChef</title>
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<link rel="canonical" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CodeChef"> <link href="./mw/ext.cite.styles.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
<link href="./mw/skins.vector.icons.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
<link href="./mw/skins.vector.search.codex.styles.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
<link href="./mw/skins.vector.styles.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
<link href="./mw/user.styles.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
<meta name="ResourceLoaderDynamicStyles" content="">
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="./mw/site.styles.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="./mw/noscript.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="./footer.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="./vector-2022.css">
</head>
<body class="skin--responsive skin-vector skin-vector-search-vue mediawiki ltr sitedir-ltr mw-hide-empty-elt ns-0 ns-subject page-CodeChef rootpage-CodeChef skin-vector-2022 action-view">
<div class="mw-page-container">
<div class="mw-page-container-inner">
<div class="mw-content-container">
<main id="content" class="mw-body">
<header class="mw-body-header vector-page-titlebar">
<h1 id="firstHeading" class="firstHeading mw-first-heading">
<span id="openzim-page-title" class="mw-page-title-main"><span class="mw-page-title-main">CodeChef</span></span>
</h1>
</header>
<a id="top"></a>
<div id="bodyContent" class="vector-body ve-init-mw-desktopArticleTarget-targetContainer" aria-labelledby="firstHeading" data-mw-ve-target-container="">
<div id="mw-content-text" class="mw-body-content mw-content-ltr" lang="en" dir="ltr"><div class="mw-content-ltr mw-parser-output" lang="en" dir="ltr">
<style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1295905060">
/* start https://en.wikipedia.org/ */
.mw-parser-output .infobox-subbox{padding:0;border:none;margin:-3px;width:auto;min-width:100%;font-size:100%;clear:none;float:none;background-color:transparent}.mw-parser-output .infobox-3cols-child{margin:auto}.mw-parser-output .infobox .navbar{font-size:100%}@media screen{html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .infobox-full-data:not(.notheme)>div:not(.notheme)[style]{background:#1f1f23!important;color:#f8f9fa}}@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .infobox-full-data:not(.notheme)>div:not(.notheme)[style]{background:#1f1f23!important;color:#f8f9fa}}@media(min-width:640px){body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table{display:table!important}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table>caption{display:table-caption!important}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table>tbody{display:table-row-group}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table th,body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table td{padding-left:inherit;padding-right:inherit}}
/* end https://en.wikipedia.org/ */
</style><table class="infobox vcard"><caption class="infobox-title fn org">CodeChef</caption><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" class="infobox-image"></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label"><div style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.2em; padding: .1em 0;">Type of site</div></th><td class="infobox-data">Programming Education</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">Founded</th><td class="infobox-data">September 2009</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">Headquarters</th><td class="infobox-data adr"><div style="display:inline;" class="locality">Bangalore</div>, <div style="display:inline;" class="country-name">India</div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">Industry</th><td class="infobox-data category"><a href="Software_industry" title="Software industry">Software</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">URL</th><td class="infobox-data url"><span class="url"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.codechef.com">www<wbr>.codechef<wbr>.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p><b>CodeChef</b> is an online programming platform that empowers learners to master coding through structured courses, thousands of practice problems, and regular contests. It offers beginner-friendly paths in languages like Python, C++, and Java, along with advanced tracks in data structures, algorithms, and web development. For educational institutions, CodeChef provides integrated lab modules and mobile-friendly courseware that can be embedded into lectures, labs, or homework assignments.
</p><p>CodeChef competes with similar Ed-Tech companies such as <a href="Leetcode" class="mw-redirect" title="Leetcode">LeetCode</a>, <a href="HackerRank" title="HackerRank">HackerRank</a>, <a href="SPOJ" title="SPOJ">SPOJ</a>, PrepInsta Prime, <a href="Topcoder" title="Topcoder">Topcoder</a>, and GeeksforGeeks.
</p>
<div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="History">History</h2></div>
<p>It began as an educational initiative in 2009 by <a href="Directi" class="mw-redirect" title="Directi">Directi</a>, an Indian software company. In 2020, it was purchased by Unacademy.
</p><p>In 2010, Directi launched Code-Chef to help programmers improve their problem-solving skills through active participation in programming contests. The goal was to strengthen problem-solving skills by fostering friendly competition and community engagement.<sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-1"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>1<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> In July of that year, the organization introduced the "Go for Gold" initiative, enabling Indian teams to excel at the world finals of the <a href="International_Collegiate_Programming_Contest" title="International Collegiate Programming Contest">International Collegiate Programming Contest</a> (formerly known as ACM-ICPC).<sup id="cite_ref-2-day_ICP_contest_to_begin_at_CSJM_University_today_2-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-2-day_ICP_contest_to_begin_at_CSJM_University_today-2"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>2<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup>
</p><p>In July 2013, Directi launched the "Code-Chef for Schools" program to encourage school students to participate in programming. The initiative hopes to enable Indian students to excel at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). The competition requires contestants to show necessary IT skills such as problem analysis, algorithm and data structure design, programming, and testing.<sup id="cite_ref-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-3"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>3<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup>
</p><p>In November 2017, the first Code-Chef Certification exam was conducted. By 2018, the organization launched CodeChef for Business to target technology enterprises.
</p><p>In addition to monthly coding contests, CodeChef had initiatives for schools, colleges and women in competitive programming.<sup id="cite_ref-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-4"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>4<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> It hosted the India regionals of the ICPC for college students, as well as for the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) for school students in India.
</p><p>In 2020, its ownership was changed from Directi to <a href="Unacademy" title="Unacademy">Unacademy</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-5"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>5<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup>
</p><p>After failing to reach profitability, Unacademy announced it would retain a 30% stake in CodeChef while returning the remaining equity to the company's founding team to support further growth.<sup id="cite_ref-6" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-6"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>6<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup>
</p><p>Starting 2023, CodeChef operates as an independent company owned and run by its independent management team and employees.<sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-7"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>7<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup>
</p>
<div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="References">References</h2></div>
<style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1239543626">
/* start https://en.wikipedia.org/ */
.mw-parser-output .reflist{margin-bottom:0.5em;list-style-type:decimal}@media screen{.mw-parser-output .reflist{font-size:90%}}.mw-parser-output .reflist .references{font-size:100%;margin-bottom:0;list-style-type:inherit}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-2{column-width:30em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-3{column-width:25em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns{margin-top:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns ol{margin-top:0}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns li{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .reflist-upper-alpha{list-style-type:upper-alpha}.mw-parser-output .reflist-upper-roman{list-style-type:upper-roman}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-alpha{list-style-type:lower-alpha}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-greek{list-style-type:lower-greek}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-roman{list-style-type:lower-roman}
/* end https://en.wikipedia.org/ */
</style><div class="reflist">
<div class="mw-references-wrap"><ol class="references">
<li id="cite_note-1"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-1">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1238218222">
/* start https://en.wikipedia.org/ */
.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit;word-wrap:break-word}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation:target{background-color:rgba(0,127,255,0.133)}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free.id-lock-free a{background:url("./mw/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited.id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration.id-lock-registration a{background:url("./mw/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription.id-lock-subscription a{background:url("./mw/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("./mw/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background-size:contain;padding:0 1em 0 0}.mw-parser-output .cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;color:var(--color-error,#d33)}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{color:var(--color-error,#d33)}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#085;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}@media screen{.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{color:#18911f}}@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{color:#18911f}}
/* end https://en.wikipedia.org/ */
</style><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.firstpost.com/business/biztech/directi-enhances-software-collaboration-through-codechef-1874153.html">"Directi Enhances Software Collaboration Through CodeChef"</a>. 9 September 2009.</cite></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-2-day_ICP_contest_to_begin_at_CSJM_University_today-2"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-2-day_ICP_contest_to_begin_at_CSJM_University_today_2-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/2-day-icp-contest-to-begin-at-csjm-university-today/articleshow/73022892.cms">"2-day ICP contest to begin at CSJM University today"</a>. <i>timesofindia.indiatimes.com</i>. 30 December 2019.</cite></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-3"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-3">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFSaraswathy2013" class="citation news cs1">Saraswathy, M. (2013-07-30). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/directi-launches-codechef-for-indian-school-kids-113073000323_1.html">"Directi launches CodeChef for Indian school =Business Standard India"</a><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2021-05-26</span></span>.</cite></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-4"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-4">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFSaraswathy2013" class="citation news cs1">Saraswathy, M. (2013-07-30). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/directi-launches-codechef-for-indian-school-kids-113073000323_1.html">"Directi launches CodeChef for Indian school kids"</a>. <i>Business Standard India</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2021-05-26</span></span>.</cite></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-5"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-5">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://entrackr.com/2020/06/unacademy-acquires-codechef/#:~:text=Unacademy%20has%20announced%20the%20acquisition,skills%20vertical%20for%20school%20kids.">"Unacademy acquires non-profit coding platform CodeChef"</a>. 18 June 2020.</cite></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-6"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-6">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFShah2023" class="citation web cs1">Shah, Sneha (2023-03-31). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/after-hiving-off-codechef-unacademy-cuts-12-staff-11680202273920.html">"After hiving off CodeChef, Unacademy cuts 12% staff"</a>. <i>mint</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2023-04-18</span></span>.</cite></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-7"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-7">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFKashyap2023" class="citation web cs1">Kashyap, Hemant (2023-03-29). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://inc42.com/buzz/bhavin-tarukhias-codechef-splits-from-unacademy/">"Bhavin Turakhia's CodeChef Splits From Unacademy"</a>. <i>Inc42 Media</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2023-11-06</span></span>.</cite></span>
</li>
</ol></div></div></div><!--htdig_noindex--><div><div class="zim-footer">
This article is issued from <a class="external text" title="Last edited on 2025-06-03" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/?title=CodeChef&oldid=1293797317">Wikipedia</a>. The text is available under <a class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en">Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0</a> unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.
</div>
</div><!--/htdig_noindex--></div>
</div>
</main>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>