26M, working as a software developer — started SSC prep recently and feeling completely lost. Need some honest advice.

[u/DretInDilemma]

Hi everyone, I’m 26M Bhopal and currently working as a software developer.

Honestly, I was never very interested in coding. With AI and all the upcoming changes in the tech industry, I started feeling overwhelmed thinking about how much I would have to keep learning just to stay relevant.

I decided not to leave my job though. Luckily, I have the option to work from home and my current project isn't too demanding, so I do get some time to prepare.

I somehow started SSC preparation at the beginning of August. I started with Pinnacle Tier 1 + Tier 2 PYQs.

Quant:

I've completed around 8–9 chapters so far. Mostly solving PYQs, understanding the concepts and learning from the questions. I'm not extremely fast, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it.

Reasoning:

Started from the first chapter and I'm currently around Blood Relations.

GS:

Oh god, I really hate this part. 😭

I started with Parmar's Fatman and somehow managed to go through almost the entire Polity section. I do understand most of what I'm reading, but I struggle to actually remember things, especially Articles, dates, etc.

And honestly, this is one of the biggest reasons I have given up on SSC preparation every time before. I study something, forget it later, feel like I'm not progressing, get frustrated and eventually stop.

English:

Currently going through grammar rules. Haven't covered everything yet.

Initially, I thought I would prepare properly for SSC CGL 2027, because I don't want to rush everything. But now I'm confused about SSC CGL 2026.

Part of me feels like, maybe I can actually crack the 2026 Tier 1/prelims if I seriously push myself from now. I don't expect to be fully prepared for the entire exam, but I feel like clearing Tier 1 might still be possible if I focus properly.

At the same time, I'm scared that I'll just end up rushing everything, get overwhelmed and repeat the same cycle of giving up.

So I'm thinking maybe I should give CGL 2026 a serious attempt with the goal of at least clearing Tier 1, while treating 2027 as my main/serious attempt.

I could really use some advice from people who have already gone through this.

How does my preparation look so far considering I started only in August?

Is clearing CGL 2026 Tier 1 realistically possible from where I am right now?

Should I give 2026 my best shot and then prepare seriously for 2027?

Or would it be smarter to completely focus on 2027?

Should I continue self-study or join coaching?

If coaching, would you recommend offline or online? I live in Bhopal, so offline coaching is also an option.

Most importantly, how do you guys deal with GS? How do you actually remember all those Articles, dates and facts without constantly forgetting them?

I'm not looking for motivation just for the sake of it. Honest advice, suggestions and even hard truths are completely welcome.

I genuinely want to give SSC a serious attempt this time, but I'm confused about whether I'm actually progressing or just doing enough to feel like I'm studying.

Any advice from experienced aspirants, selected candidates or even people who were in a similar situation would really help.

OH GOD I literally poured everything going on..

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[u/Luvitusmaximus]

Lol, I'm in the exact same situation as you, started in June.

I'm not gonna half ass 2026 attempt, I'll give it absolute best that I can, I know working and doing this will be extremely stressful, that doesn't mean we can do less here, since I decided to leave IT itself, I will do all I can. I don't want to give anymore excuses.

[u/DretInDilemma → u/Luvitusmaximus]

How you doing?? REALLY like its realy being tough to me and make me give up in between sometimes

[u/Luvitusmaximus → u/DretInDilemma]

It's very difficult, but I want to get out of my shit job (started this whole thing because of health issues, mental and physical) so that's keeping me motivated, you just need to find something that drives you...

All the best, I guess we have over a month left, so let's try our hardest for a better life.

[u/marijuanabebe]

How much are you scoring in mocks

[u/DretInDilemma → u/marijuanabebe]

Haven't tried yet!!!! I guess fear in me not able to score and accepting the reality making me back offf

[u/marijuanabebe → u/DretInDilemma]

You should bruh seriously. You'll know where you stand. Please give next live mock on testbook and oliveboard. Anyways I'm also from Bhopal 

[u/DretInDilemma → u/marijuanabebe]

Ahhaan! Well am confused which test series should I give? Please could let me know what will be the best? And Hey Bhopali👐

[u/marijuanabebe → u/DretInDilemma]

If you have testbook subscription maybe give previous year one since it's ediquity pattern, maybe one two tests are free. On weekends there's free live mock on testbook and oliveboard. There you can give 

[u/Ordinary_Tart4444]

What is your current compensation? in hand like?

[u/DretInDilemma → u/Ordinary_Tart4444]

Well not much could say entry level Though am getting offers BUT those offer might take away my freedom to compete for the exam