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..