where should i start ?

Hi everyone,

I'm from India and I've decided to start learning Mandarin, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the number of resources available.

My goals are:

• Pass HSK 1 and HSK 2 by the end of this year.
• Reach HSK 4–5 over the next few years.
• Eventually use Mandarin professionally alongside my data science background.

I'd really appreciate advice from people who have successfully learned Mandarin, especially if you started as an adult.

Some questions I have:

• Which resources should I use (HelloChinese, Pleco, Anki, textbooks, YouTube, tutors, etc.)?
• How many hours per day did you study?
• What mistakes should beginners avoid?
• When did you start speaking with native speakers?
• Is self-study enough until HSK 3, or should I get a tutor from the beginning?
• If anyone is from India, how did you register for HSK exams, and how was your experience?

I'm willing to study consistently for 1–2 hours every day, and I want to build a long-term plan rather than rush through the language.

Any advice, study plans, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!