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SSC MTS Exam 2026: Complete Guide to Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility and Preparation
SSC MTS recruits 10th-pass candidates for Multi Tasking Staff and Havaldar posts through a CBT. Candidates aged 18 to 27 can apply on ssc.gov.in.
Reading time: about 10 minutes. Verify dates, vacancies and post-wise rules in the official notification before applying.
What this guide covers
SSC MTS exam overview
SSC MTS (Multi Tasking Staff) plus Havaldar in CBIC and CBN recruits 10th-pass candidates for support roles in ministries and field formations. The single CBT keeps preparation simple, but cut-offs run high because the applicant pool is enormous. Trust only ssc.gov.in.
| Stage | Format | Role |
|---|---|---|
| CBT Session 1 | 40 questions, 120 marks | Qualifying in nature |
| CBT Session 2 | 50 questions, 150 marks | Merit deciding |
| Havaldar PET and PST | Physical tests | Qualifying for Havaldar |
| Verification | Documents and medical | Final appointment |
Confirm the current session structure and qualifying-versus-merit treatment in the notification, since SSC revised it recently.
Eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Passed Class 10 (matriculation) from a recognised board |
| Age | 18 to 25 or 18 to 27 years depending on post and department, with relaxation. Verify post-wise limits |
| Physical (Havaldar) | Height, chest, weight and walking or cycling endurance norms apply. Confirm exact standards in the notification |
Exam pattern
Session 1 (qualifying)
Numerical and Mathematical Ability 20 plus Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving 20, with no negative marking in recent cycles.
Session 2 (merit)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 75 |
| Total | 50 | 150 |
Session 2 carries 1 negative mark per wrong answer in recent cycles. Each question carries 3 marks, so accuracy matters more than attempts.
Syllabus, subject by subject
Maths (10th level): number system, percentages, averages, interest, profit-loss, mensuration basics, algebra basics. Reasoning: series, coding, analogies, odd-one-out, non-verbal basics. GA: static GK plus current affairs. English: vocabulary, grammar basics, comprehension, error spotting, idioms.
Important dates and how to apply
SSC advertises MTS yearly on ssc.gov.in. This guide carries no dates. Havaldar aspirants should verify PET dates and venues early.
Selection process
- CBT Session 1 qualifying.
- CBT Session 2 merit.
- Havaldar PET and PST where applicable.
- Verification and medical before allotment.
How to prepare
Since the level is Class 10, win on accuracy: daily calculation drills, weekly GA revision from static-plus-current notes, English vocabulary notebooks and full Session 2 mocks with 1-mark-negative discipline. Havaldar aspirants must train physically alongside written preparation.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating Session 1 as merit and Session 2 casually.
- Guessing under 1-mark negative marking in Session 2.
- Skipping GA revision.
- Starting PET training after the written result.
- Ignoring English vocabulary depth.
Career opportunities
MTS staff handle support, records and field assistance with promotion avenues through seniority and departmental exams. Havaldars work in customs and narcotics field formations. Check pay levels in the notification.
Practise with Pratiyogita Kosh
Use Pratiyogita Kosh the way toppers use any test series: take a timed mock for SSC MTS, review every error within 48 hours, then build a custom practice set around your weakest topics and re-test. Your dashboard tracks accuracy by subject and topic so each session targets real gaps.
Pratiyogita Kosh is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with any exam body. Archived papers credit their source on the paper page.
Frequently asked questions
What is SSC MTS?
The Multi Tasking Staff (plus Havaldar) recruitment for 10th-pass candidates through SSC.
What qualification is needed?
Class 10 pass from a recognised board.
What is the age limit?
18 to 25 or 18 to 27 years depending on post, with relaxation.
What is the MTS exam pattern?
A two-session CBT: Session 1 qualifying and Session 2 merit-deciding, plus PET for Havaldar.
Is there negative marking?
Session 2 deducts 1 mark per wrong answer in recent cycles. Confirm the notification.
What physical tests apply for Havaldar?
Height, chest, weight and walking or cycling endurance norms in the notification.
How to score in Session 2?
With GA revision, vocabulary depth and high accuracy under negative marking.
Where can I practise MTS mocks?
On Pratiyogita Kosh: SSC-pattern mocks and custom sets for all sections with tracking.