SSC MTS- Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Preparation
Entry-level central government jobs for Class 10 pass - MTS and Havaldar posts with stable pay and benefits.
SSC MTS (Multi Tasking Staff) is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit Group C non-gazetted staff (MTS) in central government offices and Havaldar in CBIC and CBN. It is the go-to exam for candidates with a Class 10 qualification seeking secure central government employment. The 2026 cycle announced 7,948 MTS and Havaldar vacancies, and the single-day, two-session CBT with no negative marking makes it one of the most accessible SSC exams.
7,948 (2026 cycle)
Vacancies
Class 10 Pass (Matric)
Qualification
2 (same-day CBT)
Exam Sessions
MTS, Havaldar (CBIC/CBN)
Posts
Everything below, for SSC MTS Premium. One payment, no subscription.
boltEnroll Now, ₹149arrow_forwardlockSecure checkout · Instant access
Eligibility Criteria
Education
Matriculation (Class 10) pass from a recognised board
Age Limit
18–25 years for most MTS posts; 18–27 years for Havaldar and some MTS posts. SC/ST +5 years, OBC +3 years, PwD +10 years
Nationality
Citizen of India
Exam Pattern
SSC MTS has a single CBT held in two sessions on the same day. Session 1 (45 minutes) covers Numeric and Mathematical Ability plus Reasoning and Problem Solving, with no negative marking. Session 2 (45 minutes) covers General Awareness and English Language, with negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer as per recent notifications. Havaldar aspirants additionally face a qualifying PET/PST.
Session 1 - Numeric & Reasoning
Online CBT (no negative marking)45 min| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric and Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 |
| Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving | 20 | 60 |
Session 2 - Language & Awareness
Online CBT45 min| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 75 |
Key Topics & Syllabus
Numeric Ability
- check_circleNumber System
- check_circleFractions & Decimals
- check_circlePercentage
- check_circleRatio & Proportion
- check_circleAverages
- check_circleSimple Interest
- check_circleTime & Work
- check_circleTables & Graphs
Reasoning
- check_circleAnalogy
- check_circleSeries
- check_circleCoding-Decoding
- check_circleSpatial Orientation
- check_circleVisual Memory
- check_circleSimilarities & Differences
- check_circleProblem Solving
General Awareness
- check_circleCurrent Events
- check_circleIndia & World History
- check_circleIndian Polity
- check_circleGeography
- check_circleSports
- check_circleScience & Technology
- check_circleStatic GK
English Language
- check_circleBasic Grammar
- check_circleVocabulary
- check_circleSentence Structure
- check_circleSynonyms & Antonyms
- check_circleComprehension Passage
Career Roles & Salary
Multi Tasking Staff (MTS)
₹18,000 – ₹56,900/month (Pay Level 1)
Office support, file movement, and general duties in central government ministries and departments.
Havaldar (CBIC)
₹18,000 – ₹56,900/month (Pay Level 1)
Customs and GST support duties at ports, airports, and cargo stations under CBIC.
Havaldar (CBN)
₹18,000 – ₹56,900/month (Pay Level 1)
Safeguarding and support duties at the Central Bureau of Narcotics.
MTS in Income Tax / CBDT offices
₹18,000 – ₹56,900/month (Pay Level 1)
Support roles in tax offices - a popular department preference with promotion routes to LDC via departmental exams.
Full mock tests for SSC MTS
Everything above is free. When you're ready for unlimited full-length mocks, complete question banks and answer explanations, unlock SSC MTS Premium below - or read the full mock-test breakdown.
Everything below, for SSC MTS Premium. One payment, no subscription.
boltEnroll Now, ₹149arrow_forwardlockSecure checkout · Instant access
How to Prepare
Attempt everything in Session 1 - no negative marking
Session 1 has no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank there. In Session 2, be selective - wrong answers cost marks, so attempt only where you have reasonable confidence.
Build speed for 40 questions in 45 minutes
Session 1 Quant and Reasoning demands quick, accurate work. Revise basic maths from NCERT Class 6–8 level, and master analogy, series, and coding-decoding - they are the most scoring reasoning topics.
Keep GK light and current
MTS GK is basic. Cover government schemes, sports, awards, and science headlines from the last 3–6 months plus one clean read of a standard static GK book.
Learn 10 English words a day
MTS English is moderate. Daily vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms) plus regular comprehension passages from previous-year-style papers covers most of the section.
Prepare physically if you choose Havaldar
Havaldar (CBIC/CBN) requires a qualifying PET/PST - including a timed walk/cycling test and height/chest standards. Start light physical training early rather than after the CBT result.
Take timed session-wise mock tests
Simulate both 45-minute sessions back to back every week in the final month. Practise free SSC MTS mock tests and topic-wise questions on PrepClever to sharpen speed and accuracy before the real CBT.
Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Typically June (30 June in the 2026 cycle) |
| Application Window | Roughly 4 weeks from notification (July in 2026) |
| CBT Exam | Typically September–November (tentative) |
| Result | Varies by year - usually a few months after the CBT |
* Dates are indicative based on historical patterns. Check the official website for confirmed dates.
Prepare for SSC MTS the smarter way
Free mock tests, chapter-wise practice questions and a personalized study plan, built around the latest SSC MTS pattern.
SSC MTS FAQ
How many vacancies are there in SSC MTS 2026?
The 2026 cycle announced 7,948 vacancies for MTS and Havaldar combined. Vacancy counts vary widely by cycle - recent years have ranged from around 5,000 to over 11,000 - and are often revised after the notification.
What is the age limit for SSC MTS?
18–25 years for most MTS posts and 18–27 years for Havaldar and some MTS posts, as on the notification cut-off date. Relaxation: SC/ST +5 years, OBC +3 years, PwD +10 years.
Is there negative marking in SSC MTS?
Session 1 (Maths + Reasoning) has no negative marking, so attempt every question. Session 2 (GK + English) carries negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer as per recent notifications - answer selectively there.
What is the salary of an SSC MTS employee?
MTS is a Pay Level 1 post (₹18,000–₹56,900 scale). In-hand salary with HRA and DA is approximately ₹20,000–₹27,000 per month depending on the city of posting.
Can I apply for SSC MTS after Class 10?
Yes. SSC MTS requires only Matriculation (Class 10) pass. It is one of the few central government exams open to 10th-pass candidates.
Is there a physical test for SSC MTS Havaldar?
Yes. Havaldar (CBIC/CBN) candidates must clear a qualifying Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test - including a timed walk and cycling test plus height and chest standards - after the CBT.
Is SSC MTS easier than SSC CHSL?
Yes, MTS is the easier of the two - questions are Class 10 level versus CHSL's 10+2 level, and MTS Session 1 has no negative marking. But MTS competition per seat is intense because eligibility is the widest of all SSC exams.
How many attempts are allowed in SSC MTS?
There is no attempt limit. You can apply in every cycle while you remain within the age limit for your category and chosen posts.
What is the SSC MTS cut-off?
Cut-offs vary by state/region, category, and vacancy count, since MTS merit is drawn state-wise. Recent cycles have seen fairly high normalised cut-offs, so aim for maximum accuracy in both sessions rather than a fixed number.
How long does it take to prepare for SSC MTS?
Most candidates need 2–4 months of steady preparation. Since the syllabus is Class 10 level, the exam rewards speed and accuracy more than depth - build both with free SSC MTS mock tests and daily practice questions on PrepClever.
Can MTS employees get promoted?
Yes. MTS staff can rise to LDC and higher clerical grades through departmental exams and seniority-based promotions, along with regular pay progression under the 7th Pay Commission matrix.
What is the application fee for SSC MTS?
The fee has typically been ₹100 for General/OBC male candidates, with women, SC, ST, PwD, and ex-servicemen exempted. Verify the exact fee in the current notification on ssc.gov.in.
Ready to crack SSC MTS?
Get unlimited mock tests and full explanations, or start with free practice questions today - no payment needed either way.