SSC MTS Havaldar: The Uniformed Option in the Same Exam
Same written exam, different job: Havaldar adds better pay, a wider age band and a physical test.
Inside every SSC MTS notification sits a second job: Havaldar, a uniformed Group C post in CBIC (customs and excise) and CBN (narcotics). Same written exam, same Class 10 eligibility, but better pay, a wider age band, and one extra hurdle: a physical test.
Many candidates tick the Havaldar preference without knowing what the post is. This page is the missing briefing.
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What Is a Havaldar in SSC MTS?
Havaldar is a Group C uniformed post recruited through the SSC MTS exam for two departments: CBIC, where Havaldars support customs and excise operations at ports, airports and cargo stations, and CBN, where they perform safeguarding duties for the Central Bureau of Narcotics.
Havaldar vs Regular MTS
Age band
Havaldar (CBIC/CBN)
18-27 years
MTS
18-25 years
In-hand pay
Havaldar (CBIC/CBN)
₹21,700 to ₹26,000 a month
MTS
₹18,000 to ₹22,000 a month
Work
Havaldar (CBIC/CBN)
Uniformed duties at ports, airports, cargo stations and CBN units
MTS
Office support duties in government offices
Physical test
Havaldar (CBIC/CBN)
PET and PST required
MTS
None
Written exam
Havaldar (CBIC/CBN)
Same two-session CBT
MTS
Same two-session CBT
| Factor | Havaldar (CBIC/CBN) | MTS |
|---|---|---|
| Age band | 18-27 years | 18-25 years |
| In-hand pay | ₹21,700 to ₹26,000 a month | ₹18,000 to ₹22,000 a month |
| Work | Uniformed duties at ports, airports, cargo stations and CBN units | Office support duties in government offices |
| Physical test | PET and PST required | None |
| Written exam | Same two-session CBT | Same two-session CBT |
The Physical Test
Havaldar candidates who clear the written exam face a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) as a qualifying round: the PET checks performance, the PST checks physical measurements. Qualifying means exactly that; it does not add marks, it only keeps you in the running.
The specific standards, distances, timings, height and chest measurements, and the category-wise concessions, are published in the official notification. Read them there before opting for Havaldar, and start any physical preparation early; a qualifying test failed in one morning can undo a year of written-exam work.
Havaldar or MTS, the written exam is the same. See it free.
Should You Tick the Havaldar Preference?
- check_circleYes, if the pay difference matters to you and field-style uniformed work suits you better than office support
- check_circleYes, if you are 25 to 27: the wider age band may make Havaldar your only route in this exam
- check_circleThink twice if the physical standards would be a stretch; the PET/PST is eliminatory and cannot be retaken within the cycle
- check_circleEither way, the written preparation is identical, so the choice costs nothing until the preference form
Physical Standards Come From the Notification
We deliberately do not list PET/PST distances and measurements here, because they are set per notification and differ by category. Take them only from the current SSC MTS notification on ssc.gov.in.
SSC MTS Havaldar FAQs
Is there a physical test for SSC MTS Havaldar?expand_more
Yes. Havaldar posts in CBIC and CBN require a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) as a qualifying round after the written exam.
What is the age limit for Havaldar posts?expand_more
18-27 years, wider than the 18-25 band for regular MTS posts, with standard category relaxations on top.
Does Havaldar pay more than MTS?expand_more
Yes. Havaldar in-hand pay runs around ₹21,700 to ₹26,000 a month against ₹18,000 to ₹22,000 for regular MTS posts.
Next steps
Start free MTS practiceThe written stage comes first either way. Start free.