Overview
SSC MTS recruits candidates for Multi Tasking (non-technical) Group C posts such as peon, daftary, watchman and gardener across central government offices, along with Havaldar posts in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) and Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN). It's one of the most accessible SSC exams since the minimum qualification is only Class 10 pass. Selection runs through a single computer-based exam split into two papers taken back-to-back on the same day, followed by a Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test for Havaldar posts specifically, and document verification for all posts.
What's New in the 2026 Cycle
What changed in the 2026 cycle
- Single-day exam: Paper I (screening) and Paper II (normalised score used for merit) conducted in one sitting.
- PET/PST applies only to Havaldar (CBIC/CBN) posts, not to general MTS posts.
- No interview at any stage — selection is fully objective-test based, followed by document verification.
- Scores are normalised across shifts since the exam runs over multiple sessions/days.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | MTS: 18–25 years; Havaldar: 18–25 years (age relaxation as per government norms) |
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognised Board |
| Nationality | Indian citizen (standard SSC nationality clauses) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS male candidates). Women and SC/ST/PwD/ESM candidates are exempted. |
SSC MTS Exam Pattern
The SSC MTS selection process runs through paper i + paper ii. Each stage has its own timing, marking scheme and qualifying rules, detailed below.
Paper I (Screening — Computer-Based)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Numerical & Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 |
| Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving | 20 | 60 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 75 |
Paper II (Merit-Deciding — Computer-Based)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Language & Comprehension Module | — | Qualifying |
SSC MTS Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus
Below is the complete topic-wise SSC MTS syllabus for every subject tested across all stages, with a short note on what each section actually rewards — use this to build a section-wise study plan rather than relying on generic topic summaries.
Numerical & Mathematical Ability
Set at a Class 10 difficulty level — the focus should be on speed and accuracy on basics, not advanced topics.
- Number systems & simplification
- Percentage, ratio & proportion
- Average, profit & loss, discount
- Simple & compound interest
- Time, work & distance
- Basic algebra & geometry
- Mensuration basics
- Data interpretation — simple tables & graphs
Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving
Straightforward pattern-recognition questions; consistent daily practice yields fast improvement here.
- Alphabet & number series
- Coding-decoding
- Analogy & classification
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Similarities & differences
- Problem-solving & analysis
- Visual memory & spatial orientation
- Basic arithmetical reasoning
General Awareness
Broad and current-affairs-driven — short, regular revision works better than infrequent long sessions.
- Current events — national & international
- Indian history, culture & geography
- Indian polity & economy basics
- General science & environment
- Sports & general knowledge
English Language & Comprehension
Tests basic workplace-level English comprehension rather than advanced grammar.
- Vocabulary & grammar
- Sentence structure
- Synonyms & antonyms
- Basic comprehension of passages
- Correct usage of English at a Class-10 difficulty level
Selection Process
- Paper I — Computer-Based screening test.
- Paper II — Computer-Based test used for final merit (marks normalised across shifts).
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST) — Havaldar (CBIC/CBN) posts only.
- Document Verification and medical examination.
Salary & Job Profile
MTS posts are placed in Pay Level 1 (₹18,000–₹56,900), while Havaldar (CBIC/CBN) posts fall in Pay Level 3 (₹21,700–₹69,100), with Dearness Allowance, HRA and Transport Allowance added depending on posting city and department.
Best Books for SSC MTS Preparation
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic — Rajesh Verma (Arihant)
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal
- Objective General English — S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
- Lucent's General Knowledge
Previous Cut-off Trends
Approximate — always verify officially
Because SSC MTS draws applications from lakhs of Class-10-pass candidates nationwide, Paper I cut-offs vary widely by state/region-specific vacancy allocation and category — recent cycles have seen cut-offs roughly in the 90–130 range out of 240 for unreserved candidates, but this shifts every year. Always check the region-wise official cut-off list rather than relying on a single national figure.
Preparation Tips
- Because the qualifying bar is Class 10, competition is extremely high in absolute numbers — accuracy in Paper I matters more than attempting every question.
- Keep Paper II preparation focused on basic language fluency rather than advanced grammar; it tests comprehension at a Class 10 level.
- Havaldar aspirants should start physical fitness preparation (running, height/chest measurements) alongside written prep, not after Paper I.
- Practise with normalisation in mind — since scores are equated across shifts, consistent accuracy matters more than chasing a single 'good shift'.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Carry the Document Checker and an original valid photo ID to the centre — no exceptions are made for missing ID proof.
- Reach early since MTS centres often process very high candidate volumes per shift.
- For Havaldar posts, keep your physical fitness documents and any required certificates ready ahead of the PET/PST date.
- No calculators, smartwatches or notes are allowed inside the exam hall for either paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Class 10 (Matriculation) pass from a recognised Board is sufficient for both MTS and Havaldar posts.
PET/PST applies only to Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) posts. General Multi Tasking Staff posts do not require any physical test.
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer in Paper I, as per the current notification.
Paper II's normalised score is used directly in preparing the final merit list, alongside Paper I performance as per the SSC's current scheme.
No, selection is entirely based on the written exam stages and, for Havaldar posts, the physical tests, followed by document verification.
Related Exams
Back to Syllabus Hub — browse all government exam syllabus pagesSyllabus content on this page is compiled and reviewed against the official Staff Selection Commission notification as of 29 May 2026. Exam patterns, vacancies, salary figures and cut-offs are subject to change — always cross-check with the official notification at ssc.gov.in before applying.