SSC MTS
Recruitment to Group C non-technical Multi-Tasking Staff posts in central government offices, and Havaldar posts in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN).
Eligibility
Class 10 pass from a recognised board. Age is 18–25 years for most MTS posts and 18–27 years for Havaldar and some MTS posts, with relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC and 10 years for PwBD. Havaldar candidates must also clear a Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test (PET/PST).
Age limit: 18–25 years (MTS); 18–27 years (Havaldar and some MTS posts)
Exam pattern
A single computer-based examination in two sessions of 45 minutes each, available in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages. Session 1 has Numerical and Mathematical Ability (20 questions) and Reasoning (20 questions), with no negative marking. Session 2 has General Awareness (25) and English (25), with 1 mark deducted per wrong answer. All questions carry 3 marks. Session 2 is evaluated only for candidates who clear Session 1. Havaldar candidates also face a PET/PST: walking 1,600 m in 15 minutes for men, or 1 km in 20 minutes for women.
Syllabus at a glance
Class 10-level arithmetic: number system, percentages, ratio, averages, interest, profit and loss, time-work and mensuration. Basic verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Elementary English grammar, vocabulary and comprehension. General Awareness covering static GK, science, history, geography, polity and current affairs.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MTS & Havaldar 2026 notification (calendar date of 20 Aug 2026 has passed; not yet issued) | Oct – Dec 2026 (expected) | expected |
| Online application window | About 30 days from notification | expected |
| Computer-based examination | Early 2027 (expected) | tba |
| PET/PST for Havaldar | After CBE result | tba |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- 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 – Lucent Publications
- SSC MTS Chapter-wise Solved Papers – Kiran Prakashan
How toppers play it
- Session 1 has no negative marking, so attempt all 40 questions. A blank answer there is a straight loss.
- Session 2 has 1-mark negative marking. In General Awareness, answer only what you are reasonably sure of, as this section usually decides the final cut-off.
- Treat Session 1 as a gate. You must clear its threshold before Session 2 is even evaluated, so build speed in basic arithmetic and reasoning first.
- Cut-offs are set state and region-wise for MTS. Check previous-year regional cut-offs before choosing your preferred region.
- Havaldar aspirants should start walking practice early. The PET is easy to clear but rules out unprepared candidates.