SSC MTS
Recruits Class 10 pass candidates to Group C Multi-Tasking Staff posts (general helper/support roles) across central ministries and offices, and to Havaldar posts in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) and Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN).
Eligibility
Matriculation (Class 10) pass from a recognised board. Age 18–25 years for most MTS posts and 18–27 years for Havaldar and a few MTS posts, with standard category relaxations. Havaldar candidates must also meet physical standards. No attempt limit within the age band.
Age limit: 18–25 years (MTS); 18–27 years (Havaldar and some posts)
Exam pattern
A single computer-based exam held in one sitting with two compulsory 45-minute sessions. Session I: Numerical & Mathematical Ability (20 questions) + Reasoning (20 questions), 120 marks, no negative marking, qualifying in nature. Session II: General Awareness (25 questions) + English Language (25 questions), 150 marks, minus 1 mark per wrong answer — merit is decided on Session II. Skipping either session disqualifies the candidate. Havaldar aspirants additionally clear a Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test (PET/PST).
Syllabus at a glance
Matriculation-level syllabus throughout: basic arithmetic (number system, percentages, averages, mensuration), elementary reasoning, everyday English (grammar, vocabulary, simple comprehension) and General Awareness centred on static GK — history, polity, geography, basic science — with light current affairs.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification released | 30 Jun 2026 | confirmed |
| Application window | 30 Jun – 31 Jul 2026 | confirmed |
| Computer-based exam | Sep–Nov 2026 | expected |
| Havaldar PET/PST | Early 2027 | 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
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal
- Objective General English — S.P. Bakshi
- Lucent's General Knowledge — Binay Karna & Manwendra Mukul
- Kiran's SSC MTS Solved Papers — Kiran Prakashan
How toppers play it
- Play the two sessions differently: Session I has no negative marking, so answer all 40 questions; Session II costs a full mark per error, so attempt only what you are sure of.
- Merit comes only from Session II (General Awareness + English) — put the bulk of your revision into static GK and vocabulary, not maths.
- Question repetition from previous years is high at this level — two rounds of PYQs beat any new practice book.
- Always take full mocks with the strict 45+45-minute session timer, since sessions cannot be revisited.
- Havaldar aspirants should train for the PET/PST (running, height/chest standards) alongside the written preparation, not after the result.