TaiyarHo
SSCCentral Govt10th Pass Eligible🗓️ Result Expected: May–June 2026

SSC MTS 2026 – Complete Guide: Syllabus, Pattern & Eligibility

CBT completed (Feb 4–20, 2026). Answer key released March 3, 2026. Result expected May–June 2026. 7,948 total vacancies for MTS and Havaldar posts. Class 10 pass eligible.

Total Vacancies
7,948
CBT Conducted
Feb 2026
Min. Qualification
Class 10 Pass
In-Hand Salary
₹22K–28K/mo

What is SSC MTS?

SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff) is a national-level recruitment exam conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to fill Group C, non-gazetted, non-ministerial posts across central government ministries, departments, and offices. It is the most accessible central government exam in India — open to anyone who has passed Class 10.

The 2025 cycle also recruits for Havaldar posts under CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes) and CBN (Central Bureau of Narcotics), which require an additional Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test (PET/PST) for shortlisted candidates.

The selection process has a single Computer-Based Test (CBT) in two sessions, followed by PET/PST for Havaldar applicants only. There is no typing test, no interview, and no Paper II (it was removed from the exam pattern). Final merit is based entirely on CBT scores.

Conducting Body
Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Post Type
Group C, Non-Gazetted
Pay Level
Level 1 (₹18,000–₹56,900)
Min. Qualification
Matriculation (10th Pass)

📅 Important Dates – SSC MTS 2026

The 2025 cycle exam has been completed. The table below reflects actual dates from the official notification and subsequent updates.

EventDateStatus
Official Notification Released26 June 2025✓ Done
Online Application Opens26 June 2025✓ Done
Last Date to Apply Online24 July 2025✓ Done
Fee Payment Last Date25 July 2025 (11 PM)✓ Done
Application Correction Window4–6 August 2025✓ Done
Vacancies Revised (Increased)September 2025✓ Done
Exam City Intimation / Self-Slotting16–25 January 2026✓ Done
Admit Card Released2 February 2026✓ Done
CBT Exam (Paper I)4 February – 20 February 2026✓ Done
Tentative Answer Key Released3 March 2026✓ Done
Answer Key Objection Window3–6 March 2026✓ Done
Final Answer KeyTo be notified (TBN)TBN
CBT Result DeclaredExpected May–June 2026TBN
PET / PST (Havaldar only)To be notified (TBN)TBN
Final Merit ListTo be notified (TBN)TBN
SSC MTS 2026 Notification30 June 2026 (per SSC Calendar)🔔 Upcoming
SSC MTS 2026 Last Date to Apply31 July 2026 (tentative)🔔 Upcoming
SSC MTS 2026 CBT ExamSeptember–November 2026 (tentative)🔔 Upcoming

Source: Official SSC notification (ssc.gov.in) and subsequent corrigenda. Always verify dates on the official website before acting.

Eligibility Criteria – SSC MTS 2026

Nationality
Indian Citizen (or equivalent)

Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (pre-1962), and persons of Indian origin migrating from specified countries are also eligible under specific conditions.

Educational Qualification
Matriculation (Class 10) Pass

From any recognised board (CBSE, ICSE, State boards). No graduation required. There is no minimum percentage specified.

Age Limit

PostMin AgeMax AgeAge Cutoff
MTS (General) – Most posts18 years25 years01 August 2025
MTS – Some specific posts18 years27 years01 August 2025
Havaldar (CBIC & CBN)18 years27 years01 August 2025

Age Relaxation

CategoryRelaxation
OBC (Non-creamy layer)+3 years
SC / ST+5 years
PwBD – General / EWS+10 years
PwBD – OBC+13 years
PwBD – SC / ST+15 years
Ex-Servicemen (General / OBC)+3 years (after service period deduction)
Ex-Servicemen (SC / ST)+8 years (after service period deduction)
Widows / Divorced Women (General)Up to 35 years
Widows / Divorced Women (OBC)Up to 38 years
Widows / Divorced Women (SC / ST)Up to 40 years
📌 Note: Age relaxation applies to the upper age limit only. The lower age limit of 18 years remains fixed for all categories. Certificates must be produced during Document Verification to claim relaxation.

Vacancies & Posts – SSC MTS 2026

SSC initially notified 8,021 vacancies (6,810 MTS + 1,211 Havaldar) in September 2025. After a corrigendum on 27 November 2025, the Havaldar count decreased to 1,138, bringing the total to 7,948 posts. MTS vacancies remained at 6,810 (6,078 for age 18–25 + 732 for age 18–27).

PostUROBCSCSTEWSTotal
MTS (Non-Technical) – Age 18–256,078
MTS (Non-Technical) – Age 18–27732
Havaldar – CBIC & CBN1,138
TOTAL (Revised – 27 Nov 2025)7,948
MTS (General) Posts
6,810
Havaldar (CBIC+CBN) Posts
1,211 → revised 1,138
Total Vacancies (Revised)
7,948

Exam Pattern – SSC MTS 2026

The CBT is conducted in two compulsory sessions on the same day. Missing either session results in automatic disqualification. Total marks: 270. Total time: 90 minutes.

Session I40 Questions | 120 Marks | 45 Minutes | No Negative Marking
SubjectQuestionsMarksNegative Marking
Numerical & Mathematical Ability2060None
Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving2060None
Session I Total40120No Penalty
Session II50 Questions | 150 Marks | 45 Minutes | −1 per wrong answer
SubjectQuestionsMarksNegative Marking
General Awareness2575−1 per wrong answer
English Language & Comprehension2575−1 per wrong answer
Session II Total50150−1 per wrong
ParameterDetails
Mode of ExamComputer-Based Test (CBT) — online
Type of QuestionsObjective MCQ (4 options each)
Total Questions90 (Session I: 40 + Session II: 50)
Total Marks270 (Session I: 120 + Session II: 150)
Marks per Question+3 marks for correct answer (both sessions)
Negative MarkingSession I: None | Session II: −1 per wrong answer
Total Duration90 minutes (45 min each session)
Language of ExamEnglish, Hindi & 13 regional languages (excluding English section)
PwBD Candidates60 minutes total (extra time allowed)
NormalisationYes — scores normalised across shifts
⚠️ Key Strategy: Attempt ALL 40 questions in Session I — no penalty for wrong answers. In Session II, be selective — a wrong answer costs you 1 mark (not just +3 gone, but −1 deducted too, a 4-mark swing). Only guess if you can eliminate at least 2 options.

SSC MTS Syllabus 2026 – Subject Wise

Syllabus level is Matriculation (Class 10). All topics below are from the official SSC MTS notification. Click each subject to expand.

1Session I — Numerical & Mathematical Ability
Number Systems – integers, natural numbers, whole numbers
LCM and HCF
Decimals and Fractions
Ratio and Proportion
Percentage
Average
Simple Interest & Compound Interest
Profit, Loss and Discount
Mensuration – area, perimeter (2D shapes)
Time and Work
Time, Speed and Distance
Basic Algebra and Elementary Surds
Geometry – triangles, circles, quadrilaterals
Data Interpretation (bar chart, pie chart, table)
2Session I — Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving
Analogies (Word, Number, Figure)
Classification / Odd One Out
Series Completion (Number, Alphabetic, Mixed)
Coding and Decoding
Blood Relations
Directions and Distance
Order and Ranking
Venn Diagrams
Syllogism
Non-Verbal Reasoning (Mirror image, Paper folding, Figure counting)
Matrix and Pattern Completion
Missing Number in Grid / Table
Statement and Conclusion
3Session II — General Awareness
History – Ancient, Medieval, Modern Indian History
Geography – India & World (rivers, mountains, climate, resources)
Indian Polity (Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, Amendments)
Indian Economy (budget terms, banks, GDP basics)
General Science – Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 8–10 level)
Environment and Ecology
Art and Culture – classical dances, music, painting, festivals
Current Affairs – National and International (last 6 months)
Important Schemes and Programmes of Government of India
Books and Authors, Awards and Honours
Important Dates and Days
Sports – major events, tournaments, Indian achievements
4Session II — English Language & Comprehension
Reading Comprehension (passage-based)
Fill in the Blanks (grammar-based)
Spotting Errors (sentence correction)
Para Jumbles (sentence rearrangement)
Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms and Phrases
One Word Substitution
Cloze Test
Active and Passive Voice
Direct and Indirect Speech (Narration)
Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs
Prepositions and Articles
Tenses and Subject-Verb Agreement

Physical Test – Havaldar Post (PET & PST)

PET/PST is only for Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) applicants — not for regular MTS posts. It is a qualifying round with no marks added to the merit.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

CategoryTaskTime Limit
Male – All CategoriesWalk 1,600 m15 minutes
Female – All CategoriesWalk 1 km20 minutes
Male Cyclothon (alternative)Cycle 3 km25 minutes

Physical Standard Test (PST)

CategoryHeightWeightChest (Male)
Male – General / OBC / EWS / SC157.5 cmProportionate76–81 cm
Male – ST / Tribal / NE States152.5 cmProportionate74–79 cm
Female – General / OBC / EWS / SC152 cmProportionateN/A
Female – ST / Tribal / NE States148 cmProportionateN/A
⚠️ Important: PET is QUALIFYING only — failing the walk/cycle means immediate elimination. No second chance. If you applied for Havaldar, begin physical training from Month 1 of your preparation.

SSC MTS Salary & Benefits

Pay Scale (7th CPC)
Pay Level 1: ₹18,000–₹56,900/month
Estimated In-Hand (X City)
₹28,000–₹30,000/month
Estimated In-Hand (Y City)
₹25,000–₹27,000/month
ComponentAmount (Approx.)
Basic Pay₹18,000/month
Dearness Allowance (DA) 60%₹10,800/month
House Rent Allowance (HRA) – X city 30%₹5,400/month
House Rent Allowance (HRA) – Y city 20%₹3,600/month
Transport Allowance (TA)₹1,350/month
Gross Salary (X city approximate)₹35,550/month
Deductions (NPS 10% + CGHS + CGEGIS)~₹3,500–4,000/month
In-Hand Take-Home (X city)₹28,000–30,000/month

Other Benefits

  • Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for employee and family
  • Leave Travel Concession (LTC) — travel reimbursement twice in 4 years
  • NPS pension (National Pension System) — 10% of basic deducted, 14% contributed by Govt
  • Maternity / Paternity / Child Care Leave
  • Group Insurance (CGEGIS)
  • Annual increments in basic pay
  • Promotion opportunities through departmental exams after 5 years

Job Profile

  • Filing, photocopying, carrying papers within offices
  • Cleaning, maintenance and upkeep of office premises
  • Delivery of dak (official correspondence)
  • Opening and closing of government offices
  • Assisting senior officials as required
  • Watch and ward duties (applicable to some ministries)
  • Havaldar: Field inspection, escort, and collection duties under CBIC/CBN

3-Month Study Plan for SSC MTS

Month 1

Build the Foundation

  • Revise Class 6–10 Maths — NCERT is sufficient. Focus on percentage, ratio, SI/CI, profit-loss.
  • Practice 20 Reasoning questions daily — start with simple analogies and series.
  • Read one newspaper article daily for General Awareness habit-building.
  • Start a GK notebook — write 10 facts per day (history, geography, polity).
Month 2

Speed and Accuracy

  • Give 1 full mock test per week — both sessions together (simulate real exam).
  • Target Session I accuracy: 35/40 correct, Session II: 35/50 correct.
  • English: solve 30 grammar questions daily — focus on error spotting and fill-in-the-blanks.
  • Current Affairs: subscribe to a monthly capsule (Adda247 or GK Today).
  • Revise GK notes from Month 1 — repetition is key.
Month 3

Revision and Mock Tests

  • Give 2 full mock tests per week and analyse every wrong answer.
  • Focus on weak sections identified from mock test analysis.
  • Complete at least 5 previous year SSC MTS papers (2019–2024).
  • Final 2 weeks: only revision — no new topics.
  • For Havaldar aspirants: physical training (walking/cycling) daily from Month 1.

Best Books for SSC MTS 2026

BookAuthorSubjectBuy
SSC MTS Guide – Crack It (Havaldar CBIC/CBN)Arihant PublicationsAll Subjects
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive ExaminationsR.S. AggarwalMathematicsBuy
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal ReasoningR.S. AggarwalReasoningBuy
Lucent's General KnowledgeLucent PublicationsGeneral AwarenessBuy
Plinth to Paramount (English Grammar)Neetu Singh (KD Campus)English
SSC MTS Previous Year PapersKiran PublicationsPractice / PYQs

Expert Preparation Tips for SSC MTS

1Attempt ALL questions in Session I — no negative marking means zero risk. Even blind guesses statistically add marks here.
2In Session II, attempt questions you are 70%+ confident about. Skip uncertain ones — a wrong answer costs you 4 effective marks (you lose +3 and also incur −1).
3General Awareness is the highest-scoring section for toppers. Spend at least 40% of your study time on GK — it directly separates merit list candidates.
4Do not neglect English. For Hindi-medium students, focus only on grammar rules and synonyms/antonyms — skip heavy comprehension initially.
5Solve previous year papers (2019–2024). At least 20–30% of questions are repeated or follow the same pattern.
6Current Affairs from the last 6 months (before exam date) is heavily tested. Maintain a monthly capsule printout.
7SSC uses normalisation — do not worry about exam difficulty. Focus on your score relative to your preparation, not the paper.
8If applying for Havaldar, start physical training (1.6 km walk) from day one. PET disqualification means losing everything after clearing CBT.

Frequently Asked Questions – SSC MTS

QWhat is the educational qualification for SSC MTS?
Candidates must have passed Matriculation (Class 10) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board. Graduation or higher degrees are NOT required.
QWhat is the age limit for SSC MTS 2026?
For MTS posts: 18–25 years. For Havaldar posts (CBIC & CBN): 18–27 years. Age is calculated as of 1 August 2025. OBC gets +3 years relaxation, SC/ST gets +5 years, and PwBD gets +10 years.
QIs there negative marking in SSC MTS?
Session I (Maths & Reasoning): No negative marking — attempt all 40 questions freely. Session II (General Awareness & English): 1 mark deducted per wrong answer — be careful here.
QWhat is the SSC MTS salary per month?
MTS posts are in Pay Level 1: basic pay ₹18,000/month. With DA (60% as of Jan 2026), HRA (30%/20%/10% for X/Y/Z cities) and other allowances, in-hand salary is approximately ₹22,000–₹28,000/month depending on posting city. In X-class cities (Delhi, Mumbai), in-hand can reach ₹28,000–₹30,000.
QIs PET/PST required for all SSC MTS candidates?
No. PET/PST is required only for candidates who apply for the Havaldar post under CBIC & CBN. Candidates applying only for MTS (General) posts do not have any physical test.
QHow many times can I attempt SSC MTS?
There is no limit on the number of attempts. You can appear as many times as you wish, as long as you meet the age criteria on the specified cut-off date.
QCan female candidates apply for Havaldar?
Yes. Female candidates can apply for Havaldar posts. However, they must meet the separate physical standards (height, weight) prescribed for female candidates.
QWhat is the difference between MTS and Havaldar in SSC MTS exam?
MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff) is a general Group C post in central government offices — clerical/peon type work. Havaldar posts are under CBIC (tax department) and CBN (narcotics), requiring physical fitness and field duties. Havaldar has a higher age limit (27) and an additional PET/PST round.

Prepare for SSC MTS 2026

The 2026 notification is expected on 30 June 2026 (per SSC Calendar), with CBT in September–November 2026. Use this time to build your foundation now — those who start early top the merit list.

All data sourced from the official SSC MTS 2026 notification (ssc.gov.in), corrigenda, and verified educational platforms (Shiksha, Careers360, Testbook, Adda247). DA revised to 60% from Jan 2026 (OM issued Apr 2026). Last updated: May 2026. Always verify dates from ssc.gov.in before applying.