SSC MTS Exam
SSC MTS Exam: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus & FAQs
The SSC Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff Examination, commonly known as SSC MTS, is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment to Multi-Tasking Staff posts in various Ministries, Departments, Offices and other organisations of the Government of India.
SSC MTS is a Matriculation-level government examination, making it an important opportunity for candidates who have completed Class 10 and are looking for central government employment.
The examination also includes recruitment for the post of Havaldar in CBIC and CBN. However, Havaldar recruitment has an additional physical stage, while MTS recruitment is based on the Computer Based Examination.
Note: Examination rules, age limits, vacancies and other conditions may change between recruitment cycles. Candidates should always check the latest SSC notification before applying.
SSC MTS Exam - Overview
SSC MTS Exam – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff Examination |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Post | Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) |
| Other Post | Havaldar in CBIC & CBN |
| Job Level | Matriculation Level |
| Educational Qualification | Class 10 / Matriculation |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Examination |
| MTS Selection | Computer Based Examination |
| Havaldar Selection | Computer Based Examination + PET/PST |
| Pay Level | Level-1 |
About SSC MTS Exam
About SSC MTS Exam
SSC MTS is conducted to recruit candidates for Group C, Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial posts in different Central Government offices.
An MTS employee may perform various supporting and routine office duties depending on the department and place of posting. The role can involve activities such as maintaining files and records, assisting in office work, carrying documents, handling routine tasks and providing general support to the office.
The SSC MTS examination also covers the Havaldar post in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN). Havaldar recruitment is different from regular MTS recruitment because candidates must also qualify the prescribed Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST).
SSC MTS Eligibility Criteria
SSC MTS Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed the Matriculation Examination (Class 10) or an equivalent examination from a recognised Board.
The required qualification must have been obtained by the cut-off date specified in the relevant SSC notification.
Candidates who have appeared for the qualifying examination should ensure that their result has been officially declared by the prescribed cut-off date.
Age Limit
The age requirement depends on the post.
Generally:
- MTS: 18–25 years
- Havaldar: 18–27 years
- Some MTS vacancies may also carry the higher age limit prescribed for the relevant department/post.
The crucial date for calculating age is specified in each recruitment notification.
Age Relaxation
Relaxation in the upper age limit is available to eligible candidates belonging to specified categories according to Government of India rules.
Common categories include:
- SC/ST
- OBC
- PwBD
- Ex-Servicemen
- Certain other categories covered under government rules
Candidates claiming age relaxation must possess the required supporting certificate.
Nationality
A candidate must generally be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India, subject to the prescribed conditions and eligibility certificate requirements.
Physical Requirements for Havaldar
Physical standards are not applicable to regular MTS posts in the same manner as Havaldar recruitment.
Candidates applying for Havaldar must qualify the prescribed PET/PST.
Physical Efficiency Test
Male: Walking 1600 metres in 15 minutes
Female: Walking 1 kilometre in 20 minutes
Physical Standard Test
For the standard prescribed in the latest notification:
Male
- Height: 157.5 cm
- Chest: 81 cm, with minimum 5 cm expansion
Female
- Height: 152 cm
- Weight: 48 kg
Specified relaxations are available for eligible candidates in certain categories/regions as provided in the recruitment rules.
SSC MTS Selection Process
SSC MTS Selection Process
For MTS
Computer Based Examination → Final Selection
For Havaldar
Computer Based Examination → PET/PST → Final Selection
The PET/PST is applicable specifically to candidates being considered for the Havaldar post.
SSC MTS Exam Pattern
SSC MTS Exam Pattern
The Computer Based Examination is conducted in two mandatory sessions on the same day.
Session-I
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Numerical and Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 |
| Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 40 | 120 |
Time: 45 minutes
There is no negative marking in Session-I.
Session-II
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 75 |
| Total | 50 | 150 |
Time: 45 minutes
There is negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Session-II.
Therefore, candidates should be particularly careful while making guesses in Session-II.
SSC MTS Syllabus
SSC MTS Syllabus
A. Numerical and Mathematical Ability
Important topics include:
- Integers and Whole Numbers
- LCM and HCF
- Decimals and Fractions
- Relationship between Numbers
- Fundamental Arithmetic Operations
- BODMAS
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Work and Time
- Direct and Inverse Proportion
- Average
- Simple Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Area and Perimeter
- Distance and Time
- Lines and Angles
- Basic Graphs and Data Interpretation
- Squares and Square Roots
The questions are broadly designed around basic mathematical concepts appropriate to the examination level.
B. Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving
Important areas include:
- Alpha-Numeric Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Analogy
- Similarities and Differences
- Direction Sense
- Jumbling
- Problem Solving
- Analysis
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Diagrams
- Age Calculation
- Calendar
- Clock
Candidates should focus on both accuracy and speed because most reasoning questions require quick identification of patterns.
C. General Awareness
General Awareness broadly covers subjects up to the 10th Standard level.
Important areas include:
History
- Ancient India
- Medieval India
- Modern India
- Indian Freedom Movement
Geography
- India and World Geography
- Rivers
- Mountains
- Climate
- Natural Resources
Civics / Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Government
- Parliament
- Fundamental Rights
- Basic political structure
Economics
- Basic economic concepts
- Indian economy
- Banking and financial awareness
General Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Everyday Science
Environment
- Basic environmental concepts
- Pollution
- Conservation
- Ecology
Current events may also be relevant to the General Awareness section.
D. English Language and Comprehension
The English section tests basic understanding of the language.
Important topics include:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Structure
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Correct Usage
- Basic Sentence Formation
- Reading Comprehension
Candidates should develop both grammar knowledge and reading ability instead of depending only on vocabulary memorisation.
SSC MTS Exam Language
SSC MTS Exam Language
The Computer Based Examination is conducted in English, Hindi and specified regional languages.
Bengali is among the regional languages available for the examination.
Candidates should check the latest notification for the complete list of available languages and language-selection provisions.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About SSC MTS
Q1. What is SSC MTS?
SSC MTS is a Staff Selection Commission examination for recruitment to Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff posts in various Central Government offices.
Q2. What is the minimum qualification for SSC MTS?
Candidates must generally have passed Class 10/Matriculation or an equivalent examination from a recognised Board.
Q3. Is graduation required for SSC MTS?
No. Graduation is not required for the basic MTS post. The minimum educational qualification is generally Class 10.
Q4. What is the age limit for SSC MTS?
The age limit is generally 18–25 years for MTS, while 18–27 years applies to Havaldar and certain posts where the relevant recruitment rules prescribe the higher limit.
Q5. Is there negative marking in SSC MTS?
There is no negative marking in Session-I. In Session-II, 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer under the current examination scheme.
Q6. Is there a physical test in SSC MTS?
For the regular MTS post, selection is through the Computer Based Examination. Candidates applying for Havaldar must also qualify the prescribed PET/PST.
Q7. What is the SSC MTS exam pattern?
The Computer Based Examination has two sessions. Session-I covers Numerical and Mathematical Ability and Reasoning Ability, while Session-II covers General Awareness and English Language and Comprehension.
Q8. Can Class 10 appearing students apply?
Candidates must possess the required Matriculation qualification by the cut-off date specified in the relevant recruitment notification.
Q9. Is SSC MTS conducted in Bengali?
Yes. Bengali is included among the regional languages in which the examination can be conducted, subject to the language options provided in the relevant notification.
Q10. What is the difference between MTS and Havaldar?
MTS is a general support staff post in various Central Government offices. Havaldar recruitment is specifically for CBIC/CBN and includes additional physical efficiency and physical standard requirements.
Q11. Is SSC MTS a Central Government job?
Yes. MTS is a Group C Central Government post in various Ministries, Departments and offices.
Q12. What subjects should I prepare for SSC MTS?
The main areas are Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness and English Language & Comprehension.
Important Note
SSC may change the examination pattern, eligibility conditions, age limits, vacancies, physical standards or other recruitment provisions from one recruitment cycle to another. Candidates should always refer to the latest official SSC notification before applying.
