SSC MTS
Recruits Class 10 pass candidates 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 (Matriculation) or equivalent. Most Multi-Tasking Staff posts take ages 18-25; Havaldar and some MTS posts take ages 18-27, with SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years) and PwBD relaxations. Havaldar candidates must also pass a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST).
Age limit: 18-25 years (MTS) / 18-27 years (Havaldar and some MTS posts)
Exam pattern
One computer-based exam in two sessions of 45 minutes each, taken on the same day. Session I has Numerical and Mathematical Ability (20 questions) and Reasoning (20 questions), 120 marks in all, with no negative marking. Session II has General Awareness (25 questions) and English (25 questions), 150 marks in all, with 1 mark deducted per wrong answer. Session II is evaluated only if you clear Session I. Havaldar candidates then take the PET (walking 1,600 m in 15 minutes for men, 1 km in 20 minutes for women) and PST.
Syllabus at a glance
Basic arithmetic (number system, percentages, ratio, time and work, simple geometry), elementary reasoning (series, coding, analogy, classification), basic English grammar and vocabulary, and General Awareness on history, geography, polity, science and current affairs, all at Class 10 level.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MTS & Havaldar 2026 notification (delayed from the 30 Jun 2026 calendar slot) | Nov-Dec 2026 | expected |
| Online application window | About 30 days from notification | tba |
| Computer-based exam | Early 2027 | tba |
| PET/PST for Havaldar | After CBT result | tba |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- Kiran SSC MTS Previous Year Solved Papers – Kiran Prakashan
- SSC MTS Multi-Tasking Staff Guide – Arihant Experts
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations – R.S. Aggarwal
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal
- Lucent's General Knowledge – Lucent Publications
How toppers play it
- Session I has no negative marking, so attempt all 40 questions. A high Session I score is free marks, and clearing it unlocks Session II.
- Session II costs 1 mark per wrong answer on 3-mark questions. Attempt only questions you are reasonably sure of, especially in General Awareness.
- Normalised scores decide selection, and cut-offs vary sharply by state and region. Pick your preferred regions carefully.
- Havaldar aspirants should practise the timed walk, since the PET is qualifying and done right after the CBT result.