SSC MTS Syllabus 2026 at a Glance
The SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Non-Technical Staff) and Havaldar exam is one computer-based test in two sessions on the same day. Session I (45 minutes) has Maths and Reasoning, 20 questions each for 120 marks, with no negative marking. Session II (45 minutes) has General Awareness and English, 25 questions each for 150 marks, with 1 mark deducted per wrong answer. Session I is qualifying; the merit list is made only on Session II.
Key takeaway: This page follows the latest official scheme, the SSC notice for the MTS (Non-Technical) Staff and Havaldar (CBIC and CBN) Examination 2025 (uploaded on ssc.gov.in on 26 June 2025). SSC's 2026-27 calendar lists the 2026 exam, but its notice had not been published by 19 October 2026, so prepare with this scheme and check the new notice when it appears.
For the 2025 cycle, the CBE was held from 4 to 20 February 2026 and the Havaldar PET/PST from 24 to 31 August 2026.
SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026 (Session I and Session II)
| Session | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session I | Numerical and Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 | 45 minutes for both | None |
| Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving | 20 | 60 | |||
| Session II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 45 minutes for both | 1 mark per wrong answer |
| English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 75 | |||
| Total | 90 | 270 | 90 minutes |
- Each question carries 3 marks.
- Scribe-eligible candidates get 60 minutes for each session.
- Session I closes automatically after 45 minutes and Session II starts immediately.
- Language: English, Hindi and 13 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu) for Session I and the GA section; English section only in English.
- Session II is evaluated only if you qualify Session I.
SSC MTS Maths Syllabus (Numerical and Mathematical Ability)
| Area | Official topics |
|---|---|
| Numbers | Integers and whole numbers, LCM and HCF, decimals and fractions, relationship between numbers, squares and square roots |
| Operations | Fundamental arithmetic operations and BODMAS |
| Arithmetic | Percentage, ratio and proportion, direct and inverse proportion, averages, simple interest, profit and loss, discount |
| Time based | Work and time, distance and time |
| Geometry and mensuration | Area and perimeter of basic geometric figures, lines and angles |
| Data | Interpretation of simple graphs and data |
There is no compound interest, algebra or trigonometry in the MTS list.
SSC MTS Reasoning Syllabus (Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving)
Questions test general learning ability and are based on: alpha-numeric series, coding and decoding, analogy, following directions (direction sense), similarities and differences (odd one out), jumbling, problem solving and analysis, non-verbal reasoning based on diagrams, age calculations, and calendar and clock.
SSC MTS GK Syllabus (General Awareness)
Broad coverage of Social Studies (History, Geography, Art and Culture, Civics, Economics), General Science and Environmental Studies up to the 10th standard.
| Area | What to revise |
|---|---|
| History | Ancient, medieval and modern India; freedom movement |
| Geography | India's physical features, rivers, lakes, climate, states and capitals |
| Art and culture | Dances, festivals, monuments |
| Civics | Constitution basics, Parliament, President and Prime Minister |
| Economics | Basic concepts, budget, banking |
| Science | Physics, chemistry and biology of Class 10 |
| Environment | Pollution, ecosystems, conservation, national parks |
The 2025 notice does not list current affairs separately; a quick revision of major recent events is still a sensible safety net.
SSC MTS English Syllabus
Basics of English: vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms and correct usage, plus a simple paragraph with comprehension questions. Practise error spotting, fill in the blanks, one-word substitution, idioms and spelling.
SSC MTS Qualifying Marks and Merit Rules
| Category | Minimum qualifying marks (Session I and Session II) | Session I in marks (of 120) |
|---|---|---|
| UR | 30% | 36 |
| OBC / EWS | 25% | 30 |
| All other categories | 20% | 24 |
- Merit for MTS = Session II only (normalised scores), with separate cut-offs by category, State/UT and age group (18-25 and 18-27).
- Havaldar candidates are shortlisted for PET/PST at 1:7 (vacancies : candidates) on Session II scores. Failing PET/PST keeps you in the race for MTS.
- Final allocation depends on Session II marks, your post-cum-State/UT preferences and your age group.
SSC Havaldar PET and PST (CBIC and CBN)
| Test | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| PET (walking) | 1,600 m in 15 minutes | 1 km in 20 minutes |
| Height | 157.5 cm | 152 cm |
| Chest / weight | Chest 81 cm fully expanded, minimum expansion 5 cm | Weight 48 kg |
Relaxations: height by 5 cm (male) and 2.5 cm (female), and female weight by 2 kg, for Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas and Scheduled Tribe candidates.
SSC MTS Age Limit (2025 Notice)
Two age groups as on 1 August 2025: 18-25 years (most MTS posts) and 18-27 years (Havaldar in CBIC and CBN, and a few MTS posts), with the usual relaxations for reserved categories. Education: Matriculation (10th) pass. Both MTS and Havaldar are Pay Level 1 posts; see SSC MTS salary 2026 for in-hand pay.
How to Prepare for SSC MTS Using the Syllabus
- Clear Session I safely, then score in Session II. Session I has no negative marking, so attempt all 40 questions; it only needs to be qualified.
- Treat Session II as the real exam. With −1 against +3, guess only when you can eliminate at least one option.
- Class 10 NCERT books cover most GA. Social Studies and Science of Classes 6-10 match the official scope.
- English carries as many marks as GA (75 each), so daily vocabulary and grammar practice pays off.
- Havaldar aspirants: practise brisk walking: 1,600 m in 15 minutes is an average of 6.4 km/h.
SSC MTS Practice Questions (with Answers)
Q1. Is there negative marking in SSC MTS Session I? Answer: No. Negative marking (1 mark) applies only in Session II.
Q2. A candidate gets 35 correct and 8 wrong answers in Session II. What is the score? Answer: 97. 35 × 3 − 8 × 1 = 105 − 8 = 97.
Q3. How many marks does a UR candidate need in Session I to qualify? Answer: 36 out of 120 (30%), i.e. 12 correct answers.
Q4 (Maths). Find the simple interest on ₹2,000 at 5% per annum for 3 years. Answer: ₹300 (2,000 × 5 × 3 ÷ 100).
Q5 (Maths). Find the LCM of 8 and 12. Answer: 24.
Q6 (Reasoning). If today is Monday, what day will it be after 10 days? Answer: Thursday. 10 days = 1 week + 3 days, and Monday + 3 days = Thursday.
Q7 (Reasoning). Find the next term: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ? Answer: 42. Differences are 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 (or n × (n + 1): 6 × 7 = 42).
Q8 (GA). Which gas do green plants take in during photosynthesis? Answer: Carbon dioxide.
Q9 (English). Choose the antonym of "ancient". Answer: Modern.
Q10. What is the PET walking standard for male Havaldar candidates? Answer: 1,600 metres in 15 minutes.
SSC MTS Syllabus FAQs
What is the SSC MTS exam pattern 2026?
One CBE in two sessions: Session I (Maths 20 + Reasoning 20, 120 marks, 45 minutes, no negative marking) and Session II (GA 25 + English 25, 150 marks, 45 minutes, 1 mark negative), as per the latest official notice.
Is Session I counted in the SSC MTS merit list?
No. Session I is qualifying only; the merit list for MTS and the Havaldar PET shortlist are based on Session II scores.
Has the SSC MTS 2026 notification been released?
SSC's calendar lists the MTS and Havaldar Examination 2026, but the notice had not been published as of 19 October 2026. This page uses the 2025 notice, the latest official scheme.
Is there a physical test for SSC MTS?
Only for Havaldar (CBIC and CBN): a walking test (1,600 m in 15 minutes for men, 1 km in 20 minutes for women) and physical standards. MTS posts have no physical test.
What level are the SSC MTS questions?
Matriculation (Class 10) level. GA covers Social Studies, Science and Environmental Studies up to the 10th standard.
What are the SSC MTS qualifying marks?
30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS and 20% for others, in both Session I and Session II.
Practice Next
- Full mocks: SSC MTS Full Length Mock Test 01, SSC MTS Full Length Mock Test 05.
- Sectionals: Maths Sectional 01, Reasoning Sectional 01, GA Sectional 01, English Sectional 01.
- Topic tests: Percentage, Coding-Decoding, Polity.
- Related notes: SSC CGL syllabus 2026, SSC CHSL syllabus 2026, SSC GD syllabus 2026, calendar odd days trick, percentage tricks.
- Browse all study notes.
- Free tools: exam eligibility checker and government salary calculator.