What is SSC MTS?
The SSC MTS (Staff Selection Commission – Multi-Tasking Staff) and Havaldar Exam is a highly competitive national-level examination conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). It acts as the primary recruitment channel for candidates who have completed their Matriculation (Class 10th) to join various Central Government ministries, administrative departments, and statutory bodies.
This examination provides a reliable gateway to secure permanent, pensionable Group “C” non-technical and non-gazetted positions early in life, offering job stability, standard medical facilities, and robust career progression paths within the federal workforce.
SSC MTS & Havaldar Recruitment Overview
| Exam Parameter | Official Recruitment Specifications |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff, and Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) Examination |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Frequency | Conducted Once a year |
| Core Posts Offered | • MTS: Peon, Daftary, Jamadar, Farash, Chowkidar, Mali, Safaiwala, etc. • Havaldar: Security personnel in CBIC (Customs & Central Excise) and CBN (Central Bureau of Narcotics). |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Online Test (CBT) |
| Selection Stages | • MTS Post: Single Computer-Based Examination (Session-I & Session-II) • Havaldar Post: Computer-Based Examination + Physical Efficiency Test (PET) / Physical Standard Test (PST) |
| Descriptive Paper | Completely Discontinued (No pen-and-paper descriptive round) |
| Exam Language | Bilingual (English & Hindi) and 13 specified Regional Indian Languages |
| Minimum Eligibility | Must have passed Matriculation (Class 10th) or equivalent from a recognized board |
| General Age Limit | • 18 to 25 Years: For designated MTS posts in various departments. • 18 to 27 Years: For Havaldar roles and specific MTS cadres. |
| Application Process | Online via official commission portal (ssc.gov.in) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (All women candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen are entirely exempted from paying the fee) |
Major System Changes to Keep in Mind
- Descriptive Paper Removed: The older format involving an offline pen-and-paper essay/letter test (Paper-2) has been completely removed to prevent processing delays.
- Dual-Session Evaluation: The online paper is now split into two consecutive mandatory sessions executed on the same day. Session-I is purely qualifying, meaning scores are monitored to cross a minor threshold but do not count toward ranks.
- Merit Compilation: Final selection ranks and placement results are calculated solely on marks secured in Session-II (General Awareness & English).
SSC MTS & Havaldar Updated Exam Pattern
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Multi-Tasking Staff and Havaldar recruitment via a single-stage online Computer-Based Examination (CBE). The examination is divided into two distinct sessions—Session-I and Session-II—both conducted on the same day back-to-back.
Key Structural Rules
- Mandatory Attendance: Both sessions are mandatory. Skipping either session results in immediate disqualification.
- Sequential Testing: Session-I opens first. Once its 45-minute timer finishes, it locks automatically, and Session-II starts immediately. Candidates cannot switch between sessions.
- Session-I is Qualifying Only: Marks in Session-I are monitored to ensure minimum thresholds are met. They are not counted toward the final merit list.
- Session-II Decides the Merit: Final selection ranks and post allocations are computed solely based on performance in Session-II.
Detailed Computer-Based Exam Layout
| Session | Section / Part | Core Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Duration | Negative Marking | Nature of Session |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session-I | Part-I | Numerical & Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 | 45 Minutes (60 Mins for scribes) | No Negative Marking | Qualifying Round (Minimum 30% for UR, 25% for OBC/EWS, 20% for others) |
| Part-II | Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving | 20 | 60 | ||||
| Session-II | Part-I | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 45 Minutes (60 Mins for scribes) | 1 Mark Deducted per wrong answer | Merit-Deciding Round (Forms the basis of final selection) |
| Part-II | English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 75 | ||||
| Total | 90 | 270 | 90 Minutes | ||||
Physical Requirements (Only for the Post of Havaldar)
Candidates who apply for the Havaldar post in CBIC and CBN must clear a qualifying Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) in addition to the computer-based exam.
1. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Male Candidates: Walking 1600 meters in 15 minutes.
- Female Candidates: Walking 1 km in 20 minutes.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Male Standards:
- Height: 157.5 cm (relaxed by 5 cm for Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas, and members of Scheduled Tribes).
- Chest: 81 cm (fully expanded with a minimum expansion of 5 cm).
- Female Standards:
- Height: 152 cm (relaxed by 2.5 cm for Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas, and members of Scheduled Tribes).
- Weight: 48 kg (relaxed by 2 kg for Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas, and members of Scheduled Tribes).
SSC MTS & Havaldar Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus
The updated syllabus for the SSC MTS & Havaldar examination is systematically aligned with matriculation-level (Class 10th) proficiency standards. It focuses on functional testing in math and reasoning during Session-I, and deeper comprehension and analytical accuracy during the merit-deciding Session-II.
Session-I: Section-Wise Syllabus (Qualifying Only)
| Part / Section | Core Subject | Detailed Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Part I | Numerical & Mathematical Ability | Number Basics: Integers and Whole Numbers, LCM and HCF, Decimals and Fractions, Relationship between numbers. Core Arithmetic: Fundamental Arithmetical Operations, BODMAS rules, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Work and Time, Direct and Inverse Proportions, Averages. Commercial Math: Simple Interest, Profit and Loss, Discounting methods. Geometry & Mensuration: Basic geometric figures, Area and Perimeter of simple 2D shapes (Squares, Rectangles, Triangles, Circles), Surface Area and Volume of basic 3D solids (Cubes, Cuboids, Cylinders, Cones, Spheres). Data Interpretation: Graphs, Tables, and Charts tracking, Square roots calculation. |
| Part II | Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving | Alpha-Numeric Logic: Alpha-numeric series, Coding-Decoding, Analogies, Odd one out. Direction & Layouts: Following instructions, Direction Sense Test, Blood Relations, Simple linear and circular seating arrangements. Non-Verbal Skills: Matrix arrangements, Mathematical inequalities, Paper folding and cutting, Mirror and water images, Embedded figures, Clock and Calendar concepts. |
Session-II: Section-Wise Syllabus (Merit-Deciding Round)
| Part / Section | Core Subject | Detailed Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Part I | General Awareness | Social Studies (10th Standard): Broad survey of Indian History, Freedom Struggle, Culture, Art & Dance forms, World and Indian Geography, Indian Civics, Constitution layout, and Basic Economics. General Science (10th Standard): Everyday applications of Environmental Studies, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Current Trends & GK: National and International events, Books and Authors, Government Welfare Schemes, Sports and Trophies, Awards and Honors, Static general knowledge points. |
| Part II | English Language & Comprehension | Vocabulary Foundations: Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms, proper usage of words, One-word substitution, Idioms & Phrases, Spelling corrections. Grammar & Structural Editing: Parts of speech rules, Subject-verb agreement, Tenses, Error spotting, Fill in the blanks, Sentence improvement, Cloze test layouts. Linguistic Assessment: Testing baseline understanding of written English via short Reading Comprehension passages or paragraph reordering. |
SSC MTS & Havaldar Post-Wise Salary Structure (7th Pay Commission)
The positions recruited through the SSC MTS & Havaldar examination fall under Pay Level 1 of the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix. The basic pay structure is uniform, but the final monthly take-home salary varies based on the allowance category of the city where the candidate is posted.
Detailed Pay Matrix Breakdown
| Post Name | Ministry / Department | Pay Level | Grade Pay | Basic Pay Scale | Approximate Initial Gross Salary (Metros / X-Class) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) | Various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Statutory Offices | Pay Level 1 | ₹1,800 | ₹18,000 to ₹56,900 | ₹34,000 to ₹38,000 |
| Havaldar | • Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) • Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) | Pay Level 1 | ₹1,800 | ₹18,000 to ₹56,900 | ₹34,000 to ₹38,000 |
City-Wise Allowance Classification Rules
The allowances are structurally divided into three categories depending on the living costs and population density of the deployment station:
- X Class Cities (Metros): Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Pune. (Highest HRA tier).
- Y Class Cities: Tier-2 urban centres and major towns (e.g., Lucknow, Jaipur, Patna, Nagpur, Indore).
- Z Class Cities: Rural areas, smaller peripheral towns, and basic deployment stations.
Allowances & Functional Perks:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): A cost-of-living adjustment updated bi-annually by the Central Government to counteract market inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Paid out monthly if the employee does not utilize official Government quarters or pool housing.
- Transport Allowance (TA): Fixed allowance granted to cover daily transit from the employee’s residence to the central office facility.
- Medical Security: Health coverage provided through the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for the employee and their direct dependents.
- Special Perks for Havaldar: Uniform allowances and specific field-operational benefits are provided additionally based on departmental deployment policies.
The Prayas India’s Smart Strategy to Crack SSC MTS & Havaldar
With the selection criteria shifting entirely to Session-II (General Awareness & English), the strategy to crack the SSC MTS exam must be highly targeted. At The Prayas India, we have realigned our coaching methodology to match the latest pattern, ensuring students maximize their scores where it matters most.
Our 4-Stage Preparation Blueprint
1. Session-I Strategy: Smart Qualifying Approach
- Targeted Math & Reasoning Prep: Since Session-I (Numerical & Reasoning) has no negative marking and is purely qualifying, we train students to pick high-scoring, easier chapters (like Simplification, Series, and Analogies) to comfortably clear the cut-off without wasting excessive time.
- Time Optimization: We teach quick estimation techniques so students can clear this session smoothly, saving their mental energy for the competitive round.
2. Session-II Strategy: Scoring Peak Marks in General Awareness
- 10th Standard Core Focus: General Awareness is the ultimate merit-decider. We break down the NCERT syllabus for History, Geography, Polity, and Economics into crisp, readable notes.
- Daily Current Affairs & Static GK Drills: We provide targeted compilations of sports events, awards, schemes, and static topics like folk dances, rivers, and national parks, which carry heavy weightage in the exam.
3. Session-II Strategy: Flawless English Language Comprehension
- Error Elimination Rules: We use simple formula sheets to help students master basic grammar rules (Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Prepositions) to score full marks in error spotting and phrase replacement.
- Vocabulary Flashcards: Regular testing on frequently repeated synonyms, antonyms, spelling corrections, and idioms ensures high retention and quick response times.
4. Pattern-Based Mock Tests & Physical Guidance
- Two-Session Simulated Interface: Our Computer-Based Test (CBT) engine replicates the exact switching and locking mechanics of the real SSC exam, training students to handle the time crunch efficiently.
- Havaldar Post PET/PST Counseling: For students aiming for the Havaldar post in CBIC & CBN, we provide lifestyle checklists and guidance to ensure they easily qualify for the walking endurance and physical standard tests.
Why Choose The Prayas India for SSC MTS?
- Updated Content Library: Access crisp study guides, specialized current affairs digests, and topic-wise question banks tailored to the matriculation level.
- Expert Mentorship Panels: Learn from veteran faculty members who decode shifting SSC trends and offer personal guidance.
- Flexible Learning Formats: Join interactive virtual online classrooms or attend rigorous mock testing routines at our physical branches.
- Dedicated Doubts Clearance: Never stay stuck on a problem with our regularly scheduled quick doubt-resolution sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for SSC MTS exam?
- Visit the official website of the Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in).
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process by entering your basic personal, educational, and contact details.
- Log in using your newly generated Registration Number and Password.
- Click on the “Apply” link under the “Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff, and Havaldar Examination” section.
- Upload scanned copies of a recent passport-sized photograph and your signature according to the specified dimensions.
- Fill in your preferred exam center choices, state/post preferences, and submit the form.
- Pay the application fee of ₹100 online (if applicable) via UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit cards to complete your submission.
What is the exam pattern of SSC MTS Tier-I exam?
- Session-I (Qualifying Only): Features Numerical & Mathematical Ability (20 questions) and Reasoning Ability (20 questions) totaling 120 marks. There is no negative marking in this session.
- Session-II (Merit-Deciding): Features General Awareness (25 questions) and English Language (25 questions) totaling 150 marks. There is a penalty of 1 mark for every incorrect answer in this session.
What is the exam pattern of SSC MTS Tier-II exam?
Under the revised examination structure, the conventional pen-and-paper descriptive Tier-II exam has been completely discontinued. Selection is now based entirely on the online Computer-Based Examination. However, for candidates applying for the Havaldar post, a qualifying Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) are conducted after the online exam.
What is the minimum qualifying marks for SSC MTS Tier-I exam?
- General (UR): 30%
- OBC / EWS: 25%
- All other reserved categories (SC/ST/PwBD): 20%
What is the cut-off for SSC MTS exam?
The final merit cut-off for the SSC MTS exam is prepared solely on the basis of marks secured by candidates in Session-II (General Awareness and English sections out of a total of 150 marks). State-wise and age-group-wise (18-25 and 18-27) competitive cut-offs are released by the commission based on vacant slots and performance density.
Is there any interview in SSC MTS exam?
No, there is absolutely no interview round in the SSC MTS & Havaldar recruitment process. Selection is processed purely on written merit performance in Session-II of the online exam, making it a highly transparent direct-recruitment route.
