SSC MTS Complete Guide: Posts, Eligibility, Pattern & Salary

SSC MTS is one of the easiest entry points into a central government job — it needs only a 10th-pass qualification, so it draws a huge number of applicants every year. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, it recruits Multi-Tasking Staff across central ministries and departments, and Havaldar posts in CBIC and CBN.

This guide explains what SSC MTS is, who can apply, the exam pattern and salary, and how the selection works (including the extra physical test for Havaldar). Vacancy numbers, exact dates and the occasional pattern tweak change each year, so always confirm against the official SSC notification on ssc.gov.in.

What is SSC MTS and which posts does it fill?

SSC MTS recruits for two kinds of Group C posts:

• Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) — non-technical, non-gazetted posts in various central government ministries, departments and offices.
• Havaldar — posts in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) and the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN). Havaldar additionally requires a physical test (see below); MTS does not.

Eligibility and age limit

• Education: 10th / matriculation pass from a recognised board. Note: you do NOT need to be 12th pass for SSC MTS.
• Age (MTS): generally 18–25 years (some MTS posts allow 18–27); the exact band and cut-off date are set in each notification.
• Age (Havaldar): generally 18–27 years.
• Age relaxation: typically +3 years for OBC, +5 for SC/ST, and more for PwD and ex-servicemen, as per rules.

Exam pattern

SSC MTS is a computer-based test held in two sessions on the same day, and you must attempt both. Each correct answer carries 3 marks.

• Session I — 45 minutes, 40 questions, 120 marks, with NO negative marking. It covers Numerical & Mathematical Ability (20 questions) and Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving (20 questions).
• Session II — 45 minutes, 50 questions, 150 marks, with a penalty of 1 mark for each wrong answer. It covers General Awareness (25 questions) and English Language & Comprehension (25 questions).

Salary

Both MTS and Havaldar are placed in Pay Level 1 of the 7th Pay Commission matrix, with basic pay from ₹18,000 (rising up to ₹56,900 within the level). On top of basic pay you get Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance (which varies by city class) and Transport Allowance, so in-hand pay is commonly in the ₹27,000–₹31,000 range depending on your posting. Exact allowances change as DA is revised.

Selection process

For MTS, selection is the computer-based test followed by document verification. For Havaldar, there is an extra step:

• Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for Havaldar — for example, a timed walk, with height/chest standards. This is qualifying only and carries no marks.
• Final merit is based on the CBT score (normalised across shifts where applicable); Havaldar candidates must also clear the PET/PST.

When is SSC MTS held?

SSC MTS runs roughly once a year. For the 2026 cycle, the notification is expected around June 2026, applications around July 2026, and the exam in the September–November 2026 window — but these are tentative SSC-calendar dates and only the official notification is binding. Track the live SSC MTS notification and admit card on GovtNaukri365.