SSC MTS syllabus and exam pattern (Session 1, Session 2 and Havaldar PET/PST)
SSC Multi Tasking Staff (Non-Technical) and Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) is one of the largest government recruitment exams for 10th-pass candidates. This detailed guide covers both sessions of the computer-based exam, the full syllabus, negative marking rules, the Havaldar physical tests and how final merit is decided.
SSC MTS exam pattern at a glance
| Paper / stage | What it covers | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 (CBT) | Numerical & Mathematical Ability and Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving. No negative marking in this session. | Objective | 45 minutes |
| Session 2 (CBT) | General Awareness and English Language & Comprehension. Negative marking applies for each wrong answer. | Objective | 45 minutes |
| PET / PST (Havaldar only) | Walking test and physical standards (height, chest for males; height and weight for females). Qualifying in nature. | Qualifying | Walking: 1600 m in 15 min (M) / 1 km in 20 min (F) |
Question counts, marks and physical standards can change between cycles. Confirm them from the latest official SSC MTS notification.
Numerical & Mathematical Ability (Session 1)
Number system, whole numbers, decimals and fractions, LCM and HCF, simplification and BODMAS — these appear in almost every shift.
Arithmetic: percentage, ratio and proportion, averages, profit and loss, discount, simple and compound interest, time and work, time-speed-distance, pipes and cisterns.
Mensuration of 2D and 3D shapes, basic geometry (lines, angles, triangles, circles), and reading tables and bar graphs.
MTS maths is at Class 10 level — speed comes from memorising squares up to 30, cubes up to 20 and fraction-percentage equivalents.
Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving (Session 1)
Verbal: alphabet and number series, analogy, classification (odd one out), coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, ranking and order, dictionary order.
Non-verbal: mirror and water images, paper folding and cutting, embedded figures, figure counting and pattern completion.
Logic: Venn diagrams, syllogisms, statement-conclusion and mathematical operations. With no negative marking in Session 1, attempt every question.
General Awareness (Session 2)
Static GK: Indian history (ancient, medieval, modern, freedom movement), geography of India and the world, Indian polity and constitution, economy basics.
General science: everyday physics, chemistry and biology at Class 10 level — human body, diseases, vitamins, units and inventions.
Current affairs of the last 6–8 months, government schemes, sports, awards, books and authors, important days, culture, art and dance forms.
English Language & Comprehension (Session 2)
Grammar: spotting errors, fill in the blanks, sentence improvement, active-passive voice, direct-indirect speech, parts of speech and tenses.
Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution, idioms and phrases, spelling correction.
Comprehension and cloze test. Session 2 decides merit, so steady accuracy in English and GA is the deciding factor for the final list.
Havaldar PET / PST and final selection
Havaldar (CBIC and CBN) candidates who clear the CBT appear for the Physical Efficiency Test: walking 1600 metres in 15 minutes for males and 1 km in 20 minutes for females.
Physical Standard Test: minimum height and chest expansion for males and minimum height and weight for females, with relaxations for certain categories and regions as notified.
Final selection is based on Session 2 marks (Session 1 is qualifying), followed by document verification.
SSC MTS preparation checklist
- Confirm questions, marks, negative marking and physical standards in the latest official SSC MTS notification at ssc.gov.in
- Attempt every Session 1 question — there is no negative marking there
- Make a 6–8 month current-affairs note for Session 2 General Awareness
- Revise grammar rules daily and solve 20 vocabulary questions a day
- Practise the 1600 m walk weekly if you are applying for Havaldar
- Take full-length MTS mocks and track topic-wise accuracy
Test yourself on the MTS pattern
Attempt SSC MTS mock tests on क्रांति with session-wise timing, topic-level accuracy and a rank against other aspirants.