The SSC MTS syllabus covers four subjects split across one computer based exam of two sessions: Numerical and Mathematical Ability plus Reasoning in Session I, and General Awareness plus English in Session II. Every question is set at the matriculation level, because the Multi Tasking Staff and Havaldar posts need only a 10th pass.
This guide lays out marks and time per session, a topic list for each subject, how the marking scheme changes between the two sessions, and a study plan that respects how merit is actually decided.
Exam at a glance
Conducted by
Staff Selection CommissionLevel
Matriculation (10th pass)Exam
One CBT in two sessions on the same dayQuestions and marks
90 questions, 270 marks (3 marks each)Time
45 minutes per sessionNegative marking
None in Session I; 1 mark per wrong answer in Session IIExtra stage
PET and PST for Havaldar onlyOfficial website
How the MTS exam is structured
The Commission runs the MTS and Havaldar recruitment through one Computer Based Examination. You sit Session I and Session II on the same day, and attempting both is compulsory. Skip either one and your candidature is not considered.
Session I works as a gate. Only candidates who clear its qualifying marks have their Session II answers evaluated, and the final merit for MTS posts is drawn from Session II marks. Havaldar candidates (posts in CBIC and CBN) who make the shortlist then face a Physical Efficiency Test and a Physical Standard Test, which you only need to pass, not score in.
The paper is offered in Hindi, English and 13 regional languages, so you can study in the medium you are most comfortable with.
SSC MTS exam pattern and marking scheme
| Session | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session I | Numerical and Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving | 20 | 60 | ||
| Session II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 45 minutes |
| English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 75 |
The mts marking scheme gives 3 marks for every correct answer in both sessions. Session I has no negative marking, so you should attempt all 40 questions. In Session II, every wrong answer loses 1 mark, which means a blind guess costs you. Candidates who use a scribe get 60 minutes per session instead of 45.
Minimum qualifying marks in each session are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for other categories. Clearing these only keeps you in the race; the actual selection line is set state by state and is usually far higher. See the SSC MTS cut off page for past figures.
Numerical and Mathematical Ability topics
This part checks school arithmetic. Expect direct, calculation based questions rather than long word puzzles.
- Integers and whole numbers, LCM and HCF
- Decimals, fractions and the relationship between numbers
- Fundamental operations and BODMAS simplification
- Percentages, ratio and proportion, direct and inverse proportion
- Averages, simple interest, profit and loss, discount
- Time and work, time, speed and distance
- Area and perimeter of basic figures, lines and angles
- Squares and square roots
- Reading simple graphs and data
SSC MTS reasoning syllabus
The ssc mts reasoning syllabus mixes verbal and non verbal questions. Most of them can be solved in under a minute once you know the pattern.
- Alpha numeric series and number series
- Letter and number coding
- Analogy, similarities and differences, odd one out
- Following directions and distance
- Jumbling of letters and words
- Problem solving and analysis, age calculation
- Calendar and clock
- Venn diagrams
- Non verbal reasoning based on figures and diagrams
SSC MTS English syllabus and General Awareness
English Language and Comprehension
The ssc mts english syllabus is about everyday grammar and vocabulary at the 10th standard.
- Spot the error, fill in the blanks
- Synonyms, antonyms, spelling and misspelt words
- Idioms and phrases, one word substitution
- Sentence improvement
- Active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech
- Comprehension passage with a few questions
General Awareness
Questions test what an aware citizen should know about the surroundings and society.
- Current affairs from India and the world
- Indian history and culture
- Geography of India and its neighbours
- Indian economy and general polity, including the Constitution
- Everyday science and scientific developments
- Environment
Where to put your effort
Because the MTS merit comes from Session II, General Awareness and English decide your rank, while maths and reasoning only need to be safely above the qualifying line. Many aspirants do the reverse and spend most of their time on arithmetic. Keep maths and reasoning sharp enough to clear Session I with room to spare, then give the larger share of daily hours to GK and English.
Session II marks are normalised across shifts, and ties are broken first by General Awareness marks. That is one more reason a strong GK score matters.
A 12 week plan for the two sessions
- Weeks 1 to 4: finish the arithmetic list once with NCERT class 6 to 8 maths, and learn the common reasoning question types. Begin a daily current affairs note.
- Weeks 5 to 8: cover Indian history, polity, geography and science from NCERT class 6 to 10 books, one subject a week, with 25 English questions every day.
- Weeks 9 to 12: take timed mocks in the real order, Session I and then Session II, and work through past shifts using our MTS practice papers guide.
For books, the official syllabus in the notice and NCERT school textbooks cover almost everything. A standard 10th level grammar book and one general knowledge reference are enough beyond that.
SSC MTS syllabus in Hindi
Searching for ssc mts ka syllabus or simply mts ka syllabus? Here is the same outline in Hindi.
एसएससी एमटीएस परीक्षा एक ही दिन दो सत्रों में होती है। सत्र एक में गणित के 20 और रीजनिंग के 20 प्रश्न आते हैं, इस सत्र में अनुमान लगाने का कोई नुकसान नहीं, प्रति प्रश्न 3 अंक तय हैं। सत्र दो में सामान्य जागरूकता के 25 और अंग्रेज़ी के 25 प्रश्न होते हैं, यहाँ गलत जवाब देने वाले का 1 अंक घटा दिया जाता है। हर सत्र 45 मिनट का होता है। गणित में प्रतिशत, अनुपात, औसत, लाभ हानि, समय और कार्य आते हैं। रीजनिंग में श्रृंखला, कोडिंग, सादृश्य, दिशा और वेन आरेख आते हैं। अंतिम मेरिट सत्र दो के अंकों से बनती है।
Frequently asked questions
What is the SSC MTS syllabus for Session I?
Session I has Numerical and Mathematical Ability and Reasoning Ability, with 20 questions each for 60 marks each. It runs for 45 minutes and carries no negative marking.
Is there negative marking in SSC MTS?
Only in Session II. Each wrong answer in General Awareness or English costs 1 mark, while Session I has no deduction. Unanswered questions get zero in both sessions.
Which session decides the MTS merit list?
Session II. Session I must be cleared with the qualifying percentage before Session II is even evaluated, but the final MTS merit and the cut offs are based on Session II marks.
Is the MTS syllabus the same for Havaldar?
Yes, both posts take the same two session CBT. Havaldar candidates also have to pass the PET and PST, which are qualifying in nature. The walking and physical standards are listed in the notification.
Who can apply for SSC MTS, and up to what age?
Matriculation, meaning class 10 passed from any recognised board, is the only education rule. The latest notice set 18 to 25 years for most MTS posts and 18 to 27 years for Havaldar and some MTS posts, and reserved groups get the usual relaxation. The date on which age is counted changes each cycle, so read the current notice.
How is MTS different from DSSSB or IB MTS?
Those are separate recruitments with their own pattern. Compare the DSSSB MTS syllabus and the IB MTS syllabus before you plan to sit more than one.