The SSC MTS syllabus has four subjects split across two sessions. Session I tests numerical ability and reasoning. Session II tests general awareness and English. Both sessions are taken on the same day and both are compulsory; missing either one means you are out.
The pattern below is from the recent MTS and Havaldar notifications, including 2025. Before you rely on it for a new cycle, check the scheme of exam in that cycle's notice on ssc.gov.in.
SSC MTS exam pattern
| Session | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session I (45 minutes) | Numerical and Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 | |
| Session I (45 minutes) | Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving | 20 | 60 | |
| Session II (45 minutes) | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | |
| Session II (45 minutes) | English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 75 | |
| Total | 90 minutes | 90 | 270 |
Every question carries 3 marks. Session I has no negative marking, so attempt every question there. Session II deducts 1 mark for each wrong answer, so guess carefully. SSC evaluates Session II only for candidates who reach the qualifying marks in Session I; the qualifying percentages for each category are given in the notice.
Apart from the English section, the paper is offered in Hindi, English and a list of regional languages. Scribe candidates get extra time as per the notice.
SSC MTS syllabus: what each session rewards
| Session | Marks | Penalty | Best approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session I | 120 | None | Attempt every question; clear the qualifying marks |
| Session II | 150 | 1 mark per wrong answer | Answer what you know; skip pure guesses |
Session II carries more marks and a penalty, so accuracy in GA and English often decides the final rank among those who clear Session I.
Topic-wise MTS syllabus
Numerical and Mathematical Ability
- Whole numbers, integers, LCM and HCF, fractions and decimals, square roots.
- Percentages, ratio and proportion, averages.
- Simple interest, profit and loss, discount.
- Time and work, time and distance.
- Area and perimeter of basic shapes, simple volume questions.
- Reading tables, bar graphs and pie charts.
Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving
- Alpha-numeric series, number series, coding and decoding.
- Analogy, classification, odd one out, similarities and differences.
- Directions, ranking, blood relations, jumbled words.
- Venn diagrams, figure series, mirror images and simple puzzles.
General Awareness
The SSC MTS general awareness syllabus covers everyday science, the environment, current events, sports, books and authors, history and culture of India, geography, the economy and the Indian Constitution. Questions are short and factual, aimed at what an aware Class 10 student should know.
English Language and Comprehension
Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution, idioms), grammar (spotting errors, fill in the blanks, tenses, prepositions, articles), sentence structure and rearrangement, cloze test and a short reading passage.
Havaldar PET and PST
Havaldar candidates who pass the CBT go on to a physical test. Recent notifications set these standards; confirm them in your notice because relaxations apply for some communities and regions.
| Test | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Walking (PET) | 1,600 metres in 15 minutes | 1 km in 20 minutes |
| Height (PST) | 157.5 cm | 152 cm |
| Chest or weight (PST) | Chest 76 cm with 5 cm expansion | Weight 48 kg |
The PET and PST are only qualifying. MTS candidates do not take them.
Measurements are taken by the officials at the test, not from what you wrote in the form. If you are close to the minimum height or chest size, get measured properly before you choose Havaldar in your application, so you do not lose the chance at the physical stage.
Common mistakes with the MTS pattern
- Treating Session I lightly. If you do not reach its qualifying marks, Session II is not even checked.
- Guessing in Session II as freely as in Session I. Three wrong guesses wipe out one correct answer.
- Skipping English because the job is not a desk job. It is a quarter of all questions.
- Leaving physical practice for Havaldar until after the result. The walking test has a strict time limit.
Get the syllabus PDF
- Open ssc.gov.in and search the notices for the Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff and Havaldar exam.
- Download the notification PDF and go to the scheme of examination.
- Note the qualifying marks and the language options for your state.
An eight-week study plan
| Weeks | What to cover |
|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | Number basics, percentages, ratio; series and coding; basic grammar |
| 3 and 4 | Interest, profit and loss, time and work; analogy, classification, directions; vocabulary |
| 5 and 6 | Mensuration and charts; puzzles and Venn diagrams; GA from NCERT books; reading passages |
| 7 and 8 | Full two-session mocks, current affairs revision, previous papers |
Take each mock in one sitting, Session I followed by Session II, so you get used to 90 minutes of focus. Check your Session II accuracy after every mock, not just your score.
Study tips for MTS
- Score in Session I first. With no negative marking, it is the safest place to gain marks and you must clear it for Session II to count.
- Learn the basics of English grammar from Class 8 to 10 books. Most English questions test simple rules.
- For GA, read a weekly current affairs summary and revise NCERT science.
- Havaldar aspirants should start walking practice months before the PET.
When the exam comes close, follow our MTS admit card download steps . The SSC MTS exam page covers posts and age limits. For a similar Class 10 level paper, see the GD Constable syllabus , or read about the railway Group D exam as another option. Other exam syllabi are on our syllabus page .
HindiScope is not an official site; check the MTS notification on ssc.gov.in.