A good fit if you...
- Have passed Class 10 and want a secure central government job.
- Want a stepping stone while you continue your studies.
- Are willing to do a mix of office support and field tasks.
SSC · After 10th
SSC MTS & Havaldar (CBIC & CBN)
SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff, Non-Technical) and Havaldar in CBIC and CBN are central government jobs for Class 10 pass candidates. They are an accessible first step into government service, with clear promotion routes.
QualificationClass 10 pass
Age Limit18–25 (Havaldar 18–27)
Starting PayLevel 1 — ₹18,000 basic
StagesCBE → PET/PST (Havaldar) → DV
Overview
What is SSC MTS?
The Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff and Havaldar Examination is held by SSC every year. MTS staff work in central ministries, departments and offices; Havaldars work in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) and Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN).
The exam is a single computer-based test in two sessions. Havaldar candidates also take a Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test.
Multi-Tasking StaffHavaldar (CBIC)Havaldar (CBN)Group CCentral Offices
Fit check
Who should choose SSC MTS
Think twice if you...
- Expect high starting pay or a desk-only role.
- Already hold a degree and can compete for CGL-level posts.
- Cannot meet the physical standards (for Havaldar).
What gives you an edge
Any background
Class 10 pass is the only educational requirement.
Basic maths & English
School-level arithmetic and English cover most of the exam.
Fitness (Havaldar)
Walking test and height standards apply to Havaldar posts.
Step-by-step plan for your background
Arts / Humanities
If you're from Arts
- Only Class 10 is needed, so your later stream does not matter — but your General Knowledge (GK) reading is a real advantage in Session II.
- Revise Class 8–10 arithmetic; Session I has no negative marking, so attempt every question.
- Practise English grammar and vocabulary for Session II.
Commerce
If you're from Commerce
- Arithmetic comes easily — use it to clear Session I comfortably.
- Focus your effort on General Awareness and English, where negative marking applies.
- Use the job as a base to prepare for Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) or Combined Graduate Level (CGL) later.
Science
If you're from Science
- Reasoning and maths are your strengths for Session I.
- Give daily time to GK and English for Session II.
- Later, target technical or higher SSC exams with your science background.
Eligibility
SSC MTS eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Qualification | Class 10 (Matriculation) pass |
| Age — MTS | 18–25 years (18–27 for some MTS posts) |
| Age — Havaldar | 18–27 years |
| Physical standards | Only for Havaldar — see below |
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) (non-creamy layer) | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (UR / OBC / SC-ST) | 10 / 13 / 15 years |
| Ex-servicemen | As per government rules (military service deducted from age, plus 3 years) |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | No age relaxation |
Physical standards for Havaldar
| Standard | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | 1600 m in 15 minutes | 1 km in 20 minutes |
| Height | 157.5 cm | 152 cm |
| Chest (men) | 76 cm, with 5 cm expansion | Not applicable |
| Weight (women) | — | 48 kg |
Relaxations apply for Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas, ST candidates and some other groups.
Step-by-step
SSC MTS selection process
Stage 1
Apply online
Choose MTS, Havaldar or both.
Stage 2
Computer-Based Examination
Two sessions on the same day.
Stage 3
PET / PST
Only for Havaldar candidates.
Stage 4
Document verification
For shortlisted candidates.
Stage 5
Final merit & allotment
Region-wise and post-wise allotment by merit and preference.
Marks & timing
SSC MTS exam pattern
Stage 1
Session I
Questions40Marks120Duration45 minutes
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical & Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 | — |
| Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving | 20 | 60 | — |
| Total | 40 | 120 | 45 minutes |
Stage 2
Session II
Questions50Marks150Duration45 minutes
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | — |
| English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 75 | — |
| Total | 50 | 150 | 45 minutes |
Session II is evaluated only for candidates who clear the qualifying marks in Session I.
Key rules at a glance
Marking
3 marks per correct answer.
Negative marking
None in Session I; −1 per wrong answer in Session II.
Language
English, Hindi and several regional languages.
Extra time
Candidates with eligible disabilities get compensatory time.
What to study
SSC MTS syllabus
Numerical Ability
Integers and whole numbersLCM and HCFDecimals and fractionsPercentageRatioAverageInterestProfit and lossDiscountTime and workTime and distanceArea and perimeter
Reasoning
Alphanumeric seriesAnalogyCoding-decodingDirection senseVenn diagramsMirror imagesMissing numbersPuzzles
General Awareness
India and neighbouring countries — history, culture, geography, economy, polity and general science; sports and current affairs.
English
VocabularyGrammarSentence structureSynonymsAntonymsError spottingComprehension
Pay, perks & work
SSC MTS salary, designation & job profile
Basic pay₹18,000/month
Pay Level 1 (₹18,000–56,900).
Indicative in-hand₹22,000 – ₹30,000/month
With DA, House Rent Allowance (HRA) and transport allowance, depending on city; before deductions.
PerksMedical, LTC, leave
Plus pension under applicable rules and the security of a central government job.
Job role & responsibilities
MTS
File movement, record keeping, office upkeep, dak delivery and basic computer work.
Havaldar (CBIC)
Assist customs and GST officers in field operations and checks.
Havaldar (CBN)
Support narcotics control operations.
Workplace
Central government offices across India.
Career ladder
1Entry
MTS / Havaldar
Entry post.
2Step 2
LDC / Tax Assistant
Promotion through seniority or departmental exams.
3Step 3
UDC and above
Further promotions over time.
4Step 4
Higher exams
Many MTS staff later clear CHSL or CGL.
Preparation strategy
How to prepare for SSC MTS
A practical, phase-by-phase plan. Adjust the timeline to when the next notification is expected.
1Weeks 1–2
Understand the exam
- Read the official notification and syllabus line by line.
- Attempt one previous-year paper untimed to find your weak areas.
2Months 1–3
Build concepts
- Maths topic by topic with 30–40 practice questions each.
- English grammar rules and a daily vocabulary list.
- Static GK: history, polity, geography, science basics.
3Months 3–4
Practise previous papers
- Solve topic-wise previous-year questions from the last 5–6 years.
- Start sectional timed tests twice a week.
4Final 6–8 weeks
Mocks and revision
- Two to three full mocks per week with detailed analysis.
- Revise formulas, vocabulary and the last 6–8 months of current affairs.
Trusted resources
Where to study from
- Official notification, syllabus and answer keys on ssc.gov.in
- National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Maths and Science (Class 6–10) for basics
- Previous-year SSC papers (last 5–6 years)
- A standard static GK book plus PIB (pib.gov.in) for current affairs
- Free or paid online mock test series for timed practice
Keep exploring
Related government exams
Student doubts
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Class 10 pass is the minimum qualification.
Yes. There is no upper limit on qualification.
There is no negative marking in Session I. Session II has a 1-mark penalty for each wrong answer.
No. The syllabus is school-level, and self-study with previous papers is usually enough.
There is no attempt limit within the age limit.
None for MTS. Havaldar: walk 1600 m in 15 min (men) or 1 km in 20 min (women); height 157.5 cm (men) / 152 cm (women).
Central government offices in the region you are allotted; Havaldars in CBIC/CBN offices and field formations.
MTS → Lower Division Clerk (LDC) → UDC and above through seniority and departmental exams.
*Eligibility, age limits, exam pattern and pay figures are based on recent official notifications and the 7th Central Pay Commission structure as of 2026. In-hand salary estimates are indicative and vary with city (HRA) and the current Dearness Allowance rate. Every recruitment cycle can change the details — always confirm in the latest official notification before applying.
Official source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in)