SSC MTS Syllabus 2025: Subject-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern & PDF

Last reviewed: August 2026. Cross-checked against the Staff Selection Commission’s official Scheme of Examination.

The SSC MTS syllabus for Paper-1 (a single computer-based test) covers four subjects — Numerical & Mathematical Ability, Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension — split across two sessions of 45 minutes each, for a total of 90 questions worth 270 marks. Session-I (Numerical + Reasoning, 40 questions, 120 marks) carries no negative marking, while Session-II (General Awareness + English, 50 questions, 150 marks) applies a penalty of 1 mark per wrong answer. There is only one objective paper for Multi Tasking Staff; candidates applying for the Havaldar post additionally clear a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST). The syllabus and pattern that applied in 2025 continue unchanged for 2026, so this breakdown is current for both cycles.

This guide breaks down the complete, up-to-date official Staff Selection Commission MTS syllabus subject-wise, adds the latest exam pattern, previous-year topic weightage, a printable syllabus tracker, a 60-day study plan, the Havaldar PET/PST standards, best books, and the exact steps to download the official syllabus PDF from ssc.gov.in.

Quick Answer: SSC MTS Syllabus & Pattern at a Glance

If you only remember five things about the ssc mts syllabus 2025, make them these:

• Four subjects: Numerical Ability, Reasoning, General Awareness, and English — all at Class 10 (matriculation) level.
• One paper, two sessions: Paper-1 only. Session-I (Maths + Reasoning) and Session-II (GA + English), 45 minutes each, on the same day.
• 90 questions, 270 marks: Every question is worth 3 marks.
• Negative marking only in Session-II: minus 1 mark per wrong answer. Session-I has zero penalty.
• Havaldar only: PET/PST physical test after Paper-1; the written syllabus is identical to MTS.

SSC MTS Syllabus 2025: Overview & Highlights

The SSC MTS (Multi Tasking Staff) and Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) examination is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit non-technical Group C staff for various Central Government ministries and departments. Understanding the ssc mts syllabus 2025 before you begin is critical because the exam moved to a single-day, two-session objective format — there is no longer any descriptive Paper-2.

SSC MTS Eligibility (Quick Context Before the Syllabus)

Before mapping the syllabus, confirm you are eligible — it shapes how much time you have to prepare. Candidates must have passed Class 10 (matriculation) from a recognised board. The age limit is generally 18–25 years for most MTS posts, with some departments and the Havaldar post allowing up to 27 years; age relaxation applies for OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), PwBD and other reserved categories as per rules. Because the qualification bar is only matriculation, the syllabus never rises above Class 10 difficulty — an important reason the exam is beatable in a short, focused window.

SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2025 (Session-I & Session-II)

The ssc mts exam pattern divides Paper-1 into two distinct sessions attempted back-to-back on the same day. Attempting both sessions is mandatory; a candidate who skips either session is disqualified. Below is the exact structure.

Key point: Each question carries 3 marks. Because Session-I has no negative marking, you should attempt every single question there. In Session-II, avoid blind guessing since each wrong answer costs 1 mark. Both sessions are compulsory — the computer will move you from Session-I to Session-II automatically, and there is no break in between.

Is there negative marking in SSC MTS 2025?

Yes, but only in Session-II. General Awareness and English Language questions carry a penalty of 1 mark for every incorrect response. Session-I (Numerical Ability and Reasoning) has zero negative marking, so leave nothing unanswered there. This design rewards a simple strategy: be aggressive in Session-I and selective in Session-II.

How many papers are there in the SSC MTS exam?

There is only one paper — Paper-1, an objective computer-based test conducted in two sessions on the same day. The older descriptive Paper-2 has been scrapped. For Havaldar aspirants, the PET/PST is a qualifying physical stage, not a written paper, and Document Verification is the final administrative step.

SSC MTS Syllabus Subject-Wise (Paper-1)

Here is the complete ssc mts syllabus subject wise breakdown. Master each topic list below and you will have covered 100% of the question paper. Each section includes a short note on how to approach it so the syllabus turns directly into a study action.

1. Numerical & Mathematical Ability (Session-I)

This section tests basic arithmetic and mathematical reasoning up to Class 10 level. The ssc mts maths syllabus topic wise includes:

• Integers and Whole Numbers
• LCM and HCF
• Decimals and Fractions
• Relationship between numbers
• Fundamental Arithmetical Operations
• Percentages
• Ratio and Proportion
• Work and Time
• Direct and Inverse Proportions
• Averages
• Simple Interest and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Discount
• Area and Perimeter of Basic Geometric Figures
• Distance and Time
• Lines and Angles
• Interpretation of simple Graphs and Data
• Square and Square Roots

How to approach it: Arithmetic dominates — percentage, ratio, profit-and-loss, and interest are the backbone and feed into many other chapters. Build your percentage-to-fraction table first (that one skill speeds up half the paper), then practise data interpretation, which recycles these same concepts in a chart.

2. Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving (Session-I)

This non-verbal and verbal reasoning section evaluates logical thinking and pattern recognition. Topics include:

• Number and Alphabetical Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Analogy
• Following Directions
• Similarities and Differences
• Jumbling
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Nonverbal Reasoning based on diagrams
• Age Calculations
• Calendar and Clock
• Puzzles

How to approach it: Reasoning is the fastest section to score in because answers are unambiguous once you spot the pattern. Series, coding-decoding, and analogy are the highest-frequency topics — drill these daily until they become near-instant, then move to puzzles and seating arrangements, which reward practice more than theory.

3. General Awareness (Session-II)

General Awareness tests knowledge of the environment around you and its application to society. It spans:

• Current Affairs (national & international events)
• Static General Knowledge
• Indian History and Freedom Struggle
• Geography (India & World)
• Indian Polity and Constitution
• Economics and Economic Scene
• General Science and Scientific Research
• Sports, Awards and Honours
• Books and Authors
• Important Schemes, Days and Events
• Culture of India and neighbouring countries

How to approach it: GA is the biggest scoring block and the most time-efficient because answers are direct — no calculation. Since a large chunk of this section is dynamic, keeping a monthly current-affairs resource handy is the smartest move. A ready-made compilation like the Vision IAS Current Affairs Magazine (January 2026) covers national and international events, schemes and awards in one place, saving you hours of scattered reading for the GA section.

4. English Language & Comprehension (Session-II)

This section checks your understanding of basic English, its vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and comprehension. Topics include:

• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Vocabulary
• English Grammar
• Sentence Structure
• Spellings (spotting misspelt words)
• One Word Substitution
• Idioms and Phrases
• Sentence Correction / Error Spotting
• Fill in the Blanks
• Reading Comprehension (passage-based)

How to approach it: Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution) and error spotting are the quickest marks in the paper — pure recall with no reading time. Build a running vocabulary list from your daily current-affairs reading so the two sections reinforce each other.

SSC MTS Topic-Wise Weightage (Based on Previous Years)

Most syllabus pages stop at topic lists. Here is the differentiator: an approximate distribution of how many questions typically appear from each high-yield topic, based on recent SSC MTS papers. Use this to prioritise — study the heavy-weight topics first. (Weightage varies slightly by shift, so treat these as planning guides, not guarantees.)

Which subject is most important in SSC MTS?

General Awareness carries the highest single-subject weight in Session-II and is the most scoring because answers are direct and time-efficient. However, Numerical Ability and Reasoning in Session-I (no negative marking) are where you should aim for near-100% accuracy. A balanced strategy across all four subjects is what actually secures selection — you cannot afford to abandon any one section because the overall cut-off is calculated on the full 270 marks.

SSC MTS Syllabus PDF Download & How to Get the Official Notification

For ssc mts syllabus pdf download, always cross-check topics against the official notification released by the Staff Selection Commission. Here is the exact step-by-step method to download it from the official website:

• Visit the official SSC website: ssc.gov.in
• Go to the “Notice Board” or “Notifications” section on the homepage.
• Click on the latest SSC MTS & Havaldar Examination notice.
• Open the official PDF notification and scroll to the “Scheme of Examination” and “Syllabus” annexure.
• Download and save the PDF, then print the syllabus pages for offline reference.

The official notification PDF also carries the exam pattern, eligibility, vacancy details and the language options — making it the single most authoritative document for trust and accuracy. Bookmark it and keep our subject-wise breakdown above as your quick daily reference. Whenever a coaching site and the notification disagree, the notification wins.

Printable SSC MTS Syllabus Tracker (Checklist)

Print this checklist and tick off each topic as you complete revision. Tracking progress visually is one of the simplest ways to stay consistent through a 60–90 day cycle.

SSC MTS Marking Scheme & Qualifying Marks by Category

Each correct answer awards 3 marks. Session-II deducts 1 mark per wrong answer. To be considered for the next stage, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentage prescribed for their category.

What is the qualifying / passing mark for SSC MTS?

The qualifying threshold is 30% for UR candidates, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for SC, ST and other reserved categories. Meeting the cut-off is only the minimum — final selection depends on your normalised score against the category-wise cut-off, which is usually much higher than the qualifying mark. In practice, competitive candidates aim well above the qualifying line, often targeting 150+ out of 270, because seats are filled from the top of the merit list downward.

SSC MTS Exam Medium & Languages

To make the exam accessible nationwide, the Staff Selection Commission conducts SSC MTS Paper-1 (except the English section) in Hindi, English and 13 regional languages. This is a frequently searched detail that many syllabus pages omit.

SSC MTS Havaldar Syllabus and Physical Standard (PET/PST)

The ssc mts havaldar syllabus and physical standard (pet/pst) applies only to candidates opting for the Havaldar post in CBIC and CBN. The written syllabus is identical to MTS, but Havaldar aspirants must additionally qualify a Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test after clearing Paper-1. Both PET and PST are qualifying in nature — they do not add to your written score, but failing them removes you from the Havaldar merit list.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — Walking & Cycling Norms

Physical Standard Test (PST) — Height, Chest & Weight

Relaxations: Height and chest requirements are relaxed for candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribes, hill areas (Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas, etc.) and certain other categories as specified in the official notification. Always verify your specific relaxation from the notice PDF before assuming you qualify.

What is the physical standard (PET/PST) for SSC MTS Havaldar?

Male candidates need a height of 157.5 cm, a chest of 81–86 cm, and must walk 1600 m in 15 minutes or cycle 8 km in 30 minutes. Female candidates need a height of 152 cm, weight of 48 kg, and must walk 1 km in 20 minutes or cycle 3 km in 25 minutes. PET/PST is qualifying in nature and applies only to the Havaldar post, not to general Multi Tasking Staff.

New Pattern vs Old Pattern: What Changed

Many aspirants are confused about the format change. Earlier, SSC MTS had a descriptive Paper-2 (essay/letter writing) after an objective Paper-1. The current structure is a single objective paper split into two sessions on the same day — no descriptive test.

The practical takeaway: you no longer need to practise essay or letter writing. Every mark now comes from objective questions, which makes speed, accuracy and mock practice the deciding factors.

Best Books & Study Material for SSC MTS 2025

Mapping the right resource to each subject saves time. Here is a recommended booklist by subject.

Practising previous-year questions is the single highest-return activity for SSC MTS. A structured, topic-wise PYQ resource such as the Forum IAS Topic-Wise PYQ Toolkit trains you on the reasoning and general-awareness question styles that repeat across competitive exams. For the fast-changing GA portion, pairing it with the December 2025 Current Affairs Magazine keeps your static-plus-current coverage complete.

60-Day SSC MTS Study Plan (Tied to the Syllabus)

A realistic timetable turns the syllabus into daily action. Here is a compact 60-day schedule you can follow or adapt to your own start date.

Can I clear SSC MTS in 2 months of preparation?

Yes. Because the syllabus is Class 10 level and there is no descriptive paper, a focused 60-day plan with 5–6 hours of daily study is enough for most candidates. The key is heavy PYQ practice, daily current affairs, and at least 15–20 full-length mock tests before the exam. Candidates starting from a weak base in one subject should front-load that subject in Phase 1 rather than leaving it for the end.

Preparation Strategy & Common Mistakes

To convert the syllabus into marks, apply these subject-wise tips and avoid the usual pitfalls:

• Attempt every Session-I question: No negative marking means blanks are wasted marks.
• Prioritise accuracy in Session-II: Skip a question rather than guess wildly and lose 1 mark.
• Revise current affairs daily: GA is the biggest scoring block — do not leave it for the last week.
• Time management: With 45 minutes per session, practise pacing at roughly 1 minute per question.
• Learn shortcuts: Percentage-fraction conversions and reasoning tricks save crucial seconds.
• Analyse every mock: A mock without a post-test review of wrong answers teaches you nothing — spend as long reviewing as attempting.
• Common mistake: Ignoring English vocabulary — synonyms, antonyms and one-word substitution are easy, high-frequency marks.

Is the SSC MTS exam tough? What is the difficulty level?

SSC MTS is rated easy to moderate in difficulty. The syllabus stays at matriculation (Class 10) level, and questions are direct. The real challenge is competition and the cut-off, not the difficulty of individual questions — which is why speed, accuracy and consistent mock practice decide selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the syllabus of SSC MTS?

The SSC MTS Paper-1 syllabus covers four subjects: Numerical & Mathematical Ability, Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension. Session-I tests Numerical and Reasoning (no negative marking); Session-II tests General Awareness and English (with –1 negative marking). All topics are at Class 10 level.

Is there negative marking in SSC MTS 2025?

Yes, but only in Session-II. General Awareness and English questions carry a penalty of 1 mark per wrong answer. Session-I (Numerical Ability and Reasoning) has no negative marking, so you should attempt all 40 questions there. The same rule applies for the 2026 cycle.

How many papers are there in the SSC MTS exam?

There is only one paper — Paper-1, an objective computer-based test held in two 45-minute sessions on the same day. The earlier descriptive Paper-2 has been removed. Havaldar candidates additionally clear a qualifying PET/PST.

What is the qualifying mark for SSC MTS?

The minimum qualifying percentage is 30% for Unreserved candidates, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for SC, ST and other categories. Final selection, however, depends on the category-wise cut-off, which is usually higher than the qualifying mark.

Which subject is most important in SSC MTS?

General Awareness carries the highest scoring potential because answers are direct and fast, but Session-I’s Numerical Ability and Reasoning have no negative marking and reward near-perfect accuracy. A balanced score across all four subjects is what clears the overall cut-off.

Can I clear SSC MTS in 2 months?

Yes. With a focused 60-day plan of 5–6 hours daily, heavy previous-year practice, daily current affairs, and 15–20 full mock tests, most candidates can clear SSC MTS since the syllabus is only Class 10 level with no descriptive paper.

Is the SSC MTS exam tough?

The difficulty level is easy to moderate. Questions stay at matriculation level and are direct, so the real hurdle is competition and the cut-off rather than question difficulty. Speed, accuracy and regular mock practice are what separate selected candidates from the rest.

What is the PET/PST standard for SSC MTS Havaldar?

Male candidates need 157.5 cm height, 81–86 cm chest, and must walk 1600 m in 15 minutes or cycle 8 km in 30 minutes. Female candidates need 152 cm height, 48 kg weight, and must walk 1 km in 20 minutes or cycle 3 km in 25 minutes. PET/PST is qualifying and applies only to the Havaldar post.

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