SSC MTS Papers 2026
Last Updated: March 2026
📋 Exam Overview
The SSC MTS (Staff Selection Commission - Multi Tasking Staff) examination is one of the most popular government recruitment exams in India. It is conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for Group C non-gazetted, non-ministerial posts in various central government ministries, departments, and offices across the country.
Conducting Body
- Organization: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Website: ssc.gov.in
- Exam Level: National Level
- Frequency: Once a year (typically)
Important Dates (Expected 2026 Schedule)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | March-April 2026 |
| Online Application Start | March-April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | April-May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May-June 2026 |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) | June-July 2026 |
| Result Declaration | August-September 2026 |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Minimum: Must have passed Matriculation (10th Standard) or equivalent examination from a recognized board
- Note: Candidates who have not acquired the essential educational qualification as on the cutoff date will not be eligible
Age Limit (as on 01-01-2026)
| Category | Age Limit | Born Between |
|---|---|---|
| General | 18-25 years | 02-01-2001 to 01-01-2008 |
| OBC | 18-28 years | 02-01-1998 to 01-01-2008 |
| SC/ST | 18-30 years | 02-01-1996 to 01-01-2008 |
| PwD (General) | 18-27 years | 02-01-1999 to 01-01-2008 |
| PwD (OBC) | 18-30 years | 02-01-1996 to 01-01-2008 |
| PwD (SC/ST) | 18-32 years | 02-01-1994 to 01-01-2008 |
Nationality
- Citizen of India
- Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
- Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1962
- Person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries
💰 Salary & Pay Scale
Pay Structure (As per 7th Pay Commission)
| Component | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹18,000 - ₹56,900 (Level-1) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 50% of Basic Pay |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 8-24% of Basic Pay |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹1,800 - ₹3,600 |
Gross Salary Breakdown
- Starting In-Hand Salary: ₹20,000 - ₹25,000 per month
- After 5 Years: ₹28,000 - ₹35,000 per month
- Perks: Medical benefits, Pension (NPS), Leave encashment, Gratuity
Job Profile
- General cleanliness and upkeep of the office
- Delivery of dak (outside the building)
- Photocopying, filing, and paper work
- Other non-clerical work as assigned
- Assisting in routine office work
📊 Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC MTS 2026 exam consists of two stages:
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session-I | Numerical & Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving | 20 | 60 | 45 minutes | |
| Session-II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 45 minutes |
| English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 75 | 45 minutes |
Key Points:
- Total Questions: 90
- Total Marks: 270
- Negative Marking: 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer in Session-II only
- Qualifying Nature: Session-I is qualifying (must score 40% for UR, 35% for OBC, 30% for SC/ST)
- Normalization: Applied across different shifts
Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) / Document Verification
Only for Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) Posts:
| Category | Walking Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1600 meters | 15 minutes |
| Female | 1 kilometer | 20 minutes |
📚 Detailed Syllabus
Session-I
1. Numerical & Mathematical Ability (20 Questions)
- Number Systems
- Simplification
- Decimals, Fractions, and Percentages
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Interest (Simple & Compound)
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Mensuration
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Tables and Graphs
2. Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving (20 Questions)
- Alpha-Numeric Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Analogy
- Following Directions
- Similarities and Differences
- Venn Diagram
- Problem Solving
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (Paper Folding, Cutting, Embedded Figures)
- Space Visualization
- Visual Memory
Session-II
3. General Awareness (25 Questions)
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Indian Geography
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian Economy
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Static GK (Books, Awards, Sports, Important Days)
- Art & Culture
4. English Language & Comprehension (25 Questions)
- Spot the Error
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms/Antonyms
- Spellings
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Sentence Improvement
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Cloze Test
🧮 Quantitative Aptitude Questions (15 with Solutions)
Question 1: Simplification
Q: Simplify: 45 ÷ 5 × 3 + 12 - 8 = ?
Solution: Using BODMAS rule: = 45 ÷ 5 × 3 + 12 - 8 = 9 × 3 + 12 - 8 = 27 + 12 - 8 = 31
Shortcut: Do division and multiplication left to right first, then addition/subtraction. Answer: 31
Question 2: Percentage
Q: If 20% of a number is 80, what is 125% of that number?
Solution: Let the number be x 20% of x = 80 x = 80 × 100/20 = 400
125% of 400 = 400 × 125/100 = 500
Shortcut: 125% = 100% + 25% = Original + 1/4 of Original Answer: 500
Question 3: Profit & Loss
Q: A shopkeeper sells an article at 20% profit. If he had bought it at 10% less and sold it for ₹18 less, he would have gained 25%. Find the cost price.
Solution: Let CP = ₹100x SP at 20% profit = ₹120x
New CP = ₹90x (10% less) New SP = ₹120x - ₹18 New Profit% = 25%
So: 90x × 125/100 = 120x - 18 112.5x = 120x - 18 7.5x = 18 x = 2.4
CP = 100x = ₹240
Shortcut: Use equation directly with assumed values Answer: ₹240
Question 4: Average
Q: The average of 11 numbers is 50. If the average of first 6 numbers is 48 and the average of last 6 numbers is 52, find the 6th number.
Solution: Sum of 11 numbers = 11 × 50 = 550 Sum of first 6 = 6 × 48 = 288 Sum of last 6 = 6 × 52 = 312
6th number = (288 + 312) - 550 = 600 - 550 = 50
Shortcut: Middle number = Sum of both group averages - Total average Answer: 50
Question 5: Ratio & Proportion
Q: Two numbers are in ratio 3:5. If 9 is subtracted from each, the new ratio is 12:23. Find the smaller number.
Solution: Let numbers be 3x and 5x (3x - 9)/(5x - 9) = 12/23 69x - 207 = 60x - 108 9x = 99 x = 11
Smaller number = 3x = 33
Question 6: Simple Interest
Q: A sum amounts to ₹7,200 in 4 years and ₹8,500 in 7 years at simple interest. Find the principal.
Solution: Interest for 3 years = 8500 - 7200 = ₹1,300 Interest for 1 year = 1300/3 Interest for 4 years = 1300 × 4/3 = ₹1,733.33
Principal = 7200 - 1733.33 = ₹5,466.67 ≈ ₹5,467
Or exactly: SI for 3 years = ₹1300, so SI for 4 years = ₹5200/3 P = 7200 - 5200/3 = (21600 - 5200)/3 = ₹16,400/3 ≈ ₹5,467
Shortcut: Difference gives interest for difference in years Answer: ₹5,000 (assuming exact calculation: P = ₹5,000, R = 11%)
Question 7: Compound Interest
Q: The difference between compound interest and simple interest on ₹5,000 for 2 years at 8% per annum is:
Solution: Difference = P × (R/100)² = 5000 × (8/100)² = 5000 × 0.0064 = ₹32
Shortcut Formula: Diff = P × R²/10000 for 2 years Answer: ₹32
Question 8: Time & Work
Q: A can complete a work in 12 days and B can complete it in 18 days. They work together for 4 days, then A leaves. How many more days will B take to complete the remaining work?
Solution: A's 1 day work = 1/12 B's 1 day work = 1/18 (A+B)'s 1 day work = 1/12 + 1/18 = 5/36
Work done in 4 days = 4 × 5/36 = 5/9 Remaining work = 1 - 5/9 = 4/9
B completes 1/18 work in 1 day B completes 4/9 work in = (4/9) × 18 = 8 days
Shortcut: Calculate combined efficiency first Answer: 8 days
Question 9: Time & Distance
Q: A train 150m long crosses a platform 250m long in 40 seconds. Find the speed of the train in km/hr.
Solution: Total distance = 150 + 250 = 400m Time = 40 seconds Speed = 400/40 = 10 m/s
Speed in km/hr = 10 × 18/5 = 36 km/hr
Shortcut: m/s to km/hr multiply by 18/5 Answer: 36 km/hr
Question 10: Mensuration
Q: The area of a circle is 616 sq.cm. Find its circumference.
Solution: πr² = 616 22/7 × r² = 616 r² = 616 × 7/22 = 196 r = 14 cm
Circumference = 2πr = 2 × 22/7 × 14 = 88 cm
Question 11: Partnership
Q: A starts a business with ₹25,000. After 4 months, B joins with ₹30,000. After 6 more months, C joins with ₹40,000. The annual profit is ₹1,47,000. Find B's share.
Solution: Ratio of investments × time: A: 25000 × 12 = 3,00,000 B: 30000 × 8 = 2,40,000 C: 40000 × 2 = 80,000
Ratio = 30:24:8 = 15:12:4 Total parts = 31
B's share = (12/31) × 1,47,000 = ₹56,903.22 ≈ ₹56,903
Question 12: Number Series
Q: Find the missing number: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?, 56
Solution: Pattern: 1×2, 2×3, 3×4, 4×5, 5×6, 6×7, 7×8 Missing number = 6 × 7 = 42
Shortcut: Differences are 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14... Answer: 42
Question 13: LCM & HCF
Q: The LCM of two numbers is 495 and their HCF is 5. If the sum of the numbers is 100, find their difference.
Solution: Let numbers be 5a and 5b where a and b are co-prime LCM × HCF = Product of numbers 495 × 5 = 5a × 5b 2475 = 25ab ab = 99
Also: 5a + 5b = 100 a + b = 20
Factors of 99: (1,99), (3,33), (9,11) Pair with sum 20: (9, 11)
Numbers: 45 and 55 Difference = 55 - 45 = 10
Question 14: Data Interpretation
Q: In a class of 50 students, 40% are girls. If 60% of the boys and 40% of the girls passed, how many students failed?
Solution: Girls = 50 × 40% = 20 Boys = 50 - 20 = 30
Boys passed = 30 × 60% = 18 Girls passed = 20 × 40% = 8 Total passed = 26
Failed = 50 - 26 = 24
Question 15: Probability
Q: Two coins are tossed simultaneously. What is the probability of getting at least one head?
Solution: Sample space = {HH, HT, TH, TT} Favorable outcomes = {HH, HT, TH} = 3 Total outcomes = 4
Probability = 3/4
Shortcut: P(at least 1 head) = 1 - P(no heads) = 1 - 1/4 = 3/4 Answer: 3/4 or 0.75
🧩 Reasoning Ability Questions (10 with Solutions)
Question 1: Series Completion
Q: AZ, BY, CX, DW, ?
Solution: Pattern: First letter increases by 1 (A→B→C→D→E), Second letter decreases by 1 (Z→Y→X→W→V) Answer: EV
Question 2: Coding-Decoding
Q: If TEACHER is coded as VGCEJGT, how is SCHOOL coded?
Solution: T→V (+2), E→G (+2), A→C (+2)... Each letter +2 SCHOOL → UEQJQN
Question 3: Analogy
Q: 8 : 27 :: 64 : ?
Solution: 8 = 2³, 27 = 3³ 64 = 4³, so next = 5³ = 125
Question 4: Blood Relations
Q: Pointing to a woman, Rahul said, "She is the daughter of my grandfather's only son." How is the woman related to Rahul?
Solution: Grandfather's only son = Rahul's father Daughter of Rahul's father = Rahul's sister
Question 5: Direction Test
Q: A man walks 5 km north, turns right and walks 3 km, turns right again and walks 5 km. How far is he from the starting point?
Solution: North 5 km → Right (East) 3 km → Right (South) 5 km Final position: 3 km East of start
Question 6: Syllogism
Q: Statements: All cats are dogs. Some dogs are lions. Conclusions: I. Some cats are lions. II. All lions are dogs.
Solution: Neither conclusion follows. "Some cats are lions" is not definite. "All lions are dogs" reverses the statement.
Question 7: Venn Diagram
Q: Which diagram represents the relationship: Women, Mothers, Engineers?
Solution: All mothers are women. Some mothers are engineers, some women are engineers. Circle for Women contains circle for Mothers, and Engineers circle intersects both.
Question 8: Mirror Image
Q: What is the mirror image of 281054?
Solution: In mirror: 8→8, 1→1, 0→0, 5→interchange with 2, 4→reverses Reading backwards with mirror effect: 450182
Question 9: Paper Folding
Q: A square paper is folded diagonally twice and a hole is punched at the center. How many holes when unfolded?
Solution: Folded twice diagonally = 4 layers Hole appears in all 4 layers → 4 holes when unfolded
Question 10: Embedded Figures
Q: Find the answer figure embedded in the given question figure. (Visual question - pattern recognition)
Solution approach: Look for the smaller pattern within the larger figure by mentally rotating and matching edges.
🌍 General Awareness Questions (10 with Answers)
| No. | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Who is the current Chief Election Commissioner of India (2026)? | Gyanesh Kumar |
| 2 | Which is the largest planet in our solar system? | Jupiter |
| 3 | The Battle of Plassey was fought in which year? | 1757 |
| 4 | Which state has the longest coastline in India? | Gujarat |
| 5 | Who wrote the book "The Discovery of India"? | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| 6 | Which vitamin is known as ascorbic acid? | Vitamin C |
| 7 | What is the capital of Indonesia? | Jakarta |
| 8 | Which river is known as the "Sorrow of Bihar"? | Kosi River |
| 9 | Who invented the telephone? | Alexander Graham Bell |
| 10 | Which is the national sport of India? | Hockey |
📖 English Language Questions (5 with Solutions)
Question 1: Spot the Error
Q: She is (a) / more cleverer (b) / than her sister. (c) / No error (d)
Solution: "More cleverer" is incorrect. Use either "more clever" or "cleverer", not both. Answer: (b)
Question 2: Synonyms
Q: Choose the word similar in meaning to ELOQUENT: (a) Talkative (b) Fluent (c) Loud (d) Silent
Solution: Eloquent means fluent or persuasive in speaking. Answer: (b) Fluent
Question 3: Idioms
Q: "To hit the nail on the head" means: (a) To hurt someone (b) To do exactly the right thing (c) To miss the target (d) To build something
Solution: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem. Answer: (b) To do exactly the right thing
Question 4: Fill in the Blanks
Q: He insisted _____ going there. (a) on (b) at (c) with (d) for
Solution: "Insist on" is the correct collocation. Answer: (a) on
Question 5: Reading Comprehension (Summary)
Q: Main idea of passage about environmental conservation.
Solution approach: Identify the central theme - usually the first or last sentence of paragraphs.
📈 Previous Year Cutoff Marks
SSC MTS 2024 Cutoff (Expected Pattern for 2026)
| Category | Cutoff Marks (out of 270) |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 125-135 |
| OBC | 115-125 |
| SC | 105-115 |
| ST | 95-105 |
| EWS | 120-130 |
| PwD (OH) | 85-95 |
| PwD (HH) | 50-60 |
| PwD (VH) | 70-80 |
SSC MTS 2023 Cutoff (Actual)
| Category | Cutoff |
|---|---|
| UR | 130.5 |
| OBC | 122.75 |
| SC | 112.75 |
| ST | 105.5 |
| EWS | 125.5 |
Note: Cutoffs vary based on vacancy, difficulty level, and number of candidates.
📅 3-Month Preparation Strategy
Month 1: Foundation Building
Week 1-2: Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Systems, Simplification, LCM-HCF
- Percentage, Profit-Loss, Simple Interest
- Practice 50 questions daily
Week 3-4: Reasoning Ability
- Series, Coding-Decoding, Analogy
- Blood Relations, Direction Test
- Practice 40 questions daily
Month 2: Core Subjects & Practice
Week 1-2: English Language
- Grammar rules (Error spotting, Sentence improvement)
- Vocabulary building (20 words daily)
- Reading comprehension practice
Week 3-4: General Awareness
- Current Affairs (last 6 months)
- Static GK: History, Geography, Polity
- Science fundamentals
Daily: Solve 1 full mock test
Month 3: Revision & Mocks
Week 1-2: Intensive Practice
- Topic-wise weak area revision
- Sectional tests daily
- Previous year papers (2020-2024)
Week 3-4: Final Preparation
- 2 Full-length mocks daily
- Revision notes review
- Speed and accuracy improvement
Daily Schedule (3 Months):
- Morning (2 hrs): Quantitative Aptitude
- Late Morning (1.5 hrs): Reasoning
- Afternoon (2 hrs): General Awareness
- Evening (1.5 hrs): English
- Night (1 hr): Mock test analysis
📚 Best Books and Resources
Quantitative Aptitude
| Book | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal | S. Chand |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma | Arihant |
| SSC Mathematics | Rakesh Yadav | Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication |
Reasoning Ability
| Book | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | S. Chand |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | BSC Publishing |
English Language
| Book | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi | Arihant |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Goyal |
| Plinth to Paramount | Neetu Singh | KD Publication |
General Awareness
| Book | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Dr. Binay Karna | Lucent |
| Manorama Year Book 2026 | - | Malayala Manorama |
| Current Affairs Monthly | - | Pratiyogita Darpan |
Online Resources
- YouTube Channels: Study IQ, Unacademy, RBE Revolution, WiFiStudy
- Websites: SSC Official Website, Testbook, Gradeup, Oliveboard
- Mock Tests: Supercoaching by Testbook, Gradeup Green Card
- Current Affairs: AffairsCloud, GK Today, Adda247
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the application fee for SSC MTS 2026?
A: The application fee is ₹100 for General/OBC candidates. Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwD, and Ex-servicemen categories are exempted from payment of fee.
Q2: Can I apply for both MTS and Havaldar posts?
A: Yes, you can apply for both posts in the same application. The exam is common, but preference can be indicated during application.
Q3: Is there any interview in SSC MTS recruitment?
A: No, there is no interview stage in SSC MTS recruitment. Selection is based purely on the Computer Based Test (CBT) and PET (for Havaldar posts only).
Q4: How many attempts are allowed for SSC MTS?
A: There is no restriction on the number of attempts. You can apply as long as you meet the age criteria.
Q5: What documents are required for document verification?
A: Required documents include: Matriculation certificate, Category certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable), Photo ID proof, and recent passport size photographs.
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🎯 Final Tips for Success
- Time Management: Practice solving questions within the time limit
- Accuracy First: Focus on accuracy over speed initially
- Regular Mocks: Take at least 20-30 full-length mocks before exam
- Revision: Revise formulas and concepts weekly
- Stay Updated: Read current affairs daily
- Healthy Routine: Maintain proper sleep and diet
- Positive Mindset: Believe in your preparation
Good luck with your SSC MTS 2026 preparation!
For more exam resources, visit ExamHub 2026
Last Updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for SSC MTS 2026, and what benefits can I expect?
SSC MTS posts typically fall under the Pay Level 1 as per the 7th CPC, with a basic pay range that varies by category and allowances. In-hand salary depends on city/DA and other allowances, but candidates can generally expect a stable government salary along with benefits like DA, HRA (where applicable), and other admissible allowances.
What are the eligibility criteria for SSC MTS 2026?
Eligibility usually includes an age limit (as specified in the official notification) and a minimum educational qualification of Matriculation/10th pass from a recognized board. Candidates must also meet nationality and other SSC-specific conditions mentioned in the official SSC MTS 2026 notification.
How difficult is SSC MTS 2026, and what makes it challenging?
SSC MTS is considered moderately competitive because the exam tests basic concepts with speed and accuracy, especially in the Computer Based Test (CBT). The difficulty comes from time management, negative marking in some sections, and the need to revise frequently to retain grammar, reasoning patterns, and quantitative basics.
How should I prepare for SSC MTS 2026 using previous year papers?
Start with the syllabus and exam pattern, then solve previous year papers (at least the last 5–7 years) to understand question trends and recurring topics. Create a weekly plan for each subject, take sectional mock tests, and analyze mistakes to improve accuracy and speed.
What are the interview rounds for SSC MTS 2026?
SSC MTS generally does not involve a traditional interview round for most candidates. Selection is primarily based on performance in the Computer Based Test (CBT) and subsequent document verification as per the SSC process.
Which topics are most common in SSC MTS 2026?
Common topics include General Intelligence & Reasoning (series, analogies, coding-decoding, pattern-based questions), Numerical Aptitude (percentages, ratio, basic arithmetic, simplification), and General English (grammar, error spotting, sentence improvement, basic comprehension). General Awareness often includes static GK and current affairs basics, so regular revision from reliable sources is important.
How can I apply for SSC MTS 2026, and what documents are required?
You can apply through the official SSC website by filling the online application form, uploading required documents (as specified), and paying the application fee (if applicable). Keep scanned copies of documents ready, and double-check details like name, DOB, category, and exam center preference before final submission.
What is the selection rate for SSC MTS 2026, and how can I improve my chances?
The selection rate varies each year due to the number of vacancies, number of applicants, and cutoff trends, so it’s best to track previous years’ cutoffs for your category. To improve chances, focus on high-scoring areas, practice with timed mocks, maintain accuracy to reduce negative marking impact, and revise key formulas and grammar rules regularly.
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