SSC MTS PET/PST SSC MTS PET/PST 2026 Mock Test Series

Important Guidelines for Candidates

Success in the SSC MTS examination requires strictly adhering to the commission's guidelines. Before attempting the registration, candidates should ensure they have a valid, working mobile number and email ID, as these will be used for all future communications and identity verification. It is essential to enter details like name and date of birth exactly as recorded in your 10th-grade certificate; any discrepancy here can lead to rejection during the Document Verification stage.

Regarding the online application, the commission has mandated a live photo upload. Candidates should ensure they are in a well-lit environment against a plain background, without wearing hats, masks, or tinted glasses. The signature should be clearly scanned within the specified dimensions (6.0 cm x 2.0 cm) and file size (10–20 KB) to avoid technical failures. For the application fee, payment is only considered successful if the 'Verify' button is used or a transaction ID is generated. Candidates belonging to categories eligible for fee exemption should double-check their certificate validity before applying.

During the exam, candidates must bring a printed copy of their admit card and an original photo identity card. The use of unfair means or communication devices inside the examination hall is strictly prohibited. It is advised to reach the exam center well in advance of the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. Regularly checking the official website is the only reliable way to track updates, such as changes in exam dates or center allotments.

Latest Recruitment Updates and Announcements

• Current Status: The examination process for the 2025-26 cycle is currently in the post-exam phase. The commission has released the provisional response sheet for exams that commenced on 4th February 2026.
• Objection Process: Candidates were given the opportunity to submit objections regarding the provisional response sheet until 6th March 2026.
• Final Response Sheet: The commission is currently in the process of reviewing these objections to finalize the answer key.
• 2026 Notification: The upcoming notification for the 2026 cycle is expected to be released shortly. Candidates are advised to keep a close watch on the official ssc.gov.in portal.
• Application Schedule: While the 2026 dates are pending, the previous cycle registration occurred between 26th June 2025 and 24th July 2025. A similar timeframe is expected for the next cycle.
• Stay Informed: Aspirants should periodically monitor the 'Latest News' section on the official website for official announcements regarding vacancy updates, exam date declarations, and the shift-wise schedule.

Key Exam Dates for the 2025-26 Recruitment Cycle

The following table summarizes the timeline for the most recent recruitment cycle. The schedule for the 2026 cycle will be updated upon the release of the new official notification.

Note: The dates provided above refer to the 2025-26 cycle. Candidates must await the official 2026 notification for the upcoming academic and exam schedule. The commission will announce these details directly on the official portal, and it is recommended to maintain a record of these key dates to ensure timely application and preparation.

SSC MTS Vacancy Distribution (2025-26 Cycle)

The commission released a revised notification regarding vacancies on 27th November 2025 for the ongoing recruitment cycle. These figures provided a clear picture of the requirements for the various posts. Below is the detailed breakdown of the vacancies announced.

These vacancies are specific to the 2025-26 recruitment window. The commission is expected to provide a new, separate vacancy notification for the 2026 cycle. Candidates should note that the distribution between age groups is fixed per the recruitment rules, and any further revisions made by the commission will be published officially on their website.

Analysis of Vacancy Trends

The recruitment of Multi-Tasking Staff and Havaldar involves significant planning by the Staff Selection Commission. The vacancy count for the 2025-26 cycle was finalized at 7,948, following a revision on 27th November 2025. This revision saw the Havaldar count being adjusted to 1,138, while the MTS positions remained steady at 6,810 total (split across the 18-25 and 18-27 age brackets). This pattern indicates that the commission proactively manages and adjusts the number of open positions based on the operational requirements of various government ministries and departments.

Analyzing historical trends is vital for aspirants to understand the competitiveness of the exam. The consistency in the number of MTS posts demonstrates that the central government has a steady requirement for these support roles. For aspirants, the takeaway is that while the total number of seats can fluctuate slightly due to departmental adjustments, the scale of hiring remains robust. Every year, the commission categorizes vacancies based on age groups (18-25 and 18-27), which is a crucial detail for applicants to note, as the eligibility depends on these age criteria. As the 2026 cycle approaches, candidates can expect a similar structure and should focus on performing well in the CBT, as this remains the decisive factor in securing a position regardless of the final vacancy numbers announced in the forthcoming notification.

Overview of SSC MTS Roles and Responsibilities

The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff (MTS) exam to hire candidates for a variety of critical support functions within the Government of India. These roles are essential for the daily administrative tasks in ministries, offices, and departments. The following posts fall under the scope of this recruitment:

• Havaldar: Involved in security-related duties within CBIC and CBN.
• Peon: Responsible for general office support, delivering documents, and assisting in daily operations.
• Daftary: Managing files, stationery, and record-keeping within government offices.
• Jamadar: Handling administrative logistics and supervision of support staff.
• Junior Gestetner Operator: Managing copying and office machinery.
• Chowkidar: Providing security and oversight for official premises.
• Safaiwala: Maintaining office cleanliness and sanitation.
• Mali: Maintaining office grounds, gardens, and landscaping.

All these positions fall under Pay Band-1 (Rs. 5200-20200) with a Grade Pay of Rs. 1800 as per the 7th Pay Commission. These jobs are classified as Group-C non-gazetted, non-ministerial roles. They offer a stable work environment, standard government benefits, and clear avenues for internal growth within the departmental structure. The diverse nature of these posts allows for various candidates with different skill sets—ranging from facility management to basic administrative support—to contribute to the effective functioning of the government.

Application Fee Structure

The fee structure for the SSC MTS 2026 exam is designed to keep the application process accessible. Below is the breakdown of the fee requirements per category:

Payment Modes: The fee can be paid conveniently through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa/MasterCard/Maestro/RuPay Debit cards. Candidates must ensure their payment is successful; incomplete applications due to unpaid fees are automatically rejected by the system. It is advised to use the 'Verify Payment' link provided on the candidate login dashboard to confirm that the payment has been processed and acknowledged by the commission.

Age Limit Criteria

The age limit for the SSC MTS 2026 exam is a core eligibility requirement. The criteria are categorized by the nature of the posts available:

• MTS Posts: The standard age requirement is between 18 and 25 years.
• Havaldar Posts & Specific MTS Posts: The age limit is extended to 18 to 27 years.

These age limits are calculated as of the crucial date specified in the official notification. Candidates must ensure they fall strictly within these ranges to qualify. The age criteria are strictly enforced, and candidates must possess authentic documents such as their 10th-grade certificate to prove their date of birth during the document verification stage. Please refer to the upcoming official notification for the exact cut-off date to calculate age eligibility for the 2026 cycle.

Category-wise Age Relaxation Details

The commission provides age relaxation to specific categories to promote inclusive opportunities within the government sector. These relaxations apply to the upper age limit:

These relaxations ensure that candidates from various backgrounds have a fair opportunity to compete for government positions. It is important to note that these relaxations are only valid for the categories mentioned and require the presentation of appropriate government-issued certificates during the document verification stage.

Educational Qualifications

The fundamental educational requirement for appearing in the SSC MTS 2026 examination is the successful completion of Matriculation (10th Class) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or university. Candidates are required to produce their original certificates during the document verification process to validate their qualifications.

For candidates who have pursued education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modes, it is mandatory that the institution is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the Distance Education Bureau. Candidates currently awaiting their results are generally not considered eligible for the current recruitment cycle unless their final results were officially declared before the prescribed cut-off date stated in the notification. This ensures that only candidates with completed, valid academic credentials are shortlisted for final placement.

Stages of the Selection Process

The SSC MTS 2026 selection process consists of several well-defined stages designed to identify the most suitable candidates:

1. Computer-Based Examination (CBE): This is the first and most critical stage, consisting of an objective-type test covering Reasoning, General Awareness, English, and Quantitative Aptitude. It is conducted in multiple shifts, and merit is determined based on normalized scores.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST): Applicable exclusively for the Havaldar post, this stage assesses physical fitness. Candidates must meet specified height, chest (for males), and weight (for females) requirements and pass the walking/cycling endurance tests. Failure to pass these results in disqualification for the Havaldar post.
3. Document Verification (DV): Once a candidate is shortlisted from the CBT and PET/PST, they must appear for document verification. Here, the commission checks original educational, caste, disability, and identity proofs against the details provided during the application process. Any discrepancies lead to disqualification.

The computer-based exam is conducted in multiple languages, allowing candidates to select their preferred language during the application phase, which helps in demonstrating their proficiency more effectively.

Detailed Examination Pattern

The SSC MTS 2026 exam is structured into two sessions within the Paper 1 examination. Both sessions are compulsory for all candidates.

Paper 1 Structure

Negative Marking: Session 1 has no negative marking. Session 2 includes a penalty of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.

Physical Standards (Havaldar Post)

Salary and Pay Structure

The SSC MTS positions are categorized under Pay Band-1 (Rs. 5200–20200) with a Grade Pay of Rs. 1800, adhering to the 7th Pay Commission standards. These roles are classified under Pay Level-1 in the pay matrix. Employees can expect an in-hand monthly salary typically ranging from Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 22,000. This salary is subject to variations based on the city of posting (which influences HRA) and the specific job profile. Along with the basic pay, employees are entitled to standard government allowances, providing for a stable and secure financial career within the central government administration.

Admit Card Information

The admit card is a mandatory document for every candidate to appear for the exam. It acts as the official entry pass and contains vital information such as the candidate's name, exam date, shift time, reporting instructions, and the specific address of the examination center. The admit card is released region-wise, typically 4 to 5 days before the scheduled exam date on the official website. Candidates must download and print this document as no physical copies are sent via mail. Entry to the exam center is strictly denied if the candidate cannot produce the original printed admit card and a valid photo identity proof.

Answer Key and Objections

Post-examination, the commission releases a provisional answer key to ensure transparency. This document allows candidates to compare their marked responses with the official correct answers to estimate their probable scores. If a candidate identifies any discrepancy or error in the provisional key, the commission provides a designated window to raise official objections. After evaluating all submitted challenges, a final, revised answer key is published, which is then used to prepare the final results. This process helps maintain the accuracy and fairness of the entire selection cycle.

Result Declaration

The SSC MTS examination results are announced within one to two months after the completion of the computer-based test. The results are published in a PDF format on the official SSC portal, which lists the roll numbers of all successfully qualified candidates. The commission does not dispatch physical result letters or hard copies to the candidates' addresses. Aspirants must regularly check the official website to download their results. It is recommended to save the PDF and print a copy for your records, as it will be required for subsequent stages like Document Verification.

• General Awareness: Lucent's General Knowledge
• Numerical Ability: R.S. Aggarwal (Quantitative Aptitude)
• English: Neetu Singh (Plinth to Paramount)
• Reasoning: R.K. Jha (General Intelligence)

Preparation Strategy

Given the high volume of applicants, success in the SSC MTS exam requires a disciplined and strategic approach. Recommended preparation tips include:

• Study Routine: Create a consistent study plan that gives balanced attention to all four subjects.
• Revision: Regularly review learned concepts to reinforce them and ensure they are fresh for the exam.
• Practice: Incorporate previous years' question papers and mock tests into your routine to get a realistic sense of the difficulty level and exam pressure.
• Targeted Improvement: Identify your weak subjects and dedicate additional time to mastering them through focused practice.
• Current Affairs: Stay updated with national and international current affairs by reading daily newspapers and journals to excel in the General Awareness section.

Utilize official mock test links provided on the SSC website to understand the interface. Supplement this with reputable third-party platforms that offer full-length tests simulating the actual exam environment to improve speed and accuracy.

Understanding Cut-Off Scores

The SSC MTS cut-off is the final benchmark that determines which candidates proceed to the next stage of recruitment. It is released alongside the final results in a document known as the 'Result Writeup'. These cut-off marks are determined category-wise and are influenced by factors such as the total number of vacancies, the difficulty of the exam, and the overall performance of all candidates. To be considered for selection, candidates must achieve a score equal to or higher than the cut-off designated for their specific category.