Overview
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and Havaldar exam to recruit Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff — a Group C, Pay Level-1 post in various central government ministries, departments and offices — and Havaldar in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN). For the 2025 exam, SSC notified 1,075 tentative vacancies for Havaldar posts; MTS vacancies were still being collected from user departments at the time of the notice.
Who can apply
For MTS posts, the age limit is 18–25 years as on 1 August 2025 (born not before 2 August 2000 and not later than 1 August 2007). For Havaldar posts in CBIC and CBN, and a few MTS posts in specific departments, the age limit is 18–27 years (born not before 2 August 1998). Candidates must have passed the Matriculation examination or equivalent from a recognised board, as on or before 1 August 2025.
Selection process
For MTS posts, selection is through a Computer Based Examination (CBE) alone. For Havaldar posts, the CBE is followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST).
Exam pattern
| Session | Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | I | Numerical and Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 |
| I | II | Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving | 20 | 60 |
| II | I | General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| II | II | English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 75 |
The Computer Based Examination is held in two mandatory sessions on the same day, each lasting 45 minutes, and is available in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages (Session-I and the General Awareness part of Session-II).
Syllabus
Session-I covers numerical and mathematical ability, and reasoning and problem solving. Session-II covers general awareness and English language and comprehension.
Marking
There is no negative marking in Session-I. In Session-II, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
Important dates
For the 2025 exam, online applications were open from 26 June 2025 to 24 July 2025, with online fee payment permitted from 29 to 31 July 2025, and a correction window from 20 September to 24 October 2025, per the notice.
Fees
The fee is Rs 100. Women candidates, and candidates from SC, ST, PwBD and Ex-servicemen categories eligible for reservation, are exempt.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online at ssc.gov.in within the notified window.
After selection
MTS candidates who clear the CBE proceed to document verification. Havaldar candidates who clear the CBE cutoff additionally appear for the Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test before document verification and final selection.
Preparation tips
Since Session-I carries no negative marking, attempting every question there is low-risk, while Session-II's 1-mark penalty per wrong answer means candidates should be more selective about guessing in the General Awareness and English sections. Havaldar aspirants should also factor in physical fitness preparation for the PET/PST stage alongside written preparation.
What is the difference between MTS and Havaldar posts in this exam?
MTS is a Group C, Pay Level-1 post across various central departments, selected through the Computer Based Examination alone. Havaldar is a similar-level post in CBIC and CBN customs/narcotics formations, which additionally requires clearing a Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test.
Is there negative marking in the SSC MTS exam?
No negative marking in Session-I. Session-II deducts 1 mark for each wrong answer.
What is the minimum qualification for SSC MTS?
Matriculation (Class 10) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board, as on or before the cut-off date in the notice.
What is the age limit for SSC MTS and Havaldar?
For the 2025 exam, 18–25 years for MTS and 18–27 years for Havaldar (CBIC/CBN) and a few specific MTS posts, both reckoned as on 1 August 2025.