SSC MTS Selection Process 2026: Stages, PET/PST, Merit List and Qualifying Marks
Oct 10 2026
The SSC MTS selection process 2026 has one written stage, the Computer-Based Examination (CBE), for both Multi-Tasking Staff and Havaldar posts. Havaldar candidates must also qualify a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST). There is no interview. The SSC MTS and Havaldar 2025 cycle shows how this works in practice: the CBE was held in February 2026, the CBE result came out on 3 August 2026, and the PET/PST for Havaldar was held from 24 to 31 August 2026, with the final result awaited. The SSC MTS 2026 notification is expected soon, and the selection process is likely to stay the same.
SSC MTS Selection Process 2026 Overview
The SSC MTS selection process is short compared with other SSC exams. MTS selection depends only on the CBE, while Havaldar selection adds a physical test. Here is how the two compare.
|
Particulars |
MTS |
Havaldar (CBIC and CBN) |
|
Recruiting Body |
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
|
Written Stage |
CBE (Session I and Session II) |
CBE (Session I and Session II) |
|
Physical Test |
Not required |
PET and PST (qualifying) |
|
Interview |
No |
No |
|
Merit Based On |
Session II normalised marks |
Session II normalised marks, after qualifying PET/PST |
|
Age Groups |
18–25 and 18–27 years (separate merit) |
18–27 years |
|
Document Verification |
By the allotted department |
By the allotted department |
What Are the Stages of the SSC MTS Selection Process?
The SSC MTS selection process has up to five stages, depending on the post. MTS candidates go through the CBE, final merit and document verification; Havaldar candidates also take the PET and PST.
Computer-Based Examination (CBE)
The CBE is the main selection stage for both posts. It has two compulsory sessions of 45 minutes each, taken on the same day. Session I (Maths and Reasoning) has no negative marking, while Session II (General Awareness and English) deducts 1 mark for each wrong answer. Session I works as a qualifying hurdle, and the final merit is based on your normalised marks in Session II. If you skip either session, you are disqualified.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for Havaldar
Candidates who clear the CBE cut-off for Havaldar are called for the PET. It is a timed walk, and it is qualifying only.
|
Candidate |
Walking |
|
Male |
1,600 metres in 15 minutes |
|
Female |
1 kilometre in 20 minutes |
Physical Standard Test (PST) for Havaldar
The PST checks height, chest (men) and weight (women), and is held along with the PET. Candidates from certain communities get relaxation in height and weight.
|
Standard |
Male |
Female |
|
Height |
157.5 cm |
152 cm |
|
Chest |
76 cm unexpanded, with at least 5 cm expansion |
Not applicable |
|
Weight |
Not applicable |
48 kg |
|
Relaxation |
Height relaxed by 5 cm for Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas, Ladakhis and ST candidates |
Height relaxed by 2.5 cm and weight by 2 kg for the same groups |
Document Verification
SSC does not hold a separate document verification round for MTS. After the final result, SSC sends the dossiers of selected candidates to the allotted departments through its e-dossier system. The department then checks your original certificates (Class 10 certificate, ID proof, category and other certificates) before issuing the appointment letter. If any claim in your application can't be proved, your candidature is cancelled.
Final Merit List and Appointment
SSC prepares the final merit list on the basis of normalised Session II marks, separately for each State/UT, category and age group, and for Havaldar only among those who qualified the PET/PST. Selected candidates are allotted departments according to merit, preference and vacancies, and then join after document verification and other formalities at the department.
SSC MTS Selection Process for MTS and Havaldar
The CBE is common to both posts, but the steps after it differ. Here is the step-by-step flow for each post.
SSC MTS Selection Process for Multi-Tasking Staff
- Appeared in both sessions of the CBE.
- Clear the minimum qualifying marks in Session I and Session II.
- Get a place in the merit list based on normalised Session II marks, for your State/UT, category and age group (18–25 or 18–27).
- Get allotted a department based on merit, preference and vacancies.
- Complete document verification and joining formalities at the allotted department.
There is no PET or PST for MTS, so your CBE score alone decides your selection.
SSC Havaldar Selection Process
- Appeared in both sessions of the CBE.
- Clear the Havaldar cut-off to be shortlisted for the PET/PST.
- Qualify the walking test and the physical measurements.
- Get a place in the final merit list based on Session II marks.
- Complete document verification and joining formalities at CBIC or CBN.
A good CBE score alone is not enough for Havaldar: if you fail the PET or PST, you are out of the Havaldar list, although you can still be considered for MTS if you applied for both and are in the right age group.
SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026 for Selection
The SSC MTS exam pattern 2026 has 90 questions for 270 marks across two 45-minute sessions. Each question carries 3 marks.
|
Session |
Subject |
Questions |
Marks |
Negative Marking |
|
Session I |
Numerical and Mathematical Ability |
20 |
60 |
None |
|
Session I |
Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving |
20 |
60 |
None |
|
Session II |
General Awareness |
25 |
75 |
1 mark per wrong answer |
|
Session II |
English Language and Comprehension |
25 |
75 |
1 mark per wrong answer |
|
Total |
4 subjects |
90 |
270 |
– |
Full syllabus and pattern: SSC MTS Syllabus and Exam Pattern
SSC MTS Minimum Qualifying Marks
SSC MTS minimum qualifying marks are the lowest percentage you need to be considered at all. They are not the cut-off: the actual cut-off is usually much higher and differs by State/UT. In the last two cycles, these were the qualifying marks.
|
Category |
Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|
UR |
30% |
|
OBC and EWS |
25% |
|
All other categories (SC, ST, PwBD, ESM) |
20% |
State-wise cut-offs of past years: SSC MTS Cut Off
SSC MTS Merit List 2026
The SSC MTS merit list is prepared on the basis of normalised Session II marks only. Session I marks are used only to break ties. Since MTS vacancies are State/UT-wise, the merit list and cut-offs are separate for each State/UT, category and age group. If two candidates have the same marks, SSC breaks the tie in this order:
|
Order |
Tie-Breaking Rule |
|
1 |
Higher marks in General Awareness (Session II) |
|
2 |
Higher total normalised marks in Session I |
|
3 |
Older candidate (date of birth) |
|
4 |
Alphabetical order of first name |
Result updates: SSC MTS Result
SSC MTS Document Verification Process
For SSC MTS, document verification is done by the department you are allotted to, after the final result. Keep these documents ready in original, along with self-attested copies.
|
Document |
Purpose |
|
Class 10 certificate and marksheet |
Proof of qualification and date of birth |
|
Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.) |
Identity |
|
Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) |
Reservation and age relaxation |
|
EWS certificate |
EWS reservation |
|
PwBD certificate |
Disability reservation and concessions |
|
Ex-servicemen documents |
ESM reservation and age relaxation |
|
Domicile certificate, where applicable |
State/UT-wise vacancy claim |
|
Admit card and application printout |
Cross-checking exam details |
Full eligibility rules: SSC MTS Eligibility Criteria
What Happens After SSC MTS Final Selection?
After the final result, the process moves from SSC to your allotted department. The steps usually are:
- SSC declares the final result and allots departments.
- SSC sends your dossier to the department through its e-dossier system.
- The department asks you to report for document verification and a medical check, where required.
- Police/character verification is done.
- You receive the appointment letter and join, with training or induction where applicable.
Pay and duties after joining: SSC MTS Salary
SSC MTS Selection Process 2026 FAQs
Q1. What is the SSC MTS selection process 2026?
For MTS, it is a Computer-Based Examination followed by document verification at the allotted department. For Havaldar, PET and PST are added after the CBE.
Q2. How many stages are there in the SSC MTS selection process?
MTS has one exam stage (the CBE). Havaldar has two: the CBE and the PET/PST. Document verification follows for both.
Q3. Is there any physical test for the SSC MTS exam?
Not for MTS. Only Havaldar candidates take the PET and PST.
Q4. Is the SSC MTS selection process different from the Havaldar selection process?
Yes. Both have the same CBE, but Havaldar candidates must also qualify the PET and PST.
Q5. Is PET and PST compulsory for SSC MTS?
No. PET and PST are compulsory only for Havaldar.
Q6. Is there an interview in the SSC MTS selection process?
No. There is no interview for MTS or Havaldar.
Q7. Is document verification mandatory for SSC MTS?
Yes. The allotted department verifies your original documents before appointment.
Q8. How is the SSC MTS final merit list prepared?
On the basis of normalised Session II marks, separately for each State/UT, category and age group. Ties are broken by General Awareness marks, then Session I marks, then age.
Q9. What are the minimum qualifying marks for SSC MTS 2026?
In recent cycles, they were 30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for other categories. The 2026 notification will confirm them.
Q10. Is the SSC MTS exam conducted online or offline?
Online, as a Computer-Based Examination.
Q11. Can I become an MTS without qualifying for the physical test?
Yes. The physical test is only for Havaldar.
Q12. What happens after clearing the SSC MTS examination?
If you are in the final merit list, SSC allots you a department. The department then does document verification and issues the appointment letter.
Q13. Is there negative marking in the SSC MTS exam?
Only in Session II, where 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. Session I has no negative marking.
Q14. How is the final selection made for SSC MTS and Havaldar posts?
MTS selection is based on Session II merit in your State/UT, category and age group. Havaldar selection is based on Session II merit among candidates who have qualified the PET and PST.
Q15. Where can I check the SSC MTS selection process and official notification?
The selection process is given in the MTS and Havaldar notification on the official SSC website, ssc.gov.in.
SSC Exams 2026
SSC CPO
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SSC MTS Previous Year Paper 2021
- Previous Year Mock Paper
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