What is SSC MTS Exam? - Full Form, Age Limit, Salary, Job Profile and Pattern

What is SSC MTS Exam?
SSC MTS (Multi Tasking Staff) is a national level government examination which is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) every year. Through this examination, recruitment is made to the non-gazetted, non-ministerial posts of Group C in the ministries, departments and offices of the central government.
SSC MTS Full Form?
The full name of SSC MTS is: Staff Selection Commission - Multi Tasking Staff Exam. This exam is for those candidates who have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) from a recognized board.
What is Multi Tasking Staff?
Multi-tasking staff means employees who handle many small-big tasks simultaneously. These employees work in support roles in government offices and perform different types of tasks.
SSC MTS Exam for what Posts?
The SSC MTS exam is mainly conducted for two types of posts:
- Multi-Tasking Staff (Non-Technical)
- Havaldar
1. Multi-Tasking Staff (Non-Technical)
Multi-Tasking Staff (Non-Technical) Under this post candidates are to perform office-related clerical and support level functions, such as:
- Filing and carrying of documents
- Cleaning and maintenance of office
- Delivering mail and files from one department to another
- Maintenance and arrangement of goods
- Photocopying and scanning of documents
- Bringing tea and water to meetings or office functions
- Helping senior officers
- Other small but necessary tasks
2. Havaldar
Havaldar posts are recruited by SSC for CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) and CBN (Central Bureau of Narcotics). Candidates for this post also have to meet certain physical standards. The selection process includes the following:
- PET (Physical Efficiency Test)
- PST (Physical Standard Test)
SSC MTS Exam Summary
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Exam Name | SSC MTS |
Full Form | Staff Selection Commission - Multi Tasking Staff (SSC MTS) |
Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Purpose | Recruitment of Multi-Tasking Staff in central government departments |
Target Candidates | 10th pass candidates aspiring for Group C posts |
Exam Level | National |
Frequency | Once year |
Application Mode | Online |
Official Website | Website |
SSC MTS Exam Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) from a recognized board to appear in SSC MTS Exam.
2. SSC MTS Age limit
There are two types of age limits for SSC MTS posts, which are fixed according to the nature of the post and the department. Along with this relaxation in maximum age of reserved categories by Govt.
Post Category | Cast Category | Age Limit |
---|---|---|
MTS | General | 18-25 |
SC/ST | 5 years relaxation | |
OBC | 3 years relaxation | |
Havaldar | General | 18-27 |
SC/ST | 5 years relaxation | |
OBC | 3 years relaxation |
3. Nationality
Candidates who belong to any of the following categories can apply for the SSC MTS exam:
- Citizens of India
- Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan
- Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962
- Persons who came from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanent residence in India
Posts under SSC MTS Exam
SSC MTS (Multi Tasking Staff) is recruited for non-technical assistant jobs. Candidates appointed to these posts are assigned to work related to office and public facilities.
Below is the list of major posts which are filled through SSC MTS Exam:
Name of posts under SSC MTS
- Mali (Gardener): Horticulture and plant maintenance in government premises and offices.
- Peon: Helping senior officials, carrying documents, serving tea and water.
- Chowkidar (Watchman): To take care of the security of offices and premises.
- Safaiwala (Cleaner): Ensuring cleanliness and hygiene of office and premises.
- Jamadar (Sanitary Worker/Supervisor): Supervision of sanitation workers and cleaning related work.
- Daftari (Clerk/Office Attendant): Maintenance of files, registration, recording and office assistance.
- Pradhan Chowkidar (Head Watchman): Supervision of the team of chowkidars and leading the security arrangements.
- LDC (Lower Division Clerk): Some departments also recruit for LDC (Lower Division Clerk) posts through SSC MTS.
- Havaldar: This post is in CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) and CBN (Central Bureau of Narcotics).
Top Departments List through SSC MTS
Through the SSC MTS (Multi Tasking Staff) examination, candidates are appointed to Group 'C' non-gazetted posts in various ministries, departments and organizations of the Central Government. These posts are held in central offices across the country.
Below is the list of major government departments that recruit through SSC MTS:
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Railways
- Central Bureau of Narcotics
- Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
- Department of Telecommunications
- Department of Posts
- Income Tax Department
- Enforcement Directorate
- Central Board of Excise and Customs
- Election Commission of India
- Central Secretariat
- Controller General of Accounts
- Archaeological Survey of India
SSC MTS Exam Pattern
The SSC MTS exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and is conducted in two main stages:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency/Standard Test (PET/PST) - For Havaldar Posts only
1. Computer Based Test (CBT)
SSC MTS CBT exam is divided into two sessions. CBT exam has total 4 subjects, 90 questions, and 270 marks.
Language | Regional |
Conducting Mode | Single day |
Papers |
|
Total Subject | 4 |
Total question | 90 |
Total marks | 270 |
1. Session - 1
Session 1 is the first phase of the CBT exam and it is only qualifying. This session has two topics:
Mode of exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Type of Question | Objective type (MCQ) |
Nature | Qualifying |
Subject |
|
Duration | 45 + 45 = 90 minutes |
Total question | 40 |
Total marks | 120 |
Subject wise question |
|
Subject wise marks |
|
2. Session - 2
Session 2 is most important for deciding merit. Selection is based on the marks obtained in it.
Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Type of Question | Objective type (MCQ) |
Nature | Merit |
Subject |
|
Duration | 45 + 45 = 90 minutes |
Total question | 50 |
Total marks | 150 |
Subject wise question |
|
Subject wise marks |
|
2. Physical Efficiency Test/Physical Standard (Only for Havaldar posts)
SSC MTS PET/PST is mandatory only for those candidates who apply for Havaldar Posts.
1. PET
In PET, candidates have to walk and run to test their endurance and speed.
2. PST
PST ensures the physical fitness of candidates, where height and chest measurements are taken for males, and height and weight are checked for females.
SSC MTS Salary
The candidates appointed to the post of SSC MTS (Multi Tasking Staff) are paid under the Pay Band - 1 (₹5200 - ₹20200) prescribed by the Central Government. This salary is revised according to the 7th Pay Commission, and it also includes various types of allowances.
Pay Band | ₹5200 - ₹20200 |
Grade Pay | 1800 |
Basic Salary | ₹18,000 per month |
Total Salary | ₹20,000 - ₹25,000 per month (depends on location and department) |
SSC MTS Promotion
- Multi Tasking Staff (MTS)
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
- Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
- Section Officer (SO) (in some departments)
SSC MTS Exam Advantages
Candidates selected from SSC MTS exam get many benefits, which provide them more security and stability compared to private and other government jobs.
1. Sarkari Naukri
In India, direct government jobs for 10th pass candidates are quite limited. Most government jobs require higher qualifications like 12th pass, graduation or post graduation. Through the SSC MTS (Multi Tasking Staff) exam, 10th pass candidates are recruited for clerical and non-technical posts in central government offices.
2. High Salary
Compared to other private or normal government jobs, candidates selected through the SSC MTS exam receive a salary that is at par with or even higher than that of a graduate employee working in a private office.
3. Less Workload
The workload for SSC MTS staff is generally lower compared to private sector jobs.
4. Job Security
In private companies, 10th pass candidates often lack job security as companies hire and fire based on performance, market conditions and business demands. However, through the SSC MTS exam, selected employees enjoy job security in comparison to private companies.
5. Promotion
Compared to normal government jobs or private jobs, SSC MTS employees have a higher chance of promotion to positions like LDC (Lower Division Clerk) or UDC (Upper Division Clerk).
6. No Requirement of Special Skills or High Qualifications
The SSC MTS exam does not require any special skills or high qualifications. The basic eligibility is simply a 10th pass.
SSC MTS Exam Disadvantages
1. No Performance-Based Bonuses
The salary and benefits of SSC MTS employees are fixed and standard and do not include performance based incentives.
2. Lack of Creativity and Innovation
The work of SSC MTS candidates is often routine based and procedure driven with specific administrative and clerical duties. They generally do not have the opportunity to implement new ideas or improve processes.
3. Limited Promotion
SSC MTS candidates have to work for many years to get a promotion and promotions are usually based on experience and service duration rather than merit.
4. Physical Demand
Many of the tasks assigned to SSC MTS employees like those of a peon or cleaning staff require physical effort.
5. No Transfer Policy
Candidates selected for SSC MTS positions are often required to work in a specific state. Most government departments do not offer transfer support and candidates have to work in their allotted state. Transfers are typically decided by the department or higher authorities and are not based on personal preferences.
6. Less Flexibility
SSC MTS employees have less flexibility in their work. They are required to follow their officers' orders. If an officer arrives late or extends work hours, the MTS employee must adjust their working hours accordingly. Compared to higher job roles, MTS positions provide less authority and decision-making power.
7. Low Position
The posts filled through the SSC MTS exam are generally entry level positions. Employees in these positions are assigned basic administrative and support duties, often working as peons, gardeners, watchmen, cleaners, or head watchmen.
SSC MTS FAQ
SSC MTS is conducted to recruit candidates for Group C non-gazetted, non-ministerial posts in various central government departments and offices.
Some common posts include:
- Peon
- Daftary
- Jamadar
- Junior Gestetner Operator
- Chowkidar
- Safaiwala
- Mali (Gardener)
- Office Helper (clerical support tasks)
Yes, but even 10th pass (Matriculation) candidates are eligible. So, 12th pass candidates can definitely apply.
Yes, SSC MTS is a central government job with all the standard benefits, allowances, and job security.
Yes, it is a safe and stable job. Many departments offer comfortable indoor office roles, and there are female staff facilities in central govt offices.
No, SSC MTS is generally not a uniformed post. However, some field roles may require a dress code or specific identification badge, but not an official uniform like police.
Duties may include:
- Physical maintenance of records/files
- Delivering files or documents
- General cleanliness & upkeep of the office
- Photocopying, faxing, mailing, etc.
- Clerical support to higher officials
No. SSC MTS is conducted in two stages:
- Paper 1: Objective-type CBT (Computer-Based Test)
- PET/Skill Test: Only for certain posts like Havaldar in CBIC/CBN
Only for the post of Havaldar (under CBIC/CBN), there is a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST). For regular MTS posts, there is no physical test.
No typing test is required for regular SSC MTS posts.
No, there is no interview in SSC MTS recruitment. Final selection is based on written test and document verification.
The level is easy to moderate, mainly of Class 10 (Matric) standard. With regular practice, most candidates can crack it.
SSC MTS Paper 1 is conducted online (Computer-Based Test). PET for Havaldar is conducted offline as a physical test.