Physics Wallah
banner

Difference Between SSC MTS Vs Hawaldar 2026: Salary, Promotion, Posting, Work

Confused between SSC MTS and Hawaldar? Compare both posts based on salary, job profile, work environment, promotion opportunities, posting locations, physical test requirements, and career growth to choose the role that best suits your career goals.

authorImageAnshika Agarwal18 Jul, 2026
difference-between-ssc-mts-vs-hawaldar

SSC conducts a common recruitment examination for Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and Hawaldar posts, but the two jobs differ significantly after the selection process. While MTS is primarily an office-based role, Hawaldar combines administrative responsibilities with field duties and requires candidates to qualify the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST).

If you're unsure which post is better for you, understanding the differences in salary, work profile, promotion opportunities, posting, and work-life balance can help you make an informed decision.

Also Read: SSC Exam Calendar 2026

SSC MTS & Hawaldar Examinations Overview

The examination conducted for both Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and Hawaldar is the same. The primary factor distinguishing the Hawaldar post from MTS is the mandatory requirement of a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST), which MTS candidates do not undergo.

SSC MTS vs Hawaldar: Eligibility & Selection Difference

The department and inherent nature of work significantly differ between the MTS and Hawaldar roles, influencing daily responsibilities and career paths.

Feature

MTS

Hawaldar

Department

Central Ministries and Departments

CBIC (Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax)

Uniform

No uniform (civilian dress)

Uniform is mandatory

Field Work

No field work

Predominantly field work

Physical Test

No physical test

Physical test is required

Duty Type

Primarily office work (9 AM to 5 PM)

Desk and field duties, emphasis on field

Career Path

No direct uniform-based career progression

Direct path to becoming a Constable

SSC MTS vs Hawaldar Salary Comparison

The basic pay for both MTS and Hawaldar roles is standardized, but the in-hand salary can vary significantly due to location-based allowances and the nature of duties.

  • Basic Pay: The basic pay for both MTS and Hawaldar starts at 18,000 INR (Pay Scale 1).

  • Variable Salary: The actual in-hand salary differs based on the posting location (X, Y, or Z cities) due to variations in House Rent Allowance (HRA).

  • MTS Salary Range (Current): Approximately 28,000 – 35,000 INR, depending on the city.

  • Hawaldar Salary Range (Current): Generally higher than MTS, ranging from 32,000 – 37,000 INR, often with additional allowances for field duties.

  • Future Projections: With the anticipated implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, salaries for both roles are expected to exceed 50,000 INR.

SSC MTS vs Hawaldar Job Profile & Work Responsibilities

The core responsibilities define the job profile for each role, dictating the daily tasks and required skill sets.

Role

MTS Job Profile

Hawaldar Job Profile

Nature

100% desk job

Combination of desk and field job

Key Tasks

File management, diary dispatch, managing confidential records, general office maintenance.

Customs checking, airport duties, goods examination (identifying illegal items), office security, field inspections.

Skills

Basic computer knowledge is essential.

Requires physical fitness and active engagement.

MTS vs. Hawaldar Work-Life Balance & Routine

The differing job natures directly impact the work-life balance and daily routine, making one role potentially more suitable for certain lifestyles.

Aspect

MTS

Hawaldar

Work Hours

Fixed 9 AM to 5 PM (8-hour workday)

Shift-based duties; as per necessity/emergencies

Routine

Fixed routine; offers stable life and weekend holidays.

Variable routine; often unpredictable hours

Ideal For

Stable office job, fixed schedule, family time.

Exposure, adventurous life, uniform, field work, physically fit.

Physical Demands

No physical test.

Physical test includes walking, not intense running.

Allowances

Standard allowances.

Extra allowances due to increased responsibilities and field work.

SSC MTS vs Hawaldar Posting Locations

The specific nature of duties dictates the primary posting locations for each role.

  • MTS Posting Locations: Include various central government departments such as the Income Tax Department, Ministry of Defence, Railways, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the Central Secretariat.

  • Hawaldar Posting Locations: Typically at key entry/exit points and operational hubs like Airports, Customs Offices, and Land Borders, where significant fieldwork is required.

SSC MTS vs Hawaldar Promotion & Career Growth

Both roles offer avenues for career growth and promotions, generally starting after 3 years through internal departmental examinations, but the pace and progression paths differ.

Role

MTS Promotion Path

Hawaldar Promotion Path

Process

Slower process

Quicker promotion (fast-track)

Progression

MTS → LDC (Lower Division Clerk) → UDC (Upper Division Clerk) → Assistant

Hawaldar → Tax Assistant → Instructor → Superintendent

Context

MTS is often the lowest post in other competitive exams, indicating a slower climb.

Offers more exposure and faster advancement opportunities.

SSC MTS vs Hawaldar: Which Post Should You Choose?

While both posts are recruited through the same SSC examination, the right choice depends on your career preferences and work style rather than salary alone.

If you prefer...

Choose SSC MTS

Choose SSC Hawaldar

Work environment

Office-based work

Field and office work

Working hours

Fixed office timings

Shift-based duties

Physical requirements

No PET/PST

PET & PST mandatory

Career preference

Stable routine and desk job

Uniformed role with field exposure

Promotion

Steady career growth

Comparatively faster growth in CBIC

PW provides SSC exam content, including SSC Exams Updates, sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today in the SSC Online Batches for preparation.

FAQs

What is the main difference between SSC MTS and Hawaldar roles?

The primary distinction is that the Hawaldar post requires a mandatory Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST), while MTS does not. Hawaldar roles also involve field work and a uniform, unlike the desk-bound MTS.

Are the salaries for MTS and Hawaldar the same?

Both roles start with the same basic pay of 18,000 INR. However, the in-hand salary for Hawaldar is generally higher (32,000 – 37,000 INR) compared to MTS (28,000 – 35,000 INR) due to additional allowances for field duties and posting locations.

What kind of job profile does a Hawaldar have?

A Hawaldar's job profile combines desk and field duties, with a strong emphasis on field work. Key tasks include customs checking, airport duties, goods examination, office security, and field inspections.

Which subjects are most important for scoring high in the SSC MTS/Hawaldar exam?

General Knowledge (GK), General Studies (GS), and English are the merit-determining subjects, meaning their scores directly contribute to your final ranking. Mathematics and Reasoning are only qualifying subjects.
avatar

Get Free Counselling Today

and Clear up all your Doubts

Talk to Our Counsellor just by filling out the form.
Student Name
Phone Number
IN
+91
OTP
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconLakhs of practice questions
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2026 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.