SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026: Negative Marking and Havaldar PET Details
Muskan Sharma16 Feb, 2026
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SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026 is designed to help candidates prepare for Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and Havaldar recruitment in central government departments. The exam is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with 90 questions totaling 270 marks, divided into two mandatory sessions.
Candidates must be aware of the SSC MTS total marks, negative marking, and the overall marking scheme to plan their preparation strategically. For Havaldar posts, qualifiers also need to appear for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST). Understanding the exam pattern helps in time management, focused study, and maximizing scores.
SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026 gives candidates a clear idea of the exam structure. Knowing the mts total questions, mts total marks, and negative marking helps plan time and strategy effectively.
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SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026 Overview |
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|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Total Questions |
90 questions |
|
Total Marks |
270 marks |
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Exam Mode |
Computer-Based Test |
|
Sessions |
2 (Both Mandatory) |
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Negative Marking |
1 mark in Session 2 (negative marking) |
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PET/PST |
Only for Havaldar candidates |
SSC MTS Total Marks 2026
SSC MTS Exam 2026 is conducted for a total of 270 marks. It is divided into two sessions: Session 1 carries 120 marks, covering Numerical Ability and Reasoning, while Session 2 carries 150 marks, covering General Awareness and English Language. Understanding the MTS total marks helps candidates plan their time and focus on high-scoring sections to maximise their performance in the exam.
SSC MTS 2026 Me Kitne Paper Hote Hai?
SSC MTS 2026 me sirf 1 Computer Based Exam hota hai jo 2 sessions me conduct hota hai. Koi descriptive paper nahi hota. Isliye agar aap search karte hain “ssc mts me kitne paper hote hai” ya “mts me kitne paper hote hai”, to bas ek hi paper hai jo do sessions me divided hai.
SSC MTS Exam Pattern for Paper I
The format of the SSC MTS Paper-I Exam involves online multiple-choice questions across various sections, including Reasoning, English Language, Numerical Aptitude, and General Awareness. The paper comprises a total of 90 questions, carrying a total of 270 marks. The updated SSC MTS Paper-I Exam Pattern has been introduced earlier. The Computer-Based Examination will be held in two sessions, namely Session I and Session II. Both of these sessions are compulsory, and failure to attempt either session will result in disqualification of the candidate.
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SSC MTS Exam Pattern for Paper I |
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| Subject | No. Of Questions | Marks | Duration |
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Session 1 |
|||
| Numerical and Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability and Problem-Solving | 20 | 60 | |
| Total | 40 | 120 | |
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Session 2 |
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| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 45 minutes |
| English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 75 | |
| Total | 50 | 150 | |
Important Points of SSC MTS Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026
SSC MTS 2026 recruitment has followed a similar structure to the previous cycle. The selection process is slightly different for the posts of MTS and Havaldar. Here are some important points regarding SSC MTS Paper 1.
- In the latest pattern, the total achievable score is 270 marks.
- The initial paper will include queries accompanied by multiple-choice selections.
- Questions will be furnished in English, Hindi, and 13 distinct regional languages for the first session, as well as for the General Awareness segment of the second session.
- In the second session, an incorrect response will result in a deduction of 1 mark as negative marking; nevertheless, no negative marking will be applicable in the first session.
- Applicants with visual impairment and cerebral palsy will be allotted a session duration of 45 minutes each.
SSC MTS Havaldar Exam Pattern for PET & PST
Candidates who have applied for the SSC Havaldar position must take part in the Physical Efficiency Test & Physical Standard Test. This comes after successfully passing the SSC MTS Tier-1 Exam. The criteria for PET for the Havaldar position in CBIC and CBN, outlined in the SSC MTS Notification 2026, are as stated below:
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SSC MTS Havaldar Exam Pattern 2026 for PET |
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| Particulars | Male | Female |
| Walking | 1600 meters in 15 minutes | 1 km in 20 minutes |
The criteria for PST for the Havaldar position in CBIC and CBN, outlined in the SSC MTS Notification, are as stated below:
| SSC MTS Havaldar Exam Pattern 2026 for PST | ||
| Particulars | Male | Female |
| Height | 157.5 cms (relaxable by 5 Cms in the case of Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas and members of Scheduled Tribes) | 152 cms (relaxable by 2.5 Cms in the case of Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas and members of Schedule Tribes) |
| Chest | 81 cms. (fully expanded with minimum expansion of 5 cms.) | -- |
| Weight | -- | 48 kg (relaxable by 2 Kg in the case of Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas and members of Schedule Tribes) |
Language Options in SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC MTS Exam 2026 offers multiple language options, including English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages, allowing candidates to choose their preferred medium. Check the table for language details.
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Language Options in SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026 |
| Language |
| Hindi |
| English |
| Assamese |
| Bengali |
| Gujarati |
| Kannada |
| Konkani |
| Malayalam |
| Manipuri (also Meitei or Meithei) |
| Marathi |
| Odia (Oriya) |
| Punjabi |
| Tamil |
| Telugu |
| Urdu |
SSC MTS Negative Marking 2026
In the SSC MTS Exam 2026, the negative marking applies only in Session 2. For every wrong answer in this session, 1 mark is deducted, while Session 1 has no negative marking. Understanding the SSC MTS negative marking is important for candidates to plan their answers carefully and avoid unnecessary score loss.
SSC MTS Marking Scheme 2026
The SSC MTS marking scheme helps candidates understand how each question contributes to the total score. Each correct answer carries equal weight, making it easier to plan attempts and estimate scores.
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SSC MTS Marking Scheme 2026 |
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Parameter |
Details |
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Marks per Question |
3 marks |
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Total Questions |
90 questions |
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Total Marks |
270 marks |
Note: The SSC MTS marking scheme ensures candidates can easily calculate their potential score and plan attempts accordingly.
SSC MTS Passing Marks 2026 (Expected)
Although the official SSC MTS passing marks out of 270 for 2026 are not yet released, based on previous years, candidates can expect the qualifying marks to be around:
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SSC MTS Passing Marks 2026 (Expected) |
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|
Category |
Expected Passing Marks (Out of 270) |
|
General |
90–95 |
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OBC |
85–90 |
|
SC |
80–85 |
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ST |
75–80 |
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PwD |
70–75 |
Understanding the SSC MTS passing marks out of 270 helps candidates set a target score while preparing, even before the official notification is released.
| Other Related Links of SSC MTS Exam 2026 | |
| SSC MTS Salary | SSC MTS Syllabus |
| SSC MTS Exam Pattern | SSC MTS Eligibility Criteria |
| SSC MTS Vacancy | SSC MTS Selection Process |
| SSC MTS Cut Off | SSC MTS Answer Key |