SSC MTS Eligibility 2026
Age limit, relaxation, qualification and physical standards.
Updated 22 October 2026
SSC MTS eligibility criteria: age, qualification and nationality
To apply for SSC MTS, you need to have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognised board and be 18–25 years old for MTS, or 18–27 years for Havaldar and some MTS posts. Reserved categories get upper age relaxation, and Havaldar applicants must also meet physical standards.
SSC MTS eligibility at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age limit | MTS: 18–25 years; Havaldar and certain MTS posts: 18–27 years |
| Relaxation | Category-wise; can stretch the upper limit to as much as 45 years for some groups |
| Qualification | Matriculation (10th) or equivalent from a recognised board |
| Nationality | Indian citizen, or other permitted categories |
| Physical standards | Only for Havaldar (PET/PST) |
SSC MTS age limit
- 18–25 years for most MTS posts (for example, CBN under the Department of Revenue).
- 18–27 years for Havaldar and for certain MTS posts (for example, in CBIC under the Department of Revenue).
Age is counted on the date fixed in the notification. Relaxation raises only the upper limit; the minimum of 18 years applies to everyone.
SSC MTS age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation beyond the upper age limit |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deducting military service from actual age |
| Defence personnel disabled in hostilities and released as a result | 3 years (SC/ST: 8 years) |
| Central Government civilian employees with 3+ years' regular service | Up to 40 years (SC/ST: up to 45 years) |
| Widows, divorced women and judicially separated women not remarried | Up to 35 years (SC/ST: up to 40 years) |
Educational qualification
- Matriculation or an equivalent exam from a recognised board.
- No minimum percentage is required, and no higher degree is needed.
- The qualification must be completed within the deadline given in the notification.
Nationality
A candidate must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India.
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 to settle permanently.
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia or Vietnam to settle permanently in India.
Physical standards for Havaldar
Physical Standard Test (PST)
| Category | Height | Chest |
|---|---|---|
| Male – General / OBC / SC | 157.5 cm | 81 cm, expandable to 86 cm |
| Male – ST | 152.5 cm | 76 cm, expandable to 81 cm |
| Female – General / OBC / SC | 152 cm | Not applicable |
| Female – ST | 147.5 cm | Not applicable |
Female candidates must also weigh at least 48 kg.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
| Activity | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | 1,600 metres in 15 minutes | 1 km in 20 minutes |
| Cycling | 8 km in 30 minutes | 3 km in 25 minutes |
Candidates with disabilities
A benchmark disability of at least 40% is needed, backed by a certificate. Categories listed include one leg affected (OL), one arm affected (OA), one arm and one leg (OAL), both legs (BL), blind (B), low vision (LV), hearing impaired (H) and communication impairment (C). The notification lists which posts are suitable for each category.
Ex-Servicemen
Former members of the Army, Navy or Air Force qualify for ESM benefits if they retired, were discharged, or were released on medical grounds or due to staff reduction, with or without pension. Territorial Army pensioners, certain Army Postal Service personnel and gallantry award winners are also covered.
Points to remember
- The date of birth in your form must match your Class 10 certificate; SSC will not change it later.
- SC, ST and OBC candidates need a certificate from the competent authority.
- PwBD candidates need a disability certificate from an authorised medical authority.
Next, read the SSC MTS application form steps and the SSC MTS syllabus.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for SSC MTS?
The age limit is 18–25 years for most MTS posts and 18–27 years for Havaldar and certain MTS posts. Reserved categories get relaxation on the upper limit.
What qualification is needed for SSC MTS?
You need to have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or an equivalent exam from a recognised board. No minimum percentage is required.
Can citizens of Nepal or Bhutan apply for SSC MTS?
Yes. Subjects of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who arrived before 1 January 1962 and certain persons of Indian origin are eligible, subject to the conditions in the notification.
Is there a physical test in SSC MTS?
Only for Havaldar. Havaldar candidates must pass the PET (walking or cycling) and the PST (height, chest and, for women, weight). MTS-only candidates have no physical test.
Do I need certificates to claim age relaxation?
Yes. You must produce a valid category, disability or service certificate to claim any age relaxation.
Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.