SSC MTS Exam pattern 2026
Stages, sections, marks, duration and negative marking.
Updated 22 October 2026
SSC MTS exam pattern 2026
The SSC MTS exam pattern has one Computer Based Examination (Paper 1) with two compulsory sessions on the same day. That makes 90 objective questions for 270 marks in 90 minutes. Session I has no negative marking, while Session II deducts 1 mark for each wrong answer.
Session I: Numerical Ability and Reasoning
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical and Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 | 45 minutes (combined) | No |
| Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving | 20 | 60 | No | |
| Total | 40 | 120 | 45 minutes |
Session II: General Awareness and English
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 45 minutes (combined) | 1 mark |
| English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 75 | 1 mark | |
| Total | 50 | 150 | 45 minutes |
Marking scheme
| Session | Correct answer | Wrong answer | Not attempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session I | +3 | 0 | 0 |
| Session II | +3 | −1 | 0 |
Key rules of the SSC MTS paper
- Both sessions are mandatory. Skipping either one leads to disqualification.
- There is a break between the two 45-minute sessions.
- All questions are objective multiple choice; there is no descriptive paper.
- The paper is available in Hindi, English and 13 regional languages.
- The merit list is prepared from Paper 1 marks. Ties go to the older candidate.
Minimum qualifying marks
| Category | Minimum qualifying marks |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| SC / ST / other categories | 20% |
Physical tests for Havaldar
Havaldar candidates who clear the CBT go on to the PET and PST, which are qualifying.
| PET activity | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | 1,600 m in 15 minutes | 1 km in 20 minutes |
| Cycling | 8 km in 30 minutes | 3 km in 25 minutes |
Height, chest and weight standards are on the SSC MTS eligibility page.
How to attempt each session
- Session I: attempt every question. A wrong answer costs nothing, so even a reasoned guess is worth making.
- Session II: attempt only questions you are reasonably sure of, because each wrong answer costs 1 mark.
Topic lists are in the SSC MTS syllabus, and the SSC MTS answer key page shows how to calculate your score.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are there in SSC MTS?
There are 90 questions in total: 40 in Session I and 50 in Session II, carrying 270 marks.
Is there negative marking in SSC MTS?
Session I has no negative marking. Session II takes away 1 mark for each incorrect response.
What is the duration of the SSC MTS exam?
Each session lasts 45 minutes, so the exam takes 90 minutes in total. The two sittings take place on one day, separated by a short break.
Can I attempt only one session of SSC MTS?
No. Both sessions are compulsory, and a candidate who misses either one is disqualified.
Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.