Multi Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff and Havaldar Examination

Recruitment of Multi Tasking Staff across central government departments, and of Havaldar in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the Central Bureau of Narcotics. The two sessions are marked differently and only the second counts toward merit.

90 questions · 90 minutes · 270 marks · section-wise negative marking

SSC MTS and Havaldar Exam Pattern

Eligibility

Matriculation or class 10 pass.

18 to 25 years for Multi Tasking Staff, and 18 to 27 years for Havaldar and a few Multi Tasking Staff posts. Vacancies exist in both age groups, so separate cut-offs are fixed for each.

Selection Process

1. Session-I — Numerical and Mathematical Ability and Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving, 40 questions for 120 marks in 45 minutes, with no negative marking. Evaluated first: Session-II is marked only if this is cleared, and its score does not enter merit.
2. Session-II — General Awareness and English Language and Comprehension, 50 questions for 150 marks in 45 minutes, with one full mark deducted per wrong answer. Merit rests on this session alone.
3. Physical tests for Havaldar — Candidates are shortlisted at seven times the vacancies on Session-II performance. Failing removes you from Havaldar but your candidature remains valid for Multi Tasking Staff.
4. Document verification — Allocation follows the normalised Session-II score, post and state preferences and age group.

SSC MTS and Havaldar Syllabus

Numerical and Mathematical Ability

• Integers and whole numbers
• LCM and HCF
• Decimals and fractions
• Relationship between numbers
• Fundamental arithmetic operations and BODMAS
• Percentage
• Ratio and proportions
• Work and time
• Direct and inverse proportions
• Averages
• Simple interest
• Profit and loss
• Discount
• Area and perimeter of basic geometric figures
• Distance and time
• Lines and angles
• Interpretation of simple graphs and data
• Square and square roots

Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving

• Alpha-numeric series
• Coding and decoding
• Analogy
• Following directions
• Similarities and differences
• Jumbling
• Problem solving and analysis
• Non-verbal reasoning based on diagrams
• Age calculations
• Calendar and clock

General Awareness

• Social studies: history
• Social studies: geography
• Social studies: art and culture
• Social studies: civics
• Social studies: economics
• General science up to class 10
• Environmental studies up to class 10

English Language and Comprehension

• Basics of the English language
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Sentence structure
• Synonyms and antonyms and correct usage
• A simple paragraph with comprehension questions

Qualifying Marks

Minimum qualifying marks apply to both sessions independently: 30 per cent for unreserved, 25 per cent for OBC and EWS, and 20 per cent for all other categories.

Exam Calendar

From recent cycles: the 2024 cycle ran its examination from September to November with the final result in March 2025, while the 2025 cycle moved markedly later, sitting in February 2026.

SSC MTS and Havaldar FAQs

Is there negative marking?

This is the most important thing to know about this exam: Session-I carries no negative marking at all, while Session-II deducts one full mark per wrong answer. Guessing freely in Session-I costs nothing; guessing in Session-II is expensive.

Does Session-I count toward merit?

No. Session-I is a qualifying gate that must be cleared, and Session-II is evaluated only if it is. The merit list is prepared solely on Session-II performance.

Must I attempt both sessions?

Yes. Both are mandatory and missing one means disqualification.

Is the maths the same as CGL?

No, and this matters for preparation. The official syllabus has no algebra, no trigonometry, no mensuration of solids and no statistics, and covers simple interest only rather than compound. Geometry appears solely as lines and angles and the area and perimeter of basic figures.

Is there a single national cut-off?

No. Cut-offs are published per state or union territory and per age group, expressed as the last selected candidate's Session-II marks out of 150, so there is no single figure to compare against.

What happens if I fail the Havaldar physical test?

You are removed from consideration for Havaldar but your candidature remains valid for Multi Tasking Staff on your examination merit.

How are ties broken?

First by the General Awareness marks within Session-II, then by further methods in a stated order.

Which languages is the paper available in?

English, Hindi and 13 regional languages for Session-I and for the General Awareness section of Session-II.

What are the two age groups?

18 to 25 and 18 to 27, with separate cut-offs. A candidate eligible for both is considered first in the 18 to 25 group.

Is there an interview?

No.