SSC MTS Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Topics and Prep Plan
The SSC MTS syllabus looks short on paper but is tricky in practice. It covers four subjects at Class 10 level: Numerical and Mathematical Ability, Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving, General Awareness, and English Language and Comprehension. What most aspirants miss is that these subjects do not carry equal weight in selection. Two of them only need to be cleared, while the other two decide your rank.
This guide explains the complete SSC MTS syllabus 2026 subject by subject, shows which topics appear most often in previous papers, and turns the syllabus into an 8-week study plan. It applies to both Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and Havaldar (CBIC and CBN) candidates, since both posts share the same Computer Based Examination (CBE).
SSC MTS Syllabus 2026
Particular | Details |
|---|---|
Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Posts | Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff and Havaldar (CBIC and CBN) |
Subjects | Numerical and Mathematical Ability, Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving, General Awareness, English Language and Comprehension |
Syllabus level | Matriculation (Class 10) standard |
Exam stage covered | Computer Based Examination: Session I and Session II |
Extra stage for Havaldar | PET and PST (physical tests with no written syllabus) |
Official source | Notification PDF on ssc.gov.in |
SSC MTS 2026 Notification
The SSC examination calendar for 2026-27 listed 30 June 2026 as the release date for the SSC MTS notification. That date has passed, and at the time of writing (late September 2026) the notification is still awaited.
This affects dates more than the syllabus. The SSC MTS syllabus has stayed stable across recent cycles, so you can start preparing with the topics below right away. If the 2026 notification changes any topic, this page will be updated.
How the Syllabus Maps to the Exam
Before studying individual topics, understand how the syllabus is split across the two sessions of the CBE. This one table should shape how you divide your study time.
Session | Subject | Questions | Marks | Role in selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Session I (45 min) | Numerical and Mathematical Ability | 20 | 60 | Qualifying |
Session I (45 min) | Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving | 20 | 60 | Qualifying |
Session II (45 min) | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | Decides merit |
Session II (45 min) | English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 75 | Decides merit |
As per the 2025 notification, Session I is evaluated first. Session II is evaluated only for candidates who qualify Session I, and the final merit list is based on Session II scores alone. Put simply, Maths and Reasoning get you through the door, while General Awareness and English decide whether you are selected.
For the full marking scheme and negative marking rules, read our detailed guide on the SSC MTS exam pattern.
SSC MTS Syllabus for Numerical and Mathematical Ability
This section tests basic arithmetic. Most questions can be solved with Class 8 to Class 10 methods, so speed and accuracy matter more than advanced concepts.
Topic group | Topics in the official syllabus | Typical question style |
|---|---|---|
Number basics | Integers and whole numbers, decimals and fractions, relationship between numbers | Compare fractions, find the largest number |
Operations | Fundamental arithmetic operations, BODMAS, squares and square roots | Simplification, approximation |
Factors | LCM and HCF | Bells ringing together, largest common divisor |
Commercial maths | Percentages, profit and loss, discount, simple interest | Successive discounts, marked price problems |
Ratio-based | Ratio and proportion, direct and inverse proportions, averages | Sharing money in a ratio, average marks |
Time-based | Work and time, distance and time | Two workers finishing a job, speed of a train |
Geometry and mensuration | Area and perimeter of basic geometric figures, lines and angles | Area of a rectangle, circle or triangle |
Data | Interpretation of simple graphs and data | Bar graph or table-based questions |
What to prioritise in Maths
Previous SSC MTS papers consistently give the largest share of Maths questions to commercial maths, especially profit, loss and discount. Mensuration, time and work, speed and distance, and simple data interpretation usually follow. Number system and LCM-HCF questions do appear, but in smaller numbers.
A practical tip: memorise squares up to 30, cubes up to 15, and common fraction-to-percentage conversions (1/8 = 12.5 percent, 1/6 = 16.67 percent, and so on). These alone can save several minutes in Session I.
SSC MTS Syllabus for Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving
Reasoning in SSC MTS is mostly about recognising patterns. The official syllabus is brief, but the questions fall into clear and repeatable types.
Topic group | Topics | What is tested |
|---|---|---|
Series | Alpha-numeric series, number series, missing numbers | Spotting the rule behind a sequence |
Relationships | Analogy, similarities and differences, classification (odd one out) | Applying the same relationship to a new pair |
Coding | Coding and decoding | Letter shifts, number substitution |
Directions | Following directions | Final position and distance |
Arrangement | Jumbling, word formation | Rearranging letters into a meaningful word |
Logic | Problem solving and analysis, age calculations, blood relations | Short deductions |
Time | Calendar and clock | Day of a given date, angle between clock hands |
Non-verbal | Non-verbal reasoning based on diagrams | Mirror images, paper folding, counting figures |
What to prioritise in Reasoning
Series, analogy, classification and figure-based (non-verbal) questions make up the bulk of this section in most shifts. Beginners often skip non-verbal questions, which is a mistake. They are quick to solve once you have practised 50 to 100 of them.
SSC MTS Syllabus for General Awareness
General Awareness is one of the two merit-deciding subjects, and it is also the widest. The official syllabus asks for awareness of the environment and its application to society, knowledge of current events, the scientific side of everyday observation, and matters relating to India and its neighbouring countries, especially sports, history, culture, geography, the economic scene, general policy and scientific research.
Area | What to cover | Preparation tip |
|---|---|---|
General Science | Everyday physics, basic chemistry, human body, diseases, nutrition | Class 6 to 10 NCERT Science is the best base |
History and Culture | Ancient, medieval and modern India, freedom struggle, dances, festivals | Focus on facts rather than deep analysis |
Geography | Physical geography, Indian rivers, soils, national parks, neighbouring countries | Revise with a map in front of you |
Polity | Basics of the Constitution, Fundamental Rights, key articles, government bodies | Learn important articles and amendments |
Economy | Basic concepts, budget terms, government schemes | Link each term to a recent scheme or event |
Current Affairs | Appointments, awards, sports events, summits, schemes | Cover the last 6 to 12 months |
Static GK | Firsts in India, books and authors, important days, headquarters | Revise in short daily sessions |
What to prioritise in General Awareness
In previous papers, General Science usually contributes the largest share of GA questions, followed by current affairs and static GK. History, polity and geography contribute a few questions each. Because Session II carries negative marking, accuracy here is worth more than attempting every question.
SSC MTS Syllabus for English Language and Comprehension
The English section tests a basic, working command of the language. The official syllabus lists vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms and antonyms and their correct usage, and comprehension.
Topic group | Topics | What is tested |
|---|---|---|
Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution, idioms and phrases | Meaning and usage of words |
Spelling | Spotting misspelt words | Commonly confused spellings |
Grammar | Error spotting, sentence improvement, fill in the blanks | Tenses, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement |
Sentence structure | Active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech, sentence rearrangement | Correct construction |
Comprehension | Reading comprehension passage, cloze test | Understanding a short passage |
What to prioritise in English
Passage-based questions (reading comprehension and cloze test) and grammar-based error spotting together form a large part of this section. Vocabulary questions are fewer per topic but add up quickly. Reading one short editorial or news article every day improves both speed and comprehension.
Is the SSC MTS Syllabus the Same for MTS and Havaldar?
Yes. The written syllabus is identical for both posts because MTS and Havaldar candidates take the same CBE. The only difference is that Havaldar candidates must also clear the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST), which have no written syllabus.
Test | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
PET (walking) | 1,600 metres in 15 minutes | 1 kilometre in 20 minutes |
PST: height | 157.5 cm | 152 cm |
PST: chest or weight | Chest 76 cm unexpanded, with a minimum 5 cm expansion | Weight 48 kg |
Topic Priority Map: Where to Spend Your Time
This priority map combines two factors: how often a topic appears in previous papers, and whether its section is qualifying or merit-deciding. Use it to plan your revision.
Priority | Topics | Reason |
|---|---|---|
Highest | GA: General Science, current affairs. English: comprehension, cloze test, error spotting | Merit-deciding session and frequently asked |
High | GA: static GK, history, polity. English: vocabulary, fill in the blanks | Merit-deciding session with steady presence |
Medium | Maths: profit-loss-discount, mensuration, time-work, speed-distance. Reasoning: series, analogy, classification, non-verbal | Needed to clear Session I comfortably |
Lower | Maths: LCM-HCF, number system. Reasoning: directions, blood relations | Fewer questions per shift |
Do not read "qualifying" as "optional". If you do not clear Session I, your Session II answers are not even evaluated. Aim for a safe margin in Session I, then put your best effort into Session II.
8-Week Plan to Finish the SSC MTS Syllabus
The plan below assumes 3 to 4 hours of study a day. Stretch it to 12 weeks if you are starting from scratch.
Week | Maths and Reasoning (Session I) | GA and English (Session II) | Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Number basics, BODMAS, simplification; series, analogy | Science basics; grammar rules (tenses, articles) | Topic-wise quizzes |
2 | Percentage, profit and loss, discount; classification, coding | History; error spotting | Topic-wise quizzes |
3 | Ratio, averages, simple interest; directions, blood relations | Geography; synonyms and antonyms | One sectional test |
4 | Time and work, speed and distance; non-verbal reasoning | Polity and economy; one-word substitution, idioms | Sectional tests |
5 | Mensuration, data interpretation; calendar and clock | Current affairs (last 6 months); comprehension | First full mock test |
6 | Revise weak Maths topics; mixed reasoning | Static GK; cloze test, sentence improvement | Two full mocks |
7 | Speed drills in both subjects | Current affairs update; vocabulary revision | Three full mocks with analysis |
8 | Light formula revision | Final GA and English revision | Previous year papers under timed conditions |
Useful Study Resources
Stick to a small set of resources and revise them repeatedly instead of collecting too many books.
Official notification: The syllabus section of the SSC notice on ssc.gov.in is the final authority on topics.
NCERT books (Class 6 to 10): The best base for General Science, history, geography and civics.
Previous year papers: They show how SSC frames questions and which topics repeat.
Monthly current affairs notes: Cover at least the last 6 to 12 months before your exam.
Mock tests: Full-length tests teach you to manage two separate 45-minute sessions.
The SSC MTS syllabus 2026 is manageable because it stays at Class 10 level, but smart candidates prepare it with the selection rules in mind: clear Session I safely, then compete hard in General Awareness and English. Use the priority map, follow the 8-week plan, and keep checking ssc.gov.in for the 2026 notification. When you are ready to test yourself, start with Testkart's SSC MTS mock tests and track how your Session II score improves week by week.
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