As per the latest SSC Calendar 2026, the SSC MTS Exam 2026 Tier 1 is expected to be scheduled from Sep to Nov 2026. To prepare effectively for the exam, it is essential for candidates to clearly understand the SSC MTS Exam Pattern. With the exam pattern revised in the previous cycle and the CBT scheduled on 4 February, it becomes important for the applications to be familiar with the updated pattern. This blog covers the complete SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026 along with the detailed selection process, revised CBT structure, and PET/PST requirements for the Havaldar post.
What is SSC MTS 2026 Exam Pattern (revised)?
The SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026 will consists of a CBT with two sessions on Reasoning, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, and English, followed by PET/PST for Havaldar posts. Final selection is based on the written exam, physical tests (for Havaldar), and document verification. The exam pattern was revised in the last cycle and is likely to remain the same this year, as will be confirmed in the notification.
| Stage | Description |
|---|
| Written Examination | A computer-based test (CBT) assesses
1. Numerical and Mathematical Ability
2. Reasoning Ability and Problem-Solving
3. General awareness. 4. English Language and Comprehension |
| Result of Written Exam | Declaration of results and shortlisting of candidates for the next stage. |
| Physical Test For Havaldar Post | Physical efficiency test (PET) and physical standard test (PST) for Havaldar posts. |
| Document Verification | Verification of educational and other necessary documents of shortlisted candidates. |
| Final Selection | Preparation of the final merit list based on performance in the written exam and physical test (if applicable). |
What is SSC MTS CBT Exam Pattern 2026?
The Exam Pattern of SSC MTS Exam CBT stage will consist of 90 questions carrying a total of 270 marks, divided into two sessions: Session-1 includes 20 questions each from Numerical and Mathematical Ability and Reasoning Ability and Problem-Solving (60 marks each), while Session-2 includes 25 questions each from General Awareness and English Language and Comprehension (75 marks each). We have mentioned below the latest exam pattern for the candidates.
| Subject | Number of Questions/ Maximum Marks |
|---|
| Session-1: Numerical and Mathematical Ability | 20 / 60 |
| Session-1: Reasoning Ability and Problem-Solving | 20 / 60 |
| Total | 40 / 120 |
| Session 2: General Awareness | 25 / 75 |
| Session 2: English Language and Comprehension | 25 / 75 |
| Total | 90 / 270 |
- Computer-Based Examination: Two mandatory sessions conducted on the same day.
- Session I: Lasts 45 minutes. No negative marking.
- Session 2 Eligibility: Only candidates who pass Session 1 will have their Session 2 answers checked.
- Transition: Session II begins right after Session I ends.
- Session II: Lasts 45 minutes. 1 will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
What are SSC MTS Minimum Qualifying Marks?
The minimum qualifying marks for the SSC MTS 2026 CBT exam are 30% for General (UR), 25% for OBC/EWS, and 20% for all other categories. The minimum qualifying marks for both sessions are as follows:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|
| UR (General) | 30% |
| OBC/ EWS | 25% |
| All Other Categories | 20% |
Additionally, for the post of Havaldar, the recruitment process includes the Computer Based Examination (CBE) along with a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) or Physical Standard Test (PST), This structured approach ensures a fair assessment of candidates across different stages of the recruitment process.
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What is the SSC MTS Havaldar Physical Test Pattern?
The SSC MTS Havaldar Physical Test Pattern includes a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), where male candidates must walk 1600 meters in 15 minutes and female candidates must walk 1 kilometer in 20 minutes, and a Physical Standard Test (PST), which requires male candidates to have a minimum height of 157.5 cm (with relaxations) and chest measurement of 81 cm (with 5 cm expansion), while female candidates must have a minimum height of 152 cm and weight of 48 kg, both with specified relaxations for certain categories.
1. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) measures candidates' physical endurance through a walking test.
| Candidate Type | Walking Distance | Time Limit |
|---|
| Male Candidates | 1600 meters | 15 minutes |
| Female Candidates | 1 kilometer | 20 minutes |
2. Physical Standard Test (PST)
The Physical Standard Test (PST) examines candidates' physical attributes to meet the requirements for the Havaldar position in CBIC/CBN.
For Male Candidates:
| Particulars | Minimum Requirements | Relaxation |
|---|
| Height | 157.5 cm | 5 cm relaxation for Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas, and Scheduled Tribes |
| Chest | 81 cm (fully expanded) | 5 cm expansion required |
For Female Candidates:
| Particulars | Minimum Requirements | Relaxation |
|---|
| Height | 152 cm | 2.5 cm relaxation for Garhwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas, and Scheduled Tribes |
| Weight | 48 kg | 2 kg relaxation for certain regions |
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What are the special provisions for pregnant female candidates in SSC MTS Physical Test?
For female candidates, special rules apply if they are pregnant during the SSC MTS Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
- Pregnant candidates (12 weeks or more) will be marked as temporarily unfit.
- Their application will be on hold, and the vacancy will remain unfilled until after delivery.
- They can reappear for the PET six weeks after delivery, with medical clearance.
SSC MTS Havaldar PET PST Exemptions for PwBD Candidates
Candidates with benchmark disabilities who qualify as Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) may be exempted from some PET/PST conditions. The permissible exemptions include:
| Disability Type | Exemption Details |
|---|
| OL (One Leg Affected) | Exempt from the walking test. |
| OAL (One Arm and One Leg Affected) | Exempt from the walking test. |
| LC (Leprosy Cured) | Exempt from the walking test. |
| AAV (Acid Attack Victim) | May be exempt from walking if an orthopedic condition is present. |
| Requirement for Exemption | Candidates seeking exemptions must present a medical certificate from a Government Medical Officer or Medical Board to confirm their physical condition. |
Important points for SSC MTS PET/PST
Candidates preparing for the SSC MTS Physical Test should be aware of the following important guidelines regarding documentation and health:
- Documentation: Candidates who need exemptions or relaxations in height, weight, or other standards must provide valid supporting documents.
- Health and Fitness: Candidates should stay fit and consult a doctor if they have any health issues before appearing for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
What are the key takeaways?
The important points of the article are as follows:
- As per the SSC Calendar 2026, the SSC MTS Tier 1 CBT is expected from September to November 2026.
- The exam pattern revised in the previous cycle is likely to continue in 2026, subject to official notification.
- The SSC MTS CBT consists of two mandatory sessions conducted on the same day.
- The CBT includes 90 questions for a total of 270 marks.
- Session 1 covers Numerical & Mathematical Ability and Reasoning Ability with no negative marking.
- Session 2 includes General Awareness and English Language, with negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer.
- Session 2 answers are evaluated only if Session 1 is qualified.
- The exam is common for both MTS and Havaldar posts.
- Minimum qualifying marks are 30% (UR), 25% (OBC/EWS), and 20% (others).
- PET/PST is mandatory only for Havaldar posts under CBIC/CBN.
- For PET, male candidates walk 1600 m in 15 minutes and female candidates walk 1 km in 20 minutes.
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