SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026: Marks, Questions, Time & Negative Marking

SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) examination is conducted through a Computer-Based Examination (CBE). Candidates preparing for SSC MTS 2026 should have a clear understanding of the number of questions, marks, duration, sessions and negative marking before starting their preparation. As per the latest SSC pattern, the CBE is divided into Session-I and Session-II, with a total of 90 questions carrying 270 marks.Before starting preparation, candidates can refer to the SSC MTS Notification 2026 for complete recruitment details and important instructions.

The SSC MTS Computer-Based Examination consists of four subject areas divided between two sessions. Session-I includes Numerical and Mathematical Ability and Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving, while Session-II covers General Awareness and English Language and Comprehension.

Candidates should also check the SSC MTS Syllabus 2026 to understand the topics covered in each section.

SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

Candidates eligible for a scribe are generally provided 60 minutes for each session instead of 45 minutes, subject to the applicable SSC rules.

The SSC MTS CBE is conducted in Session-I and Session-II on the same day, and both sessions are mandatory. Session-I automatically closes after 45 minutes, after which Session-II begins..

SSC MTS Subject-Wise Exam Pattern

Session-I consists of two sections: Numerical and Mathematical Ability and Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving. Each section contains 20 questions and carries 60 marks, making the total for Session-I 40 questions and 120 marks.

There is no negative marking in Session-I. Therefore, candidates can attempt questions without losing marks for incorrect answers. However, they should still manage the 45-minute time limit carefully.

1.Numerical and Mathematical Ability

The Numerical and Mathematical Ability section of the SSC MTS examination consists of 20 questions carrying a maximum of 60 marks. Each question carries 3 marks, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in this section. Candidates have to attempt this section within the overall 45-minute duration allotted for Session-I, which also includes the Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving section.

Syllabus

• Number System

• HCF & LCM

• Percentage

• Average

• Time & Work

• Profit & Loss

• Ratio & Proportion

• Mixture & Allegation

• Time, Speed & Distance

• Simple Interest (SI) & Compound Interest (CI)

• Geometry

• Mensuration

• Trigonometry

• Data Interpretation (DI)

• Algebra

2.Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving

The Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving section consists of 20 questions carrying a maximum of 60 marks. Each question carries 3 marks, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in this section. Candidates must complete this section within the overall 45-minute duration allotted for Session-I, which also includes the Numerical and Mathematical Ability section.

Syllabus

• Number & Alphabetical Series

• Coding-Decoding

• Analogy

• Odd one Out

• Syllogism

• Directions Sense

• Ranking

• Non-verbal: Paper Folding & Cutting

• Mirror Image

• Embedded or Completing the Image

• Counting Figure

• Blood relations

• Matrix

• Mathematical Calculations

• Word order according to the dictionary

SSC MTS Session-II Exam Pattern

Session-II contains General Awareness and English Language and Comprehension. Each subject carries 25 questions and 75 marks. Therefore, Session-II consists of 50 questions for 150 marks and has a duration of 45 minutes.

Unlike Session-I, Session-II has negative marking. One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.

1.General Awareness

The General Awareness section consists of 25 questions carrying a maximum of 75 marks. Each question carries 3 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. Candidates must attempt this section within the overall 45-minute duration allotted for Session-II, which also includes the English Language and Comprehension section.

Syllabus

• Indian Constitution

• Award-Winning Books

• Indian History & Culture

• Awards and Honours

• Indian Economy & Polity

• Current Affairs

• Science: Inventions & Discoveries

• Important Financial Awareness Topics

2.English Language and Comprehension

The English Language and Comprehension section consists of 25 questions carrying a maximum of 75 marks. Each question carries 3 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. Candidates must complete this section within the overall 45-minute duration allotted for Session-II, which also includes the General Awareness section.

Syllabus

• Spot the Error

• Fill in the Blanks

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Spelling / Detecting Misspelt Words

• Idioms & Phrases

• One Word Substitution

• Sentence Improvement

• Reading Comprehension Passage

SSC MTS Negative Marking

Negative marking is an important aspect of the SSC MTS examination pattern that candidates should keep in mind while attempting the questions. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in Session-I, allowing candidates to attempt questions without losing marks. However, Session-II follows a negative marking scheme, under which 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. Therefore, candidates should focus on accuracy and avoid making random guesses, especially in Session-II.

SSC MTS Exam Duration

The examination is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session-I is 45 minutes, followed immediately by Session-II for another 45 minutes. Both sessions are mandatory. Once the prescribed time for a session ends, that session is automatically closed.

How to Prepare According to the SSC MTS Exam Pattern

Candidates should prepare all four sections rather than concentrating only on the areas they find easier. Since Session-I does not have negative marking, candidates can attempt questions strategically within the available time. For Session-II, accuracy becomes particularly important because incorrect answers result in a one-mark deduction.

Regular practice through mock tests can help candidates improve calculation speed, reasoning ability, English accuracy and general awareness. Candidates should also practise completing each session within the prescribed time so that they become familiar with the actual examination environment.

Practising SSC MTS Previous Year Question Papers can help candidates understand the question pattern and difficulty level.

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Conclusion

Understanding the SSC MTS Exam Pattern 2026 is an important first step in planning preparation. The Computer-Based Examination consists of 90 questions carrying 270 marks, divided between two 45-minute sessions. While Session-I has no negative marking, candidates need to be more careful in Session-II because 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. Knowing this marking scheme and practising accordingly can help candidates develop an effective exam strategy.