SSC MTS & Havaldar Exam 2026: Apply Online for Massive Central Govt Vacancies

Are you a Class 10 graduate aspiring to secure a stable, respected, and highly beneficial career under the Government of India? The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is all set to release the official recruitment notification for the Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff, and Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) Examination 2026. This national-level competitive exam is one of the most popular recruitment drives in the country, attracting millions of candidates looking to build a foundation in central governance.

This year's recruitment cycle is scheduled to officially kick off with the notification release on June 30, 2026, allowing prospective candidates to register online until July 31, 2026. Since these positions are Group "C" Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial roles, they serve as an outstanding entry-level platform with ample scope for department-level promotions, competitive salaries, and complete social security benefits.

Whether you seek a support administration role as an MTS in prestigious ministries or wish to wear the uniform as a Havaldar under the indirect taxes and narcotics departments, this exam provides a direct path. If you meet the simple educational criteria of being a 10th-grade pass, you are highly encouraged to start your preparation early and apply as soon as the registration link becomes active.

About the Recruiter

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is an attached office of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India. Headquartered in New Delhi, the Commission is legally mandated to recruit staff for Group "B" (non-gazetted) and Group "C" (non-technical & technical) posts across all ministries, constitutional offices, statutory bodies, and tribunals. The SSC has multiple regional and sub-regional offices across India to ensure the seamless, fair, and merit-based administration of computer-based exams.

Posts and Breakdown: Qualification, Age, & Salary Overview

To help you understand the core eligibility requirements, age criteria, and salary details, we have compiled a detailed breakdown below:

• Total Vacancies: TBA (To Be Announced). The precise numbers will be declared alongside the official notification on June 30, 2026. Historically, this recruitment offers thousands of vacant posts annually across the country.

• Roles Available:

  • Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS): General non-technical support and administrative roles across multiple central government ministries and organizations.

  • Havaldar: Uniformed cadre under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN).

• Educational Qualifications:

  • Candidates must have passed the Matriculation (10th Standard) Examination or its equivalent from a recognized board or university on or before the specified cut-off date. No minimum passing percentage or specific subjects are required.

• Age Limit: The age limit varies slightly based on the post and department:

  • MTS (Age Group 1): Candidates must be between 18 and 25 years of age.

  • Havaldar & Specific MTS Posts (Age Group 2): Candidates must be between 18 and 27 years of age.

  • Age Relaxation: Standard relaxations are applicable to reserved categories as per central government norms:

    • SC / ST: 5 Years

    • OBC: 3 Years

    • PwBD (Unreserved): 10 Years

    • Ex-Servicemen (ESM): 3 Years (after deduction of military service)

• Salary Structure: These positions are designated under the 7th Pay Commission (7PC) Level-1.

  • Pay Scale: Pay Level 1 of the Pay Matrix (₹18,000 – ₹56,900).

  • In-Hand Salary: The final in-hand monthly salary generally ranges between ₹26,000 and ₹32,000, which includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA) depending on the candidate's posting city classification (Class X, Y, or Z).

Detailed Overview of the Job Profile

Understanding the actual duties of these posts is critical to choosing your preferences:

• Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS): Selected personnel handle essential non-clerical, daily office management tasks. This includes photocopier operations, carrying files and documents within building wings, general administrative assistance, managing watch and ward duties, handling diary/dispatch procedures, maintaining files, keeping office spaces tidy, and operating official vehicles (if the candidate holds a valid driving license).

• Havaldar (CBIC & CBN): This is a disciplined, uniformed service. Selected candidates act as security and support staff in offices or field locations. Key duties include guarding high-security complexes, patrolling designated land and maritime borders, assisting enforcement officers during anti-smuggling raids or narcotics operations, and managing physical security registries.

Important Dates

Ensure you plan your study schedule and application steps according to the official timeline:

How to Apply

Candidates must complete their application process online on the official website. The step-by-step procedure is outlined below:

1. Register with OTR (One-Time Registration): Visit the official website at ssc.gov.in. If you are a new applicant, click on the "Register Now" link, enter your basic credentials (Aadhaar number, personal details, contact number), and generate a unique Registration Number and Password.

2. Log In: Log into the candidate portal using your registration number and password.

3. Initiate Application: Locate the "Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff, and Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) Examination, 2026" section under the active recruitments tab and click on "Apply".

4. Fill Preference & Details: Select your preferred exam cities (up to 3), choose your medium of examination (available in 13 regional languages apart from Hindi and English), and provide your state/post preferences (MTS/Havaldar).

5. Upload Photograph and Signature: Upload a clear, live-captured photograph (or uploaded file per the latest guidelines) along with your scanned signature in the specified file formats.

6. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the fee of ₹100 via UPI, Net Banking, or Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay).

   • Note: Women candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen candidates are entirely exempted from the fee.

7. Submit and Print: Thoroughly review the draft copy of your form. Click "Submit" and save a digital copy of the application form for verification purposes.

Selection Process

The selection process is direct and computerized, designed to test logical, mathematical, general awareness, and language skills:

1. Computer-Based Examination (CBE): An online test divided into two mandatory sessions held on the same day:

   • Session-I (Qualifying - No Negative Marking):

     • Numerical & Mathematical Ability (20 Questions, 60 Marks)

     • Reasoning Ability & Problem Solving (20 Questions, 60 Marks)

   • Session-II (Merit-Determining - Negative Marking Applicable):

     • General Awareness (25 Questions, 75 Marks)

     • English Language & Comprehension (25 Questions, 75 Marks)

2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST) (For Havaldar Only):

   • PET: Walking standard of 1600 meters in 15 minutes for males, and 1 kilometer in 20 minutes for females.

   • PST:

     • Height: Male: 157.5 cm (relaxation of 5 cm for specific tribes/Gorkhas); Female: 152 cm.

     • Chest (Male): 81 cm (minimum expansion of 5 cm).

     • Weight (Female): Minimum 48 kg.

3. Document Verification & Post Allocation: Shortlisted candidates will undergo certificate verification directly in their allocated user departments based on their performance in Session-II of the computer exam.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the official notification for SSC MTS & Havaldar 2026 be released? The official notification is scheduled to be published on the newly launched portal (ssc.gov.in) on June 30, 2026. The online registration window will be opened on the same day.

2. What is the absolute last date to apply for this exam? The final date to submit the online application form is July 31, 2026, until 11:00 PM. Candidates are strongly advised to apply early to prevent potential technical glitches due to heavy traffic on the server.

3. What is the minimum educational qualification to apply for the MTS post? An applicant must have passed the Matriculation (Class 10) Examination or an equivalent qualifying test from a recognized Board/University of India by the specified closing date of the application.

4. How is the age limit classified for MTS and Havaldar posts? There are two age brackets: 18 to 25 years (typically for most MTS posts) and 18 to 27 years (for Havaldar posts in CBIC and CBN, as well as a few specific MTS posts). Age relaxation applies for reserved categories.

5. What is the online application fee, and who is exempted? The standard application fee is ₹100. All female candidates, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-Servicemen (ESM) are fully exempted from paying any application fee.

6. Is there any negative marking in the SSC MTS exam pattern? Yes, but only in Session-II (General Awareness and English). In Session-II, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect response. There is no negative marking in Session-I (Maths and Reasoning), which is qualifying in nature.

7. Can a candidate apply for both MTS and Havaldar in the same application form? Yes. You do not need to fill out separate forms. Candidates can give their post-wise and state-wise preferences for both MTS and Havaldar posts within the single online application form.

8. What is the physical test standard required for the Havaldar post? For physical efficiency, male candidates must complete a 1600m walk within 15 minutes, and female candidates must walk 1km in 20 minutes. Candidates must also meet the physical standard limits regarding height, chest expansion (for males), and minimum weight (for females).

9. When will the SSC MTS & Havaldar 2026 written exam be held? The Computer-Based Examination is tentatively scheduled to take place in multiple shifts between September and November 2026.

10. Is there an interview round or a descriptive paper in this selection process? No, there is no interview round and no descriptive paper. The final merit ranking is prepared purely based on your marks in Session-II (General Awareness and English) of the Computer-Based Examination, provided you satisfy the basic qualifying criteria of Session-I.