SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria: A Deep Dive into Post-Wise Streams and Courses

INTRODUCTION

The SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria serve as the foundational academic and physical roadmap for students aiming to enter the prestigious Central Government services. While the Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff (MTS) and positions are often viewed as career gateways, it is essential to understand them as specialized "vocational streams" that require specific educational backgrounds and physical proficiencies.

For the 2026 recruitment cycle, the Staff Selection Commission has streamlined the requirements to ensure that candidates from various academic streams—Science, Commerce, or Arts—can transition into these administrative and security modules seamlessly.

1. Educational Stream & Course Requirements for 2026

The core academic "course" required for both MTS and Havaldar posts is the Matriculation (10th Standard) examination. Unlike higher-level technical streams, this recruitment focuses on generalist foundational knowledge.

Essential Academic Qualification

To meet the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria, a candidate must have passed the Matriculation Examination or an equivalent course from a recognized Board as of the crucial cut-off date (expected to be August 1, 2026).

• Stream Neutrality: Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) are eligible.

• Distance Education: Courses completed through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) are valid, provided the institution is recognized by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) and UGC.

• Result Status: Candidates appearing for their 10th exams in 2026 must ensure their results are declared before the official cut-off date mentioned in the June 2026 notification.

While higher qualifications like 12th or Graduation do not grant extra points, having a background in basic computer courses can significantly ease the transition into the MTS administrative stream.

2. SSC MTS 2026 Age Limit & Post-Wise Categorization

The 2026 notification divides vacancies into two distinct age-based streams. Understanding which "age course" you fall into is vital for post-preference.

Age Group 1: 18-25 Years

This stream is primarily for MTS posts in various Ministries and Departments.

• Birth Date Range: Candidates should not be born before August 2, 2001, and not later than August 1, 2008.

Age Group 2: 18-27 Years

This stream includes Havaldar posts in CBIC (Department of Revenue) and specific MTS departments.

• Birth Date Range: Candidates should not be born before August 2, 1999, and not later than August 1, 2008.

Category-Wise Age Relaxation

To ensure inclusive access to these government streams, the following relaxations apply to the upper age limit:

Category	Age Relaxation
SC/ST	5 Years
OBC	3 Years
(Unreserved)	10 Years
Ex-Servicemen (ESM)	3 Years after service deduction

3. Physical Standards Stream

For students opting for the stream within the CBIC and CBN, the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria include a mandatory Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST). This is treated as a practical "physical course" evaluation.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

This test measures endurance. Unlike previous years, cycling is often no longer mandatory, focusing instead on walking:

• Male: 1600 meters in 15 minutes.

• Female: 1.0 km in 20 minutes.

Physical Standard Test (PST)

The minimum physical requirements for the stream in 2026 are:

For Male Candidates:

• Height: 157.5 cm (Relax able by 5 cm for Garhwali's, Assamese, Gorkhas, and ST).

• Chest: 81 cm (Fully expanded with a minimum expansion of 5 cm).

For Female Candidates:

• Height: 152 cm (Relax able by 2.5 cm for specific categories).

• Weight: 48 kg (Relax able by 2 kg for specific categories).

4. Selection Module: The Examination Course

The 2026 exam pattern continues the "two-session" computer-based module. To satisfy the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria for final merit, students must pass through these academic segments:

1. Session I: Numerical and Mathematical Ability & Reasoning (No Negative Marking).

2. Session II: General Awareness & English Language (Negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer).

For a detailed breakdown of the 2026 syllabus and preparation strategies, visit CollegeSimplified.in for expert-curated study plans.

FAQs on SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Q1: Can a student from the Commerce stream apply for the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

A: Yes, the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria are stream neutral. Whether you are from Science, Commerce, or Arts, as long as you have completed your 10th-grade course, you are eligible to apply.

Q2: Is there a minimum percentage required in the 10th-grade course to meet the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

A: No, there is no minimum percentage requirement. To satisfy the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria, you only need to have a "Pass" certificate from a recognized board.

Q3: What is the age limit for the post under the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

A: For the stream in CBIC and CBN, the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria specify an age limit of 18–27 years, with additional relaxations for reserved categories.

Q4: Do the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria allow candidates with a diploma to apply?

A: Yes, if the diploma is recognized as equivalent to a 10th-standard matriculation course by the government, it fulfills the educational requirement of the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria.

Q5: Can female candidates apply for the stream in 2026?

A: Absolutely. Female candidates are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the specific height (152 cm) and weight (48 kg) requirements outlined in the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria.

Conclusion

Navigating the SSC MTS 2026 Eligibility Criteria is the first step toward securing a stable position in the government sector. By focusing on your 10th-standard academic foundation and maintaining the required physical standards for the stream, you can position yourself for success in the 2026 recruitment cycle.

Ready to start your journey? Check out our comprehensive guide on SSC CGL 2026 Best Books to understand how to bridge the gap between your school course and competitive exam modules.