SSC MTS Exam Date 2026 Announced: Check Full CBT Schedule & Shift Timings
- Feb 6
- 4 min read
The wait is finally over for lakhs of aspirants across the country. The SSC MTS Exam Date 2026 has been officially announced, marking the beginning of one of India's most accessible yet competitive national-level recruitment cycles. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, this exam serves as the primary gateway for students who have completed their 10th-standard academic course to enter the esteemed streams of the Central Government.
In 2026, the selection process for Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff and Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) has been further streamlined. Whether you are coming from a Science, Commerce, or Arts stream, understanding the specific schedule and course structure is vital to navigating this competitive landscape.
Official SSC MTS Exam Date 2026 Schedule
As per the latest notification, the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the SSC MTS Exam Date 2026 is scheduled to take place from February 4 to February 15, 2026. This window will accommodate approximately 36 lakh applicants across multiple shifts nationwide.
Important Dates at a Glance:
Event | Date |
City Intimation Slip Release | January 30, 2026 |
Self-Slotting Window | January 15 – 25, 2026 |
Admit Card Release | February 2, 2026 (onwards) |
SSC MTS Exam Date 2026 (CBT) | February 4 – 15, 2026 |
The Commission has emphasized that candidates must download their hall tickets at least four days before their individual exam date. The 2026 cycle is unique as it introduces a "self-slotting" feature, allowing students to have a say in their preferred timing, provided they registered during the January window.
Pro Tip for Printing Students: If you are pursuing a specialized course like Printing Engineering, you might find the technical documentation and layout aspects of the SSC MTS administrative stream quite familiar. For more details on technical streams, check out the Best Instrumentation Engineering Colleges in Maharashtra 2026.
Shift Timings and Exam Day Pattern
To manage the massive volume of candidates, the SSC will conduct the 2026 examination in four distinct shifts daily. Understanding your shift timing is crucial to ensure you arrive at the center well before the reporting time.
Shift Wise Timings (CBT 2026):
Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Reporting Time: 7:30 AM)
Shift 2: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (Reporting Time: 10:30 AM)
Shift 3: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Reporting Time: 1:30 PM)
Shift 4: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Reporting Time: 4:30 PM)
The exam is a single-day event consisting of two mandatory sessions. Even if you belong to a technical stream, you must clear both sessions to be considered for the final merit list.
Academic Stream & Course Structure
The SSC MTS Exam Date 2026 is not just about a calendar day; it represents a test of foundational knowledge. The "course" for this exam is divided into two sessions, totaling 270 marks.
1. Session I: Qualifying Stream
This session is designed to test basic logic and numerical ability. The best part for 2026 aspirants? There is no negative marking in this session.
Numerical and Mathematical Ability: 20 Questions (60 Marks)
Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving: 20 Questions (60 Marks)
2. Session II: Merit-Deciding Stream
This is the most critical part of the curriculum. Your final ranking is based entirely on your performance here, and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer.
General Awareness: 25 Questions (75 Marks)
English Language and Comprehension: 25 Questions (75 Marks)
Eligibility and Post-Wise Stream Details
To appear for the exam on the scheduled SSC MTS Exam Date 2026, candidates must meet the following verified criteria:
Educational Qualification: Must have passed the Matriculation (10th Class) examination or an equivalent course from a recognized board.
Age Limit (as of August 1, 2026):
MTS Stream: 18–25 years.
Havaldar Stream: 18–27 years.
Physical Standards (For Havaldar only):
Male: Height 157.5 cm; Walking 1600m in 15 mins.
Female: Height 152 cm; Walking 1km in 20 mins.
If you are a student exploring different diploma or degree courses, it is important to choose a path that aligns with your long-term goals. For those interested in the evolving world of industrial design and automation, you might want to look into the Latest Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026 which covers modern modules like 3D printing—a must-read for anyone in the printing or mechanical engineering stream.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Exam
With the SSC MTS Exam Date 2026 now live, your preparation should shift from theory to practice.
Focus on General Awareness: In the 2026 cycle, GA is the "make or break" section. Stay updated with current affairs from late 2025 and early 2026.
English Proficiency: Revise basic grammar and vocabulary, as these are high-scoring areas.
Mock Tests: Practice at least one full-length CBT mock test daily to get accustomed to the 90-minute pressure.
Note for Aspirants: Always verify your details on the admit card, including your name, photograph, and the allotted shift timing. Any discrepancy should be reported to the regional SSC portal immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is the official SSC MTS Exam Date 2026?
The official SSC MTS Exam Date 2026 is scheduled from February 4 to February 15, 2026. The exam will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format across multiple shifts.
Q2: Is there any negative marking in the 2026 pattern?
Yes, but only in Session II. There is no negative marking in Session I (Maths & Reasoning), but Session II (General Awareness & English) has a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
Q3: Can a student from the Commerce stream apply for this exam?
Absolutely. The SSC MTS recruitment is stream-neutral. Any student who has completed their 10th-standard matriculation course is eligible to apply, regardless of their background in Science, Commerce, or Arts.
Q4: What documents are required at the exam center?
You must carry a printed copy of your SSC MTS 2026 Admit Card and a valid original photo ID proof (like an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID).
Q5: What is the total duration of the exam?
The total duration is 90 minutes. Each session (Session I and Session II) is allotted 45 minutes separately.
Conclusion
The announcement of the SSC MTS Exam Date 2026 marks a significant milestone for government job seekers. By understanding the course structure and adhering to the shift-wise schedule, you can approach the CBT with confidence. Remember to visit the official website, ssc.gov.in, for the most recent updates and to download your admit card.
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