Exam Guides7 min readUpdated 2026-09-14

SSC MTS & Havaldar Complete Blueprint: Scoring High in Session 1 & Session 2

Understand the unique two-session exam pattern of SSC MTS and Havaldar. Discover why General Awareness and English determine 100% of your final merit rank.

Preparation Guru Academic TeamCurriculum Design

The Crucial Nuance of MTS Session 1 vs. Session 2

The SSC MTS exam structure is unique among government examinations. It is conducted in two mandatory sessions during the same sitting. Session 1 contains Numerical and Mathematical Ability (20 questions) and Reasoning (20 questions). Session 2 contains General Awareness (25 questions) and English Language (25 questions).

Here is the vital rule: Session 1 is qualifying only, with NO negative marking! Session 2 decides 100% of your merit list rank, and it features strict negative marking of 1 mark per wrong question.

Key Strategy Takeaway

Do not waste 70% of your preparation on math for MTS; Session 2 (English + GA) is the sole determinant of your selection.

Maximizing English Language Marks (75 Marks)

To secure an MTS post in your preferred state, your English score must exceed 68 out of 75. High-accuracy scoring relies on foundational grammar (Subject-Verb agreement, Prepositions, Tenses) and essential vocabulary (Antonyms, Synonyms, One-word substitutions).

Solve all PYQs from 2020 to 2025; more than 60% of vocabulary words in MTS are direct repetitions from previous SSC cycles.

General Awareness Blueprint for Session 2

Focus on NCERT Class 9-10 science concepts, Indian geography (rivers, soil, mountain passes), fundamental rights, and static culture.

  • Memorize Classical and Folk Dances of each Indian state.
  • Study the Indian Constitution Articles 1 to 51A thoroughly.
  • Review 6 months of national awards, sports championships, and government schemes.