The SSC organizes the MTS (Multitasking Staff) exam to recruit personnel for non-ministerial and non-gazetted job positions in government organizations. Around lakhs of aspirants try their hand at this exam every year. However, there are only about 8300 vacancies for this post. Hence, you need a sturdy study chart along with few months of preparation to cover up the SSC MTS syllabus and attain a high rank in this exam.

What is the SSC MTS exam?

The MTS exam helps you find your way into reputed government jobs. These jobs are placed at various government departments, institutions, ministries, and offices in India. SSC conducts the exam in two phases- Paper 1 and 2. It requires the candidates to clear both exams separately. Both of them are Computer-Based Tests (CBT). Paper-1 contains all objective-type questions, while Paper-2 is a descriptive exam.

Only the scores of Paper-1 will appear on the merit list. Paper-2 is naturally a qualifying exam. The candidates who score more than the cut-off in Paper-1 can only attempt Paper-2. Paper-1 is held online, whereas Paper-2 will be conducted offline. Candidates who clear both exams proceed with document verification.

What is the syllabus of the SSC MTS exam?

Following are the subjects comprising the syllabus of the MTS exam, with their weightage in Paper-1:

• English Language – 25 marks
• Logical thinking and Reasoning – 25 marks
• Quantitative Aptitude – 25 marks
• General Awareness – 25 marks

Since Paper-2 is a descriptive exam, the evaluation will be based on your elementary knowledge and creativity.

How to prepare for the MTS exam?

Although you can give the MTS exam any number of times, you must clear in one attempt to avoid struggle. The competition for post vacancies is growing every day. Hence, you must not lounge around giving the exam every year. Devise a proper study plan and follow it religiously. Given below are the steps you should take for thorough preparation for this exam:

·         Be aware of the exam structure:

Browse the internet or ask your professors to know all about the structure and pattern of the examination. Paper-1 contains MCQs while Paper-2 is descriptive. Considering only Paper-1, you will have 120 minutes to crack 150 questions. However, this duration is fairly sufficient. Besides, there is negative marking for wrong answers.

·         Complete the entire syllabus:

The syllabus of this exam is very basic. However, you must be well-versed with it. Get hold of question banks and guide books that may help you with the preparation. Do not leave any area of the syllabus untouched. Include all concepts of the syllabus in your study plan.

·         Study consistently:

Even if you finish studying the whole portion, do not halt reading. Revise your concepts regularly and repeatedly with BYJU’s Exam Prep. Assign at least a couple of hours a day for your revision.

·         Make an efficient study plan:

Draft a study plan that comprises all of the concepts. Moreover, ensure that you allow enough time for all concepts. Most importantly, make sure that the plan suits you. If you cannot keep up with your study plan, it is an effort down the drain.

·         Rehearse till you rejoice:

Do not give up till you see your dream results. Attempt numerous mock tests available online at BYJU’s Exam Prep. However, limit them to a maximum of only two tests a day. This will help you get acquainted with the exam pattern. It may also improve your time management skills drastically.

Subject-wise preparation methods

You can find below methodical approach to prepare efficiently for various subjects:

• English Language: This section mainly throws light on grammar and vocabulary. Most of the questions are based on filling in the blanks and identifying errors. The English language section also comprises questions from Reading comprehension, rephrasing, and word substitutions.
• Logical thinking and Reasoning: This section is very general in its questions. They may ask questions regarding Venn diagrams, decoding, directions, and classifications.
• Quantitative Aptitude: You can score almost full marks in this section. It is based on basic and general mathematics. You need to be sharp in your calculations. They may ask questions from fundamental concepts such as trigonometry, algebra, geometry, BODMAS, mensuration, simplification, approximation, etc.
• General Awareness: This section focuses on general knowledge. They depend on current affairs, personalities, and award-winners. However, you need not learn the dates and numbers regarding this concept. Brush through the current affairs dating back up to the last 6 months.

How long will it take to complete the syllabus?

Even though the syllabus may seem very vast, it will not take you more than a couple of months to complete the entire lot. However, make an appropriate study plan that will help you finish it on time. Moreover, the sooner you finish, the more time you can spend revising. While devising the plan, make sure you allow sufficient time for all concepts.

The difficulty level of the exam is growing tougher because of the heavy competition. However, with consistent practice and hard work, you can become fully prepared in no time.

Some tips to crack the MTS exam in your first attempt

• Have a clear overview of all the concepts you need to cover before you start. You do not want an improper or partial preparation for your examination.
• If you manage to get through all concepts comprising the syllabus, you will surely ace the cut-off. Six weeks might be more than sufficient to do this job. The remaining time you can allot for revising your syllabus and attempting mock tests.
• A pro tip is to read English newspapers like The Hindu. Make it a habit and you will see your vocabulary improve a lot. Moreover, you will remain updated on current affairs.
• Attempt up to two mock exams in a day. This will get you acquainted with the exam pattern and the types of questions asked. With consistency, you improve time managing skills. Moreover, trying solving as many previous years’ question papers as you can.
• The marks you score in the MTS Paper-1 will appear in the final merit list. Hence, rather than just clearing the cut-off, you need to aim for sky-soaring marks.

Conclusion

The SSC MTS exam is not the toughest one. However, due to the growing competition for the post, you need to adopt a few tricks to ace this exam. Follow the above-mentioned knacks wisely, and you will see your dreams come true with your marks!