How it's calculated
Unattempted questions score zero. Fractions are kept exact and the total is rounded once, to two decimals.
Estimate only. Official results, marks and eligibility are decided by the Staff Selection Commission. Verify on the official website.
Worked example: Session I (no negative marking)
Numerical and Mathematical Ability: 16 right, 2 wrong; Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving: 16 right, 2 wrong. Total: 96 out of 120.
SSC MTS 2025 exam pattern and marking
Session I (no negative marking)
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Wrong answer | Max marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical and Mathematical Ability | 20 | 3 | No penalty | 60 |
| Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving | 20 | 3 | No penalty | 60 |
45 minutes, or 60 minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe. Para 14.5.5: there is no negative marking in Session-I. Each question carries 3 marks.
Session II (1 mark negative)
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Wrong answer | Max marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 3 | −1 | 75 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 3 | −1 | 75 |
45 minutes, or 60 minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe. Para 14.5.5: in Session-II there is negative marking of one mark for each wrong answer. Each question carries 3 marks.
Using your score
- Count right and wrong answers from the official answer key for a reliable score.
- The Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test apply to Havaldar posts only, and carry no marks here.
- Session I questions are set in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages, as is the General Awareness section of Session II.
Frequently asked questions
What is the negative marking in SSC MTS 2025?
Session I (no negative marking): +3 for a right answer and no negative marking. Session II (1 mark negative): +3 for a right answer, −1 for a wrong one.
What are the total marks in Session I (no negative marking)?
120 marks: Numerical and Mathematical Ability (20 questions), Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving (20 questions).
Is an unattempted question marked negatively?
No. Only wrong answers carry a penalty. A question left blank scores zero.
How do I count my right and wrong answers?
Compare your responses with the official answer key published by the exam body. Count only the questions you marked: those matching the key are right, the rest are wrong.
Does SSC MTS have negative marking?
Only in Session II. The notice says plainly that there is no negative marking in Session I, and that Session II carries a penalty of one mark for each wrong answer. So guess freely in Session I, and think twice in Session II.
How many marks is each question worth?
Three. Session I has 40 questions for 120 marks and Session II has 50 questions for 150 marks, so every question in both sessions carries 3 marks.
Are both sessions compulsory?
Yes. Both are held on the same day: Session I lasts 45 minutes and closes automatically, then Session II starts immediately and also lasts 45 minutes. Candidates eligible for a scribe get 60 minutes for each.
Are marks normalised across shifts?
Yes. When the exam runs in multiple shifts, the Commission normalises the marks using the formula in its notice of 2 June 2025, and the normalised score decides merit and cut-offs. You can work that through on our SSC normalization calculator.
Sources
- SSC Notice: MTS and Havaldar Examination, 2025, para 14.5 (Computer Based Examination), Staff Selection Commission (SSC)